Beyoncé performed during the grand reveal of Atlantis the Royal, a new luxury resort in Dubai. The hourlong concert—marking Beyoncé’s first live performance since 2020—was attended by over 1,000 people, including celebrities and “special guests,” as noted in a press release. Beyoncé opened her first set with a cover of Etta James’ “At Last” and performed tracks from across her catalog, though none off of her latest album, Renaissance. Beyoncé last performed live during a tribute for Kobe and Gianna Bryant in February, 2020. At the 2022 Oscars, she aired a pre-taped performance of her King Richard song, “Be Alive.”

Beyoncé was accompanied by Firdaus, a 48-person all-female orchestra, as well as Lebanese dance troupe the Mayyas. According to reports from TMZ and The Hollywood Reporter, the singer’s daughter Blue Ivy appeared onstage to sing alongside Beyoncé during “Brown Skin Girl.” Jay-Z, Beyoncé’s parents, and singers Chloe x Halle were also in attendance at the event, per press materials. Swedish House Mafia DJ’d the event’s afterparty. Last week, TMZ speculated that Beyoncé was paid $24 million for the event.

Beyoncé has returned to the stage for her first live performance in five years - but not everyone's excited.

The US megastar headlined the private concert in Dubai to mark the opening of the luxury hotel Atlantis The Royal.

Despite a strict no-phones policy at the exclusive, 1,500-seat gig, footage of the show flooded the internet.

Many fans were thrilled to see the return of Queen B, but others weren't happy because Dubai has strict laws against same-sex relationships.

Renaissance, her latest album, has been celebrated for "honoring black queer culture" and taking inspiration from LGBT icons.

It pays tribute to dance music that emerged out of the gay community and also references 1800s drag ballrooms in Harlem, New York.