Ave Maria (Beyoncé song) explained

Ave Maria
Cover:Beyoncé - Ave Maria.jpg
Artist:Beyoncé
Album:I Am... Sasha Fierce
Released:November 12, 2008
Recorded:2008
Studio:Roc the Mic Studios (New York City, New York)
Label:Columbia

"Ave Maria" is a song by American singer Beyoncé from her third studio album I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008). Amanda Ghost, Ian Dench and Makeba Riddick wrote the song in collaboration with Beyoncé and production duo Stargate. As stated by Ghost, "Ave Maria" was inspired by Beyoncés and her own respective marriages. The song is a re-write of Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria". It is instrumentally complete with a piano and strings. Throughout the pop-R&B ballad, Beyoncé sings in a lower register with an operatic soprano. Lyrically, it speaks about being surrounded by friends but still feeling alone.

Critical reception towards the song was mixed. Many contemporary critics praised its balladry and Beyoncés vocals while others dubbed it as merely a normal take on the original. Following the release of I Am... Sasha Fierce, "Ave Maria" debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number 150 on November 29, 2008, based on downloads alone. The song was a part Beyoncé's set list during her I Am... World Tour (2009–10) where she sang it dressed in a wedding dress and veil. "Ave Maria" was subsequently included on her live album, I Am... World Tour (2010). Beyoncé also performed the song as a tribute to Michael Jackson during the 2009 BET Awards.

Writing and inspiration

Mikkel Storleer Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermansen, together under the stage name Stargate, wrote and produced the song with Amanda Ghost, Ian Dench,Makeba Riddick and Beyoncé, who also co-produced it. The song was written in Bangladesh, Patchwerk and Silent Sound Studios in Atlanta, Georgia in 2008. Beyoncé worked with Amanda Ghost to re-write Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria" after having co-written "Disappear" in London. She stated that the song was one of the most personal on the album.[1] Ghost told The Daily Telegraph that Beyoncé's references to rapper Jay-Z are usually unclear and open to interpretation, yet her music, including "Ave Maria", "is the one place she can be incredibly expressive".[2] Beyoncé and Ghost both liked Schubert's song and walked down the aisle to the song during their respective weddings. The marriages of the artists inspired them to write their own version of the recording.[2] She further discussed the lyrics and inspiration:

[T]he lyric is very much about her. She talks about being surrounded by friends but she's alone: 'How can the silence seem so loud?' and then 'There's only us when the lights go down'. I think that's probably the most personal line on the whole album about her and Jay, because they are very real, and they're very much in love, and it must be pretty tough to have that love when you're incredibly famous.[2]

"Ave Maria" is present on the I Am... disc of the double album I Am... Sasha Fierce, as it is a pop-R&B ballad that shows Beyoncé's insecurities about love, and the person she is "underneath all the makeup, underneath the lights and underneath all the exciting star drama". Beyoncé has said that she loves singing ballads because, "the music and the emotion in the story is told so much better. It's a better connection because you can hear it and it's not all these other distractions. I really wanted people to hear my voice and hear what I had to say."[3] During an interview, Beyoncé revealed that "Ave Maria" was the most personal song to her on the whole album.[4]

Composition

"Ave Maria" is a ballad that runs for 3 minutes and 42 seconds. The Village Voices Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond described the song as being "opera-tinted".[5] According to the sheet music published by EMI Music Publishing, it is written in the key of C Major with a slow tempo of 75 beats per minute and it is set in common time.[6] The song samples Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria",[7] [8] however as noted by Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly, even though it "does riff on the classic aria, it's not an actual cover". The main instruments in "Ave Maria" include a piano and strings.[9] Throughout the song, Beyoncé's voice shows restraint as she sings in a lower register with an operatic soprano that gives her more vocal power, as commented by Jennifer Vineyard of MTV News.[9] Her vocal range spans from the music note of B3 to E5.[6] Lyrically, "Ave Maria" is about being surrounded by friends but still feeling alone, as conveyed by the lines, "How can the silence seem so loud?" and "There's only us when the lights go down". This view was echoed by Joey Guerra of the Houston Chronicle, who wrote that the song weaves "a vivid tale of a desperate woman".

