Beyoncé slays Commonwealth in “the coldest show she’s ever done”

From the middle-aged man in the front row shouting “I slay” to the array of young women in tears at the sight of their idol, fans were captivated by Beyoncé’s fierce performance, genuine demeanour and perseverance despite the winter-like conditions and pouring rain. Fans weren’t simply dancing to stay warm — they were dancing because it was impossible to not be on your feet.

Some of the 40,000-strong crowd at Commonwealth Stadium on Friday dressed up to see Queen Bey in her element, dolled up in short dresses and thigh-high boots, while many others donned sexy rain jackets, ponchos and mittens.

“Can you feel your fingers? “I can’t feel mine,” she said, laughing during a momentary break in her set.

She didn’t have an elaborate amount of props or gimmicks, aside from her dancers pirouetting while suspended in the air, but she didn’t need them. To say she commanded the stage, and the entire stadium, is an understatement. Her talent and professionalism shone through both the masterful choreography in upbeat songs like “Countdown” and vulnerable, a cappella rendition of “Love On Top.”

Although she remained necessarily fierce through performances of “Formation” and “Hold Up,” she broke character and cracked a smile every once in a while, allowing fans a brief look into her true self. And the home video interludes of her singing as a child to footage of her with Jay Z and her daughter added a personal touch to the star’s Formation World Tour.

I found those moments the most rewarding. She’s undeniably a talented performer, so I would expect nothing less at a Beyoncé concert. But the stripped-down songs were not only passionate, but also distinctly genuine and humble. Witnessing her sitting down on the stage with no backup dancers and pouring her heart into “1+1” in front of a sea of lighters and cell phone lights made enduring the cold and rain so much more worthwhile.

And even when she was closing the show with “Halo” while becoming absolutely drenched, her smile never faded and the fans never moved. Not only was it an honour for fans to watch Beyoncé in her element, it was humbling to witness such an amazing presentation. Thank you Beyoncé.