Beyoncé Brings Her ‘I Am . . .’ Tour To Los Angeles
Beyoncé, the uncontested queen of R&B/Pop, brought her I Am … Tour to the Staples Center here in downtown Los Angeles, CA last night and absolutely made a believer out of me. Now, I had been a fan of her music with both Destiny’s Child and as a solo performer but I had not been able to see her perform live in concert before last night. I can tell you, without question, that Beyoncé made a big fan out of me:
I managed to snap over 600 photos at last night’s concert … from my vantage point, almost all of them are amazing shots. Since I couldn’t possibly post them all, I selected a few to share with all y’all. After the jump, check out some of the photos I took of Beyoncé’s I Am … Tour and read some of my thoughts on the show …
I tweeted last night that Beyoncé’s show beats the hell out of both Madonna and Britney Spears’s concert performances and today I absolutely stand behind that assertion. It was, most definitely, the best big arena pop concert that I have ever seen in all my years of attending concerts. For over 2 hours, Beyoncé sang, danced and divaed her way into my heart. The woman not only worked that stage but she WORKED hard on that stage for every single person in that sold-out arena. It was truly spectacular:
I’m well aware that Beyoncé sings live in concert but the amazingness of the show is more than that. She is a full-on performer … she is aware of her fans and caters and performs for them for the entire time. I was impressed beyond belief. David and I had tickets to see the show from the Diva Stage which is right up against the stage … Beyoncé spent a lot of time coming over to pose for pics and reach out her hand thruout the show. Then she made time for the folks in the rest of the audience … it was very cool to see her so happy to interact with fans. I was able to hold her tiny thumb when she reached out her hand to me. We made eye contact, finger pointed and then shared a moment. It was amazing. The show is SO DAMN FUN!! Beyoncé performs all of her hits and even performs portions of her biggest hits with Destiny’s Child. Her all female band was totally on point (she even employs a wind section with saxophone and trumpets). Her back-up singers, The Mamas, were just stunning … such powerful voices, such lush sound. And her dancers? OMFG … they KILLED on stage … and Beyoncé managed to dance right along with all of them thru all the complex dance numbers. I was so impressed y’all. Beyoncé paid tribute to Michael Jackson and even sang Happy Birthday to the birthday folks in the audience (I’m not sure how she knew it was my birthday but I appreciate it ;) David and I had an absolute BLAST. I cannot stress and encourage you enough to see this show if you can. It’s … amazing. The VIP tickets are very expensive but it is an experience that, I felt, was well worth the cost. As a treat for all y’all, click HERE to see all 600+ photos that I took at the concert last night.
Beyoncé — I’m an überfan now, girl. You did your thang and totally made a converted believer out of me.
Whew … the show did wipe us out last night. I’m still a bit wrecked from all the fun. I have an appt. at the DMV this afternoon which should be FUN and the rest of the day will be spent prepping for my BFF Sarah’s arrival from Detroit tomorrow :)
Tags: 'I Am ...' Tour, Beyoncé Knowles
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July 14th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
While I’m not the biggest Beyonce fan, I can admit she is fierce. Loved her in DC and her B’day album. Mostly over the top singing IMO and the weave is ridiculous. But her body is BANGING and she sings live which is a major plus. I hope this body suit phase is over soon, I’m sick of seeing her in it.
July 14th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
I saw her in her hometown, Houston. She was absolutely incredible. You could tell she was genuinely grateful to her fans for shelling out the money to see her in concert. She mentioned at one point that her fans gave her !00%, so she tried to give 100%. And she did just that.
She was fantastic on all levels.
July 14th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Amazing pictures! I got to see her live last week in Phoenix and couldn’t believe how amazing it was. While I loved Britney’s Circus for the entertainment value, there sure is something to be said about hearing such an amazing voice live. Wow! Definitely a bigger Beyonce fan now. Will definitely see her the next time around.
P.S. What kid of camera do you use because the pics are amazing!
July 14th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
i only looked at few of the pics, they look great, you had amazing seats! but i hope theres none of her booty, or the diva will be comin after you! lol
July 14th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
@Jay Jay — I use the Leica D-Lux camera. It is THE best point-and-shoot digital camera that I’ve come across. It works so well in low light w/o a flash (I used no flash in any of these photos) and the zoom is insane. I highly recommend it: http://en.leica-camera.com/photography/compact_cameras/d-lux_3/
July 14th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Trent, I am 100% with you here. I was a semi-fan before seeing her live, and now I am an UBER-fan!
I think my favorite part was when she sang “Irreplaceable” – or I should say, when the audience sang it to her. The best!
What did you think of the video clips shown throughout? I LOVED the last one, right before her Michael tribute. Mama Tina was lookin’ fierce in her “Dynasty” evening gown!
July 14th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I love to hear this! I could totally see her killing it on stange and with your help I can now. I want to see this show!!