Critical reception

'Ave Maria'... pour[s] out in rapid succession... a powerful and emotionally stirring ballad with universal resonance; [it] signal[s] progression and maturity for Beyoncé the songwriter."

—David Rive, The Michigan Daily[10]

Contemporary music critics received the "Ave Maria" with mixed reception. While some praised Beyoncé's emotion-filled vocals, others stated that her version was merely a normal take on the original. Joey Guerra of the Houston Chronicle commended the open-hearted emotion and the soft vocals that Beyoncé adopts on "Ave Maria", before adding that it is "a clever riff on the classic aria" and "a unique risk that pays off".[11] Likewise, the Hartford Courants Eric R. Danton, praised the rework of the classic aria, adding that Beyoncé's lyrics were an "elegant take on the timeless melody".[12] Ryan Dombal of Pitchfork commented that Beyoncés twist on the song is "vocally impeccable, but it reads more like recital fodder rather than a true confessional."[13] Leah Greenblatt from Entertainment Weekly wrote that on the I Am disc there were some "lovely ballads" including "Disappear", the "soaring 'Halo' and 'Ave Maria'".[14] Matos Michaelangelo of The A.V. Club wrote that "Beyoncé has a real flair for grandeur" and the "big, wide melodies of 'Halo' and 'Ave Maria' give her enough to work with that."[15] Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune commented that "Ave Maria" offers a "rare moment of comfort" and added that it "come[s] off as delicate as Beyoncé's emotions."[16] Jim Farber of New York Daily News praised the song with its "operatic flourishes... [and] heavenly élan".[17] In another review, he noted that the song was "by far her most melodically sure, and musically diverse, work".[18] USA Todays Elysa Gardner chose "Ave Maria" as one of the songs to download from the album.[19] While reviewing I Am... Sasha Fierce, a critic from People magazine noted that "the classically tinged 'Ave Maria,'... shows even more range [than '[[If I Were a Boy]]']."[20]

Spence D. of IGN Music praised "Ave Maria", writing that it shows Beyoncé in "crystal clear form" due to the mellow accompaniment that highlighted her "often captivating" voice.[21] Darryl Sterdan, writing for the Canadian website Jam!, noted that Beyoncé "draws on the classic composition for this sweeping number" and echoes a similar line to John Lennon's quote: "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."[22] Talia Kraines of BBC Online called the song "very strange, but wonderful".[23] In his consumer guide, Robert Christgau wrote, "But me, I'm a hater, and thus I'm something like outraged, by not just those two pimp-outs but an 'Ave Maria' lacking even the dumbstruck literalism of Pink's rendition or the grotesque conversion of 'Umbrella' into 'Halo.'"[24] Bernard Zuel of The Sydney Morning Herald wrote that the song was "pompous and frankly embarrassing".[25] Colin McGuire of PopMatters commented that "Ave Maria" is a "pretty normal take, a piece that has simply been done too many times before to think Beyoncé would even have a shot at putting her stamp on it."[26] Alexis Petridis of The Guardian described the song as "dreary".[27] According to James Reed of The Boston Globe, the song is "an intriguing proposition torpedoed by a soggy arrangement".[28] Adam Mazmanian of The Washington Times gave a negative review for the song, writing that the high notes included on "Ave Maria", "should have remained a secret between Beyonce and her producers".[29] In 2013, John Boone and Jennifer Cady of E! Online placed the song at number ten on their list of ten best Beyoncé's songs. They further added, "The new classic kicks off with the plucking off some light strings and you know by the end you'll be singing through tears."[30]

Live performances

"Ave Maria" was a part of the set list during Beyoncés I Am... World Tour (2009-2010), where she performed the song dressed in a wedding dress and blended it into Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" (1998).[31] [32] The wedding dress Beyoncé wore during the tour, was originally designed as a black dress and was designed by Thierry Mugler. Her mother and designer, Tina Knowles, made the dress stage-appropriate so Beyoncé could dance in it.[33] When Beyoncé performed the song in Sunrise, Florida on June 29, 2009, animated graphics of turntables, faders, and other club gear throbbed behind her and her musicians.[34] Beyoncé was accompanied by her two drummers, two keyboardists, a percussionist, a horn section, three backup vocalists called the Mamas and a lead guitarist, Bibi McGill.[35] According to Parke Puterbaugh from News & Record, the strangest moment of the concert was Beyoncés "unironic delivery" of "Ave Maria", for which she was attired in a wedding dress and veil.

