Beyoncé live performances | |
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![]() Beyoncé performing during The Formation World Tour at the Wembley Stadium in July 2016 | |
Concert tours | 9 |
Concert residencies | 3 |
One-off shows | 24 |
Live performances | 192 |
With nine concert tours during her solo career, [note 1] American singer Beyoncé has performed in every populated continent. Her solo tour debut (whilst on hiatus with Destiny's Child) began in 2003, with the Dangerously in Love Tour. Based predominantly in the United Kingdom, the tour received an unfavorable review from Dave Simpson of The Guardian based on Beyoncé's costumes and a confusion of her core audience at the time. [1] In 2007, she embarked on her first major solo world tour – The Beyoncé Experience, following Destiny's Child's disbandment in 2005. The tour visited five continents and Beyoncé was lauded by music journalism for her simultaneous dancing and singing abilities. [2] Following the release of her 2008 third studio album I Am... Sasha Fierce , Beyoncé embarked on her next world concert venture, the I Am... World Tour. She collaborated with Thierry Mugler exclusively for the tour's costumes. [3] The I Am... World Tour also marked the first time Beyoncé had performed in South American countries. [4] Beyoncé saw her largest tour to date with 2013-2014's The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. Grossing US $229,727,960, the 132 date venture was criticised for the name of the tour, as Beyoncé appeared to be letting herself be known as simply Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter's wife, despite being proclaimed as a "modern-day feminist". [5] The tour itself however was lauded by music critics, who again praised Beyoncé's performance abilities and the more advanced production seen compared to her previous tours. [6] [7]
In 2016 Beyoncé saw her most successful tour to date with the Formation World Tour grossing over U$260 million in 49 dates. In 2023, she surpassed those earnings with the Renaissance World Tour, making $579.8 million from 2.77 million tickets sold in 56 shows, the highest-grossing tour in history by a black artist.
Beyond her solo live performances, Beyoncé has embarked on three collaborative tours. In 2004, she embarked on The Verizon Ladies First Tour in which she co-headlined with Alicia Keys and Missy Elliott. Beyoncé and Keys were widely regarded as the stars of the North American show, although generally, music critics praised the entire ensemble. [8] In 2014, Beyoncé took part in her second collaborative tour; the On the Run Tour, in which she was co-headlining with her aforementioned husband, Jay-Z. The all-stadium tour that took place predominantly in North America as well as two performances in Paris, France, came after both Beyoncé and Jay-Z had finished their own solo tours. The tour was commended for its extensive theme and cinematic storyline, as well as both performers onstage abilities. [9] It grossed US$109.7 million, ranking as the fifth highest-grossing tour of 2014. [10] In 2018, Beyoncé and Jay-Z embarked on their second collaborative tour; the On The Run II Tour. The 48-show tour visited Europe and North America and grossed US$253.5 million, making it the third-highest-grossing tour of 2018. [11] The surprise release of the pair’s debut collaborative album, “Everything is Love”, was announced on stage at the end of their second show in London, UK, on June 16, 2018. [12] Songs from the album began to be incorporated into the tour’s set list at the show in Paris’ Stade de France on July 15, 2018. [13]
Outside of extensive world tours, Beyoncé has also performed a variety of concert residencies and smaller, promotional tours. 2009's I Am... Yours was carried out amongst the time the I Am... World Tour was ongoing. [14] Other residencies include 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé, carried out in August 2011 to promote Beyoncé's fourth studio album 4 , and 2012's Revel Presents: Beyoncé Live, regarded as her postbirth comeback performance, after giving birth in January 2012. [15] In 2013, Beyoncé headlined the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show, performing a medley of her solo and Destiny's Child recordings (with the latter reuniting on stage for a surprise performance). [16] Generating 110.8 million viewers, the performance is currently the sixth most watched halftime show of all time in the United States, behind Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, Madonna, Coldplay and Lady Gaga. [17] [18] She was featured as a special guest during Coldplay's performance at the show in 2016 along with Bruno Mars. [19]
