Top 20 Must-Watch Beyoncé Live Performances

Over the years, Bey’s given us more showstoppers than we deserve. However, the then-25-year-old toned it down on this occasion to perform this rousing and magnetic song from the 2006 musical flick “Dreamgirls.” It’s an unbelievably technical number, yet she masters the melody beautifully without compromising on the emotion. And we’re left with shivers. She stands center stage and sings her heart out, proving she can command any room solely with the power of her voice. If you want a stripped-back Beyoncé performance that highlights her enviable vocal range and control, look no further. Just be prepared to be blown away; Oprah certainly was. This performance definitely hits all the right notes.

Featuring all her greatest solo songs and even a few throwbacks to her Destiny’s Child days, Bey’s “Roseland” concert was the place to be in 2011. As always, she delivers a set of high-energy routines and flawless vocals, leading her ensemble effortlessly and radiating pure joy the entire time. Oh, and she was pregnant at the time. Whether she’s going hard on the energetic choreography or blowing our minds with numerous key changes and riffs, you can’t help but be taken in by her natural charisma. Even watching her on her subsequent self- produced and co-directed DVD is a sight to behold. Engaging, powerful, and dynamic, Beyoncé was born to perform on stage.

One of Bey’s most moving and powerful numbers, “Resentment,” is about a woman struggling to forgive her unfaithful husband. Released as part of her 2006 “B'Day” album, it’s not a song she sings very often. But fans who saw her during the “On the Run” tours, in which she was joined by her husband Jay-Z, got to hear it. A number with this much emotion doesn’t need anything other than Beyoncé’s unrivaled vocals to make it iconic, and that’s exactly what we get. Watching as she sits on a chair, belting her heart out, it’s easy to feel the pain in each lyric. It goes without saying, but the magnitude of this stripped-back performance always leaves us with goosebumps.

Beyoncé starts slaying this performance before the spotlight even fully finds her. And it only gets better once it does. The matching coats, cages, and cops make for an exhilarating performance that definitely piques our interest. However, it all truly kicks off when Beyoncé and her backup dancers strut forward for a dance break so epic that we have to wonder if they’re all superhuman. The synchronicity, sharpness, and that level of control is hypnotic, leaving us with our jaws hanging wide open in astonishment. Beyoncé was a woman on a mission, and she’d be taking no prisoners. All this, and she still hadn’t reached her peak.

Starting in masquerade against a silky red background, Bey tantalized audiences with a sultry introduction to “Sweet Dreams.” And now that we were on her hook, the show could really take off. What we love about this performance is Beyoncé’s total confidence and ownership over her own sexuality. As she works her way ever further downstage, she mesmerizes everyone in the venue, and likely those watching from home too, with her strong vocals and powerful moves. Ending in a classic Beyoncé power pose, the artist proves that she could literally just stand there and we’d all continue to be gripped.

Opening the prestigious music awards, Beyoncé certainly gave people something to talk about. She kicks things off with just a spotlight, smoke, and some impressive chair-ography while singing “Drunk in Love.” This showing stands out thanks to Bey’s unapologetic self-assuredness and daringly seductive moves. It’s nothing flashy, except for the literal flashing lights, but it proves that she doesn’t need much to effortlessly dominate the stage. Things get a little more risqué when Jay-Z joins her for his rap verse. Together, they show audiences why they’re a power couple to be envied, setting an exceptionally high bar for the night’s proceedings. You know what they say, the couple who slay together, stay together.

Flanked by an ensemble of fierce soldiers, Beyoncé marched onto the 2010 Grammys stage to sing “If I Were a Boy.” This performance highlights what she does best: exude subtle femininity and complete badass-ery all at once. She complements this vibe by seamlessly incorporating Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know” into the number, as if to inform us all that no man can hold her back. And she’s right. Beyoncé has the power to draw you in with soft, enticing vocals and then blow you away by going harder than anyone deserves. Fittingly, Queen Bey made history that evening as the first female performer to earn six Grammys at one ceremony.

