A 'renaissance' of concert movies: Inside Beyoncé and Taylor Swift's blockbuster films
Beyoncé and Taylor Swift filled stadiums and fueled the economy across the world this year with their massive tours. Then the two music icons raised the stakes by releasing films through AMC documenting those performances. Swift's "Eras Tour" premiered on Oct. 11 in Los Angeles, and Beyonce's "Renaissance" film made its debut in Los Angeles on Nov. 25 and in London Nov. 30. The two movies found unprecedented success.
The stars attended each other’s premieres, and Swift recently told Time magazine that the two reject the idea that they are in competition.
“I know we've evolved past that conversation because she and I are trying to do bigger things,” Swift said.
Here’s a look at just how big − and touching and silly and fun − those things were this year.
'Renaissance' and 'Eras' concert movies by the numbers
Performances sparkle in Beyoncé's 'Renaissance'; Swift is sultry in 'Eras' burlesque number
Fun with props
- "Renaissance": Dancers transform into a standing bed designed by Victor Weinsanto that Beyoncé snuggles into during "Alien Superstar." The mirrored horse dubbed Reneigh has become synonymous with the album and tour. Toward the end of the show, Beyoncé sits on top of the horse and is lifted into the air as she sings "Summer Renaissance."
- "Eras": The dancers emulate a coven and carry orange orbs during "Willow." For "Lavendar Haze," giant purple clouds are hoisted above the stage.
Getting fierce
- "Renaissance": Megan Thee Stallion joins Beyoncé to perform "Savage (Remix)."
- "Eras": The "Vigilante S---" performance features a burlesque-inspired dance routine with chairs.
Start the waterworks
Audio highlight
The cast: Blue Ivy honed her dancing skills and Kameron Saunders takes the Swiftie social media world by storm
"Renaissance"
- Beyoncé's 11-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy, showed off her star power and tenacity as a backup dancer. After seeing online criticism of her initial performance, she concentrated on working with the dancers' co-captain, Amari "Monster" Marshall, to improve her moves.
- French dancers Larry Nicolas and Laurent Bourgeois, widely known as Les Twins, have reached a new level of stardom since they began working alongside the singer in 2011. One highlight of the show involved the singer sitting on the two dancers while singing "Cuff It."
- Crystal Rovél Torres is the name of the trumpet player who performed on the tour while pregnant, often wearing crop tops.
"Eras"
- Dancer Jan Ravnik moved to the United States from Slovenia. Before joining the Eras Tour, Ravnik performed with Mariah Carey, Bruno Mars, Khalid and Luis Fonsi. He is known for his smooth, and shirtless, moves during the "Midnights" era of the show.
- Dancer Kameron Saunders has taken the Swiftie social media world by storm. He is most famous in the tour for saying “Like Ever” in "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together." He even customizes the line to the native tongues on the international stops. His brother, Khalen Saunders, was a defensive tackle with the Kansas City Chiefs and now plays for the New Orleans Saints.
- Natalie Reid is a dancer from Seattle. She studied under Mandy Moore, the choreographer for the Eras Tour. Her most notable performance during the show is as Rebekah Harkness in "The Last Great American Dynasty."