Date | Event | City | Performed song(s) | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
November 12, 2002 | 42nd & Vine...Hollywood Hits Broadway gala | New York City | "Somewhere" | [214] [215] |
December 13, 2003 | Roxy Saturdays | [216] | ||
April 24, 2004 | 2nd Hollywood Hits Broadway Benefit Gala | "You'll Never Walk Alone" | [217] | |
July 10, 2004 | The Cantor Foundation Dolce Vita benefit gala | Stowe | Unknown | [218] |
October 23, 2004 | Carousel of Hope Ball | Beverly Hills | Unknown | [219] |
November 1, 2005 | Cipriani Wall Street concert series | New York City | [220] | |
June 3, 2006 | Walmart Shareholders Meeting | Fayetteville, Arkansas | [221] | |
June 14, 2006 | Robin Hood Foundation benefit gala | New York City |
| [222] [223] |
August 17, 2006 | Radio One 25th Anniversary Gala | Washington, D.C. | [224] [225] | |
September 15, 2006 | Best Buy opening free concert | Toronto | [226] | |
September 21, 2006 | Emporio Armani Red One Night Only | London | [227] | |
September 29, 2006 | Macy's Glamorama | Chicago | Unknown | [228] |
February 10, 2009 | Saks Fifth Avenue's Unforgettable Evening | Beverly Hills, California | [229] | |
September 26, 2009 | National University Hospital charity performance | Singapore |
| [230] |
December 31, 2009 | New Year's Eve private show | Saint Barthélemy | [231] [232] | |
May 19, 2010 | State Dinner honoring Felipe Calderón | Washington, D.C. | Unknown | [233] |
September 14, 2011 | Target managers meeting | Minneapolis | "1+1" | [234] |
October 8, 2011 | Michael Jackson Tribute Concert | Cardiff | "I Wanna Be Where You Are" | [235] |
August 10, 2012 | World Humanitarian Day performance at the United Nations | New York City | "I Was Here" | [236] |
December 31, 2012 | New Year's Eve private show | Las Vegas | [237] | |
January 31, 2013 | Super Bowl XLVII Press Conference | New Orleans | "The Star-Spangled Banner" (a cappella) | [238] |
January 18, 2014 | Michelle Obama 50th Birthday celebration | Washington, D.C. | [239] | |
September 30, 2015 | Private show at Wynn Las Vegas | Las Vegas | [240] | |
March 5, 2016 | Center for Early Education 75th Anniversary Gala | West Hollywood | [241] | |
November 4, 2016 | Get Out the Vote concert supporting Hillary Clinton 2016 presidential campaign | Cleveland |
| [242] [243] |
December 15, 2016 | Parkwood Entertainment holiday party | Los Angeles | "All Night" | [244] |
October 11, 2018 | City of Hope Gala | Santa Monica | [245] | |
December 9, 2018 | Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal wedding party | Udaipur | [246] | |
January 21, 2023 | Atlantis the Royal Hotel unofficial opening | Palm Jumeira, Dubai | “At Last” ⸱ “XO” ⸱ “Flaws and All” ⸱ “Halo” ⸱ “Brown Skin Girl” (with Blue Ivy Carter) ⸱ “Be Alive” ⸱ “Spirit of Rangeela” (performed by Firdhaus Orchestra) [247] ⸱ “Otherside” ⸱ “Bigger” ⸱ “Spirit” ⸱ “Freedom” ⸱ “I Care” ⸱ “Beautiful Liar” ⸱ “Batwanes Beek” (performed by Firdhaus Orchestra) ⸱ “Crazy in Love (Remix)” ⸱ “Crazy in Love” ⸱ “Countdown” ⸱ “Naughty Girl” ⸱ “Drunk in Love” | [248] |
December 21, 2023 | Club Renaissance party | Salvador, Brazil | Energy (acapella) | [249] |
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter is an American singer, songwriter, and businesswoman. Nicknamed "Queen Bey", she is regarded as a prominent cultural figure of the 21st century and has been recognized for her artistry and performances, with Rolling Stone naming her one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
Shawn Corey Carter, known professionally as Jay-Z, is an American rapper and entrepreneur. Born and raised in New York City, he was named the greatest rapper of all time by Billboard and Vibe in 2023. He served as the president and chief executive officer of Def Jam Recordings from 2004 to 2007 before founding the entertainment company, Roc Nation the following year.
