Beyoncé concert at MetLife Stadium: Renaissance tour review, setlist
It's a unique concert experience that begins with a real-life rainbow over the concert venue and ends with the star of the show riding a silver horse in the air over the sold-out crowd.
So it was Saturday, July 29, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford for the Beyoncé Renaissance World Tour show, named "Renaissance" after Bey's most recent album. There was dancing, ballads, futuristic robots, throwback house music, alien superstars, Beyoncé on a half-shell, Beyoncé on an armored personnel carrier, a dystopian American news broadcast, Vogueing and more.
The concepts and musical stylings came fast and furious in six segments, but it never seemed disjointed or lacking cohesion. The evening was a manifestation of an artistically vibrant mind.
The show started as many concerts do. Beyoncé, in a gown, singing ballads. Bey's voice used to be criticized early in her career, but here was a master class, with scatting, cooing and extended running notes on "1+1" and "I'm Going Down," backed by a live band.
It was blast-off after that. The "Renaissance" segment featured Beyoncé resembling the robot Maria from "Metropolis." The field-spanning video screen enhanced the scene, and themes of free will, artistic and sexual liberty, fertility, and gaming the groove were explored.
Female empowerment, too, and Beyoncé had a little help with that aspect at MetLife from daughter Blue Ivy Carter. She came on in formation during "My Power" with a fist bump from mom and a shy smile and heart signal to the crowd, who cheered and screamed. Blue Ivy, whose dad is Jay-Z, is 11.
Did we mention Beyoncé changed her costume a few times? From bodysuits to pink boots to silver cowboy hats to sparkly lamé, Bey’s clothes got a workout.
Speaking about clothes, the Beyoncé audience really brought it. There were short shorts, shorter shorts, silver mesh tops on both guys and girls, cowboy hats, silver tassels and hand fans. The vibe was less-is-more.
More: Beyoncé at MetLife: What time does the concert start? Here's when she goes on stage
The night wasn't all escapist fantasy. Beyoncé, to borrow the words of the late Rep. John Lewis, likes to stir a little "good trouble." Case in point, two songs near the end of the show set a disquieting tone. "America Has a Problem,” which featured Beyoncé as a newscaster dressed like a bee, is a desire song with an ominous tone, and "Pure/Honey" is partly about stark objectification.
Beyoncé is a multi-layered star who likes to challenge her audience.
On Friday, July 28, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared Beyoncé the “Queen Honey Bey of the Garden State” in a video posted to social media.
“Hey, New Jersey, did you know Beyoncé is performing at MetLife Stadium?” said Murphy in the video. “No, it’s not deja vu, the Queen Bey herself will actually be coming to New Jersey. In honor of her two performances this weekend, I have officially proclaimed Beyoncé the Queen Bey of the Garden State.”
Murphy then proceeded to name-drop some of her hits while wrapping up the proclamation.
“Queen Bey — New Jersey would have a problem if you didn’t perform at MetLife for for your Renaissance tour,” Murphy said. “Your New Jersey BeyHive will always be crazy in love with you. We are all heated to know we will be living cozy in your presence this weekend.”
More: Beyoncé tour 2023 at MetLife Stadium: What you need to know about Renaissance World Tour
More: Beyoncé MetLife setlist: Did she play any surprise songs?
Murphy delivered a similar proclamation on the eve of Taylor Swift's concerts in May at MetLife, declaring “Taylor Swift ham, egg and cheese” as the official state sandwich.
Beyoncé's Beygood charity foundation donated $100,000 to New York city-area businesses, it was announced before the show. The group focuses on economic equity by supporting marginalized and under-resourced programs and businesses.
Beyoncé returns to MetLife on Sunday, July 30.
Beyoncé setlist
OVERTURE
Dangerously in Love 2
Flaws and All
1+1 / I'm Going Down
I Care
RENAISSANCE
I'm That Girl
Cozy
Alien Superstar
Lift Off
MOTHERBOARD
Cuff It
Energy
Break My Soul
OPULENCE
Formation
Diva
Run the World (Girls)
My Power
Black Parade
Savage Remix
Partition
ANOINTED
Church Girl
Get Me Bodied
Before I Let Go
Rather Die Young
Love on Top
Crazy in Love
Plastic Off the Sofa
Virgo's Groove
Naughty Girl
Move
Heated
MIND CONTROL
America Has a Problem
Pure/Honey
Summer Renaissance
Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at @chrisfhjordan; cjordan@app.com
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Beyonce concert at MetLife review, plus Renaissance tour setlist