A phenomenal vocalist, exceptional dancer, and visionary, there’s really no one quite like Beyoncé. And she confirmed that she was an undisputedly worthy recipient of Billboard’s first Millennium Award with this show-stopping masterpiece. A powerful feminist statement, it’s full of spectacular visual effects, breathtaking choreography, and her signature powerhouse vocals. There’s a lot to absorb, but Bey’s always in control, whether she’s interacting with her impressive digital backdrop or leading the rousing choreography. She later confessed that she’s never worked on anything harder, but we think it paid off. What can we say? There’s a reason she’s the Queen Bey. Even after all these years, this performance still leaves us with our minds blown.

Being chosen to perform at a presidential inaugural ball is a great honor. And in 2009, it was bestowed upon Beyoncé, who serenaded the first couple with the classic Etta James’ standard. Her rendition is sweet, simple, soulful, and perfectly complements this momentous occasion. Even the singer appears to be overcome with emotion, though she’s such a pro her voice doesn’t even wobble. Needless to say, Beyoncé’s vocals soar and illuminate the room, highlighting the optimism of a new chapter in U.S. history. Hearing her incomparable and soothing voice while she watches over the Obamas dancing never fails to fill us with an immeasurable warmth, light, and hope.

Shortly after unexpectedly dropping this politically-charged anthem, Beyoncé used one of the most famous stages in the U.S. to kick her “Lemonade” era into “Formation.” Pulling out the most sensational choreography and with nods to the Black Panthers and Malcolm X, there’s no denying she and her troupe were the real Superbowl winners that year. That’s especially true when you consider the fact that she wasn’t the event’s headliner — it was Coldplay, in case you forgot. Still, Bey’s invigorating showcase had people talking for weeks. An honorable mention goes to her moment with Bruno Mars. But “Formation” knocked our socks off so hard that we’re still looking for them today.

We don’t need to tell you how hard it is to single out just one Beyoncé performance. So, we’ve gone with her entire Glastonbury set. She graced the famous Pyramid stage about 20 years after the festival’s last female headliner, Sinead O'Connor. As always, she put on a show that no one would forget in a hurry. Featuring hits like “Single Ladies, “Irreplaceable,” “Telephone,” and, of course, a crowd-pleasing Destiny’s Child throwback, she creates an exhilarating experience. Her set became an iconic Glastonbury memory, even featuring among highlights during the festival’s virtual coverage in 2020. In 2011, the BBC declared she had broken the viewership record for a single performance. We’re not surprised!

Ahead of her “Love on Top” performance, Beyoncé teased that she had some exciting news to share. Clad in a sparkly blazer, Bey doesn’t miss a beat, despite how highly demanding the whole performance is. Seriously, when does she even breathe?! Throughout the number, you can spot an extra twinkle in her eye, spring in her step, and power in her voice as she builds up to the climatic finale. The moment where she reveals her baby bump to the audience is a mic drop like no other. The crowd went wild, while Jay-Z’s joy was evident. The pregnancy news understandably broke Twitter, reportedly prompting a historic 8,868 tweets per second.

An “All-Star Grammy Salute” for a musical legend as considerable as Stevie Wonder deserves the best. And who better than Beyoncé to get the party started? She uses her flawless charisma to engage the audience as she opens with the first Wonder track to ever top the Billboard chart, “Fingertips.” She then takes things up several notches, dueting the icon’s classic “Master Blaster” with none other than Ed Sheeran. To top it all off, they team up with Gary Clark Jr. for a fierce rendition of “Higher Ground.” Bey’s vocal range is phenomenal, and her enthusiasm and energy set the tone for the night’s celebration. You can practically feel her admiration for Stevie Wonder radiating through every note she sings and every move she makes.

It wasn’t until Beyoncé opened the 2016 BET awards that audiences knew she was performing. And what a lovely surprise it turned out to be. Staying true to her politically and socially-motivated era of music, Bey’s dancers make a powerful entrance, marching to Martin Luther King Jr’s famous speech. They join the star on stage for a stimulating performance of “Freedom.” The compelling lyrics paired with the invigorating choreography in shallow waters is breathtaking. Her performance highlights the importance of anti-racism, while celebrating the Black community. Kendrick Lamar later appears, powerfully echoing her vital message. Giving us a powerful and exciting performance, Beyoncé really blew this one out of the water.

