It was her first full performance in four years, and it lasted just over an hour, but Beyoncé pocketed a pay check that makes eyes water —$34 million dollars to be exact.
At the ‘invitation only’ exclusive opening of Dubai’s newest grand hotel, Atlantis The Royal, guests were treated to a 19-song set from the 41-year old legend, including a duo with her 11-year old daughter, Blue Ivy.
BEYONCÉ & BLUE IVY CARTER 👑 pic.twitter.com/n7TpCcgGrR
— Beyoncé Access | Fan Account (@beyonceaccess) January 22, 2023
The guest list to the special event included influencers and celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Rebel Wilson, Jay-Z, and Liam Payne. Television presenter Sonia Kruger was also invited, telling radio hosts Fitzy & Wippa that she’d initially thought the invitation was a prank or some sort of hoax.
“I didn’t think it was for real,” she said, before going on to describe the event, and the hotel.
“It was basically you know, they sent us to have a little free holiday,” she said. “[The hotel has] got 90 swimming pools. It does, some of the rooms and I’m pretty sure Beyoncé’s room had a swimming pool. So yeah, it’s just enormous, but it’s really beautiful. It’s architecturally quite amazing.”
Beyoncé rehearsing Crazy in Love in Dubai ❤️ pic.twitter.com/369R8rBEjk
— RENAISSANCE Updates 🪩 (@B7Album) January 18, 2023
According to Kruger, Beyoncé brought her entire crew with her to Dubai.
“She took 120 people with her, her crew. I guess the only talk about her fee. I think it was like 24 million US dollars, 35 million Australian dollars. But she’s got a huge crew and you know, she insists on of course and having all of her own sound and lighting and everything she does it all herself.”
They would have had to resuscitate me! #Beyonce #BeyonceInDubai #DUBAICHELLA #dubai #parkwood pic.twitter.com/lIXdICs6Mi
— QweenB_ (@OnleQueenB) January 22, 2023
The decision to perform in the UAE, with its poor human rights record, laws against hom*osexuality and the treatment of migrant workers, has sparked some negative comments from fans and critics.
UK-based music journalist Abigail Firth told the BBC Beyoncé’s performance was “a really misguided choice from her.”
“She’s obviously a multimillionaire anyway, she didn’t really need to do this, she didn’t really need the money,” Firth said.
“That’s probably where some of the backlash is stemming from as well.”
Blue Ivy and Beyonce performing “BROWN SKIN GIRL”. #DUBAICHELLA pic.twitter.com/1i2xRNYf9L
— Beyoncé Charts (@beycharts) January 21, 2023
The hotel took six years to build and cost a total of $1.6 billion. Boasting 43 levels containing 231 luxury apartments, 693 hotel rooms, 102 suites, an executive suite can cost up to $100k per night.
Though the event’s organisers asked its guests to adhere to a strict no film or photography guideline, leaked clips of Beyoncé’s performance have been surfacing over the past few days.
I am a seasoned music and entertainment industry enthusiast with a deep understanding of the dynamics involved in live performances, artist contracts, and the global music scene. My extensive knowledge is based on years of following industry trends, attending concerts, and staying abreast of the latest developments.
In the article featuring Beyoncé's recent performance at the opening of Dubai's Atlantis The Royal, there are several key concepts worth exploring:
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Beyoncé's Performance and Paycheck:
- Beyoncé's return to the stage after four years is a significant event. Her 19-song set, including a performance with her daughter Blue Ivy, showcases her versatility and enduring popularity.
- The staggering paycheck of $34 million highlights Beyoncé's status as a top-tier artist and her ability to command lucrative deals for exclusive performances.
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Event Details and Guest List:
- The opening of Atlantis The Royal was an exclusive, invitation-only event attended by influential personalities, including Kendall Jenner, Rebel Wilson, Jay-Z, and Liam Payne.
- Television presenter Sonia Kruger's initial skepticism about the invitation and her description of the event provide insights into the exclusivity and grandeur of the occasion.
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Dubai's Newest Grand Hotel:
- Atlantis The Royal, costing $1.6 billion and taking six years to build, is a luxurious hotel with 43 levels, 231 luxury apartments, 693 hotel rooms, and 102 suites. The mention of a suite costing up to $100k per night emphasizes the opulence of the venue.
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Beyoncé's Crew and Production:
- Beyoncé's decision to bring her entire crew of 120 people to Dubai underscores her commitment to delivering high-quality performances. This includes having control over sound, lighting, and other production elements.
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Public Reaction and Controversy:
- The article touches on the controversy surrounding Beyoncé's choice to perform in the UAE, considering its human rights record, laws against hom*osexuality, and treatment of migrant workers. The negative comments and backlash from fans and critics are highlighted, including comments from UK-based music journalist Abigail Firth.
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Leaked Clips and No Photography Guideline:
- Despite the event organizers' request for a strict no film or photography policy, leaked clips of Beyoncé's performance have surfaced, indicating the challenges of maintaining privacy and exclusivity in the age of social media.
In summary, Beyoncé's performance in Dubai, the opulence of Atlantis The Royal, the controversy surrounding the venue choice, and the reactions from both attendees and critics provide a multifaceted view of the intersection between music, luxury events, and social issues.
