The SoFi Stadium was dazzlingly bright.
Beyoncé, who is typically reserved, made an unusual request on Instagram as Leo season ended and Virgo season began. She asked fans attending her upcoming concerts to wear their “most fabulous silver fashions” as a birthday wish. Despite the difficulty in obtaining tickets and the long wait for Beyoncé’s return, fans responded enthusiastically.
Tens of thousands of fans searched Etsy, thrift stores, designer boutiques, and even their parents’ closets for something shiny to wear in Beyoncé’s presence. Even the most casual fans donned grey jeans or charcoal shirts. While some found it slightly annoying, as noted by renowned writer Roxane Gay, most saw it as an opportunity to elevate an already special event into a collective experience. This trend of shared experiences is increasingly successful and makes life in 2023 feel more vibrant. At the Renaissance Tour during Beyoncé’s birth season, this moment was highlighted in chrome.
The sight of fans in mirror ball-reflective cowboy hats, glittery body paint, retro suits, and sequin dresses was entertaining. Beyoncé expressed her joy at the sight of fans in their unique silver outfits during the opening numbers of her set. The fans felt satisfied that they had fulfilled Beyoncé’s “B-Day” request, but in reality, Beyoncé knew exactly what was needed to elevate her monumental tour. It strengthened the sense of community among her fans and looked incredibly cool.
Beyoncé is known for her meticulous planning in everything she does. Her evolution from a standout girl-group member to a generational musical force has been marked by decisions that perfectly align with her needs and those of her fans. Her 2013 Super Bowl triumph, surprise album release, shift to more nuanced art on Lemonade, and a Coachella appearance that redefined festival sets are all examples of this. Coming out of the pandemic, she released an album that encouraged people to leave their homes and return to shared spaces.
However, no matter how much fans give back to Beyoncé, it always feels like a candle compared to a sun when in her presence. For nearly three hours on Friday night, she entertained with a performance centered around her latest album. There were moments that highlighted Blackness, femininity, and queer dance culture. She also gave fans a glimpse into her life as a mother with daughter Blue Ivy showcasing her dancing skills during “MY POWER.” DJ Khaled opened the show with a parade of rap royalty. On her actual birthday, Los Angeles was treated to the return of “The Big 3” and appearances from Diana Ross and Kendrick Lamar.
While Los Angeles may not have nailed the on-mute-moment during “ENERGY,” they were certainly up for the key changes of the “Love On Top” singalong. Part of the concert felt like Beyoncé preparing fans for the future. As she turned 42, she proved that she could still be a dancing, stadium-selling artist while also demonstrating that she could let her vocals take center stage if she chose to do so.
For now, Beyoncé continues to captivate millions of fans worldwide with her massive shows. She knows how to keep fans satisfied and wanting more with the right amount of music, merchandise, and content. The trust that people put in Beyoncé is well-earned and was never more evident than in the sparkling reflective color scheme across SoFi Stadium. Beyoncé asked for a gift, only to give one right back.
Source: uproxx.com