No one commands a stage quite like Beyoncé. A true icon, she showed that she didn’t need anything insanely extravagant to put on a show. Singing “Déjà Vu,” she demonstrates her incomparable vocal range and unrivaled talent simply by singing and dancing her heart out. It’s dynamic, exciting, and joyous. There’s barely a moment where she isn’t moving, and no matter how much she shakes, shimmies and pops, her voice continues to soar. It’s practically impossible to compete with Beyoncé’s showmanship, even when it’s just her and a microphone. She appears blissfully lost in the moment, unrestrained, and free. We’re more than happy to be taken along for the ride.

Entertaining and amazing us since she was a teen, is there any more deserving recipient of the VMA Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award? She marked the occasion with a 16-minute medley featuring tracks from her 2013 eponymous album. Bey makes transitioning between all those songs look easy, weaving them together while making sure they still feel distinct. It’s an ambitious feat, especially when you consider the variety of dance moves at play. But of course, she pulls it off, proving once more why there’s no one quite like her. From her musicality to the artistry and aesthetic, the showing was so “Flawless” we don’t think we’ll ever recover. Also, doesn’t your heart just melt when she accepts the award from Jay-Z and Blue Ivy?

If you still haven’t gotten over this extravaganza, you’re not alone. Beyoncé always outdoes herself, but this performance is so fire that we’re still trying to catch our breath. She wows audiences with a medley of iconic tracks, including “Crazy in Love” and “Baby Boy,” to name a few. Of course, the biggest surprise of the night is Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams literally popping out of the stage for an epic Destiny’s Child reunion. After hitting us with all the nostalgia, they stick around for the “Single Ladies” performance we didn’t know we wanted. This halftime show was so talked about on Twitter that it broke the platform’s record, marking another monumental moment in Beyoncé’s impressive career.

Bey reportedly joined the 2016 VMA performers lineup late in the game. But that didn’t stop her from stealing the show. She performed a medley of songs from “Lemonade,” including “Pray You Catch Me,” “Sorry,” and “Formation.” She dominates the stage for a 15+ minute set, taking the audience on an emotional journey. She notably alludes to more personal struggles, shows her support for the Black Lives Matter movement, and sends a message of female empowerment. Beyoncé exudes confidence and power, and the whole set is exceptionally empowering and stirring. Fans didn’t know how she could possibly top this performance. But this is Beyoncé, after all. Her talent and vision know no bounds.

In her first major appearance since announcing her second pregnancy, Beyoncé appeared on stage looking like the goddess we all know her to be. She beautifully shows off her baby bump, celebrating women and motherhood. After a dazzling and moving spoken-word introduction, she sings “Love Drought and “Sandcastles,” showcasing her gentler and more vulnerable side. Her creativity and innovation shine through every carefully choreographed move and some extraordinary visual effects. Beyoncé switches up her signature dance moves for stunning mystical and divine imagery, and its impact hits as strongly now as it did back then. She illuminates the stage, enchanting us with this otherworldly spectacle. Every single second is simply glorious.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” “26th MTV Video Music Awards” (2009)
Is It Any Wonder We All Tried to Replicate This Dance?

“Get Me Bodied,” “7th BET Awards” (2007)
An Unforgettable Performance with Some Unbelievably Special Guests

“Crazy in Love” “3rd BET Awards” (2003)
You’d Be Crazy Not to Love the Beyoncé Experience

“Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” “36th Annual American Music Awards” (2008)
Beyoncé Simply Doesn’t Ever Miss

Opening Medley with Prince, “46th Annual Grammy Awards” (2004)
Two Icons Sharing a Stage? We’ll Never Recover

How many artists can you name that put on such a strikingly outstanding show that their headlining set rightfully gets nicknamed after them? This performance is everything. Queen Bey slays hard with a series of her greatest hits, featuring another nostalgic Destiny’s Child reunion. As always, her show is spectacular. Plus, she made history as the first Black woman to headline Coachella. And she used her platform to spotlight performers from historically Black colleges and universities and celebrate her culture and community. The two-hour set was a sight to behold, though we imagine it was even more magnificent watching it live. Once again, Beyoncé redefined and leveled up on our expectations of popular culture.