Beyoncé Brings Lemonade to Life on the 2016 MTV VMA Stage and We Can't Look Away

The singer took the stage at the annual ceremony to perform a handful of hits off of her latest visual album

By Samantha Schnurr Aug 29, 2016 3:01 AMTags

Has Beyoncé ever met a stage she couldn't dominate? The answer is officially no. 

Two years after she took home the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2014 ceremony, the songstress stole the show once again by bringing her 2016 visual album, Lemonade, to life at this year's MTV Video Music Awards. For anyone who didn't think Knowles could up her musical game any more than she already has, the "Formation" singer proved them wrong once again. 

Kicking off her segment with the solemn "Pray You Catch Me," Knowles appeared on stage draped in a white cape and jewels as she calmly serenaded Madison Square Garden, soon to be surrounded by her signature squad of notable women. 

Just like the original album, Beyonce showed no signs of slowing down as she quickly changed costumes and whipped out her bat to belt "Hold Up" while smashing a video camera.

Kevin Mazur/WireImage

The track was followed by an emotionally charged "Sorry" complete with the controversial topper, "You better call Becky with the good hair" and sealed with a kiss from Bey. 

After setting the stage on literal fire and warning the audience with "Don't Hurt Yourself," she brought the performance home with her hit anthem, "Formation."

"If y'all came to slay, sing along with me," she requested. Bey, you don't have to ask us twice! Following a mandatory mic drop, the performance was met with a well-deserved standing ovation from the famous New York City crowd. 

Kevin Mazur/WireImage
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While fans weren't exactly sure what was in store for the pop music phenom at this year's ceremony, her red carpet arrival gave every indication this night belonged to Bey.

With a career-best 11 nominations in store, the 34-year-old songstress walked the red carpet alongside her only child, daughter Blue Ivy Carter, both donning ensembles equally befitting of music royalty. 

Beyoncé was draped in a mint beaded gown with a feathered neckline and emerald chandelier earrings while Blue made a statement in a champagne cocktail dress with a beaded bodice and elaborate tulle train. To top off the tot's look—a pair of nude sneakers because comfort is always key, even on the VMA red carpet. 

We'll happily borrow those sneakers, Blue, because just watching Beyoncé's show-stopping performance made us tired. Like she sings, "best revenge is your paper"—and another unforgettable performance to add to the list. 

Watch E! News Monday night at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. for complete coverage of the MTV VMAs. Plus, Fashion Police returns with a VMAs special Monday evening at 8 p.m. only on E!