While social media and the internet have given us unprecedented access to celebrities, it’s still a rarity to get up close and personal with living legends. However, Atlantic City’s Ocean Casino Resort was recently graced by an icon. Diana Ross commanded the stage in a sold-out show at the resort’s Ovation Hall, dazzling fans with her timeless classics, including “Baby Love,” “I’m Coming Out” and countless others.
The concert opened with a flashback of all of the Motown legend’s hit songs. The 81-year-old glided on the stage in a stunning orange sequin gown and ruffles, belting velvety renditions of “You Can’t Hurry Love,” “I Will Survive” and “My Endless Love.” Upbeat and energetic, Ms. Ross was backed by a full band and just two backup singers as she led the crowd through six decades of iconic tunes.
Dazzling the crowd with her charisma and stage presence, Ms. Ross’ voice remained crisp and thunderous throughout. For those who grew up with Boomer parents, the entire performance felt like a dream, transporting us back in time to what our mamas and aunties might have felt when The Supremes first arrived on the scene, transforming Black music and the music industry at large forever.
For The Wiz songstress, the concert at Ocean Casino Resort was also a family affair. Halfway through the set, just before changing into a gold-shimmered gown, she took the stage with her eldest daughter, Rhonda Ross, who showed up and showed out with her own booming vocals.
This was no cookie-cutter production. After delighting the audience with her own remix of DJ Khaled’s “All I Do Is Win,” the “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” singer changed yet again, this time to a black gown with glittery silver stars. Ms. Ross chatted with the fans, wishing them well, revealing she has no interest in retiring, sharing her five children’s favorite songs and even giving us hints about her beauty regimen (intermittent fasting and drinking lots of water).
For those living in the Northeast, we often have to travel to bigger cities like New York or Newark to enjoy some of the finest entertainment. But a weekend—or even an overnight stay—in Atlantic City offers a different kind of experience: more intimate, more laid-back, and still able to host an icon like Diana Ross.
Ocean Casino Resort’s Ovation Hall has welcomed a wide range of performers, from comedian Trevor Noah to Lenny Kravitz, with upcoming dates from musical legends like Smokey Robinson and Kool & the Gang.
The resort includes several restaurants, lounges, a casino floor and recreational options like Topgolf. Dining ranges from quick eats to sit-down spots like Amada, Linguini By The Sea and Ocean Steak.
With options for music lovers, casino guests and casual visitors, Ocean Casino Resort served as the setting for a memorable evening with one of music’s most celebrated performers.