Top 10 Beyoncé Live Performances That Raised the Bar

Tags: #Beyonce ,   #beyonceknowles ,   #Beyonce ,   #LivePerformance ,   #bey

Julia Adams

Julia Adams

Last updated:  2023-09-14 08:22:37

She is a talented, charismatic, and hard-working lady. Many people around the world are obsessed with Beyoncé Knowles Carter, including stars like Ariana Grande. Furthermore, her fans, the Beyhive, are among the most passionate fan groups out there. But do you know that she is more impressive at her live shows than in her music videos? Here's our take on her top ten.

10. 2014 Grammy Awards

Beyonce and Jay Z always had a perfect chemistry

The 2014 Grammys opened with a smoking hot, mostly seated performance of "Drunk in Love" by Beyoncé and Jay Z. Beyoncé wore a thong bodysuit, exuding sex appeal throughout the song. Unsurprisingly, the set piece was criticized by concerned parents as they thought it was too explicit for children.

We say, c'mon, people, the woman was on stage with her husband, for Christ's sake! And even if she wasn't, she is free to make her own choices and display her sexuality and confidence. Therefore, it can only be inspiring for young girls! The performance was absolutely amazing, and we say - BRAVO, Beyoncé! Unfortunately, the next edition of the Grammys wasn't so great for her.

9. 2016 BET Awards

Beyonce's 2016 BET performance surprised with Kendrick Lamar

Beyoncé opened the 2016 BET Awards standing in a giant pool of water surrounded by dancers bathed in red light. Then she performed "Freedom," one of the songs from her now iconic album, "Lemonade." However, the biggest surprise was the appearance of Kendrick Lamar.

He emerged from below the floor and joined Beyoncé in the pool as they stomped through the song's finale. This was a powerful performance by Beyoncé, as she started the show with a voice-over from Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a dream" speech. It was the year when she began promoting herself as an activist for the BLM movement.

8. 2011 Billboard Music Awards

Beyonce was always about girl power

This is a must-see moment by Beyoncé since she used her "Run the World (Girls)" performance as a feminist statement. It started with women-empowering messages, followed by many female dancers who filled the stage.

She synced her dance moves with images on a large video screen behind her, slaying the vocals. When she was done with the track, her mother, Tina Knowles, presented her with the Billboard Millennium Award. Thus, it was another memorable moment in Beyoncé's career. 

7. Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show 2016

Beyonce made Super Bowl L her own

This was when Coldplay headlined the Super Bowl 50 halftime concert, but we all know by now who stole the show. While the group was accompanied by the 2014 headliner Bruno Mars, the best was kept for last. Hence, Beyoncé appeared and performed her then-new single "Formation."

The choreography, the dancers, the aura... It was incredible. Hell, the woman stumbled and got up like a winner. Her performance was all black-inspired. Beyoncé dominated the show the minute she went out there, transforming one of the most important sports events into a political statement.

6. 2014 MTV Video Music Awards - Vanguard Award Performance

2014 MTV VMA performance was electrifying

Queen Bey did a closing performance at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards. This medley of her self-titled album lasted nearly 20 minutes, turning it into a mini-concert! At one point, she declared: "MTV, welcome to my world." And what a world it was!

One of the highlights of Beyoncé's show was the song "Flawless," during which text from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's sampled TEDx speech was projected on the stage. Her image in front of the word "FEMINIST" was quite a memorable one. The cherry on top was her husband Jay-Z and her daughter presenting her the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

5. The 2009 Neighborhood Inaugural Ball

In 2009, Beyonce sang for the President Obama

This is a moment in history that African Americans will remember. Even Beyoncé got emotional performing for President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. She did a cover of Etta James' iconic song "At Last" at the Inaugural Ball while the President and the first lady danced.

She knew that this was something special as she welcomed the first African American President in the USA. Beyoncé was proud, happy, and even shedding some tears towards the end. Hell, we were proud of her! And let's not forget, the vocals were astonishing.

4. 2011 MTV Video Music Awards

Pregnancy was never a problem for Beyonce

Beyoncé started her "Love on Top" performance by saying: " I want you to feel the love that's growing inside of me." When she was done dancing and singing, she took off her jacket, pampering her stomach. Yes, she was expecting her first child! That was a "drop the mic" moment. Literally and figuratively.

The way she was singing, moving, and controlling the stage while pregnant is worthy of admiration. She even broke the Twitter record for the highest number of tweets posted per second. This is undoubtedly one of the most iconic shows that her fans will remember.

3. Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show 2013

Beyonce reminded us about some of her biggest hits at 2013 Super Bowl

Now, if you want to watch a performance that depicts Beyoncé's essence, this one's for you. The pop star did a medley of her best songs - including older ones like "Crazy in Love," "Halo," and "Baby Boy."

An all-female band, backing dancers, and the singer gave us 100%. If you haven't watched it yet, what are you waiting for? This is one of her performances that we'll continue to come back to in years to come.

2. 2016 MTV Video Music Awards

And then Jay-Z cheated on Beyoncé and broke the hearts of all the Beyhive. Well, there wouldn't be an epic visual album "Lemonade" and this performance without that. We remember watching the whole "Lemonade" medley mesmerized, thinking about how you can turn your most significant pain into healing, creativity, and even joy.

That night she celebrated femininity, empowerment, and forgiveness. If you want to watch a fun performance filled with sexy costumes and choreography but also one that touches the delicate subjects of infidelity, betrayal, and black womanhood, this is a must-see performance.

1. 2018 Coachella Performance

Beyonce was paid millions to headline Coachella in 2018

Beyoncé was the first African American woman ever to headline Coachella. Her fans renamed it Beychella, and indeed it was. Trumpets, marching band, backup dancers, black musical tradition from New Orleans... At moments, it was overwhelming, but in the best way.

The delirium in which she has left the fans throughout the performance was ridiculous. Additionally, let's not forget surprise appearances from former Destiny's Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Watching Beyoncé on that stage made women proud to live in this era where they get to do these amazing things and be appreciated for it.

If you are interested in a natural performer, someone who sweeps you off your feet and never lets you go - Beyoncé is the one. Not only does she fall into that category, but she is the best in it. Therefore, her value as an artist will continue to grow as decades pass. While we're sure there are performances we failed to mention on our top ten list that you consider a worthy addition, that speaks volumes about her career.

What are your top ten Beyoncé live performances? Have you ever been to her concerts? Please comment down below and share your opinion with us.

Cover photo: TopTens/Midjourney


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Vincent Says:

There's something about her attitude which won't ever turn me into her fan. However, her vocals are amazing, and I love some of her songs.

September 26 at 01:38:52 PM

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