That Grape Juice’s Top 5 Beyonce Performances

Published: Wednesday 20th Aug 2014 by Sam
"On The Run Tour: Beyonce And Jay-Z" - Opening Night In Miami Gardens

This Sunday sees Beyonce take the stage at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards – not only to perform, but to also receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

The network have been hyping up what is bound to be another epic showing from King B. As such, as we anticipate her sure-fire show-stopper, That Grape Juice are counting down our Top 5 Beyonce Performances.

Given the sheer volume of superb showings, it wasn’t an easy task whittling down to such a humble number. Still, our picks await after the jump. Let us know if you agree below!

5) Baby Boy / Crazy In Love – MTV VMA 2003

Prior to setting sail on her solo journey, Bey had firmly established herself as a stage blazer in Destiny’s Child. However, this 2003 showing introduced the world to Sasha Fierce as we’ve come to know and love her. From the fearless intro, to the choreography, the wind and weave whips, this performance was all sorts of diva.

4) Listen – Oprah Winfrey Show 2006

Though renown for her captivating ability on stage, Mrs Carter is also able to shine with a light and a mic. Case in point this dynamite rendition of ‘Listen’. From our standpoint, there hasn’t been another performance of the track as epic as this – which is mind-blowing given that she had a cold when she delivered it (as she relayed in behind the scenes footage). The climatic end run is a vocal exclamation mark if we’ve ever heard one.

3) Single Ladies – MTV VMA 2009

As one of the 32-year-old’s signature hits, there have been countless performances of ‘Single Ladies’. However, none can rival the showmanship showcased during this showing. It was clear from the onset that Bey approached this as a competitive sport – almost as if she was duelling with her peers in the audience. Needless to say, she won. The ferocity, the fierceness, the extras, and the overall air of epic, this was everything.

2) Run The World (Girls) –  Billboard Music Awards 2011

With all the accolades and achievements that are heaped on Beyonce comes a certain degree of expectation. More specifically, expectation of elevation. And oh did Queen B deliver with this explosive rendition of ‘Run The World (Girls)’. The precision required to pull off such an effects-heavy performance still leaves our jaws ajar – especially when considering that not only did the singer smash it, she did so while in the early stages of pregnancy with Blue Ivy.

1) Superbowl Medley

If ever there was a modern-day masterclass in how to command a stage, it was this 2013 ‘Superbowl Medley’. Much hyped, the 13-minute extravaganza exceeded expectation – which was naturally sky-high.

There have been many things written about this career-defining performance (a trend, we’re sure, will continue for years to come). Yet, for us, it simply combines everything we’ve come to love about Beyonce. The divadom, the dynamism, the precision, and the strive for performance perfection. It re-affirmed why Bey is a step ahead and a level above the Pop pack.

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Do you agree with our picks?!

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  1. branstan August 20, 2014

    B R A N D Y N O R W O O D

    Vocal Bible

    • Everyone’s A Critic August 20, 2014

      …. Love Brandy but she ain’t no beyonce and she hasn’t been mentioned on this site for months, why are you trying to bring attention to your dumb ass??? Please.. If you want to Stan, purchase one of brandys tickets and be the 12th person to join her audience

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    • Nope August 20, 2014

      This Beyonce fan site is a hoot. That BeyonceJuice is what it should be renamed.

    • Diabetes UNBOTHERED August 20, 2014

      Brandy = #BASIC!

      • girlboo August 20, 2014

        All you Beyonce stans only love Beyonce because she is fierce, and i get it, b*tch is fierce… but thassit… she is not the greatest dancer, all she realy does is pop her p*ssy, that’s not dancing, and she has vocals yes, but she sounds the same, nothing new…. she is not the greatest lyricist, well she don’t even write most of the time if at all… all her songs have the same meaning, like how can you really actually relate to a person that sings about nothing… I get why she is famous, but she is NOT more talented than Brandy… that’s a real vocalist with real music. #BYE

    • Where are they now FEAT ugly a** basic Brandy August 21, 2014

      Don’t you Brandy stan’s have some albums to purchase, and some bathroom tours to fill.

  2. IGGY INC August 20, 2014

    When will rihanna?
    When will Katy?
    When will Nicki?
    When will mariah?

