The internet is not happy with Taylor Swift’s tribute to Diana Ross at the 2017 AMAs

On November 10th, Taylor Swift’s latest album, Reputation, was released. And in that moment, fans everywhere began working to manifest a surprise performance from Taylor Swift at the 2017 American Music Awards. Though this exact wish was not granted, Swift did make an unexpected appearance — all in the name of honoring Diana Ross, who is the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Hey Diana, it's Taylor. I want to say congratulations," the artist stated in a video message. "I don't know anyone who hasn't been inspired by you. You're elegant, fierce, strong, and brave, and you have paved the way for everyone who does what we do now. Including me. So, thank you."
The singer’s thank-you clip:
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/932424988489117696
Though this message may be coming from the New Taylor (right?), it’s important to note that Ross and Swift have previously come together at the AMAs. In 2014, Ross bestowed the first Dick Clark Award for Excellence upon Swift, praising the then-25-year-old singer. In turn, the young singer stated that she was “blown away to have just received an award from Diana Ross.” false
The internet, however, has a different opinion, as many feel that this could be a calculated move on Taylor’s part.
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Others are simply like…”But why?”
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/932424549785747456
There are those who want receipts.
I bet you Taylor Swift couldn't name one Diana Ross song.. #AMAs pic.twitter.com/ycIljTHK7W
— Circa Pop (@CircaPop) November 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/932424537911758848
Several believe Taylor was too casual when honoring the superstar.
Did Taylor Swift just say, "hey Diana" like they are buddies?? No ma'am.
— Tressie McMillan Cottom (@tressiemcphd) November 20, 2017
When @taylorswift13 said "Hey Diana" to the legendary Diana Ross on the #AMAs . Ummmm that age gap is TOO big for first name use. Taylor let's stick with Ms. Ross for now. pic.twitter.com/wnLUJibQQA
— Nicki Mayo (@nickimayonews) November 20, 2017
I'm gonna need Taylor Swift to give Diana Ross some respect…talking about Hi Diana..did y'all go to school together? #youngins #yallinthesameindustry #butnotthesamelevel
— Cathy (@catsgame) November 20, 2017
Giphy was clearly working overtime.
HOW DARE YOU ALLOW THAT SNAKE TAYLOR SWIFT TO UTTER THE EMPRESS DIANA ROSS’s NAME ON TV. #AMAs pic.twitter.com/6yiTirmQOJ
— Darius (@DariusMason1) November 20, 2017
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I’m still sitting here perplexed at the notion that they included TAYLOR SWIFT in a tribute montage to Diana. Especially with not a single other Black femme performer. Liiiiiiiiiike…what even? pic.twitter.com/XdxoN2n0nv
— Tracie Q. Gilbert, PhD (she/her)👩🏿💻👩🏿🎓💁🏿 (@TracieG_The_PhD) November 20, 2017
That Taylor Swift devotional to Diana Ross though…. #AMAs pic.twitter.com/o1vqqKRONf
— Michael Jamaal ✊🏽 (@TH3_KiDD) November 20, 2017
Whether you love or hate Taylor, odds are that we can all agree on one thing. Diana Ross has truly earned that Lifetime Achievement Award, and so much more.