Beyoncé Covers Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill at Comeback Concert

By Devin

/ 05.26.2012

Less than five months after giving birth to her daughter Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé was back on stage for her first concert in nearly a year—and she didn’t disappoint. The new mom’s hard work over the past month came together on one brand new stage at the billion-dollar Revel Resort and Casino in Atlantic City on Friday, the first of four consecutive shows over Memorial Day weekend.

Following an opening set from Def Jam singer Luke James, B took the stage, showcasing new choreography, a new stage design, and new musical arrangements. Shimmering in a fringe dress, she kicked things off with “End of Time” before delving into her catalog of solo hits and Destiny’s Child classics, not missing a step as she performed against a giant LED wall with a full band and dancers including French duo Les Twins.

She changed five times during the two-hour set with “modern showgirl”-inspired looks, including a black and silver pinstripe vest and Swarovski-studded red bandage dress, all custom designed by Ralph & Russo.

In addition to her own material, Beyoncé covered Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor” and paid tribute to Donna Summer during “Naughty Girl,” which samples the late disco queen’s “Love to Love You Baby.” With just a spotlight on her, she sang her idol Whitney Houston’s classic “I Will Always Love You,” before transitioning into “Halo.” The sold-out show came to a triumphant close with her 2008 single “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It).”

“I’m tryna become Sasha Fierce again,” said the 30-year-old superstar during rehearsals. “She’s dead, but I need to bring her back to life.”

Sasha Fierce is alive and well. Check out highlights from her dazzling comeback below.

“I Will Always Love You” / “Halo”