14 DAY TRIAL // Everybody who is anybody in showbiz was at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards last night, as the industry celebrated its biggest performers of the year, while also paying tribute to the undeniable King of Pop, Michael Jackson, who passed away in June this year. Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” won Video of the Year and, had there been an award for the most electrifying live performance, she would have certainly taken home the Moonman for that one too.
Beyonce knows what it goes into making the live performance of a single song an extraordinary moment and both she and the many female dancers accompanying her on stage surely put in many hours to make “Single Ladies” the highest note of this year’s VMAs. Everything sparkled, dancers moved in perfect synchronization and, like always, Beyonce’s voice was at its best for what was one of most stunning moments of the entire award ceremony.
“What can be said about a legion of glittering unitards, sparkling tights and an army of ‘Single Ladies’ other than awesome? Beyonce, who hit the VMA red carpet in a red ruffled dress, stripped down to a sparkly leotard and one silver glove. Beginning her performance with a drum-led remix of her newest single, ‘Sweet Dreams,’ as she worked her way down the stage, B bounced into her VMA nominated ‘Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)’ initially with just two background dancers.” MTV says of the fierce performance.
The difference between Beyonce and other female performers of today, they say, is that she knows how to engage a crowd. As you can see in the video below, in just seconds, Beyonce had the audience at her little finger, calling out all the single ladies in the crowd to put up their finger and clap their hands. Katy Perry most notably took heed of B’s advice, pointing to the man next to her and telling him to “put a ring on it [if you like it].” He was otherwise busy singing along with Beyonce, though.
“As the crowd cheered, Beyonce and her dancers went through the Bob Fosse-inspired routine that almost never happened. Breaking the lyrics into short bursts, Beyonce gave one excited audience member a chance to sing the ‘Single Ladies’ chorus. Even Katy Perry looked to her neighbor during the performance and asked, ‘Where my ring at?’ By the end of the song, all of Radio City Music Hall was standing and the Destiny’s Child alumna thanked the crowd graciously.” MTV further writes of Beyonce’s performance.
To see “Single Ladies” live at the VMAs, check out the video below.