Under the glare of all those lights and the sea of faces, Beyonce undoubtedly missed her biggest fan -- at least in the 6 and younger age group.
"Beyonce is so pretty," 6-year-old Rodney Bethea said, wide-eyed and in awe, right before she took the stage Sunday. "Beyonce was my girlfriend before (rapper) Jay-Z came into the picture. Now she's with him and I'm just a 6-year-old wishing and hoping."
Rodney, who's from Cincinnati, got a ticket for the "Ladies First" show featuring Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Missy Elliott and Tamia from his aunt, Lisa Ward. His birthday was Friday. His mom, also at the show, is a flight attendant who got them to North Carolina for the concert -- young Rodney's first concert -- for free.
Rodney was among thousands of fans at the Greensboro Coliseum. About 30 percent of the crowd appeared to be younger than 18, and many were out way past their school-night bed times.
Kelsea Phipps, 10, and Aaqila Wise, 9, braved a cold stay in front of the coliseum until the doors opened. They were holding a large sign in purple lettering and with huge hearts that they hoped would draw the attention of the singers.
"Something like this … we can let the late hour slide," said Kelsea's mom, Stephanie Phipps.
With Rodney was 10-year-old cousin Alexis Patton, who got to go after bringing home lots of A's on her report card. She had to take a long nap Sunday just so she could stay up. But it was worth it, she said as she got into her seat. She was rested and ready to party -- as was the rest of the crowd, which stayed on its feet for hours singing and dancing to some of the hottest songs on local radio, including Beyonce's "Crazy in Love," Elliott's "The Rain" and Keys' "You Don't Know my Name."
"I'm so excited," Patton said, bouncing in her new capri jeans with a red belt and matching red shirt that she got from the mall, after spending hours there looking for just the right outfit. "I really want to see Alicia Keys -- but they're all so talented. Every time they come out with something it's exciting and innovative."
Ward, who is Patton's mom, was among the first in line as soon as the tickets went on sale last month. She snapped up $75-a-seat tickets because the tour featured some of the only artists -- Beyonce and Keys -- she allows her daughter to listen to because of lyrics.
"They are very talented and very positive black women and they carry themselves in a positive way," said Ward, who also is black. "This is going way out for me because the only other person I would pay $75 to see is Prince -- and that's definitely not a mother-daughter's night out."
As Keys came onto the stage, the whole family appeared to be having a good time.
No doubt they had a ball.
Rodney? He's probably feeling it right now. His flight from Greensboro will get him back to Cincinnati in time for school.

By Nancy H. McLaughlin,
News & Record