In case anyone happened to be wondering who earned Grindr’s award of Mother Of The Year for 2023, the queer dating app surveyed 10,000 of their users about who grabbed their attention the most, according to Rolling Stone. As it turns out, Beyoncé took home the title this year, with her Renaissance Tour and film keeping her in the conversation.
“Beyoncé gave us everything on her ballroom culture-inspired Renaissance tour and film, making her the undisputed mother of the year — the inspirational queen who just gets us,” Grindr’s VP of Brand Marketing, Tristan Pineiro, told the publication. “The queer community has always had its finger on the pulse of pop culture, and it’s always so much fun to see our users’ hot takes on the year via Unwrapped.”
Rounding out the top five of the user’s faves were Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Kylie Minogue, and Madonna, in that order. Minogue took home the top spot for Song Of The Year with the “Padam Padam” viral trend.
But anyway, back to Queen Bey. Grindr users also gave Beyoncé the title of the Biggest Serves Of 2023, citing all of her costumes throughout the Renaissance Tour. A few of the other serves listed included Britney Spears dancing with knives and Rihanna’s Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Fans saw quite a few impressive hip-hop tours in 2023. Many of them coincided with the biggest releases of the year, some in celebration of major career milestones, and others serving as signifiers of artists’ new creative pursuits. As live music continues to pick back up following years of postponements and cancellations related to the pandemic, artists have kicked things into high gear, seemingly making up for the lost time.
Supporters have gotten the chance to catch beloved legacy acts, artists new to the mainstream embarking on their first-ever large-scale tours, and irrefutably skilled performers honed in more than ever this year, proving that live music is back in a big way. Check out some of the most iconic tours of 2023 below.
Beyonce – The RENAISSANCE Tour
Beyoncé performs onstage during the “RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR” at MetLife Stadium on July 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood )
In May, Beyonce embarked on her anxiously awaited RENAISSANCE world tour in Europe, setting off on the North American leg in July. The Texas native went about as big as one could go, enlisting the help of a massive flying “disco horse” as well as other extravagant props, and leaning into the tour’s silver theme with her intricate costumes. The hive followed suit, coming through with similarly elaborate looks in line with the essence of the tour. Beyonce’s nearly three-hour sets spanned almost the entirety of her discography, packing in plenty of fun crowd-pleasers and unapologetic anthems.
Her 11-year-old daughter Blue Ivy also adorably joined her onstage as a dancer throughout the majority of the tour, the cherry on top for dedicated Bey fans. After closing the tour in October, Beyonce immediately got to work on her corresponding concert film and documentary. It arrived in theaters on December 1, expectedly taking over the box office. It saw the largest opening for the first weekend of December in two decades, bringing in $21 million.
Drake & 21 Savage – The It’s All A Blur Tour
Rapper Drake performs onstage during “Lil Baby & Friends Birthday Celebration Concert” at State Farm Arena on December 9, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
In July, Drake and 21 Savage kicked off the It’s All A Blur tour in support of their 2022 collaborative LP, Her Loss. They have since made their way across North America, performing in over 20 cities. Up until October, 21 Savage was unable to join the Toronto native for the tour’s Canadian stops due to immigration issues. He later secured his green card, as revealed in Drake’s track “8AM In Charlotte,” leading to speculation that he’d appear at the tour’s final scheduled dates in Toronto. Fans were left disappointed when night one came and went, with no sign of 21 Savage.
Rumors swirled that 21 Savage wouldn’t appear in Toronto at all, but luckily, he was able to perform on night two. Drake has since announced another leg of the tour alongside J. Cole, Big as The What?. while 21 Savage went on to perform across Europe, making the most of his new immigration status. This tour was Drake’s first in five years and featured plenty of special guests, giveaways, and more. It also coincided with the rollout of his eagerly-anticipated album For All The Dogs, making for some seriously charged crowds.
The Weeknd – The After Hours Til Dawn Tour
Abel ‘The Weeknd’ Tesfaye performs at Wembley Stadium on August 18, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/Getty Images for ABA)
The Weeknd set off on his After Hours Till Dawn tour in the summer of 2022 and has been making his way around the world ever since. After wrapping up his scheduled North American dates, he embarked on the European and Latin American leg of the tour in 2023. Heading into the new year, he’ll make stops around Oceania.
The performer has broken various records so far, hitting several memorable milestones throughout his trek across Europe. He broke London Stadium’s attendance record, drawing in a staggering 80,000 fans. The tour later secured the title of the highest-grossing tour for a Black artist in European history. So far, fans have seen The Weeknd perform hits from 2020’s After Hours, 2022’s Dawn FM, and more. Striking visuals, unforgettable costumes, pyrotechnics and more have made the tour one to remember, cementing its place as one of the most memorable of the year.