Following Beyoncé's performance of the ballad at The O2 Arena in London, a writer for the newspaper Irish Independent commented that "an Irish audience surely cannot sit through the old convent staple 'Ave Maria' ... without feeling something cold squeeze the heart."[36] Alice Jones of The Independent felt that the performance was an "exceedingly odd segment" during the tour.[37] While reviewing Beyoncé's performance at the Madison Square Garden, a writer of People magazine compared her look with Madonna's.[38] While reviewing another concert by Beyoncé, Ann Powers of Los Angeles Times also compared the performance with "pop's ultimate alpha female" Madonna at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards. She also compared "Ave Maria" with the singer's 1989 song "Like a Prayer" because they both used religious imagery to elevate a romantic connection.[39] A writer of Evening Chronicle praised the performance of the song during the tour, saying that it showed off Beyoncé's "incredible" vocals.[40] MTV News' Jayson Rodriguez commented that Beyoncé uses her softer side while performing the ballad.[41] Jim Farber of the Daily News praised the performance of the song, saying that "Beyoncé hit notes with a new delicacy, then moved seamlessly into the final operatic crescendo". Barbara Ellen of The Observer was negative about the performance of "Ave Maria" during the I Am... World Tour, comparing it with Challenge Anneka and bridezilla. She described it as "nonsense... [it] has no place in a Beyoncé show".[42]

Beyoncé performed "Ave Maria" in Burswood Entertainment Complex, Perth, Western Australia, on September 25, 2009.[43] [44] Jay Hanna, writing for The Sunday Times, described the performance as "stunning".[43] Jay Lustig of New Jersey On-Line described the same performance as "operatic". Holly Byrnes of The Daily Telegraph while reviewing another stop during the concert tour of Beyoncé in Australia wrote that her performance of the ballad "guaranteed to have raised the sails of the Sydney Opera House",[45] while Patrick Emery of The Australian described her performance during another stop in the same country as "soaring".[46] A live performance of "Ave Maria" is featured on Beyoncés 2010 live album, I Am... World Tour.[47] [48] Andy Gill of The Independent, while reviewing the DVD, gave a negative review for the performance of the song, writing that "if her grotesque over-emoting on 'Ave Maria' is anything to go by, legibility could make things a lot worse."[49] On December 3, 2008, Beyoncé's performance of "Ave Maria" at the Rockefeller Center, in New York, was broadcast on NBC. A writer from People magazine described her performance as "rousing".[50] Beyoncé sang the song as a tribute to Michael Jackson at the 2008 Essence Music Festival.[51] She later performed the song during the 2009 BET Awards,[52] [53] where she blended it with Sarah McLachlan's song "Angel" in honor to Michael Jackson, following his death.[54] Beyoncé appeared in an angelic Balmain mini white dress,[55] and according to a writer from The Daily Telegraph, she performed a "moving version" of "Ave Maria".[56] A writer for the newspaper The Hindu commented that the performance of the song was "simultaneously sexy and angelic".[57]

Cover versions

On May 12, 2012, Molly Rainford, a contestant of the sixth season of Britain's Got Talent, sang "Ave Maria" during the show's final.[58] Digital Spy's Daniel Sperling noted that Rainford sang a "pimped-up version" of the song which he called "incredible".[59] A writer of BBC Online described her rendition as "moving". On May 28, 2012, Fatai Veamatahau sang "Ave Maria" on The Voice (Australia).[60] Simon Holt of The Sydney Morning Herald noted that "she has a voice which brought tears to many eyes", including coach and mentor Seal's.[60] Coach Joel Madden said: "I have to be respectful. That was a very spiritual performance. I'm not sure what it was like for people at home, but that felt electric in here".[60] A reviewer for Take 40 Australia called it a "rousing version".[61] Veamatahau's version peaked at number 25 on the Australian Singles Chart for the week of June 10, 2012.[62] [63]

Credits and personnel

Credits are taken from I Am... Sasha Fierce liner notes.[64] [65]

Charts

Following the album's digital release, "Ave Maria" debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number 150 on November 29, 2008.[66] It also charted on the Portuguese Ringtone Chart in 2010 at number 16.

