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In a June 2025 interview with People magazine, Ross shared several key elements of her daily routine and personal philosophy:
Staying active: She noted that she swims regularly to help maintain flexibility and overall physical health.
Mindful eating: While she strives for a healthy diet, she also joked about enjoying occasional treats like Häagen‑Dazs ice cream.
Mental and spiritual grounding: “The love for what I do keeps me grounded — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually,” she said. Ross also noted her daily practice of morning meditation and evening prayer to manage stress and stay centered.
These habits, she suggested, contribute to her sense of well‑being and sustain her creative energy — a message that resonates with both young fans and peers alike.
Celebration and Legacy: More Than Just a Performance
Ross’s Times Square set was more than just a concert — it was a public affirmation of a storied career, a bridge between the musical heritage of Motown and today’s pop culture landscape.
Her presence served as an anchor for a broadcast that also included contemporary artists such as:
Ciara — performing after midnight with her R&B set.
Little Big Town and Maren Morris — representing country influences.
LE SSERAFIM — adding international pop energy.
The breadth of the lineup highlighted how Ross’s legacy intersects with the wider musical world: her work has influenced artists across styles and eras, many of whom appeared on the same broadcast she headlined.
A Night of Record Viewership and Cultural Resonance
The 2026 edition of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve wasn’t just a show — it was a ratings success.
The broadcast emerged as the top entertainment special of the night across all networks, drawing approximately 34 million total viewers, with an especially strong showing at midnight when the ball dropped in Times Square.
This surge in viewership — a significant increase from prior years — signals more than a nostalgia pull; it suggests that live televised events, when anchored by iconic performances and cross‑generational appeal, still captivate large audiences in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
Ross’s set, in particular, became one of the defining moments of the night, with many viewers tuning in specifically to witness her return to one of the world’s most celebrated stages.
Why This Performance Matters
At a time when many artists of her era have retired or scaled back public performances, Diana Ross’s Times Square medley reminded audiences of her extraordinary resilience and enduring talent.
This sense of continuity — linking Motown’s rich musical tradition to the present — is one reason why Ross’s career endures.
From her early days with The Supremes in the 1960s to her solo career that followed, she has been consistently associated with songs that resonate emotionally, culturally, and socially.
The choice to celebrate the new year with one of her performances was both a nod to her legacy and an affirmation of her ongoing relevance.
Looking Ahead: A Year Begins With Music and Hope
As the Times Square ball dropped and confetti filled the air, Diana Ross stood beside host Ryan Seacrest, waving to the crowd and exchanging warm gestures with spectators and viewers.
Her performance wasn’t simply a celebration of a new calendar year — it was a celebration of a life’s work and an artistic journey that remains vibrantly alive.
In a world where pop culture moves at breakneck speed, the presence of an enduring icon like Diana Ross on one of the biggest live television stages reminds us of the power of music to connect generations.
Her Times Square performance on New Year’s Eve 2025 — ushering in 2026 — was a moment that blended nostalgia, celebration, artistry, and the promise of a year yet to unfold.
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