I’ve found that anyone who’s skeptical about Beyonce` as an artist often becomes a believer after seeing a performance. She has many fantastic live appearances, but here are 10 that I find to be representative of her vocal ability, versatility and talent.
Halo- 2008 or 2009.
Beyonce` live and unplugged. Excellent showcase of her raw vocals.
Halo- 2008 or 2009.
Beyonce` live and unplugged. Excellent showcase of her raw vocals.
The Beautiful Ones/Sex on Fire-Glastonbury 2011
Her powerful and emotive rendition of a Prince classic and a Kings of Leon hit is a great testament to Beyonce’s versatility genre-wise. It stirs me every time. I go to another place when I hear this.
Her powerful and emotive rendition of a Prince classic and a Kings of Leon hit is a great testament to Beyonce’s versatility genre-wise. It stirs me every time. I go to another place when I hear this.
Star Spangled Banner-2004 Superbowl
This performance is great, not because it’s the coveted Superbowl national anthem spot, but because she didn’t ruin it by over-singing as anticipated. I thought Bey was going to do a lot of vocal acrobatics because she has a tendency for it and every Superbowl singer does so in an attempt to match the greatness of Whitney Houston’s appearance, but Bey was smart enough to realize the best way to remotely reach Whitney was to scale back and keep it classy. All bias aside, Bey’s interpretation of the U.S. national anthem was the closest to Whitney’s since. This moment was especially memorable for fans as Bey won her first round of multiple Grammys that same month.
This performance is great, not because it’s the coveted Superbowl national anthem spot, but because she didn’t ruin it by over-singing as anticipated. I thought Bey was going to do a lot of vocal acrobatics because she has a tendency for it and every Superbowl singer does so in an attempt to match the greatness of Whitney Houston’s appearance, but Bey was smart enough to realize the best way to remotely reach Whitney was to scale back and keep it classy. All bias aside, Bey’s interpretation of the U.S. national anthem was the closest to Whitney’s since. This moment was especially memorable for fans as Bey won her first round of multiple Grammys that same month.
Why Don’t You Love Me?-Glastonbury 2011
“Why Don’t You Love Me?” is one of Beyonce’s most underrated songs. The harmonies are terrific on the studio version, and the lyrics are great and relatable to many. In her 1st performance of this song, Bey is soulful, vivacious and takes us to church. I love the unfiltered energy and love the band even more. Her all-female band shows out.
“Why Don’t You Love Me?” is one of Beyonce’s most underrated songs. The harmonies are terrific on the studio version, and the lyrics are great and relatable to many. In her 1st performance of this song, Bey is soulful, vivacious and takes us to church. I love the unfiltered energy and love the band even more. Her all-female band shows out.
Love On Top-MTV Video Music Awards 2011
This performance got a lot of attention because she revealed her baby bump for the 1st time publicly, but the bump wasn’t the only star in this show. Her vocals are INSANE here. Towards the end of the song, the chorus is repeated with quick, modulating key changes, which is very difficult to sing as the notes are high and maintaining breath and correct pitch is tasking. With not as much as a neck vein showing, Bey effortlessly delivers.
This performance got a lot of attention because she revealed her baby bump for the 1st time publicly, but the bump wasn’t the only star in this show. Her vocals are INSANE here. Towards the end of the song, the chorus is repeated with quick, modulating key changes, which is very difficult to sing as the notes are high and maintaining breath and correct pitch is tasking. With not as much as a neck vein showing, Bey effortlessly delivers.
1+1-American Idol Backstage 2011
Honestly, this says everything by itself. Another piece of footage with raw, passionate vocals, its proof of how strong Bey’s chops are.
Honestly, this says everything by itself. Another piece of footage with raw, passionate vocals, its proof of how strong Bey’s chops are.
Proud Mary-Kennedy Center Honors 2005
Bey makes a potent attempt to fill the shoes of the almighty Tina Turner for her Kennedy Center induction without losing a single breath or missing a beat.
Bey makes a potent attempt to fill the shoes of the almighty Tina Turner for her Kennedy Center induction without losing a single breath or missing a beat.
Sweet Dreams/Dangerously in Love/Sweet Love-I Am…Yours Las Vegas 2009
Turning one of her dance hits into an elegant ballad and covering an Anita Baker classic, Beyonce` again displays her versatility and includes one of her best written songs.
Turning one of her dance hits into an elegant ballad and covering an Anita Baker classic, Beyonce` again displays her versatility and includes one of her best written songs.
Best Thing I Never Had-Jimmy Fallon 2011
Backed by the famous Roots band, Bey holds her own with an intriguing and refreshing jazz-funk arrangement of her pop single.
Backed by the famous Roots band, Bey holds her own with an intriguing and refreshing jazz-funk arrangement of her pop single.
Run the World-Billboard Awards 2011
Vocally, this performance wasn’t as crisp; Beyonce` normally does not perform with a head-set. I included this performance more so for the great feministic monologue at the beginning and the tribute paid to her by Michelle Obama and Barbara Striesand, among others. It’s a telling example of her impact.
Vocally, this performance wasn’t as crisp; Beyonce` normally does not perform with a head-set. I included this performance more so for the great feministic monologue at the beginning and the tribute paid to her by Michelle Obama and Barbara Striesand, among others. It’s a telling example of her impact.
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