    • Everyone’s A Critic August 20, 2014

      Mariah HAS! Mariahs foundation is what gives beyonce a stage to perform on. Let’s not be silly. Mariah won in her time, you can’t pretend there’s competition between a past winner and a current winner. Nicki doesn’t fall into that category either, she has her own lane where she is sitting right at front. BYE BISH

      • BOOBIE August 20, 2014

        Hey Critic did you sleep with Sam Smith?

      • Everyone’s A Critic August 20, 2014

        If I did (oh how I wish), I wouldn’t answer that question cos I’m not a thirsty h** and I respect the sacredness of s**! But was that meant to be shade? Clearly I must have a following if you remembered that I love Sam Smith!!! You amused me, but get back to being irrelevant

  3. kim August 20, 2014

    2006 world music awards but whatever a waste of time typing so many

    TOO MANY TO MENTION

    • SURPRISE…….(DEC.13) August 20, 2014

      Until Rihthotnna learns how to SING AND DANCE at the same damn time and not f*** every living D*** on d face of the earth, then will should u be allowed to comment on a beyonce related post, SHITTYBIRD. Sincerely,everyone on dis post…….Bloop

  4. YoursGrande111 August 20, 2014

    The 2007 VMAs Ring The Alarm made me a f***** fan of hers that performance was stellar its missing

  5. YoursGrande111 August 20, 2014

    Regardless of that I don’t think she can top her Superbowl set. The Energy & Fierceness reminded me of MJ & Janet combined. This woman is talented yall

  6. DaPope August 20, 2014

    The Beautiful One’s/S** on Fire from Glastonbury is definitely one of her best.

    • Beysus August 20, 2014

      Yesss!!! The whole Glastonbury set is amazing!!!

    • RICHIE_RICH August 20, 2014

      Yessss she slay me. I died and came back to life , cause life was giving

  7. ~The Arcade~ August 20, 2014

    Agreed TGJ… too many amazing performances by her.

  8. Antonio August 20, 2014

    What about her 2004 Grammy performance with Prince or 2008 Grammy performance with Tina Turner… Those two solidified her status as a future legend and icon because hse held her own with two legends/icons. But her 2011 Billboard Awards performance was everything. The Super Bowl performance is highly overrated to me. But her 2006 VMA performance of Ring the Alarm slayed too

    • Diabetes UNBOTHERED August 20, 2014

      SB not my fav either. TOO OVER Rehearsed. Sam pic for 2 & 3 are better. SB #3 maybe.

  9. Mark111 (Cici Finna Be a Bride…Pending) August 20, 2014

    I agree, this is my list. But I would put the 2007 grammy version of Listen. I love that performance because she didn’t over do it.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKlGcrFpoWU

  10. teee August 20, 2014

    Can’t wait for the BeyMA. I agree with the list but I also loved sweet dreams and her vocals on if I were a boy grammys

  11. ~The Arcade~ August 20, 2014

    I like her ‘crazy in love’ performance at the 2004 Brit Awards, in conjunction with Andre 3000.

  12. Lindsay Lohan August 20, 2014

    Beyonce is a great performer with great production teams.

  13. fatusank August 20, 2014

    Omg bey is talented their is no one like her thanks Sam for posting this make my day god bless our bey for life

  14. Anne August 20, 2014

    I agree with the picks but I have to also mention her Oscar’s performance of Listen during the Dreamgirls medley and her serenade of the First Couple with At Last during their first dance.

  15. Beysus August 20, 2014

    Glastonbury, Grammys, her own tours, That “End Of Time” at Revel intro, Oscars, A Nignt With Beyonce… God there’s sooo many!!! I don’t think the Super Bowl should be #1…

    • ~The Arcade~ August 20, 2014

      That particular ‘End of time’ intro, was out of this world! still get hyped whenever I watch it.

      • Beysus August 20, 2014

        Lol I’m obsessed with it!!!! That’s probably my fave intro of all intros!!!!!

  16. Beysus August 20, 2014

    *night

  17. Brittany Shawnte August 20, 2014

    Her performance of Deja Vu at the 2006 BET Awards…hands down one of my favorites!

    • RICHIE_RICH August 20, 2014

      I just post it. Like how you forget that one

  18. Tyler August 20, 2014

    Deja Vu at the BET Awards and Single Ladies at the VMA’s are my faves!

