Diana Ross will be appearing at the Blenheim Palace Music Festival in July.

American soul diva Diana Ross is booked for Blenheim this July

The legendary American soul diva is the third superstar to be signed up for one of the most glittering musical events ever staged in the county.

Blenheim Palace said she would perform at Blenheim on Friday, July 1. Rod Stewart will be appearing at the festival on July 2, with tenor Jose Carreras headlining on Sunday, July 3.

The festival will open on June 30. The opening night headline act is expected to be announced shortly.

Over 40 years, Diana Ross has established herself as one of the biggest-selling artists of all time. Her hits with the Supremes included Baby Love, You Keep Me Hangin' On and Stop in the Name of Love.

She went solo in 1970, releasing hit singles like Ain't No Mountain High Enough, while winning an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Billie Holliday in Lady Sings The Blues.

In recent years her career has been hit by clashes with the police.

Five years ago she was cautioned over an alleged assault on a security officer at Heathrow Airport.

Last year she was jailed for two days for drink-driving.

A spokesman for Blenheim Palace said: "The birthplace of Winston Churchill is a perfect setting for an artist who has become known as pop royalty."

Tickets are expected to go on sale today.(Mar 18)