"I get nervous when I don't get nervous. If I'm nervous I know I'm going to have a good show."
-Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
This was my first Beyoncé concert ever. I knew what to expect because I have been following her work since I could remember, but this concert completely heightened my perspective on who she is as a person. I was always inspired by how hard she worked and how dedicated she was to providing entertainment to her fans, but the love she shows when she performs is unmatchable to any other musical artist.
This concert exceeded the expectations of what a performer should be. Beyoncé graced the stage and left me completely speechless. She performed songs that I have been watching concert videos to for YEARS, and to finally get the opportunity to hear them live, is a dream come true.
A view of the Formation World Tour Stage. Image by Jhadé Benitez
I can't really put my emotion in words when Beyoncé first came onto the stage. Yes, I could use the generic descriptors such as amazing, or surreal but it was so much more than that. I felt so much excitement and a pool of emotions, because of how lucky I was to be witnessing greatness. I saw her actual being, there were no screens, no faulty youtube connections, or bad videography on Instagram: Beyoncé was in real-life form. Her voice: hearing every belted word that came out of her mouth, hit every bone in my body. I was completely stunned by the entire experience.
It took me back to when I first discovered why I worshipped a person who doesn't even know who I am. Inspiration is contagious, and Beyoncé infected me. I am addicted to her success, and how I can transform that into my own success. That is what she does, that is Beyoncé.
Not only was I excited to see Queen B, but her crew, her dancers, her band, and anything else that made the entire experience extremely memorable. It takes a village to put on a show to that caliber, and yes Beyoncé is amazing, but so is her crew. Her dancers are magnificent performers as well and they work so hard in making sure every step is flawless. I would categorize them as the "Beyoncé Army" because they are so in sync, and truly work just as hard as the Queen herself. You can feel the energy they share on the stage, which translates into an amazing show for the audience.
She smiled, she cried, she laughed, she blew the audience kisses, she paid homage to the great Prince, and she certaintly slayed every song. I could've sat there forever, completely honored to be in her presence.
Beyoncé lends her mic to the crowd in a sing along of "All Night". Image by Jhadé Benitez
After the concert, I proceeded to leave HersheyPark Stadium, and once I exited I saw all of Beyoncé's cars leaving, followed by what seemed to be the entire stadium dangerously chasing them. All I could think was "Oh my god, I just witnessed a Beyoncé concert." I always said if I were to ever meet an artist, I realize they are humans just like everyone else. What makes Beyoncé different is her power to change lives. It is something everyone should take from an artist like herself. You don't have to like Beyoncé to respect what she does, who she is, and how successful she has become.
It was a moment that was so surreal, and I can't wait for the next tour!
Thank you so much Beyoncé, you are amazing!