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Beyoncé Kicks Off 'Formation World Tour' in Miami
Let’s get in “Formation.” Less than a week after serving up her new visual album LEMONADE, Beyoncé kicked off her “Formation World Tour” in Miami on Wednesday (Apr. 27).
The evening started with opener DJ Khaled, who brought the stars out as Lil Wayne, Future, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Trick Daddy, and Yo Gotti all hit the stage as his special guests. Then, Queen Bey took her place in front of a sold-out Marlins Park crowd to get the BeyHive in “Formation.”
“If you came to slay tonight, say ‘I slay,'” she told the audience. “If you slay everyday, say ‘I slay.’ If you came to have a good time, say ‘I slay.'”
https://youtu.be/jBx8ViXeeJ4
Bey slayed too, of course, donning seven different leotards, backed by fireworks, smoke, flames, wind machines, and an all-female dance team. For more than two hours, ‘Yoncé ran through LEMONADE cuts like “Hold Up,” “Sorry,” and “Freedom,” but also delivered past hits like “Ring the Alarm,” “Flawless,” “Drunk in Love,” and “7/11.”
During “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It),” Queen Bey brought two fans onstage with her. Together, they perfectly pulled off the track’s choreography.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BEunNEdJkDV/
Bey also didn’t shy away from the controversy surrounding her “Becky” lyric and the infidelity rumors around her marriage. In fact, she mentioned her husband Jay Z on stage, dedicating the set’s closer “Halo” to Hov, who was in the audience.
“I want to dedicate this song to my family,” she said. “Thank you guys for supporting me. I want to dedicate this song to my beautiful husband. I love you so much.”
https://twitter.com/FormationWT/status/725478381312049152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The night also included a brief Prince tribute during a break in action on stage. His classic “Purple Rain” played through the house speakers at one point in the show as the giant screens turned purple.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihGJ5woxCMo
The set wasn’t flawless, however, as Bey’s mic reportedly gave out during a portion where she had to get in a shallow pool. Apparently, the water caused some technical difficulties, but it also helped prove that ‘Yoncé wasn’t lip synching.
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https://www.instagram.com/p/BEu3LyQpkJX/
Despite that minor misstep, Billboard called opening night “pure and genuine.” Meanwhile, Miami.com called it “a masterfully constructed pop concert.”
Beyoncé also made light of the controversy following her black power-themed Super Bowl 50 halftime show, which prompted Miami police to call for a boycott of the show. “Boycott Beyoncé” T-shirts were available for purchase during opening night.
Beyoncé is selling #BoycottBeyonce shirts at #FormationWorldTour 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/8ucxoby9rX
— Rap-Up (@RapUp) April 28, 2016
The North American leg of the “Formation World Tour” continues through June 12, with stops in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, and New York, before heading overseas to Europe in June and July.