  19. YoursGrande111 August 20, 2014

    How yall forget Glanstonbury??

  20. Everyone’s A Critic August 20, 2014

    If I Were A Boy/ You Oughta Know – Grammys
    That was the first ever singing performance to bring tears to my eyes. It weren’t emotional it was just THAT epic. I wish I could deliver a performance like that.
    Ring The Alarm VMA was also missing from your list
    Not to Mention sweet dreams/ dangerously in love from Vegas – that made me fall in love with her debut album again

    She wins when it comes to those live performances.. My list is better, I have spoken

    • ~The Arcade~ August 20, 2014

      Lol @ “I have spoken” 😀 😀

  21. TAYLOR SWIFTS NUMBER 1 FAN!!! August 20, 2014

    TAYLOR’S SWIFT NEW VIDEO SHAKE IT OFF, AS NOW PASSED 14.1 MILLION VIEWS IN 2 DAYS!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfWlot6h_JM
    Album coming Oct. 27.
    Pre-order now for your copy!!!

    Side note: Taylor Swift will perform “shake it off” at the 2014 VMAs too!

    • SURPRISE…….(DEC.13) August 20, 2014

      GO TELL D KIDS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS WHO GIVE A S***!!!!!

      • TAYLOR SWIFTS NUMBER 1 FAN!!! August 20, 2014

        D KIDS? Well from the way you type, I think you’re one of them!

  22. That’s miss Sophia to you. August 20, 2014

    Once you seen one you seen them all….Next post please

  23. Diabetes UNBOTHERED August 20, 2014

    That time when Rihanna….
    http://photo.ma-bimbo.com/fr/21/10278/moy/8222183.jpg
    1. Performed @ the Superbowl Halftime
    2. Won the Artist Of The Millennium Award (Presented to her by non other than Britney Spears)
    3. Received the Michael Jackson Vanguard award
    4. Shut Down Itunes
    5. Went #1 selling more than 200K
    6. Sold 1 Million in 1 WK
    7. Became the 1ST & ONLY Female artist to have first 5 Albums go #1.
    8. Performed for the President 4 Times & counting (ala Marilyn Monroe)
    9. Performed with Legends (real ones).
    10. Had a Tour gross more than 200 million.
    11. Became 1ST Female ever to win 6 Grammys in one night.
    12. Headlined Glastonbury.
    13. Had a Song go #1 & stay there for 10+ Wks
    14. Was named female Artist of the Decade by Billboard
    15. Came in @ #1 on VH1s Greastest Song of the 2000′s
    16. Had the highest grossing tour by a black artist
    17. Performed @ the oscars
    18. Got nominated for a Golden Globe
    19. Had a LEAD Role in a big Block Buster.
    20. Became the most awarded artist @ the BET awards & one of the most at the grammys & VMAS.

  24. Beysus August 20, 2014

    LOL there should’ve been like a top 50 or something!!!

    • Diabetes UNBOTHERED August 20, 2014

      REALLY lol

  25. S****** Blonde August 20, 2014

    #2 is her best, the others are okay, i guess, she’s a good performer but i seen better, black people are just obsessed to make this woman their best thing, trust me, you have great musicians and artists and she’s not one of them, she’s a famous singer/celebrity at best.

    • goon August 20, 2014

      #KILL YOURSELF

    • Tyler August 20, 2014

      No, Rihanna would be an example of a singer/celebrity. I’d throw JLO into that category as well, considering the fact that she has very minimal vocal talent. Beyonce however, is the most commercially viable performer of her generation.

    • Del Bey August 20, 2014

      S******, can you please state another female black woman that can dance and sing at the same time of this generation, the fact beyonce can sound perfectly clear after a serious dance break means she’s queen, you sound quite bitter

      • TYI August 23, 2014

        I believe Janelle Monae would be in that category!!!

    • LDN Chick August 20, 2014

      Im south American and white and I am obsessed with her.

    • Valerie August 20, 2014

      You do realize 70% of her audience at her shows in the US and UK is generally white.