Travis Scott performs during Travis Scott Utopia – Circus Maximus Tour at SoFi Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Live Nation)
Following the release of UTOPIA, Travis Scott performed at the iconic Circus Maximus stadium in Rome. This followed the cancellation of his previously scheduled performance at the Pyramids of Giza. The show was a spectacle and even saw a surprise appearance from Kanye West. Shortly after, he announced his Circus Maximus tour in support of the album.
He kicked off the tour, which will see him stop in over 30 cities around the U.S. and Canada, in October. After taking over the charts with Utopia and with no doubts that the hitmaker would go all out, tickets for the trek went fast. Boasting elaborate stage design, pyrotechnics, and setlists comprised of an abundance of fan favorites, his performances have been a sight to see. After watching supporters clamor to get their hands on tickets, Travis Scott announced additional dates in November that run into next year.
50 Cent – The Final Lap Tour
Rapper 50 Cent (C) performs onstage during “The Final Lap” tour at Climate Pledge Arena on September 07, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images)
In May, 50 Cent announced that he’d be taking a major trek across North America and Europe in honor of the 20th anniversary of his 2003 album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Marketed as the performer’s last all-in tour, as 50 Cent plans to adjust his focus to his other business endeavors, fans knew they were in for something big. Consequently, tickets have been selling like wildfire, with 840K purchased only a week after sales began. The hitmaker’s been joined by Busta Rhymes at all stops, and Jeremih for North American dates.
Audiences have been hyped at all of these shows, and understandably so. The 48-year-old has been giving his Final Lap his all, performing his classics and bringing out countless high-profile special guests. So far, fans have been surprised with the likes of Eminem, Nas, Fat Joe, and more. Fif’s currently on the international leg of the tour, which will run into 2024.
Doja Cat kicks off The Scarlet Tour in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Dana Jacobs/Getty Images for Live Nation)
Doja Cat embarked on the Scarlet tour on Halloween this year after unleashing her fourth studio album. Scarlet arrived alongside plenty of eye-catching and spooky visuals, indicating that supporters were in for quite a show when she set off on tour. It’s safe to say they haven’t been disappointed. The hitmaker has come through with plenty of dancing, fun and intricate costumes, and more.
Her setlists have included plenty of chart-topping Scarlet tracks, along with early hits, and even some covers. While performances from Doja have been exciting enough, she’s also been joined by Grammy nominee Ice Spice throughout the tour. The 23-year-old has gotten similarly comfortable in the charts over the past year or so, and has plenty of fun fan-favorite tracks, making for an entertaining show all around.
Ms. Lauryn Hill & Fugees – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour
Singer Ms. Lauryn Hill performs onstage with The Fugees at Crypto.com Arena on November 04, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
Back in August, Lauryn Hill announced that she’d be embarking on a tour across the U.S. and Canada in honor of the 25th anniversary of her 1998 LP, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Joining the New Jersey native would be none other than her Fugees groupmates Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel. The news followed a mini-reunion that fans saw earlier in the year at the 2023 Roots Picnic. At the time, they were told to “stay tuned,” and were not left disappointed.
So far, audiences have seen the hitmaker perform classics from her Grammy-winning debut, as well as fan favorite Fugees hits. After setting off in September, however, Hill unfortunately had to postpone the remainder of the tour. Only a couple of months in, she revealed that she had “been battling serious vocal strain.” She’s now taking time off to rest her vocal cords but promises that the tour will conclude in 2024.
What was your favorite tour of 2023? Share your thoughts in the comments section and keep an eye on HNHH.
Shortly after the release of Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour film, the star took to social media to offer her gratitude for its success so far. Both she and Taylor Swift did exclusive distribution deals with AMC Theaters to release their concert flicks — and fans have been paying in droves to go see them.
“I am so deeply thankful to AMC and every team member who worked so hard on this film,” she shared. “I just can’t thank all of you enough for your support. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from my Hive. And WOW! I am so touched and encouraged by the incredible reviews!!!”
“I love seeing everyone all dressed up in their most opulent lewks in the theaters,” Beyoncé added. “The mute challenges still happening, even in the theater!! Y’all are cracking me up. Please keep that energy going. I can’t wait to see what else yall do :).”
The post’s video also shows off the red carpet moments across Beyoncé’s two premieres for the movie.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the movie brought in $21.8 million “from 2,536 locations in its domestic debut” and nearly 70% of attendees were between the ages of 18 to 34. And, as it’s only been playing for a few days, the total amount Beyoncé makes will keep increasing.