July 14th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
I saw Beyonce in Oakland on Friday night and I’d have to agree with your review…she KILLED it!! She’s not only talented and beautiful but she is an exquisite performer. I am so so so happy that I splashed out and got the great tickets to see her. And, hello, how did she do all that dancing (whilst singing, mind you) in super high heels? I would also like to say that the Oakland crowd was so amazing. So mellow and appreciative of her work.
July 14th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
I saw the I AM tour last week and it was fun. Great energy loved everyone singing along to irreplaceable (to the left to the left!) and loved the single ladies clips. But it in NO WAY beyonce tops Britneys circus….THAT was amazing! The circus tour made me feel like I was at a show with theatrics and fun and special effects….i mean britney appears from thin air yall!!!! beyonce was just a cool concert….. Anyways I don’t wanna bash beyonce cuz I had lots fun it’s just britneys tour is a million times better!!!
July 14th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
@CB — YES, the videos that were shown were also very very fun. I loved all the fan made ‘Single Ladies’ clips that were incorporated on the big screen. I also loved the “robot Beyonce” that turned into a tiger … the show was just damn amazing.
July 14th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
@Ashli — I totally see what you’re saying and, of course, preference is subjective to the individual. But, while I love Britney (more than anyone), I can honestly say that Beyonce’s whole package was superb — singing, dancing, interaction with fans.
July 14th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Trent what did she open with? Did you say already? I can’t remember?
July 14th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Trent, go out and buy her DVD for her last tour, it’s not the same in no way, but it’s more and you are definitely correct that you can see that she works HARD at performing and succeeds at it. No one I’ve seen puts that much effort in not only vocals, and dance but the entire show…I’d be tired after maybe a WEEK of shows…she does it months.
July 14th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
what are you wearing? Is that a muscle shirt? LOL
July 14th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
@ashli- are you fing serious? Britey doesn’t sing live- Beyonce does..it’s no wonder Brit can parade around with a mike that is just there for decoration….and all her dancers , theatrics and sets…it’s called SMOKE and MIRRORS – there is NO comparison…Beyonce is on a whole different level
July 14th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
yeah — i meant to write mic
July 14th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Happy birthday? That’s interesting…
July 14th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
OMG, I was there last night too, and it was AMAZING!!! I loved when she did Halo and the MJ tribute. But I think you’re wrong about the Birthday song because she was clearly singing to only me. lol.
July 14th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
I wish she’d have a wardrobe malfunction that someone catches on film. I’m dying to see her breasts. Perverted and honest. That’s me.
July 14th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
@Mark — let’s just say she sang it to ONLY us :)
July 14th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
So great to hear your thoughts on the show! She is such an amazing performer! Her singing is so strong, her dancing is just power, and she really gives her audience so much energy. I just don’t see how people can think some other pop stars are talented when compared with Ms. Beyonce.
July 14th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Trent, did you ever see Britney in her Onyx tour? I am not a Beyonce fan at all but I do respect her as a performer. Britney is lacking a lot of dancing and crowd interaction in her tour. She could also at least sing a few songs live (especially Everyimte) but 2004 Britney would’ve sure beat Beyonce at anything.
July 14th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
@Chase — Yes, I’ve seen every Britney tour. IMHO, Onyx Hotel was her worst. The ‘Britney’ Tour was her best followed by ‘Dream Within a Dream’. I do love Britney, I really do … but no, I don’t think Britney has ever shown the level of performance showmanship on such a large scale as Beyonce does in this tour. I’m not even kidding.
July 14th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Saw her in NYC and she was phenomenal. There really isn’t another artist out there like her. MAYBE Christina Aguilera on tour (she is fierce, too) but that is a distant second place.
July 14th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Forget Britney! Can’t believe you said she was better than Madonna too! But I understand if M had more fan interaction it would have been better. Glad you had fun Trent!
July 14th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
i JUST bought tickets to see her in jersey on the 24th and i am PISSING MY PANTS with excitement. i’ve never been to a “real” concert before and i am so excited to lose my concertgintiy to beyonce!! this post has made me 2993939x more excited
July 14th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
ah sounds awesome.. my friend was @ the concert last night too. she says that Beyonce threw out a purse or something into the crowd & that she was the lucky lady who caught it..
July 14th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Trent! Going to see Beyonce in September, you’ve hyped her soo much, cannot wait now! Cheers, Cee
July 14th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Of course B’s a great performer….that’s how Joe Jackson…I mean Matthew Knowles groomed her to be…..
July 14th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Finally, you’ve been converted!! I am so glad that even though you love (or LURVE) Brit and Madame M, you can be fair in your comparisons. Although I’m a fan of all three ladies, Beyonce has that extra something…. and you can always tell how much she appreciates her fans. Welcome to the dark side Trent, you’ll get mucho flack for it!!!!
Btw, which did you prefer…. Sasha or Beyonce? Could you tell them apart? ;)
July 14th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
AMAZING REVIEW!!!!
BEYONCE IS AMAZING TRENT IM ONE OF HER BIGGEST FANS!!!