    • Taylor August 21, 2014

      Lol This coming from a Madonna Stan, just STFU..bitter a**

  26. Tyler August 20, 2014

    Oh! I almost forgot about Get Me Bodied BET Awards 2007. She slaaayyyyed. Damn, she’s such a grade A performer

  27. Slay_Hive August 20, 2014

    My favs are:

    Deju Vu at the 2006 BET awards

    If I were a boy Grammys 2010

    Deja Vu 2006 Fashion Rocks

    Ring the Alarm 2007 VMA’s

    Single Ladies 2008 Americn Music Awards

  28. Diabetes UNBOTHERED August 20, 2014

    Looks like Sam chose the Biggest/most memorable Performance from each of the 5 Eras.

  29. Tyler August 20, 2014

    These other girls aren’t on The Queen Bey’s levels when it comes to live performances. She’s a rare breed.

    • Tyler August 20, 2014

      *level*

    • DIGGER BEY August 20, 2014

      Yes Indeed!!!!!!!!!

  30. Del Bey August 20, 2014

    Anything where she performs end of time, that one performance shits on anything rhianna has and ever will do

  31. Del Bey August 20, 2014

    omg how am I only now seeing her sweet dreams/single ladies medley from the 2009 VMA, sheeeeeeeeeeeee IS queen, are you seeing that single ladies routine, lifeeeeeee has been served

  32. Danny b August 20, 2014

    “Deja Vu” BET Awards 2006.

  33. Bey Advocate August 20, 2014

    Way too many to name lol but umm….I loved the Crazy in Love performance from On The Run Tour. It amazes me how that performance continues to grow and i loved the mash up between “Crazy in Love” and “Show me what you got” oh and that twerk breakdown!!!

  34. LDN Chick August 20, 2014

    You missed out so many. There are too many.

  35. AMMIE LEANN August 20, 2014

    hype, hype and hype, but this chick never reached Diamond sales and xo, blow, pretty hurts and flawless flopped harder than a brick falling from heaven, 5 years without a Nº1 hit.

    • Sandra August 20, 2014

      6 years without a #1 hit, her last one was in 2008

    • DIGGER BEY August 20, 2014

      Is this pressed one still on here spitting about diamond sales, when her favs barely goes platinum??????? LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Girl I must admit, that you’re very constant but I would hate being an pressed seeeeeething delusional biitch ALL THE TIME Kii kiii.

  36. RoyalKev August 20, 2014

    Bey was unstoppable at the VMA’s(2006)! Ring the alarm was EPIC!
    I stan for that BET Awards(2008) performance, Robot Bey was everything!
    I love the VMA’s(2009) performance! That was her best live showing of SL!
    I love the MTV EMA(2009) performance, Sweet Dreams live was so dreamy!
    Of course, the Billboard Awards(2011) performance was COMPLETE SLAYAGE!
    Her Grammy(CIL), Superbowl and Oscar performances are also special to me.
    I also think her Billboard(2004, I believe) performance of Me, Myself & I is WAAAAY too underrated.

    She’s done it over and over again! The woman is iconic!

    • DIGGER BEY August 20, 2014

      I love her Me Myself and I performance from the BB Awards 2004!!!

  37. Sandra August 20, 2014

    Beyonce has many great performances. I agree with #4 and #5 on your list, but my personal top 3 are :
    #3: Soul train awards 2001, Emotions with Destinys Child
    #2: WMA 2006 Deja Vu
    #1: Dangerously in love 2004 Grammy

    It’s so hard to pick her best performances because she has so many tbh, and I’m not even a fan of hers

  38. Brian310 August 20, 2014

    1. Baby boy/Crazy in love VMA (2003)
    2. Run the World Billboard (2011)
    3. Prince performance at the 04 grammies
    4. Deja vu Bet Awards 07
    5. End of Time Glastonbury.

  39. Tasha August 20, 2014

    HOW CAN YOU FORGET GLASTO AND I AM YOURS!? Those are her best sets

  40. DIGGER BEY August 20, 2014

    I simply LUV ALL THOSE PERFORMACES!!!! I can’t even say which one tops the other! They all show why she’s The Best Performer of her generation and since MJ! I also would put her Essence Festival(2009) of IIWAB and The DIL performance @ the Grammys(2004), along with those performances! Its her destiny to become one of the best of all time, so I know she will deliver one of her best this Sunday.

