Superstar Diana Ross is coming to Charlotte this fall. But there’s a catch.
Here’s some Supreme singing news for Charlotte: Iconic singer Diana Ross will be performing this October at the newly restored Carolina Theatre. But the show’s not open to the public.
Instead, Ross will appear Oct. 23 at the uptown venue as part of the members-only, private-concert club Music with Friends, the group confirmed for The Charlotte Observer on Tuesday. That means only club members can catch the show.
“We’re very excited to have her back,” Music with Friends founder and director Larry Farber said. He said Ross also performed in Charlotte for the group in 2010 in Spirit Square.
Carolina Theatre reopened in March with much fanfare following $90 million in restoration and renovation work on the nearly century-old venue.
One of the first concerts to be announced for the venue was from Music with Friends. The group planned to kick off its 19th season Tuesday, May 20, with “An Intimate Evening With David Foster and Katharine McPhee”
Carolina Theatre has a capacity of just over 900. But Music With Friends plans to limit club membership to about 650 people, Farber said. That would allow the group to continue to provide an intimate experience at its shows.
Right now, there are about 550 members, Farber added.
In its email about Ross, Music with Friends said, “This fall, we’re honored to welcome a true icon to our stage: the legendary Diana Ross...
“With over 100 million albums sold worldwide, and an incredible legacy of No. 1 hits, her voice and presence are nothing short of timeless.”
Ross has appeared in Charlotte before in public venues, including in 2016 and most recently 2020 at Belk Theater.
Ross and Music with Friends have long-standing ties. When the Charlotte club expanded to Charleston in 2011, and to Nashville in 2013, Ross was the debut performer, the Observer reported in 2015.
More about Diana Ross
Ross doesn’t do small.
In fact, she made a sweeping return to the Met Gala this month in a sparkly gown and 18-foot shawl embroidered with the names of her children and grandchildren. It took six people to help carry the shawl for Ross’ first appearance at the gala in over 20 years, according to People magazine.
Ross famously got her start in Motown as the lead singer of The Supremes in the ‘60s, with such hits as “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby Love” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.”
Her solo career took flight with more hits, from “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” to the Lionel Richie duet “Endless Love,” “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand),“ “I’m Coming Out” and “Touch Me In The Morning.”
Ross’ many honors include a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a Golden Globe Award and a Kennedy Center Honor. She was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Supremes in 1988.
More about Music with Friends
On its website, Music with Friends said its 2025 season would focus on iconic performers. The group puts on three shows a year for its members, events that also include pre-show cocktail parties and after-parties.
Over the years, performers have ranged from The Beach Boys to Aretha Franklin, Jackson Browne and Tony Bennett. Ross also has been a part of a previous concert for the group in Charlotte.
Membership costs $1,800 a year per person, which includes concerts, the parties and parking, Farber said.
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This story was originally published May 20, 2025 at 4:10 PM with the headline "Superstar Diana Ross is coming to Charlotte this fall. But there’s a catch.."
