Just when we think we've had enough of Beyonce Knowles, she continues to amaze us with her unstoppable diva prowess.
When I use the term "diva" in regards to the former Destiny's Child front-woman, I never mean it in the clichéd sense that is immediately attached to any other glamorous chanteuse of the day. I mean it in the sense that Beyonce, to me, is singularly a force of nature --an emblem of what true dynamism is.
This is demonstrated best with her latest concert DVD release, 'The Beyonce Experience - Live,' which arrived in stores Nov. 20.
Filmed on Sept. 2 -- her 26th birthday -- during a sold out, standing room only concert at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, 'Experience' contains more than two hours of music by the pop superstar and cultural icon.
"I thought I was in LA," Beyonce quipped, during a break in the Destiny's Child hit 'Bug-A-Boo,' sending the audience into a frenzy. "Where am I tonight?" she asked before launching into an "H-Town Screwed-Down Mix" of the lyrically humorous track about a nuisance who demonstrates stalker-like behavior. From there, clad in a Swarovski crystal encrusted flesh colored leotard, the 10-time Grammy Award winners adds some South American flair to the Rodney Jerkins-produced track.
Throughout the elaborate showcase, Beyonce brings all she has the table; shedding tears during the poignant ballad 'Flaws & All,' getting goofy during her 'Pink Panther' tune 'Check on It;' embodying the essence of sensuality on the sexy song 'Speechless'; and demonstrating sheer exuberance and dancing up a storm on tracks such as 'Get Me Bodied,' 'Freakum Dress' and 'Beautiful Liar.'
The all-female band, the plus-sized sequined-clad back-up singers and the sexy dancers just add more fuels to this hot and scorching flame.
During the song 'Get Me Bodied,' the American Express, Samsung and L'Oreal pitchwoman vamps it up simulating a Naomi Campbell walk before leading into a dreamy 'Dreamgirls' sequence, including a 'Deena Jones' sequence not seen in the Oscar nominated film, but remembered from the original Tony Award winning production.
Throughout some sequences, 'Experience' intertwines popular hip-hop tracks originated by Soulja Boy, Hurricane Chris, The Shop Boyz, The Luniz, OutKast and The Notorious B.I.G. into the set, while in other areas, Beyonce brings her own vocal flavoring to Donna Summer's 'Love to Love You Baby,' Chaka Demus & Pliers' 'Murder She Wrote,' Jill Scott's 'He Loves Me' and Prince's 'If I Was Your Girlfriend.'
The fact that she stays in strong, perfect pitch while mastering tight-knit, acrobatic choreography even confirms further that Beyonce can do just about anything – singing wise.
Her lover Jay-Z trade lyrical barbs with her on their duet 'Upgrade U,' and Destiny Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams show up to support their powerhouse anthem 'Survivor,' but Beyonce owns the stage.
Hands down: this 'Experience – Live' is proof positive that Beyonce has the "stuff" that entertainment legends are made of.
Run to the stores and add a copy to your holiday gift list.
VIDEO: Beyonce -- 'Get Me Bodied'
1. This is a GREAT DVD!!! I was at her concert this past summer and it was awesome, and this recaptures the same vibe as seeing her live, one of the BEST LIVE DVD's I have seen!!
Dave at 12:20PM on Nov 23rd 2007