Whitney Houston Tribute At 'Billboard Music Awards'
'Celebrity Apprentice' Finale: Who Got Hired?
By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
The 13th Annual Essence Music Festival got into full swing during its second night of performances at the Louisiana Superdome.
Out of the four performances (which also included blue-eyed soul crooner Robin Thicke, and multimedia funnyman Steve Harvey), I caught an up, close and personal glimpse of R&B hottie Chris Brown, and literally had gotten chills up my spine from Beyoncé Knowles.
Brown previewed some songs from his upcoming sophomore opus -- two of which included collaborations with his label-mate T-Pain -- along with what seemed like an endless stream of his own radio hits from his multi-platinum selling debut.
The 6'2 tall 18-year-old crooner seemed to bring the audience much delight with his new remix of Rihanna's chart-topping single 'Umbrella' -- which substitutes the repetitive refrain from umbrella to Cinderalla.
Brown was later joined by his partner-in-rhyme Bow Wow, the former pubescent rapper named Lil' Bow Wow who isn't so little any more with his husky voice. The two youngins performed their hit song 'Shorty Like Mine' and Bow Wow did a solo of his song 'Outta My System.'
One of the most memorable moments from Chris Brown's set included his musical homage to King of Pop Michael Jackson, which included his renditions of 'Rock With You,' 'Billie Jean' and 'Wanna Be Startin' Somethin''). See the exclusive clip below ...
And then it was time for the main event: Beyonce, who the swelling audience waited for with what seemed like bated breath.
The Bootylicious beauty stormed the stage like a lightning rod, opening with an electrifying version of her hit song 'Crazy in Love' -- which she blended with Gnarls Barkley's chart-topper 'Crazy' -- and moving into a hot and heavy version of new tracks 'Freakum Dress' and 'Green Light.' The former Destiny's Child front-woman did not only change outfits several times, she also changed musical styles: from the reggae-tinged 'Baby Boy' mixed in with the dancehall classic 'Murder She Wrote' to the Broadway musical-themed introduction of 'Ring the Alarm' -- which sent the audience into a frenzy.
People can say what they want to about Beyonce, but the girl is a lightning rod on the stage.
She's a force of nature, unlike anything I've seen her generation, as is evidence with this clip below (courtesy of AOL Black Voices' celebrity columnist Jawn Murray). Check on it ...
Comments: (19)
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By: Dawn C on 7/10/2007 4:21PM
I was not privileged to see Beyonce at Essence but I will tell you that she will be in Nashville 07/18 and I'm excited like I used to be when I was a teenager going to the tradition Fresh Fest concert...She outperforms herself with every different performance and I can't wait to see what she comes with!!! Please just let her have the throne. Its hers!!!!!!
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By: Keke on 7/10/2007 7:04PM
I have to say Beyonce is my all time favorite singer. She is just the bomb. I didn't have the priledge of seeing her perform at essence fest but I she was the best. She is such a great dancer and an amazing woman, she really pave the way for a lot of young woman to follow their dreams and never give up hope, not only is she a great performer but she's also a great role model. love you Beyonce and keep the music coming.
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By: E Hunt on 7/11/2007 11:25AM
I'm 51 years old so I go back to a different time.Beyonce is a beautiful girl, inside and out, and she has been down to earth and genuine so far in her career as far as the way she's projecting her image. But to me she's an entertainer.That's my way of saying she can do many things, like a Sammy Davis, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson etc., as far as singing, dancing, and acting. She IS NOT a great singer because the SHOW is so important now a days, not the SINGING. Back in the day a singer went out on stage by theirselves, stood in front of the crowd with their background singers off to the side, and sang into the microphone, no voice over, or lip-syncing involved like there is today with so many singers because they are dancing all over the place. I just wish I could have seen The Temptations, or say James Brown perform with cordless microphones, so that they would'nt have to make their moves to get back to that mike stand so they can hit their notes on time. It's the SHOW that is taking away from the real singing these days.
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By: Jamal Cam'ron on 7/11/2007 8:10PM
All I have to say is that you can't force good talent to sit down. she is one of the world's greatest performers and artist of all time that are still out there. She comes with the full package the voice the dancing capabilities and the right attitude... and beautiful.
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By: bugs bunny on 7/11/2007 3:14PM
blacks are still just dancing a jig
we still dont own banks trains planes automobiles physic labs technology companies or chemistry labs
they keeps us entertaining and worshiping the gutter
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By: Rachel on 7/11/2007 8:59PM
Can someone please name a female singer out right now that can sing, dance, and have a body like hers.
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By: Dee on 7/19/2007 3:08AM
I am in my late 40's and I have enjoyed a lot of entertainers, singers, etc but Beyonce has made her mark on this industry forever. She is just that good -all around. Her singing, dancing, stage presence, ability to work it out in those heels, her attitude, and more. She is truly a living legend. Any entertainer that has ever been loved has had their share of haters, they will always be there. I am proud of this young lady and I only hope the best for her. She is awesome!!! I saw her at Essence and will be flying to Vegas to see her there too. She's worth it!
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By: Dee on 7/19/2007 4:29AM
Does anyone have any idea about the next Essence date for New Orleans 2008?
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By: princess1292 on 7/21/2007 10:21PM
Out of all these comments a lot of people love Beyonce and all that she does and theres the haters, the ones who don't have nothing better to do than criticize people. like the comments that said Beyonce cant sing, even though people have a right to their own opinion they shouldn't be so dumb no offense. But Beyonce is the true queen of R&B and she don't have to stand in front of a microphone and not dance as good as she does to prove that she has a great voice. Keep your crown Beyonce & do your thang.
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