Concert promoter reveals Diana Ross’ diva behaviour

Diana Ross’ diva behaviour: Concert promoter reveals the singing icon’s unique requests when performing for the Melbourne Cup Carnival

Legendary American singer Diana Ross has long been considered a fearless diva.

And now Australian concert promoter Andrew McManus has revealed the 76-year-old’s unique requests made back in 2006 when she performed at the Victoria Racing Club’s Chairman’s Dinner for the 2006 Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Andrew claimed in an interview with the Herald Sun’s Confidential on Saturday, that Diana told him exactly where to stand when she was performing on stage.  

Diana Ross’ diva behaviour: An Australian concert promoter has revealed the singing icon’s unique requests when performing for the 2006 Melbourne Cup Carnival (pictured), during an interview with Australian newspaper the Herald Sun on Saturday 

‘I don’t want you sitting in the crowd,’ Andrew recalled Diana having said. ‘I want you standing side of stage in case I need you.’ 

Andrew went on to reveal that with an air conditioning duct behind the stage, Diana began to rub her arms as she felt the chill.

‘D**khead! It’s freezing up here!’ she was quoted as having told Andrew later on.  

Clear instructions: Andrew McManus (pictured in October, 2015) claimed that Diana, 76, told him exactly where to stand when she was performing on stage

Clear instructions: Andrew McManus (pictured in October, 2015) claimed that Diana, 76, told him exactly where to stand when she was performing on stage 

Further reports: Andrew also claimed that Diana made her tour manager taste her food first, before it got to her. The food ended up arriving cold, and hence Diana was reportedly seen several times at the Crown Hotel's food court

Further reports: Andrew also claimed that Diana made her tour manager taste her food first, before it got to her. The food ended up arriving cold, and hence Diana was reportedly seen several times at the Crown Hotel’s food court 

Meanwhile, the diva antics reportedly did not end there, with Andrew revealing how Diana made her tour manager taste her food first, before it got to her.

The food ended up arriving cold, and hence Diana was reportedly seen several times at the Crown Hotel’s food court. 

‘[She was seen] with a cap on, scarf and big sunglasses…. was hoeing into the sweet and sour pork… straight off the bain-marie,’ Andrew told the Herald Sun.   

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Diana’s management for comment.  

Reputation: Meanwhile, back in 2005 during an interview with UK's The Guardian, Diana was asked by the interviewer what makes her an icon. Pictured in November, 2019

Reputation: Meanwhile, back in 2005 during an interview with UK’s The Guardian, Diana was asked by the interviewer what makes her an icon. Pictured in November, 2019

Meanwhile, back in 2005 during an interview with UK’s The Guardian, Diana was asked by the interviewer what makes her an icon.

Insisting that it’s just a label, she said: ‘I’m an icon, or a diva, or a soul sister, or a queen. Labels. I have never gotten into the label thing.’

However, when later asked what requirements are necessary to be an icon, she said: ‘When someone is iconic it means they have established a certain kind of legacy possibly, and I think it does come with time. 

‘It’s something in the arts, I feel. Maybe not, maybe it doesn’t have to be in the arts exactly. I’m not really sure. But I don’t think you are born an icon.’ 

Interpretation: Insisting that it's just a label, she said: 'I'm an icon, or a diva, or a soul sister, or a queen. Labels. I have never gotten into the label thing.' Pictured in November, 2017

Interpretation: Insisting that it’s just a label, she said: ‘I’m an icon, or a diva, or a soul sister, or a queen. Labels. I have never gotten into the label thing.’ Pictured in November, 2017