"Crazy in Love" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Beyoncé for her debut solo studio album Dangerously in Love (2003). It features a rap verse and ad-libs from Jay-Z, her now-husband. Both artists wrote and composed the song in collaboration with Rich Harrison and Eugene Record; the former also produced it with Beyoncé. Using samples from the Chi-Lites's 1970 song "Are You My Woman ", "Crazy in Love" is a pop, hip hop and R&B love song that incorporates elements of soul, and 1970s-style funk music. Its lyrics describe a romantic obsession causing the protagonist to act out of character. The song was released as the lead single from Dangerously in Love on May 18, 2003, by Columbia Records.
"'03 Bonnie & Clyde" is a song recorded by American rapper Jay-Z, released on October 10, 2002 as the lead single from his seventh studio album The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse (2002). Composed by Jay-Z, Kanye West, Darryl Harper, Ricky Rouse and Tyrone Wrice, and featuring Jay-Z's then-girlfriend, now wife, American singer Beyoncé, "'03 Bonnie & Clyde" sampled its beat from Tupac Shakur's 1996 song "Me and My Girlfriend", paraphrasing its chorus, as well as Prince's 1987 song "If I Was Your Girlfriend". The song's instrumentation is based on programmed drums, bass instruments, and a flamenco guitar. The song is inspired by the crime film Bonnie and Clyde.
"Déjà Vu" is a song by American singer Beyoncé, featuring rapper Jay-Z. It was produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, 808-Ray and Beyoncé for her second solo album, B'Day (2006). "Déjà Vu" is an R&B song, which incorporates elements of 1970s funk and soul music. Its music is largely based on live instrumentation, including bass guitar, hi-hat and horns, except the Roland TR-808 drum machine, which is a non-live instrument. The song's title and lyrics refer to a woman being constantly reminded of a past lover.
"Ring the Alarm" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé for her second studio album, B'Day (2006). It was written by Knowles, Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean, and Sean Garrett. Columbia Records released "Ring the Alarm" as the second single from B'Day in the United States on October 17, 2006, while "Irreplaceable" (2006) was serviced as the album's second international and third US single. The song's development was motivated by Knowles' role in the Broadway musical adaptation Dreamgirls (2006). The cover art of "Ring the Alarm" proved controversial because Knowles used alligators during the photography session. PETA declared that Knowles' posing with a baby alligator was arguably abusive to an animal.
"Halo" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Beyoncé for her third studio album, I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008). Included on the I Am... disc, it was intended to give a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Beyoncé's life, stripped of her make-up and celebrity trappings. Columbia Records released the song, the album's fourth single, to mainstream radio in the United States on January 20, 2009, and to international markets from February 20. Inspired by Ray LaMontagne's 2004 song "Shelter", "Halo" was written by Ryan Tedder and Evan Bogart, with the former producing it alongside Beyoncé, who handled the vocal production. It was originally conceived by Tedder and Bogart specifically for Beyoncé, although there was media speculation that it had been intended for Leona Lewis.
I Am... Tour was the fourth concert tour by American performer and singer-songwriter Beyoncé Knowles, in support of her third studio album, I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008), consisting of 110 concerts across six continents. Two months of preparations for the tour began eight months prior to its commencement, with daily twelve-hour rehearsals. The tour was announced in October 2008, and began in March 2009 with five preliminary ’rehearsal’ shows in North America. Knowles has described the I Am... World Tour as her best and most theatrical of all of her tours.
