Dressed in a sparkling dress, feather headdress and earrings that could double as small chandeliers, Ross started the party off with “I’m Coming Out.”
The singer and actress, who has sold over 100 million records worldwide, rose to fame with 1960s Motown band the Supremes before launching her solo career in 1970.
The Supremes’ songs “Baby Love”, “Stop! In the Name of Love” and “You Can’t Hurry Love” thrilled the crowd. “So many songs about love,” she reflected.
Ross, who is 78, was due to play Glastonbury in 2020 before the pandemic caused the festival to be canceled for two years.
“I stayed strong and was determined to come here with you,” she said. “I’m so excited.”
His set included “Thank You”, the title track of the album recorded during the pandemic and released in November 2021. Some viewers complained online that the soul legend missed bonds on some songs.
That did nothing to dampen the mood, and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “I Will Survive” left the Pyramid Stage crowd on cloud nine.
Ross has followed in the footsteps of Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie and Kylie Minogue in the Sunday afternoon slot, one of Worthy Farm’s biggest attractions.
American rapper Kendrick Lamar will headline Sunday, bringing the festival to a close in south-west England.