Beyoncé's best live performances
Whether you listen to pop music or not, you've undoubtedly heard of the First Lady of Music, Beyoncé. With an extensive catalog spawning across 20-plus years, Queen Bey has given fans some of the most entertaining shows one can think of it. Flip through the gallery below to read about her best performances.
"Be Alive"
Beyoncé's last award show performance was in March 2022 at the Oscars. She performed a stunning rendition of the song "Be Alive" from the movie King Richard. This performance is unique because it was streamed live from the Compton tennis courts Serena and Venus Williams grew up training on.
"Run The World" ('Billboard' Music Awards)
In 2011, Beyoncé gave fans a show-stopping performance of her hit single "Run The World." Her alter ego, Sasha Fierce, definitely appeared as she delivered fans five minutes of high-energy dance moves, all while singing live.
"I Was Here"
There's no doubt that Beyoncé is one of the best performers of all time; however, some critics still fail to give her the flowers she deserves. In her impressive performance of "I Was Here" at the United Nations World Humanitarian Day in 2012, she delivered a one-of-a-kind vocal performance showing off her range, skills, and talent. Oh, and she did it all while standing still.
Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show
Do you remember where you were when Beyoncé graciously allowed the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers to play a football game during her concert? I do! All jokes aside, Beyoncé's 2013 Super Bowl halftime show performance is one of the entertainment history books. She performed hits from the early 2000s and even gave fans a blast from the past with a quick medley from her former Destiny's Child days. If you want a summed-up performance that encapsulates all of who she is, this is the one to watch.
Super Bowl 50
Beyoncé's 2013 Super Bowl performance was so entertaining they had to have her back. She returned for the Super Bowl 50 halftime show with Bruno Mars and Coldplay, where she shined bright as ever and performed her top-10 Billboard hit, "Formation."
Kobe Bryant's memorial service
Beyoncé and Kobe Bryant's friendship dated back to 1999 when the NBA legend appeared in a Destiny's Child music video. With that, it makes sense that the singer would perform during Bryant's memorial service. On February 24, 2020, Beyoncé dedicated soulful versions of her songs "XO" and "Halo" to Kobe and his daughter, Gianna Bryant, who also died in the January 2020 helicopter crash.
"Love On Top" (Roseland)
Another song that puts the Beyonce haters to shame is "Love On Top." She showcases her extensive vocal range throughout the song, especially during the last 90 seconds, where she flawlessly hits four key changes.
Beychella
Some would argue Beyoncé's Coachella performance –– widely known as Beychella — is the icon's best live performance ever. In the show-stopping, two-hour performance, Queen Bey paid homage to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and offered fans a brand-new rendition of every single song.
"If I Were A Boy" (Grammys)
Beyoncé's "If I Were A Boy" performance at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards is another reason why many regard her as the greatest of all time. She seamlessly meshed her No. 3 Billboard hit with Alanis Morissette's popular record, "You Oughta Know."
"Freedom" (BET Awards)
During Beyoncé's Lemonade era, she made a quick pit stop from her tour overseas to perform at the BET Awards. She opened the show with an entertaining performance of her song "Freedom," featuring water, flashing lights, and majestic vocals alongside American rapper Kendrick Lamar.
Live medley (Global Citizen’s Festival)
In December 2013, Beyoncé changed the music industry forever by dropping her fifth studio album, Beyoncé, with no promotion, lead single, or knowledge whatsoever. In 2015, she performed a live medley of the songs "Bow Down," Feeling Myself," "Flawless," and "Yoncé" at the Global Citizen's Festival.
"Ring The Alarm" (VMAs)
"Ring The Alarm" is the second single from Beyoncé's no-skip sophomore album, B'Day. Her 2006 performance at the MTV Video Music Awards features the then-25-year-old giving fans a once-in-a-lifetime show of an electrifying song.
"Deja Vu" (BET Awards)
Beyoncé's B'Day era featured several spectacular performances. In addition to her VMA number, Beyoncé performed a never-forget act of her top-5 Billboard hit, "Deja Vu," featuring Jay-Z at the BET Awards. In the '90s, she always said she wanted people to regard her as a legend; in this performance, Knowles proved why she deserved that title.
National anthem at Barack Obama's inauguration
The national anthem is considered one of the most challenging songs for any artist to execute. But if you're a fan of Beyoncé, you know she's always up for a challenge. During President Obama's second inauguration, Bey performed a marvelous and powerful rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner," which some speculated she pre-recorded. Not to fret, though, she sang an acapella version of the song shortly after at the Super Bowl XLVII press conference.
"Crazy In Love" (Glastonbury)
There's a reason why "Crazy In Love" is regarded as one of the best songs ever. Beyoncé has been able to rebrand this timeless hit during several performances, and Glastonbury is one of them. Combining this song's funky horn section with DJ Kool's "Let Me Clear My Throat," Bey again showed why she's one of one.
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