Beyoncé’s newest single “Formation” has resonated with everyone. The visuals, beat and messages strung throughout is a vivid companion to the #BlackLivesMatter movement, activism and Black empowerment.
“Formation” was directed by Melina Matsoukas, who is also responsible for the Grammy Award-winning video for “Pretty Hurts.” She meticulously crafted a visually striking video with the intent to empower Black women. When it broke the Internet Saturday, people could not stop talking about it. Fans analyzed every lyric, created gifs for every image and were hooked for more.
It was timely because Beyoncé’s Super Bowl halftime show only continued the momentum. Dancers were decked out with Black Panther swag, and Beyoncé wore a Michael Jackson-inspired costume. She was the main focus, outshining Coldplay and Bruno Mars. But the icing on the cake was the announcement of her “Formation” tour. The weekend showcased the real power of Beyoncé which is her ability to market herself and rally her fans.
Here are some of the best Twitter reactions to the single and its messages:
https://twitter.com/MinajShield/status/696116767102468097
https://twitter.com/joelcifer/status/696513428182167554
https://twitter.com/bdotTM/status/696512328062406656
https://twitter.com/XLNB/status/696727780877168640
For the naysayers. #WeEverywhere #JusticeForMarioWoods #Formation #SB50 pic.twitter.com/EjIUJxmskV
— Erika Totten (she/they) (@ToLiveUnchained) February 8, 2016
If you combine a gif of Rihanna drenched in blood and Beyoncé with middle fingers up, that's my mood rn. #BBHM #Formation
— Imani Gandy (Orca’s Version) ⚓️ (@AngryBlackLady) February 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/zaheerali/status/696142555189284864
SLAY. ✊🏽 @Beyonce #Formation https://t.co/wq511wpHS7
— Rashida Jones (@iamrashidajones) February 7, 2016
I'm all the way here for it. Slay on @Beyonce 🐝👑💛 #formation pic.twitter.com/60wO2ZzqIb
— stεv✨ (@SAYWHATstev) February 6, 2016
https://twitter.com/90swomen/status/696524104795459584
Got to get those #formation tix! Lol #rp pic.twitter.com/DUSw5fyDvC
— Niecy Nash (@NiecyNash) February 8, 2016
#Formation is important, not bc Bey is going to save the world, but bc culture shifts society, just as much, if not more, than organizing.
— Tia is in AZ (@Tia_Oso) February 8, 2016
For fans wanting to see her in concert this spring, here are the North American tour dates:
April 27: Miami, Florida — Marlins Park
April 29: Tampa, Florida — Raymond James Stadium
May 1: Atlanta, Georgia — Georgia Dome
May 3: Raleigh, North Carolina — Carter-Finley Stadium
May 5: Nashville, Tennessee — Nissan Stadium
May 7: Houston, Texas — NRG Stadium
May 9: Dallas, Texas — AT&T Stadium
May 12: San Diego, California — Qualcomm Stadium
May 14: Los Angeles, California — Rose Bowl
May 16: Santa Clara, California — Levi’s Stadium
May 18: Seattle, Washington — CenturyLink Field
May 20: Edmonton, Alberta — Commonwealth Stadium
May 23: Minneapolis, Minnesota — TCF Bank Stadium
May 25: Toronto, Ontario — Rogers Centre
May 27: Chicago, Illinois — Soldier Field
May 29: Detroit, Michigan — Ford Field
May 31: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — Heinz Field
June 3: Boston, Massachusetts — Gillette Stadium
June 5: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Lincoln Financial Field
June 7: New York, New York — Citi Field
June 10: Baltimore, Maryland — M&T Bank Stadium
June 12: Hershey, Pennsylvania — Hersheypark Stadium