Queen Bey is officially back!
After four long years, Beyoncé made her triumphant return to the stage on Saturday, January 21 for a headlining performance at Dubai’s newest hotel, Atlantis The Royal, where POPSUGAR was present. “Welcome, everybody. I feel very honored to be here,” he told the crowd.
The 41-year-old star turned the lounge into her own concert venue, kicking off her show with a soulful rendition of Etta James’ “At Last” before belting out some of her best hits, including “XO,” “Hello , ” “Lying Beauty,” “Crazy in Love,” “Naughty Girl,” and “Drunk in Love.”
The invite-only event brought out a host of celebrities, from Winston Duke to Nia Long and sisters Chloe and Halle Bailey. Beyoncé also informed the audience that her husband, JAY-Z, was in attendance, along with her mother, Tina Lawson, father Mathew Knowles, and her three “beautiful children” who were there “to see their mother perform.” In fact, one of the best moments of the night was when Beyoncé’s 11-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, joined her for their collaboration “Brown Skin Girl”, which earned Carter her first Grammy in 2021.” Give it up for my baby,” Beyoncé announced to the audience as Carter strutted on stage in a glittering red sequin ensemble.
Surprisingly, Beyoncé did not perform any songs from her “Renaissance” album during the hour-long performance – perhaps she is saving songs for her upcoming tour. Instead, he opted for a more acoustic, down-tempo set, featuring songs like “Flaws and All,” “Ave Maria,” “Freedom,” “Be Alive,” and “Bigger” from “The Lion King: The Gift. She also brought in the Firdaus Orchestra and Lebanese dance troupe The Mayyas amid her three costume changes, which included a yellow fur gown, a red and gold jumpsuit, and a pink mini dress.
For the big party, Beyoncé walked through the middle of the hotel’s Skyblaze fountain, where she was lifted into the air and a fireworks display followed. Beyoncé’s last major live performance was at the Global Citizen Festival in December 2018. She also performed a pre-recorded performance of “Be Alive” at the 2022 Oscars.
However, it may be a long time before Beyoncé graces the stage again. According to Variety, the 28-time Grammy winner is reportedly in talks with Grammy Awards producers about a possible appearance on stage at this year’s ceremony on February 5. Beyoncé – already the most nominated woman in Grammys history – scored nine nods for him. “Renaissance” album when the 2023 Grammy nominations were released on November 15, bringing the total number of nominations to 88. She is also currently in a long-term relationship with JAY-Z.
Ahead, see more photos from Beyoncé’s spectacular performance at Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal, which officially opens on February 10.
