Beyoncé gives us an Ivy Park commercial for her performance of “Be Alive” at the 2022 Oscars

Beyoncé performed at the 2022 Oscars. Of course, it wasn’t on stage in front of the attendees. Beyoncé don’t be giving award shows any of that any more. She instead opted for a pandemic style (because, granted, we still in the bitch) pre-recorded performance of her King Richard song “Be Alive”. And I honestly hope that even IF we manage to make it out of the pandemic, that these pre-recorded performances don’t stop. Especially when we’re getting so many great productions as a result.

HENNYWAY.

Roll performance.

This was a really cool performance. Beyoncé sounds better in this version of the song than she does the studio version. And the inclusion of the ‘City of Compton’ line and the melody from Snoop Dogg’s “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” were also nice touches, as was the whole performance actually taking place on ‘a tennis court’ in Compton, a nod to Venus and Serena’s beginnings. And of course, everybody looked lovely in what I am assuming is the next Ivy Park collection.

This performance basically being an Ivy Park commercial would make more sense as to why Beyoncé even agreed to perform. Because ain’t no way Beyoncé giving the Oscars a performance just because it’s the Oscars. Like she gives a fuck. Beyoncé gotta promote that Ivy Park and get that money.

Beyoncé - Be Alive | 94th Academy Awards Performance

Now, this song? I don’t like it. When “Be Alive” first released, I listened to it once, and that was enough for me. But it was nice to hear Beyoncé giving me harmonies and actually singing.

Ever since Beyoncé’s voice started to change, she’s taken to rapping and talk-singing with far more frequency. So little of the material she’s released and featured on over the past few years has had her singing. And I wonder if it’s Beyoncé is conscious of how much her voice has changed, and that she’s not able to be throw her voice around as she did in the days of B’Day. Even this performance of “Be Alive” has the song taken down a step from its original key.

Obviously I don’t know how Beyoncé feels about her voice and her reasoning for opting to talk-sing more than she ever did previously, but I personally really like the ways in which Beyoncé’s voice has changed. Beyoncé’s voice now being lower set has unlocked this whole new level of tone and texture to her voice, which is something she was often criticised for not having enough of, or giving enough of on studio recordings - hence why she sang how she did on her album 4. I’m always here for Lowyoncé, and always wanted her to dip more into her lower register since the Destiny’s Child days, especially once I heard “Dot” and heard how low Beyoncé could go. But I get that radio and pop radio in particular leans towards higher set vocals. But this is something Beyoncé seems to care about now anyway. She sounds amazing on songs like “Spirit” and “Otherside”. And Beyoncé doesn’t even have to do much to sound good. She also sounds great on “Find Your Way Back”, and she’s not giving much at all. So I hope Beyoncé’s next album has her singing more and hiding less behind rapping and talk-singing. Word is that Beyoncé might be giving is house music for her next album. And if this is the case, then I’mma absolutely need Beyoncé to be singing.

💿 Album reviews: B’Day | I Am... Sasha Fierce | 4 | Beyoncé | Lemonade | The Lion King: The Gift