With more than four decades in the music industry, from fronting The Supremes to a successful solo career, there's no doubt numerous American Idol contestants have probably received some inspiration from Diana Ross. 

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Now the 62-year-old will be able to directly impact Idol's contestants.  Tuesday night, Ross announced that she is going to be a mentor on the Idol's sixth season during an appearance on CBS' Late Show with David Letterman.

While her Late Show appearance was no doubt primarily intended to promote her new album "I Love You" and upcoming world tour, Ross also used the appearance to voice her support for Dreamgirls, the recently released film musical that is loosely based on the behind-the-scenes story of The Supremes.

"What I would like to do is to be able to see [Dreamgirls]," Ross told Letterman. "I like to inspire the talent that it is out there today."

Dreamgirls stars former Idol 3 finalist Jennifer Hudson, who won a Golden Globe Award at Monday night's ceremony for best supporting actress in a movie musical or comedy for her Dreamgirls performance.  Not new to Motown, as she sang "(Love is Like a) Heat Wave" on the March 30, 2004 episode of Idol 3.   Hudson has also recently won acclaim for her onscreen performance of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" in Dreamgirls.


About The Author: Christopher Rocchio
Christopher Rocchio is an entertainment reporter for Reality TV World and has covered the reality TV genre for several years.