Check out Beyoncé’s latest post about the Renaissance Tour movie below.
Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have been pitted against each other this year, since their respective tours, The Eras Tour and Renaissance, have been the biggest concert events of 2023. It doesn’t feel like Swift and Beyoncé themselves see each other as adversaries, though. In October, Beyoncé made a surprise appearance at Swift’s premiere for her Eras Tour concert movie.
Now, the shoe is on the other foot: Beyoncé’s own film chronicling her own massive tour (dubbed Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé) is premiering in London today (November 30), and it has been rumored that Swift was planning to show up. TMZ reported earlier today that Swift hopped on a private jet bound for London, and it appears that’s the truth: The UK premiere is getting underway, as photos and videos of Swift on the red carpet are starting to surface on social media.
Swift posed for photos and videos with fans in attendance while rocking an outfit featuring a sparkling silver Balmain gown, jewelry via Anita Ko, and shoes from Giuseppe Zanotti.
During her recent appearance on SHERRI, Tina Knowles opened up about seeing her granddaughter Blue Ivy perform at theRenaissance tour. According to her, the 11-year-old’s appearance was supposed to be a “one-time thing,” but Beyonce’s daughter had other ideas. Knowles recalls being nervous for Blue Ivy ahead of her first performance. The pre-teen quickly proved, however, that she wouldn’t let anything hold her back.
As for whether or not Blue Ivy had a grasp of the magnitude of what she was doing, Knowles said “I don’t think so.” The proud grandmother continued, revealing that her passion is what guided her. “She just loves to dance and she was watching the girls rehearse and she said, ‘I think I’m ready to go on stage,’ and her mom said ‘no no I don’t think so Blue.’ Then she thought about it, and said ‘if you work hard and you really come with it then we’ll let you go one time.’ So it was supposed to be a one-time thing.”
Clearly, things went off without a hitch. Blue Ivy went on to be featured through the remainder of the tour. According to her grandmother, she and her father couldn’t be more excited to see her on stage. “Me and her dad we were together every night,” Knowles explained. “And he would come to the front where I was and watch that. I was in tears and he was grinning so hard I thought his face would hurt.”
“She’s only 11 years old,” Knowles described. “And to get in front of 70 thousand people at 11 is huge.” What do you think of Tina Knowles revealing that Blue Ivy’s Renaissance tour appearance was supposed to be a one time thing? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more news.
Beyonce and Taylor Swift have had a sort of silent rivalry over the past few months. They’ve both been hitting numerous North American stops on their respective tours. The “Eras” and Renaissance tours have worked in tandem with Drake’s “It’s All A Blur” tour to give fans plenty of major shows to enjoy all summer long. Now Bey and Taylor’s tours have wrapped up and they both made the same move in the way of their conclusions.
Each of the superstars will be releasing a concert film recapping moments from their mega-tours. The announcement and release of Taylor’s movie came first and the premiere of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour took place last night. Despite quietly competing on tour this year, Bey and Taylor once again proved that there is nothing but love between them. Queen B herself showed up for the film’s premiere and pictures of her and Taylor are making the rounds online. Swift herself shared a picture of the two together with a caption that praised Bey. “I’m so glad I’ll never know what my life would’ve been like without @beyonce’s influence” she begins her caption. Check out the entire post below.
In the comments of the post there’s even more love for Bey. “All your faves look up to Beyoncé… the end,” one of the top comments on the post reads. That sentiment runs throughout the comment section where fans agree that Bey’s influence runs deep and even the biggest celebrities consider themselves fans of the music legend.
A few days ago Beyonce made another post-Renaissance tour move. She announced the newest Ivy Park line, her fashion brand’s last collaboration with Adidas. Not a whole lot is known about it yet, but it’s expected to arrive very soon. What do you think of Beyonce in attendance at the premiere for Taylor Swift’s concert film? Let us know in the comment section below.
Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are bringing both of their fans to theaters this year as the two stars gear up to release concert films tied to their massive respective tours. (Bey for the Renaissance Tour; Swift for The Eras Tour.) Given both artists have also been nominated for their past work at the Oscars, fans might be wondering if their films will be considered for nominations. Here’s what to know.
Can Beyoncé and Taylor Swift’s concert films be nominated at the Oscars?
Unfortunately, neither film will be eligible under the current Oscars guidelines to be nominated as a documentary feature, according to Variety. The rules state that this is because: “Works that are essentially promotional or instructional are not eligible, nor are works that are essentially unfiltered records of performances.”
