One
would think Beyoncé would be exhausted by success by now, but Houston's
most famous daughter came home full of energy Thursday night for RodeoHouston.
She also didn't deprive her hometown of a star-quality performance.
Riding horseback, Beyoncé arrived to the stage in a sequined bra top
and miniskirt. She opened with Baby Boy and danced through the song with an
ensemble of dancers.
"Not long ago, I was here in the audience. I'm from Houston and I grew
up going to rodeo," she told the audience. "Now, I'm here singing
for y'all."
She continued with Naughty Girl and her latest single, Me Myself and I.
Seeing this hometown talent give a heartfelt performance was a pleasure.
With a brief pause to change into a yellow, flowing minidress, Beyoncé
returned to the stage singing a medley of Destiny's Child hits, including Say
My Name and Independent Woman.
"I wrote this song for anyone who's been through struggles. Where are my
survivors?" Beyoncé said, before belting out her Destiny's Child
anthem Survivor.
Beyoncé has found success at every corner. She recently carted home five
Grammy awards and spiced up the awards show by performing with Prince. Her debut
solo album, Dangerously in Love, won best contemporary R&B album and the
hit single Crazy in Love with her boyfriend, rapper Jay-Z, won best R&B
song. She also joined Alicia Keys, Norah Jones and Lauryn Hill for the most
Grammys won by a female artist.
Later into Thursday's show, she changed into a white flowing gown and walked
barefoot while singing Dangerously In Love 2. It was a stirring performance
that had the audience screaming. Then in jean shorts and a white tank, she brought
fans to their feet with Crazy in Love.
To say that Beyoncé just performed at RodeoHouston is an understatement;
she showed Houston why she's truly an incredible talent.
Destiny's Child groupmate Michelle Williams opened the evening with songs from
her two gospel CDs, including Do You Know and My Only Love is You. Williams'
enthusiasm for the spiritual messages in her music was evident.
Unfortunately, she sang most of the songs off-key, making it almost painful
to hear. You could only hope that the Williams, who most recently played the
title role of Disney's Aida on Broadway, simply had a bad night.
Williams struck out in the gospel arena with Heart to Yours in 2002 and Do You
Know in 2003.
By
JOY SEWING,
Houston Chronicle