Beyoncé becomes first black woman to headline Coachella – and it’s now called #Beychella
Beyoncé has made history as the first black woman to headline Coachella, giving the music festival a new name: #Beychella.
As well as becoming the first black woman to headline the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California, Bey was only the third female solo act to headline, after Björk and Lady Gaga.
But wait, there’s more…
She also reunited with Destiny’s Child for the band’s 20th anniversary, and was joined on stage by Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams to perform songs including Lose My Breath, Say My Name and Soldier.
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It’s the first time they have appeared together since the Stellar Gospel Music Awards in 2015. Destiny’s Child are one of the most successful female groups ever, with 14 UK Top 40 songs and two UK Number 1 songs.
Beyoncé also performed Lift Every Voice and Sing – which is often referred to as America’s ‘Black National Anthem’, and teamed up on stage with her sister Solange.
During her two-hour set, she also paid tribute to Nina Simone, spotlighted Malcolm X quotes, and treated fans to hits including Crazy in Love, Irreplaceable, Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It), Drunk in Love, and Formation.
For very obvious reasons, fans were stunned and praised Bey on Twitter…
One wrote: “The Black National Anthem. Malcolm X quotes. Nina Simone samples. Stepping and marching bands. Jigga for the deja vu. A Destiny’s Child reunion. A Solange dance collabo. The greatest living entertainer is a Black woman named Beyonce. This is not up for debate.#Beychella“.
Another shared: “What Beyoncé did by transitioning ‘Lift Every Voice & Sing’ into ‘Formation’ is remind the world that no matter how lit ‘Formation’ is & has always been its purpose is to empower Black women. The way things get appropriated around here, it was appreciated & necessary. #BeyChella”.
Earlier this year, Perez Hilton warned prospective Coachella attendees that the profits of their tickets could fund anti-LGBT hate groups.
Perez reminded festival-goers that Coachella is run by promotions magnate AEG, which is owned by Republican-backing donor Philip Anschutz, who gave $187,300 to politicians who are vocally against same sex marriage and anti-abortion.
“Just your second annual reminder that while Coachella is a super fun time, proceeds from your tickets will in all likelihood go to fund anti-LGBT and anti-abortion politicians in a very important mid-term year,” wrote Hilton.
“See, AEG owner Philip Anschutz is a massive donor to conservative Republicans, who regularly gives hundreds of thousands to GOP politicians,” he added.
(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Coachella)
Anschutz responded in a statement: “Recent claims published in the media that I am anti-LGBTQ are nothing more than fake news – it is all garbage. I unequivocally support the rights of all people without regard to sexual orientation.”
He then said that he had stopped funding any anti-LGBT groups he inadvertently funded in the past.
However, Fader reported that Anschutz has a track record of giving money personally to politicians who are against same-sex marriage, including a donation to Rep. Tipton $2,700 in August, as well as giving funds of $5,400 Mike Coffman, a member of the House who opposes abortion.