  41. GEEZUS August 20, 2014

    1. Ring The Alarm At The VMA’s Made Me A Beyoncé STAN I Was Already A Fan.
    2. Get Me Bodied/ Like This Mashup At The 2007 Bet Awards
    3. If I Were A Boy / You Oughta Know At The Grammy’s
    4. Deja Vu At The BET Awards
    5. Dangerously In Love At The 2004 Grammy’s

    • GEEZUS August 20, 2014

      I’m Bugging #4 Is Sweet Dreams Acoustic

  42. Kyle August 20, 2014

    Mine are:
    1.) “At Last” for President Obama and Michelle.
    2.) “Ring The Alarm” at the 2006 VMA’s
    3.) “Look To Your Path” at the Oscar’s
    4.) Superbowl Half-time
    5.) EVERYTHING Glastonbury

    • Kyle August 20, 2014

      Wait…how could I forget about “Love On Top” at the 2011 VMA’s. That was an INSTANT CLASSIC and defining moment in Queen Bey’s career!

  43. Iamdiego August 20, 2014

    Yes! Those are in my Top 10, but don’t forget about
    (in no particular order)
    Purple Rain/Crazy in Love medley (2004 Grammys)
    Deja Vu (2006 Bet awards)
    Sweet Dreams/Sweet Love/DIL medley (2009 I Am Yours) Its not an award show but hey…
    Single Ladies on the (2009 Tyra Banks show)
    America the Beautiful (2009 Obama’s Inaugural Celebration)

  44. MariahIsMusic1 August 20, 2014

    I love me some B!! VMAs 2009 Single Ladies her most legendary performance, VMAs Love On Top, Run The World 2011 BBMA, Halo Naacp! & god himself “The I Am Yours set” >

  45. Beysus August 20, 2014

    1. The whole of Glastonbury 2011!!!

    2. The whole of Revel 2012!!!

    3. “Single Ladies” at BeyMA’s 2009!!!

    4. “If I Were A Boy/Bittersweet Symphony” at Chime For Change 2013!!!

    5. The whole of the I Am… Tour

    Oh my God, I’m starting to rethink this list… there’s so many Goddamn performances of her’s that slaaay!!!

  46. Beysus August 20, 2014

    This is completley random… but please play Coldplay’s and Brandy’s version of “Magic” at the same time!!! It’s good!!!

    • Tyler August 20, 2014

      You’re a f****** idiot.

  47. Valerie August 20, 2014

    The ENTIRE Glastonbury Set
    Resentment – On The Run Tour
    Dangerously in Love/ Sweet Love/ Sweet Dream – I am Yours
    Superbowl
    Listen – The Beyonce experience
    Dangerously in Love – Grammys
    Freakum Dress – I am Sasha Fierce
    Me Myself and I – The Beyonce Experience

    • DIGGER BEY August 21, 2014

      Dumb biitch, u are not funny. The only BEYONCE is the one that was born 9/4/81. #QUEEN OF THE STAGE

  48. tyler August 20, 2014

    Ok Loretta123 the 2nd

  49. How Many Drinks (Miguels Wifey) August 21, 2014

    Watching some of these performances is the reason why Beyonce is a LEGEND.
    Beyonce has so many amazing performances its hard to sqeeze it into just five.

  50. Ritadeystroya August 21, 2014

    All theses preformances were basic,dull and dry.

    • DIGGER BEY August 21, 2014

      Just like your tired, dry and dull c****** kii kii

  51. XXX August 21, 2014

    Queen! The absolute slay!

  52. XXX August 21, 2014

    Anyway I will say.
    -Glastonbury
    -Revel
    -I am Yours Las Vegas
    -I am Tour
    -The Beyonce Experience

    Consist of best performances. Its not possible for me choose just 5 individual songs.

  53. DIGGER BEY August 21, 2014

    Kii Just like your tired, dry and dull coochiie.

  54. angry bottoms August 21, 2014

    She’s nothing more than weave and p – popping

    • LDN Chick August 21, 2014

      Troll

  55. Kyle August 21, 2014

    There are some amazing performances that people have mentioned on their lists. One song that she performs on all of her tours that always gets me amped up is “Freakum Dress.” Specifically when she played it on her “I Am” tour because the guitar break is amazing when she says, “Take me higher!!!”

  56. thor August 22, 2014

    zzzzz except for #5 that was her best era

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