Today marks Beyonce‘s 37th birthday!
For over two decades, music’s reigning diva has dominated with music videos and performances like no other.
The stage, though, has been her undeniable playground of choice to showcase the ferocity she possesses. As such, in celebration Mrs Carter’s anniversary, That Grape Juice are counting down our 7 Top Blazing 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!
7) Super Bowl 2016
Over the course of her career, Beyonce has made it commonplace to magnetise the masses any and every time she graces the stage.
And Coldplay’s Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2016 was no exception.
Billed as a “guest” alongside Bruno Mars, Bey seized the moment to make a bold statement. She got the world in ‘Formation.’
With the song dropping as a surprise just a day before (alongside its video), its live rendition – which formed part of a dynamite dance-off with Mars – elevated and penetrated its politically charged messaging.
If ever there was a platform to re-affirm one’s authentic wokeness to the world, it was the Bowl and Bey did so in a major way.
6) 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.
5) 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.
4) Single Ladies – MTV VMA 2009
As one of the star’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 scale, the fierceness, the extras, and the overall air of epic, this was everything.
3) 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.
2) 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). 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.
1) Coachella 2018
With decades of mega-moments under her belt, the question of whether Beyonce can top herself is one that arises oh so often.
And at Coachella this year, the Queen answered with the most emphatic “hell yes” possible.
Boasting a HBCU theme, her show sewed together all that the fans have come to love from the legend-in-waiting. Colossal charisma, slick choreography, endless energy, and a catalogue of classics that few (if any) of her contemporaries can rival.
The spectacle, which also reunited Destiny’s Child, was rendered all the more jaw-dropping when considering that Bey had given birth to twins only 10 months prior.
To watch BeyChella 2018 was to watch a performer at the top of their game — and at the top of “the” game. And in many ways, it has us salivating for what’s to come. Because, given her propensity to up the ante and push the envelope, we’re more than sure this very feature will be comprised of an entirely different performances 5 years down the line.
Long live the Queen!
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