Chart (2008–2023)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Australian Singles Chart[67] 90
France (SNEP)[68] 160
Portuguese Ringtone Chart[69] 6
UK Singles Chart[70] 150

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Beyonce lets Sasha do the talking on stage. The Courier-Mail. Queensland Newspapers. Kathy. McCabe. April 25, 2009. August 23, 2011. September 22, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120922144355/http://www.couriermail.com.au/entertainment/beyonce-leads-double-life/story-e6freq7f-1225702537836. live.
  2. News: Beyoncé: dream girl . Tom . Horan . November 8, 2008 . February 28, 2011 . . Telegraph Media Group . London . September 2, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090902033604/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/3563004/Beyonce-dream-girl.html . live .
  3. News: Beijing date announced for Beyonce's 'I Am...' world tour . . China Daily Group . 3 . October 13, 2009 . January 30, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20111024182134/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/showbiz/2009-10/13/content_8788039_3.htm . October 24, 2011 .
  4. Web site: Beyonce brings I am Sasha Fierce tour to Australia. News.com.au. News Limited. Kathy. McCabe. April 24, 2009. March 6, 2012.
  5. News: On the Method Behind Beyoncé's Multiple-Personality Madness. Brew-Hammond. Nana Ekua. The Village Voice. Village Voice Media. February 26, 2011. December 17, 2008. June 25, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090625080202/http://www.villagevoice.com/2008-12-17/music/on-the-method-behind-beyonc-eacute-s-multiple-personality-madness/. dead.
  6. .
  7. Web site: Notes on the new Beyoncé album. Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias. August 23, 2011. October 25, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121025013614/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a134007/notes-on-the-new-beyonce-album.html. live.
  8. Web site: Beyonce captivates on a tour full of theatrics . . Jay . Lustig . June 22, 2009 . March 5, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131224090054/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/index.ssf/2009/06/beyonce_captivates_on_a_tour_f.html . December 24, 2013 . live .
  9. Web site: Beyonce Album Preview: I Am ... Sasha Fierce Shines Light On B's Alter Ego . . October 23, 2008 . Jennifer . Vineyard . August 22, 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120209055707/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1597718/beyonces-i-sasha-fierce-album-preview.jhtml . February 9, 2012 .
  10. News: Beyoncé's fiercer side . David . Rive . . . November 16, 2008 . March 6, 2012 . May 31, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130531064918/http://michigandaily.com/content/music/beyonce-i-am-sasha-fierce-review . live .
  11. News: Album Review: Beyonce I Am... Sasha Fierce . Joey . Guerra . . . November 17, 2008 . December 19, 2011 . January 26, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160126021409/http://www.chron.com/entertainment/music/article/CD-showcases-Beyonce-s-split-personality-1675646.php . live .
  12. Web site: Fun, And Fierce. Hartford Courant. Tribune Company. Eric. R. Danton. November 18, 2008. March 6, 2012. October 7, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131007064920/http://articles.courant.com/2008-11-18/news/topcd1118.art_1_fun-side-fierce-single-ladies. live.
  13. Web site: Album Reviews: Beyoncé: I Am... Sasha Fierce . Ryan . Dombal . Pitchfork. Ryan Schreiber . November 21, 2008 . February 26, 2011 . January 19, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210119184048/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/12462-i-am-sasha-fierce/ . live .
  14. Greenblatt, Leah. (November 5, 2008) Review: I Am... Sasha Fierce . Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved on February 26, 2011.
  15. News: Michaelangelo . Matos . Music – Album Review – Beyoncé: 'I Am... Sasha Fierce' . . . November 17, 2008 . February 28, 2011 . October 1, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121001051653/http://www.avclub.com/articles/beyonce-i-am-sasha-fierce,6733/ . live .
  16. News: Beyonce's 'Sasha Fierce' places blame for women's pain on men. Greg Kot. Greg. Kot. Chicago Tribune. Tribune Company. November 16, 2008. December 10, 2011. November 15, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20111115104631/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-11-16/news/0811140321_1_disc-fierce-previous-album. live.
