In a historic moment that’s sending waves through the music world, Diana Ross has finally won her first competitive Grammy Award after 12 nominations spanning decades. At 81 years old, Ross is receiving long-overdue recognition from the Recording Academy, and fans across the globe are celebrating the monumental achievement of a woman widely considered the greatest of all time in popular music.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Diana Ross rose to fame as the lead singer of The Supremes, Motown’s premier female group. Under her leadership, The Supremes became the most successful female group in Billboard history, racking up an astonishing 12 number-one hits on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Songs like “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby Love,” and “Stop! In the Name of Love” became cultural anthems of the 1960s and solidified the group’s place in music history.
Ross’s solo career, launched in 1970, only amplified her legendary status. Her self-titled debut album spawned hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” which reached number one and showcased her vocal versatility and emotional depth. Over the next several decades, Ross continued to produce chart-topping singles, break records, and tour worldwide. She has sold over 100 million records globally, a testament to her enduring appeal and artistic excellence.
Notably, Ross holds a unique Billboard record—she is the only artist to have number-one hits as a solo artist, a duet partner, a member of a trio, and a member of an ensemble. In total, she has 18 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 across various configurations, an unmatched achievement according to Wikipedia. In 1976, Billboard named her the “Female Entertainer of the Century,” and she was later ranked the 30th greatest Hot 100 artist of all time.
Despite her commercial and critical success, Ross’s relationship with the Grammy Awards had long been a surprising paradox. Though nominated 12 times, she had never won a competitive Grammy—until now. She was previously honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012, acknowledging her extraordinary impact on the music industry. Still, the absence of a competitive Grammy win had remained one of music’s most puzzling oversights—until the 2025 ceremony, when Ross’s undeniable legacy was finally recognized.
Beyond music, Diana Ross has also made a mark in film and television. Her performance as Billie Holiday in the 1972 film Lady Sings the Blues earned her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year. She also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, a rare feat for a musician transitioning into acting. Ross went on to star in several other films, including Mahogany and The Wiz, proving her range as an entertainer.
Ross’s influence extends well beyond the stage and screen. Her 1983 concert in Central Park attracted over 800,000 attendees, making it one of the most significant live performances in music history. Despite a torrential downpour on the first night, Ross returned the following day to deliver a legendary performance that became a symbol of her resilience and dedication to her fans.
A committed philanthropist, Ross has lent her support to numerous charitable organizations over the years, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed—she has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and celebrated with a Kennedy Center Honor, among other accolades.
Now, with a Grammy win finally added to her long list of achievements, Diana Ross’s career feels complete in a way that transcends awards. Her influence on generations of artists, her barrier-breaking career, and her unwavering commitment to excellence make her a true icon. At 81, Diana Ross is not just a legendary performer—she is the embodiment of musical greatness. And as the world celebrates her long-awaited Grammy victory, one thing is clear: Diana Ross isn’t just a star—she is the GOAT.