THE ULTIMATE PERFORMER!!!!!!
IM SO HAPPY THAT YOU ENJOY THE SHOW
July 14th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
WOW – what great shots you have gotten.
Love her music and I know you enjoyed yourself.
July 14th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
@Cee — my advice is to NOT look at my photos. try and avoid any further spoilage, Beyonce will blow your mind :)
July 14th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Oh yeah. Beyonce puts on ONE HELL of a show.
July 14th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
@Chase, Britney at her best could NEVER come close to Beyonce as a vocalist, let alone beat her.
July 14th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
I saw Beyonce with Destiny’s Child and I couldnt disagree with you all more. Personally it didnt work for me, but hey its preference I guess.Kelly Rowland did a great job, I guess Im just not that big of a Beyonce fan.
Britney on the other hand, no one can ever take that experience away from me at the Staples Center in 2001 for DWAD, that was pure magic.
Cant wait for the Circus this September.
July 14th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Beyonce is the female MJ or Prince, no doubt about it.
July 14th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
@Jesse I have the Destiny’s Child DVD and I agreed with you that their show did lack something back then.
However, it’s amazing how much Beyonce has grown since then. Her Beyonce Experience Tour and the current I AM Tour has made a believer out of me.
July 15th, 2009 at 12:32 am
Lol you guys are so pathetic comparing Britney & Beyonce and voicing who is better.
You either of them give a damn shit? Well, i reckon Beyonce would. Beyonce is the type that needs her name on a song writing or producing credit. She wants that extra dough. Her, her father, all want the money. They’re gonna get it either way, but i imagine Beyonce to be a real, BIG EGO (which i suppose she does deserve), but wants and thinks she is the best.
But Britney – she is just like, eh whatevs. Britney has out sold Beyonce in concerts & record sales. Her tour has out-grossed Beyonces. Not being all – Britney is better, but she is.
Its just like, like either of them really care or will read any of this.
Thing i love bout Brit Brit is that, she actual dont give a shit what you say about her. She gets up on stage does her thing pockets millions and yeah. You think by her going to a Beyonce concert she is gonna be like OMG I NEED TO SING LIKE THAT ETC… ETC… as long as she is selling out arenas and stadiums, brit don’t care! Love her
July 15th, 2009 at 1:33 am
Just wait with Kylie’s concert. Its so much fun than Beyonce. Ive seen both of them live in BKK. Beyonce is OTT while Kylie was fab!! Just damn fab fab fabosh……..Im so done with the whole Fierce thing…Bring back old skool fabosh when Kylie hits the US of A!
July 15th, 2009 at 10:28 am
I was also at this concert at the Staples Center and I must say she was amazing….I am already a tremendous fan of Beyonce but now I love her even more. I will definetly be back whenever she comes back to town, if I didn’t have to purchase a room at the Wynn I would go to see her in Vegas at the end of the month, the concert was that good!!! Also thank you so much for sharing your photos I was in such a rush after leaving work to get to the concert that I forgot my camera and wanted to cry. So now I can look at your photos to be reminded of how great the experience was.
July 15th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
So happy you enjoyed….. AMAZING AMAZING concert I would see again in a HEARTBEAT
July 15th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
@Trent – resisting all temptation to not look at your pix. Have learnt resistance is futile xx
July 16th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Hi Trent
I’ve been a long time fan of your site and a huge fan of beyonces since she burst on to the scene.
I’ve read on blogs and on youtube that loads of celebs attended the LA concert. DId u see any other than Tom Cruise?
July 18th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
hey i knew i saw you there lol but ya the show was bomb im glad you see how amazing she is…lol
July 21st, 2009 at 7:15 am
Ok ive seen both The Circus Starring Britney Spears + Beyonce’s I Am Tour, and dont dont even think the I Am tour measures up to the Circus – if anything, britney is the fierce one, she pulled through all that shit an got back on top, better than ever, i respect her more as a true performer for that. for those of you who think britney doesnt sing live, SHE DOES – well, she did on most songs on the gig that i seen, and she sure did bust a move too, beyonce’s tour was great too although it was lacking, britneys tour was certainly a show with magical tricks inc britney (which were amazing), theatricts, better back up dancers, variety of things that make you go wow, other that dancing an singing ! uh oh, the staging, effects, props, screening were much better too – im not dis-respecting Beyonce’s I Am tour but if you havent seen the Circus tour then dont criticise it, go and see it whether your a fan or not, its the best tour ive ever seen, its spectacular, oh and it grossed more than double beyonce’s tour making britney the largest grossing tour performer of all time, !
July 21st, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Hey Trent,
I saw her live in Toronto last night and she was amazing!! Just a dynamic singer! Beyonce is definitely the strongest and most energetic live artist I have ever seen!
C
PS-I love your blog <3
July 28th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
love your blog! i was actually sitting right in front of you guys at the concert…i couldn’t agree with your review any more it was amazing!!!!!!!!!!! She is truly unreal and one of a kind