Saturday, July 8, 2023.
Toronto’s skies were filled with drizzling rain.
And there we were, stuck in a Lyft, thinking we’d never make it on time to the concert. The traffic was like an endless maze, and we were barely inching forward. So at some point, we turned to each other and said, “You know what? Let’s just walk it.” And that’s when the real adventure began.
As we hit the sidewalks, the energy was contagious, and you could feel the excitement in the air. Some wore outfits bedazzled from head to toe. Others wore fringe or denim. Others were covered in sequins shimmering like stars in the night sky. And who could forget the cowgirl hats? Everywhere we looked, people were dressed to impress, as if they were about to grace the stage themselves.
And then, as if on cue, a powerful chorus rang through the air: a group of ladies singing at the top of their lungs: “Bad bitches, to the left. Money bitches, to the right.” It was a moment of empowerment and a testament to the unbreakable bond of sisterhood. And when you have a presence like that, you know the vibe at your show is bound to be inviting.
The Beyhive was undeniable.
Stepping into the Rogers Centre, we were immediately swept up in the electrifying atmosphere. The air was filled with anticipation and excitement as fans eagerly chatted about their favorite songs, their carefully chosen outfits, and the possibility of a special guest appearance by Blue Ivy, Beyoncé’s eldest daughter.
And then, the moment we had been eagerly waiting for arrived. Like a celestial goddess, Beyoncé emerged on stage. Seriously, she looked absolutely gorgeous (I’m gonna need to get on whatever the heck her skincare is). The collective excitement in the crowd was infectious, and we couldn’t help but scream with pure joy. My sister’s eyes even welled up with tears of happiness, moved by the sheer brilliance of Beyoncé’s presence.
Act I: Opening Act 🎤
Dangerously in Love
Flaws and All
1+1
I’m Going Down
I Care
River Deep, Mountain High
The night began with a bang as Beyoncé took the stage, and the signboard lit up with anticipation. Known to be a slow opener, she serenaded us with a powerful ballad, “Dangerously in Love.” Then “Flaws and All” made us swoon and sing along, while couples filled the gaps between themselves , and friends fell into each other’s arms. The crowd erupted as she crooned “1+1” and “I’m Going Down,” showcasing her vocal prowess and moving us to tears.
Act II: Welcome to the Renaissance 👽
I’m That Girl
Cozy
Alien Superstar
Lift Off
In a burst of energy and creativity, Beyoncé welcomed us to the Renaissance with a mesmerizing video introduction. She then transformed into the fierce “I’m That Girl,” leaving us feeling empowered and ready to conquer anything. The vibe then got cozier as she performed “Cozy,” and we were transported to a whole new dimension with “Alien Superstar.” And with a shortened version of “Lift Off,” she paid a nice homage to Jay Z and Kanye West.
Act III: Motherboard 💥
Cuff It
Energy
Break My Soul
The stage became a pulsating motherboard, and Beyoncé took us on a roller coaster ride through captivating performances. “Cuff It” mesmerized us with its extended elements, while “Energy” left us electrified. But it was “Break My Soul” that stole the show with its emotional intensity, incorporating elements from her classic hits.
Act IV: Opulence 👑
Formation
Diva
Run the World (Girls)
My Power
Black Parade
Savage (Remix)
Partition
As the night progressed, Beyoncé unleashed the full force of her opulence, delivering iconic performances. “Formation” set the stage ablaze with its powerful choreography, followed by the fierce and fabulous “Diva.” The anthem “Run the World (Girls)” celebrated female empowerment, and “My Power” reminded us all that we are forces to be reckoned with.
Act V: Anointed 💒
Church Girl
Get Me Bodied
Before I Let Go
Rather Die Young
Love On Top
Crazy in Love
The Renaissance church bells chimed as Beyoncé took us on a spiritual journey. “Church Girl” touched our souls, and “Get Me Bodied” had us dancing with joy. She then paid tribute to Maze and Frankie Beverly with “Before I Let Go,” followed by the sultry “Rather Die Young.” “Love on Top” elevated us to heavenly heights as we sang at top of our lungs, and “Crazy in Love” got us grooving like it was the Renaissance’s hottest dance party.
Act VI: Anointed Part II 🛋️
Plastic of the Sofa
Virgo’s Groove
Naughty Girl
Move
Heated
With a whimsical touch, Beyoncé showcased her playful side in “Virgo’s Groove.” “Naughty Girl” brought out the flirtatious side of the Renaissance, and “Move” kept us moving to the beat. The temperature rose with the sizzling performance of “Heated,” leaving us breathless and yearning for more.
Act VII: Mind Control 🇺🇸
America Has a Problem
Pure/Honey
Beyoncé took a stand with “America Has a Problem,” a powerful Kendrick Lamar remix, addressing societal issues with her artistic brilliance. “Pure/Honey” continued the message, reminding us that her music isn’t just entertaining; it challenges and inspires us to make a difference.
Act VIII: Finale ☀️
Summer Renaissance
The night wouldn’t be complete without an unforgettable finale. Beyoncé returned to the stage, and with “Summer Renaissance,” she ensured that the Renaissance concert ended on a high note. The crowd erupted with joy, feeling the love and magic that only Queen Bey can conjure. As she bid us farewell, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for being part of this unparalleled experience.
In contrast to Beyoncé’s previous, stricter choreographed concerts, this show embraced a more laid-back and spontaneous approach. It was all about letting loose and having a good time. Missing a moment on stage wasn’t a big deal, because the energy was so infectious, you couldn’t help but feel it. And let me tell you, I personally experienced this first-hand.
In this day and age where everyone’s busy capturing everything on their phones, my phone surprisingly died halfway through the show, so I only managed to record about a quarter of it. But it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, because it freed me to fully immerse myself in the experience. With my phone out of the picture, I sang along at the top of my lungs (apologies to those around me!).
Amidst the challenges our society faces, Beyoncé’s show provided a much-needed source of empowerment and unity. The flawless performances and messages of inclusivity left the audience spellbound. Through her art, she celebrated the immense contributions of Black people to the world, and songs like “Black Parade” served as anthems, empowering young girls to embrace their unique beauty.
More than just a concert, the Renaissance World Tour was a transformative and empowering experience that will resonate in the hearts of fans for years to come. Beyoncé reminds us that music is a universal language, capable of uplifting and uniting us all. The excitement and anticipation linger, knowing that powerful and soul-stirring performances like Beyoncé’s have the potential to shape and elevate our lives.
And now I can’t help but wonder, what’s in store for us at our next concert?
The Lilac Blog 