SOUL diva Diana Ross jetted into Manchester Airport for a lucrative private performance.

The superstar stunned onlookers when she strolled out of the Victoria and Albert Marriot Hotel, at Water Street, Manchester on Saturday night.

Diana flew over from America in a private jet to perform an intimate show at the Staffordshire home of billionaire John Caudwell, 56, whose partner Claire Johnson was celebrating her 40th birthday.

Arriving with two female assistants and flanked by bodyguards, the singer used the Manchester hotel to rehearse before being chauffeur-driven in a silver Mercedes to Caudwell's Grade I-listed multi-million pound Jacobean mansion, Broughton House. Nr Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.

The Chain Reaction singer belted out her classic hits and much-loved tunes to a delighted audience. A guest at the swanky fancy dress bash said the former front-woman of the Supremes sang old and new hits during a 40-minute show for the 250 guests.

Sensational classical/pop singer Keedie Babb, one of John Caudwell's favourite singers and who has recently shared the stage with the likes of Tina Turner and Whitney Houston at events hosted by John, gave stunning renditions of  'You'll Never Walk Alone' 'My Reason' and 'Time To Say Goodbye' which were acknowledged by a standing ovation!

The party-goer said: "John Caudwell is renowned for throwing fabulous parties and this was another one. He does lots of star-studded events for charities but this one was a little more private and special."

He said they had a dinner which included a main course of lamb and there was 'plenty of champagne flowing'.

The guest added: "The guests were all family and friends. "It had a fancy dress theme of glam and there was a bar at one end and a stage at the other where Diana and Keedie performed"

Caudwell, founder of Phones 4U, once paid £50,000 to duet with Brian Adams and last year paid Whitney Houston a reputed £1.7m to perform a one-hour gig at a London charity event.

Stoke-on-Trent born Caudwell began his business career selling soap door-to-door before latching onto the potential of mobile phones in the eighties.

In 2007 he sold his business for £1.46 billion. A cycling fanatic, Caudwell does a sponsored bike ride each year for his charity Caudwell Children, which helps disabled youngsters.

Keedie & her fiancé James arrive at the party stunningly dressed for the special occasion.....

.....then it's a meeting with management.....                                            .....before going on stage to treat partygoers with.....

                           .....'You'll Never Walk Alone'.....                                                                              .....'My Reason'.....

.....and 'Time To Say Goodbye'

Keedie & James now have time to relax and join in the fun and games!!