By Michayla Maxwell,
Special to the AFRO
Beyoncé performed in front of millions of fans during her two-day tour stop in D.C. on Aug. 5 and 6 proving her performance was worthy of the wait fans incurred. The concert was filled with surprises both nights and took place at the FedExField Stadium in Landover, Md. After continuous downpours of heavy rain at the Sunday performance, due to severe weather storms, the superstar decided to pay for extended train service so that those in the audience could return home safely.
“Due to inclement weather that may delay the start of tonight’s Renaissance World Tour at FedExField, Metro will extend the last train by an extra hour beyond the extended closing previously announced,” Metro released in a press statement at 8:39 pm on Aug. 6. “The additional hour will be funded by the Tour to cover the $100,000 cost to run more trains, keep all 98 stations open for customers to exit, and other operational expenses.”
Although adjustments were made, some were disappointed with the lack of preparation for bad weather.
“The show itself was amazing.Now would I do it again? No, only due to logistics with the stadium,” said Destany Story who was in attendance for Sunday night’s show. “I could only imagine how those who paid over $5,000 tickets felt to be rained on during the show. The show ended around 12:30 pm with a final departure at 1:04 was not feasible for those who walked from the metro to the stadium.”
Devoted attendees were informed of Beyonce’s generous gesture, at around 9:20 p.m. with the stadium lights dimming before Beyonce emerged three hours after her scheduled start time.
“D.C., I love you,” were her opening words as she transitioned into the night’s first song, Dangerously in Love 2.
“She sounded incredible and her energy was contagious. From the vocals to the visuals, the costumes, and even the choreography the experience was definitely worth the wait and money,” said D.C. resident and concert goer Kanedria Boldin. “Beyoncé gave the best live vocal performance I’ve ever seen in my life. She is truly one of one.”
While performing in soaking wet, Beyonce made sure to thank fans several times for withstanding the rain showers. Blue-Ivy stole the show for a short period while dancing side by side with her mother to the song, “Black Parade.” Beyoncé beamed with pride and joy as Blue-Ivy became a crowd favorite in under 30 seconds.
Fans stood in awe as she glimmered in a metallic body suit cascading to songs from her most recent album.
“She’s the definition of an excellent woman, her performance in the rain was absolutely breathtaking,” Story shared.
As the show went on, the Queen declared D.C. the winner of her “Everybody on Mute” challenge, where she encourages silence from the audience during a one liner from her song “Energy” on the Renaissance Album.
“Winning the mute challenge was an honor I take highly,” said Story.
The Aug. 5 show featured special guests from the White House made. Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. Harris commented, “Thanks for a fun date night, @Beyonce!” alongside a photo of her and Douglas Emhoff on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter.
The show lasted under two and a half hours on both Aug. 5 and 6, leaving D.C., Maryland and Virginia fans to evaluate their experience with Queen B and mother nature. Beyoncé has approximately 15 stops left on the world tour which will conclude in New Orleans at the end of September.
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