The mark of a true artist is having the ability to find new ways to impact and shift culture. Within four months of 2016, Beyoncé had three monumental moments that dominated headlines. The release of the pro-Black video for “Formation”; the tribute to the Black Panthers during the Super Bowl halftime show; and the release of the drama-filled Lemonade album were all significant because they created dialogue that extended beyond the realm of music and entertainment. When former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani feels the need to call for a boycott of her music during an appearance on Fox News, it’s evident that when Beyoncé moves, she forces the world to pay attention.
As a result, it’s not a surprise that she would continue to capture our attention with her Formation tour. The third show of the tour took place in Atlanta on May 1. Shortly before 9 p.m., Beyoncé graced the audience with her presence.
Flanked by 20 or so female dancers, Beyoncé emerged from the smoke-filled stage dressed in all black and wearing a wide-brim vintage hat, her head tilted to the ground adding a sense of mystery. This was the mark of a female assassin preparing to go in for the kill. The guitar strings that open the song “Formation” could be heard as Beyoncé lifted her head for the first time and welcomed a crowd of over 50,000 to her arena — for the night, Beyoncé would own the Georgia Dome.
She properly introduced herself by singing, “My daddy Alabama, momma Louisiana, you mix that Negro with that Creole make a Texas Bama!” Sounding like a drill sergeant keeping her troops in order, Beyoncé led the charge as her female dancers remained in formation as she sang, “OK, ladies, now let’s get in formation, cause I slay, Prove to me you got some coordination, cause I slay, Slay trick or you get eliminated.”
Beyoncé transitioned into the ultimate breakup song, “Sorry” as the majority female crowd screamed “Boy Bye!” in unison. Moments later, fireworks exploded on stage as she performed the self-affirming, “Bow Down.”
Another aspect of Beyoncé’s show was the use of a gigantic LED screen that was positioned in the center of the stage and often divided during certain sets. It enhanced the concept of every dance routine and it often made Beyoncé appear larger than life. The screen also displayed several video montages that allowed her performance to unfold in a singular story.
Beyoncé changed into all white as several female acrobatics were elevated and swung across the stage, a la Cirque du Soleil, before she performed “Mine,” “Baby Boy” and “Hold Up.”
Every wardrobe change depicted the mood of each set of songs. She returned to the stage in all red and illuminated by red stage lights as she sang the scathing, “Don’t Hurt Yourself” and the fierce “Ring the Alarm” which was remixed with Jay Z’s “Takeover” instrumental. She changed into a more seductive outfit while singing “Drunk in Love,” and “Yoncé.”
Beyoncé also paid homage to Prince by leaving the stage as Prince’s “Purple Rain” blasted throughout the Dome. The stage lights turned purple as thousands of fans waved their cellphone lights in the air.
Before the final set, a video of Jay Z’s grandmother, Hattie White, played on the LED screen and showed her giving a speech at her 90th birthday party. White revealed how she was given lemons in life and made lemonade.
Beyoncé closed the show with a triumphant dance in water while performing “Freedom” and “Survivor.” She eventually closed with the inspiring “Halo.”
Beyoncé’s strength is deeper than song and dance, it lies in her incomparable ability to express what it means to be a Black woman. She can be strong, fierce, sexy, vulnerable, redemptive, fun and loving. There is power in the way she moves her hips, loves her man, fights back when done wrong, and how she tells her story. Beyond it being an amazing concert, the “Formation” tour is another vehicle that allows Beyoncé to exhibit the wonderful power of Black women.
