Beyoncé, whose music videos have become iconic from her bubblegum-popping antics in “Crazy In Love” to the dramatic destruction of cars in “Hold Up” has explained her recent decision to forego music videos for her last two albums, Renaissance and Cowboy Carter. In a rare and revealing interview with GQ magazine, the superstar shared insights into her creative process and personal reflections.
Beyoncé, whose video artistry has been compared to that of Madonna and Michael Jackson in the 1980s, cited a desire to shift the focus back to the music itself. “I thought it was important that during a time where all we see is visuals, that the world can focus on the voice,” she explained. The singer emphasized that her recent albums, which delve into the historical contributions of Black musicians to genres like house, disco, and country, needed to be appreciated on their own merit.
“The music is so rich in history and instrumentation. It takes months to digest, research, and understand,” Beyoncé said, noting that Renaissance was conceived as a source of escape during the pandemic. For this album, she prioritized the live concert experience, which she described as a form of visual engagement. “The fans from all over the world became the visual,” she told GQ. “We all got the visual on tour.”
The interview marks Beyoncé’s first extensive discussion about her career since a joint interview with her sister Solange in 2017. The singer has largely avoided interviews since 2013-2014, opting instead for personal essays or direct fan engagement through social media. In her conversation with GQ, Beyoncé also touched on her lifestyle choices, revealing she gave up meat (except turkey) and expressed concern over the advances in artificial intelligence after encountering an unsettling AI-generated track that closely resembled her own voice.
Beyoncé also discussed her efforts to maintain her family’s privacy, stating, “One thing I’ve worked extremely hard on is making sure my kids can have as much normalcy and privacy as possible, ensuring my personal life isn’t turned into a brand. It’s very easy for celebrities to turn our lives into performance art. I have made an extreme effort to stay true to my boundaries and protect myself and my family. No amount of money is worth my peace.”
The interview was published a day after Beyoncé faced notable snubs from the Country Music Awards (CMA), where her album Cowboy Carter received no nominations despite its historic success as the first album by a Black woman to top the US country albums chart. Beyoncé’s father and former manager, Matthew Knowles, criticized the CMA organizers, suggesting that racial bias may have influenced the decision. “There’s more white people in America and unfortunately they don’t vote based on ability and achievements, it’s still sometimes a white and black thing,” he told TMZ.
Top 5 Beyoncé Music Videos:
- Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Featuring simple yet impactful visuals and choreography inspired by Bob Fosse, this black-and-white video highlights Beyoncé’s star power. - Formation
A powerful and poignant video set in New Orleans, it reflects on African American history and culture while celebrating resilience and southern traditions. - Countdown
Co-directed by Beyoncé during her pregnancy, this vibrant video is a playful homage to pop culture icons like Audrey Hepburn and Twiggy. - Crazy In Love
The video that launched Beyoncé’s solo career, filled with early 2000s clichés, establishes her as a major star with memorable visuals and energy. - Get Me Bodied (Extended Version)
Known for its fun, Hollywood-style production and choreography, this video features cameos from Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, and Solange Knowles.
