IF North Korea drilled pop superstars, it would look like this. Wow.
So it’s unsurprising that when Beyonce arrived in Cardiff to launch her UK shows last night, the whole city ground to a halt.
The US icon brought her Renaissance World Tour to Britain and it didn’t disappoint as she performed a selection of greatest hits among an almost 40-song set.
And onlookers are right to stop and take note – this stage show is like watching an immaculate military drill . . . in miniskirts.
Dressed in a sparkling silver ball gown, Bey burst on to the stage at the city’s Principality Stadium with a pounding rendition of Dangerously In Love – before shifting tone into the beautifully emotive Flaws And All, during which she appeared visibly moved.
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A divided show saw her shift between acts, with a second act of upbeat bangers raising the crowd to their feet amid nine costume changes and the singer backed by a triumphantly tight band of musicians who can evoke pop, soul, blues, and beyond.
Outfits included an Alexander McQueen bodysuit, iridescent minidress with knee-high boots and a custom Loewe bodysuit which featured black gloved arms wrapped around her.
Her legion of immaculately organised dancers didn’t skip a beat – marching relentlessly to the beat of their leader.
But it was hard not to be drawn to the overwhelmingly large autocue in the centre of the venue, which appeared to act as a safety net in case the megastar lost her place within the lengthy set list.
She used the opportunity to address fans who had moaned about her not releasing any videos for her Renaissance album, despite it being ten months since the record came out.
As she changed costume, a voiceover said: “You asked for the visuals, you called for the Queen. But the Queen moves at her own pace.”
And I’m told she has spent a fortune on the ambitious and pioneering show – rehearsing for hours behind closed doors to ensure dramatic perfection.
Steel pole
As the show builds to its climax, choreography extends well into the stadium and the superstar ringmaster ensures 65,000 fans take notice.
This includes a perplexing sequence in which Beyonce rides a six-wheeled moon buggy into the heart of the venue and performs a raunchy dance around a steel pole.
Between segments visuals of the semi-clad superstar adorn a vast stage setting – with Bey emerging in a new outfit each time to dramatic effect.
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This show is as much about the fashion and visuals as the songs and sound.
And as the finale builds, it couldn’t be clearer – a superstar is in town and the details don’t matter.
Snappy wardrobe changes, interspersed medleys of well-known songs and dozens of enchantingly choreographed dancers make this a truly mesmerising experience.
To be honest, I had no idea I was a fan . . . until now.
CAUGHT LIVE
Beyonce at Principality Stadium, Cardiff
