Beyoncé has first concert in four years in Dubai, invites daughter on stage

Beyoncé returned to the stage after a four-year hiatus, making a splash with an extravagant performance in front of an invite-only crowd in Dubai.

The concert took place on January 21 at the grand reveal of a new luxury resort, Atlantis the Royal.

Beyoncé appeared onstage wearing an elaborate, sequined yellow gown and opened the show with a cover of ‘At Last’ by Etta James, the same song she sang on the night of Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009 as he danced with wife Michelle Obama.

The iconic singer gave a performance that lasted just over an hour, but it was not short of pomp and decadence. She had numerous outfit changes throughout the show, which featured a chorus of Middle Eastern dancers, and fireworks exploded as she performed her 17-song set.

Though photos were not permitted, some in attendance managed to get some footage.

Who went to Beyoncé's concert in Dubai?

Over 1000 journalists, celebrities, and special guests were in attendance, including Rebel Wilson, Winston Duke, Kendall Jenner, Letitia Wright, Ellen Pompeo, and Liam Payne, as well as husband Jay-Z and their three children, her parents, and prominent business people and influencers.

Chloe x Halle, Bar Refaeli, and Swedish House Mafia were also at the exclusive event, but most notable was Beyoncé's daughter, Blue Ivy, who performed with her mother onstage.

“My beautiful children are here to see their mom perform,” Beyoncé proudly announced before summoning her 11-year-old daughter to the stage during the opening notes of their song, ‘Brown Skin Girl’.

“Where are all my brown skin girls? Give it up for my baby, my brown skin girl, Miss Blue Ivy Carter,” Beyoncé crooned into the microphone.

She was answered by resounding applause as Blue Ivy joined her onstage. The song had earned the mother-daughter team a Grammy Award in 2021.

Beyonce’s concert raises questions

While many of her fans are ecstatic just to see her return to performing live, others are disappointed that she didn’t use the opportunity for political reasons.

Since the show, Beyoncé has received backlash from some people who believe the popstar should have made a statement about homosexual rights in the United Arab Emirates.

The ‘Crazy in Love’ singer opted to perform covers and lesser-known songs from older albums rather than her new album, ‘Renaissance’, which celebrates homosexuality and was nominated for a Grammy last year.

Some activists asserted that since she was performing in Dubai, it would be a good opportunity to sing ‘Rennaisance’ songs, making a political statement about the country’s laws, which excludes gay marriage.

Bev Jackson, co-founder of the LGB Alliance, said that Beyoncé's decision “casts a shadow over her support for lesbians and gay people.”

In an interview with the Telegraph, Jackson said the Alliance is " disappointed that Beyoncé has agreed to give a lucrative concert in Dubai, where same-sex sex acts are a criminal offence, potentially punishable by death.”