Diana Ross, 81, Sparks Fan Frustration with Sudden Announcement

Unexpected Cancellation of Diana Ross's Performance on Star of the Seas

Diana Ross, the legendary singer and cultural icon, has left many fans and organizers "disappointed" after she unexpectedly withdrew from a planned performance on Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas cruise ship. The 81-year-old entertainer was set to headline a three-day showcase cruise beginning August 20, but her absence has raised questions and concerns among attendees.

As the ship’s “godmother,” Diana had been scheduled to take part in a special naming ceremony. However, no official explanation for her withdrawal has been provided. Her spokesperson released a brief statement to People, saying, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, Diana Ross will be unable to appear.” This vague response has left fans and industry insiders speculating about the reason behind her decision.

The Star of the Seas is one of the most anticipated cruise launches of the year, departing from Port Canaveral in Florida and heading to Perfect Day at CocoBay in the Bahamas. It marks a major milestone for Royal Caribbean, as it is the first of the company’s new Icon Class ships, designed to offer an innovative and luxurious vacation experience.

Royal Caribbean expressed its disappointment in a statement, saying: “We are disappointed that Diana Ross is unable to join us to be godmother of Star of the Seas.” The company also mentioned that they plan to announce a “new godmother” of the ship “soon.”

Diana had previously shared her excitement about the opportunity when the news of her headlining performance was announced in June. In a press release, she said, “I am truly honored to join the Royal Caribbean family. Having spent years creating beautiful music and memories and bringing people together from all over the world, this feels like a perfect continuation of my journey as godmother of Star of the Seas.”

Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean, added that the company was thrilled to have “a true icon” debut the Star of the Seas. He stated, “We are thrilled to have Diana Ross join us for the debut of Star of the Seas, the next bold vacation in our revolutionary Icon Class designed to encompass the best a vacation experience can offer.”

Despite her cancellation, Diana Ross will still kick off her U.S. tour, Beautiful Love, as planned on August 16 in Saratoga, California. She recently shared details of the tour on Instagram, posting a list of stops across the country, including performances in St. Louis, Atlantic City, Staten Island, and Palm Springs, with the final show scheduled for December 13.

In a recent interview, Diana opened up about how her passion for performing keeps her energized and grounded. “The love of what I do keeps me grounded, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually,” she told People. She also reflected on her positive outlook, saying, “When you can't find the sunshine, be the sunshine. I have been very blessed in my life. I love what I do. I love my family. I love my life. I'm a happy person.”

While the cancellation of her appearance on the Star of the Seas may have been unexpected, Diana continues to inspire with her resilience and dedication to her craft. Fans around the world are eagerly awaiting her upcoming tour and hoping to see her shine on stage once again.

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Is a Linkin Park Movie With Tom Holland and Justin Long Real? Viral Claim Debunked

Linkin Park's New Film Rumors and Band Updates

Rumors about a potential film centered around the iconic rock band Linkin Park have been circulating online recently. The buzz started on July 14, 2025, when an Instagram user named @total_btch_chanel posted a claim that HBO had greenlit a movie about the band. The post included a screenshot of what appeared to be an article from Deadline, written by Toby Bigghe, stating that Tom Holland and Justin Long had signed on to star in the biopic titled In The End*, one of the band’s most famous songs.

The caption of the post suggested that the film would explore the rise, legacy, and emotional journey of Linkin Park. However, further investigation revealed that no such article was published by Deadline. Additionally, the Instagram account in question is known for sharing satirical content, as indicated by its profile description, which states it is a "parody commentary page."

As of now, there is no official confirmation of a Linkin Park film in production. Despite the initial excitement, fans should remain cautious about unverified sources and continue to look for official announcements from the band or their representatives.

Emily Armstrong and the Band's Evolution

Last year, Linkin Park made a significant change by introducing Emily Armstrong, the lead vocalist from Dead Sara, as their new frontwoman. This decision came after the passing of the band’s original lead singer, Chester Bennington, who died by suicide in 2017. The move sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some expressing dissatisfaction.

In a July 2025 interview with the Guardian, Mike Shinoda, the band’s co-founder and chief songwriter, discussed the backlash. He suggested that part of the issue might stem from the fact that Armstrong is not a man. Shinoda noted that fans were used to Linkin Park being composed of six male members, with a male voice leading the music. He added that the discomfort led fans to focus on various aspects they disliked, often pointing in multiple directions to justify their disappointment.

Armstrong herself admitted she was unprepared for the strong reaction. She told the outlet that she was “a little bit naive” and had avoided social media for mental health reasons even before joining the band.

Recent Releases and Touring Plans

Linkin Park released their eighth studio album, From Zero, last November. It marked their first album since Bennington’s passing and was both a critical and commercial success. The album debuted at the top of several charts, except for the Billboard 200, where it peaked at No. 2. Some of the standout tracks include The Emptiness Machine, Heavy Is the Crown, and Two Faced.

The band has since embarked on the From Zero world tour, which began in September 2024 and will run through June 2026, concluding in Zurich, Switzerland. During a recent interview with the Guardian, Shinoda shared details about the tour, including the removal of certain tracks from the setlist. One of the most notable omissions was One More Light, which was featured on the band’s final album of the same name in 2017.

Shinoda explained that performing the song without Bennington felt uncomfortable. He mentioned that the track was originally written for a woman at the label who passed away, but after Bennington’s death, the song became associated with him. Shinoda said it was too sad to perform, adding, “It was originally written for a woman at the label that we worked with who passed away. Then, after Chester passed, the world decided that it was about him. And so that’s just too sad to play.”

Linkin Park is set to continue their From Zero world tour in Brooklyn, New York, on July 29, marking the next stop in the American leg of their global tour. Fans are eagerly awaiting the performance, which promises to highlight the band’s evolving sound and continued legacy.

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