Diana Ross Sings ‘Happy Birthday’ to Beyoncé at Star-Studded Renaissance Show

5 September, 2023

An entire galaxy of stars was in attendance at the Sunday (Sept. 4) Renaissance World Tour show in Los Angeles to help Beyoncé celebrate her 42nd birthday — including none other than Diana Ross, who led the crowd in a dazzling performance of “Happy Birthday.”

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The 79-year-old legend first appeared onstage in front of 60,000 screaming fans during one of the Renaissance World Tour’s regularly scheduled intermissions, which features Ross’ 1976 smash “Love Hangover” as an interlude between songs. Usually, it’s Bey’s backup singers who perform the transition — but this time, Ross herself was on hand to do the honors.

Afterward, Bey ran onstage to give the “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” vocalist a tearful hug. Then, encouraging fans to hold up their phone flashlights, Ross led the crowd at SoFi Stadium in singing “Happy Birthday” to the pop star.

Among the 60,000 “Happy Birthday” singers were stars such as Adele, Lizzo, Katy Perry, Normani, Brandy, Chris Rock and Kim Kardashian. Famous couples including Justin and Hailey Bieber were also in attendance, as were Zendaya and Tom Holland; plus, fans spotted Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner kissing in the audience.

Ross wasn’t Bey’s only special guest Sunday night, however. Kendrick Lamar also swung by to assist in performing “America Has a Problem,” surprising fans with a rare live performance of his verse on the song’s May-released remix.

Bey also gave an emotional birthday speech during the show, thanking her fans, family and former Destiny’s Child bandmates for their impact on her life. “I’m thankful to be alive,” she told the crowd, fighting back tears. “I’m thankful to be on stage. I’m thankful to look out and see your faces. I’m thankful to be able to provide a safe space for all of y’all. I’m thankful for music, for the ability to heal myself through music which then heals all of you.”

Watch clips of Diana Ross and Kendrick Lamar making surprise appearances at Beyoncé’s birthday show below:

Hannah Dailey

Billboard