American singer Beyoncé has appeared in numerous music videos, documentaries and films. She has also directed eight full-length films, including five concert films and two musical films. Her films have grossed over $2.5 billion worldwide at the box office. She first appeared in the 1997 music video for Destiny's Child's "No, No, No", after which she made her film debut as the lead in the direct-to-video musical Carmen: A Hip Hopera (2001). Beyoncé's first solo music video was the soundtrack single "Work It Out" for Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002), which also featured her debut theatrical film role. She released her first music video as a solo artist for "Crazy in Love" from Dangerously in Love (2003).
The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour was the fifth concert tour by American singer and songwriter Beyoncé. Announced in February 2013 with initial dates in Europe and North America, the tour contained seven legs and 132 shows. It is her most expansive tour to date. It began in Belgrade, Serbia on April 15, 2013, and concluded in Lisbon, Portugal on March 27, 2014.
"Drunk in Love" is a song by American singer Beyoncé, featuring her husband, American rapper Jay-Z. The duo composed the song with the help of Future Hendrix known as Future along with credited production and writing by Detail, Andre Eric Proctor, Rasool Diaz, Brian Soko, Timbaland, J-Roc and Boots for Beyoncé's self-titled fifth studio album (2013). Columbia Records released "Drunk in Love" as one of the two lead singles from the album in 2013. The song is dominated by trap beats in chunks and bass. Its lyrics, which depict female sexuality, are sung by Beyoncé in a sensual and confident way.
"Partition" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé for her self-titled fifth studio album released in 2013. Beyoncé co-wrote and co-produced the song with Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, Dwane "Key Wane" Weir, and Mike Dean, with extra writing from The-Dream and extra production from Jordy "Boots" Asher. The song was sent to urban contemporary on February 25, 2014 as the third single from Beyoncé by Columbia Records.
The On the Run Tour was a co-headlining all-stadium tour by American singer Beyoncé and rapper Jay-Z, also known as The Carters. The joint tour came shortly after Beyoncé and Jay-Z had finished their own solo tours — The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour and Magna Carter World Tour, and is in support of their 2013 studio albums — Beyoncé and Magna Carta Holy Grail. The tour's name spins off from the duo's 2013 song collaboration "Part II ", included on Magna Carta Holy Grail. An official poster for the tour was released along with the announcement of the venture, showing Beyoncé and Jay-Z embracing whilst dressed in black ski masks, following the criminal "on the lam" narrative found in the couples' 2002 first single together, "'03 Bonnie & Clyde" and "Part II ".
Blue Ivy Carter is an American singer. She is the first-born daughter of musicians Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Two days after her birth, Time dubbed Carter "the most famous baby in the world." That same day, her breathing, cries and coos were featured on the song "Glory", by her father Jay-Z, which earned her a Guinness World Record for being the youngest person to have a charted song on any Billboard chart. She has been the subject of depictions in media, including impersonations on Saturday Night Live and RuPaul's Drag Race.
The Formation World Tour was the seventh concert tour by American singer and songwriter Beyoncé in support of her sixth studio album, Lemonade (2016). The all-stadium tour was announced following her guest appearance at the Super Bowl 50 halftime show. This was her first solo all stadium tour and the first ever stadium tour by a female artist. The tour started on April 27,2016 at Marlins Park in Miami, Florida and concluded on October 7, 2016 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, comprising 49 dates. The tour's title is in reference to the album's lead single "Formation".
The On the Run II Tour was the second co-headlining concert tour by American singer-songwriter Beyoncé and rapper Jay-Z, also known as The Carters. The all-stadium concert tour began on June 6, 2018, in Cardiff, Wales and concluded on December 2, 2018, in Johannesburg, South Africa. It followed 2014's On the Run Tour.