The publication also noted that Beyoncé and Swift missed the October 2 deadline that would have been required for consideration.
While they might not be getting a nod at the Oscars, fans could still see their faves getting acknowledgment at the Grammys in 2025 — when it comes to the Best Music Film category. It is still quite a long time away based on the current eligibility period.
Swift’s Eras Tour movie opens on October 13, later this week. Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour concert film will follow, airing in theaters on December 1.
Taraji P. Henson says that she had an outfit in place for Beyonce’s Renaissance World Tour for months in advance, but was forced to audible when the legendary singer announced she wanted everyone to wear silver in honor of her birthday. Henson recalled the awkward incident during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The conversation arose when Fallon asked how she landed on the ninja-inspired outfit she went with for the Los Angeles concert.
“I had already had my outfit picked out for [Beyoncé’s] show, months in advance,” the comedian explained. “Then, she does this, ‘Oh, it’s my birthday. Let’s all wear silver.’ So, I mean, my house is being renovated and my clothes are in storage, so I randomly happened to buy this off of those Instagram Shopping pages.”
Beyonce Brings “Renaissance World Tour” To Los Angeles
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 04: (Editorial Use Only) (Exclusive Coverage) Beyoncé performs onstage during the “RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR” at SoFi Stadium on September 04, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood)
From there, Henson explained that the outfit was so low in quality that she had to throw it out after one use. “At the end of the day, that’s all I had for Beyoncé. It was kind of silver, had silver sparklies on it,” she recalled. “Long story short, I did have to throw it away at the end of the night because it had snags and holes — but thanks, Instagram Shopping!” Check out Taraji P. Henson’s full appearance on The Tonight Show below.
Taraji P. Henson Reflects On Beyonce’s L.A. Concert
Beyonce wrapped up the Renaissance World Tour with a performance at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, earlier this month. Elsewhere in the interview, Henson speaks about Usher and labels him a “female magnet.” The iconic singer recently landed a spot as the headliner for the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show. He’s also been hosting a residency in Las Vegas for two years.
Over the weekend, the tour that has been capturing people’s imaginations all summer ended. Beyonce played the final show of her legendary and record-breaking Renaissance tour in Kansas City. It was fitting that once again there were some major celebs in attendance. That’s been the case for pretty much the entire tour with fellow musicians as well as actors, reality stars, athletes, and more popping up for various Beyonce shows all over the world.
For this final show, one of the biggest names in attendance was Cardi B. The “Bongos” rapper made sure not to miss what could be the final show Queen Bey plays for quite a while. For further proof that she’s just as big of a Beyonce fan as anyone else, she shared a video of herself participating in the viral “Mute Challenge.” For those that don’t know, all tour Bey has been asking her entire crowd to go silent after a particular lyric on her song “ENERGY.” While it took a few tries at first fans seem to have largely nailed down the challenge and it’s taken center stage at more than a few tour stops. In the video she posted Cardi shows herself nailing the mute challenge despite others around her who don’t quite have it down. Check out the clip below.
Last month, Cardi B released her new single “Bongos.” It saw her teaming up with Megan Thee Stallion for a second time following their massive hit collaboration “WAP” back in 2020. The song made its debut at number 14 on the hot 100 before falling back to number 31 in its second week on the chart.
Cardi B also had to be honest with her fans about her long awaited 2nd album. She told fans the project wasn’t coming until 2024 after speculation and rumors had run wild. What do you think of Cardi B nailing the mute challenge during Beyonce’s final show on the Renaissance tour? Let us know in the comment section below.
Beyoncé recently wrapped up the North American leg of her massive Renaissance World Tour, as she closed it last night (October 1) in Kansas City. While she previously finished the European run earlier this year, many fans are wondering if there will be any other global stops.
Some Beyhive fans spotted a cryptic post from Ticketmaster Chile’s social media account — as it is just a photo of a folder on a laptop titled “Eventos Ticketmaster 2024_Final.” Many suspect that she’s heading to South America next year. In the photo, it has 12 items listed, which could also correspond to the number of dates.
While the comments are mostly flooded with Beyoncé fans hoping it’s tied to her, others have also speculated that the folder is of 12 artists coming to South America instead. Either way, she is rumored to be one of them.
For those who also won’t or haven’t been able to make it to the Renaissance Tour, Beyoncé recently announced that she’s bringing it as a concert film to theaters on December 1. Right now, only North American showtimes have been announced, but Parkwood Entertainment has said that there will be global screenings announced at a later date.
Check out the rumored Renaissance Tour teaser post from Ticketmaster Chile below.
