Written by Harrison Mines
With music festival season in full swing, thousands flocked to Palm Springs, California this past weekend to enjoy a star-studded lineup at Coachella. The Coachella Valley Music and Arts festival has welcomed A-list performers in the past, but the 2018 festival was promised to be the biggest yet with Beyoncé as the opening weekend headliner.
Saturday night, Beyoncé floored audiences with a nearly two-hour long set with appearances from sister Solange, husband Jay-Z and a reunion with original Destiny’s Child members, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.
Bey’s elaborate performance quickly became a viral success with many references to African American culture. Amongst her hits, Beyoncé incorporated a step routine with “HBCU vibes”— a love letter to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Beyoncé also performed the black national anthem, educating the millions watching on this piece of cultural history.
The singer received high praises from festival goers and those watching at home, many receiving her performance as an icon of Coachella for years to come.