  17. Web site: Beyonce Knowles moves up a notch by lowering her guard with 'I Am ... Sasha Fierce'. Daily News. Daily News, L.P. Jim. Farber. November 17, 2008. March 5, 2012.
  18. Web site: Beyoncé shows 'Fierce' and softer sides in tour kickoff at the Garden. Daily News. Daily News, L.P.. Jim. Farber. June 22, 2009. July 10, 2013. September 21, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055537/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/beyonce-shows-fierce-softer-sides-tour-kickoff-garden-article-1.376045. live.
  19. Web site: Listen Up: Beyonce is tender, sassy on 'Sasha Fierce'. USA Today. Gannett Company. Elysa. Gardner. November 17, 2008. March 5, 2012. December 9, 2012. https://archive.today/20121209053647/http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2008-11-17-beyonce-sasha-fierce_N.htm. live.
  20. Web site: Picks and Pans Review: Beyoncé. Chuck. Arnold. Monica. Rizzo. Ivory. Jeff Clinton. Courtney. Rubin. People. Time Inc. December 1, 2008. March 5, 2012. September 30, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150930062758/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20245516,00.html. live.
  21. Web site: Beyonce – I Am... Sasha Fierce: The two sides of Ms. Knowles fight for your attention . . Spence . D. . November 22, 2008 . December 25, 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110628214443/http://music.ign.com/articles/933/933019p1.html . June 28, 2011 .
  22. Web site: Sterdan . Darryl . Review Album: Beyoncé - I Am... Sasha Fierce . https://archive.today/20120709071101/http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/B/Beyonce/AlbumReviews/2008/11/18/7453821-sun.html . usurped . July 9, 2012 . November 18, 2008 . . December 19, 2011 .
  23. Web site: Beyoncé I Am...Sasha Fierce Review. Talia. Kraines. BBC Music. BBC. November 28, 2008. August 23, 2011. August 27, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110827033008/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/pxbd. live.
  24. Christgau, Robert. "Consumer Guide: I Am... Sasha Fierce" . Robert Christgau: January 2009. Archived from the original on November 11, 2009.
  25. News: Beyonce review: Needless bludgeoning and bombast. The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Bernard. Zuel. September 21, 2009. August 25, 2011. November 8, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121108181305/http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/music/needless-bludgeoning-and-bombast/2009/09/20/1253384901215.html. live.
  26. McGuire, Colin. (February 9, 2009) Review: I Am... Sasha Fierce . PopMatters. Retrieved on December 19, 2011.
  27. Web site: Pop review: Beyoncé, Newcastle Arena. The Guardian. May 26, 2009. June 27, 2012. February 28, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140228203000/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/may/26/beyonce-newcastle-arena. live.
  28. News: James . Reed . Beyoncé branches out . . . November 18, 2008 . December 19, 2011 . June 29, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110629024644/http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2008/11/17/beyonceacute_branches_out/?page=2 . live .
  29. News: Beyonce's two faces . Adam . Mazmanian . . . November 18, 2008 . March 6, 2012 . January 15, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200115162138/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/18/beyonces-two-faces/ . live .
  30. Web site: PHOTOS/Top 10 Best Beyoncé Songs. John. Boone. Jennifer. Cady. E! Online. E!. January 30, 2013. April 14, 2013. 1.
  31. Beyonce Brings Hits, Jay-Z to 'I Am...' Tour opener in New York. Caryn. Ganz. Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. June 22, 2009. December 25, 2011. February 3, 2013. https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20130203161707/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beyonce-brings-hits-jay-z-to-i-am-tour-opener-in-new-york-20090622. dead.
  32. Web site: Rexall Place, Edmonton. https://archive.today/20120709160850/http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/B/Beyonce/ConcertReviews/2009/03/27/8904821-sun.html. usurped. July 9, 2012. March 26, 2009. Jam!. Sun Media. Mike. Ross. March 6, 2012.
  33. Web site: Video: Rare Behind-the-Scenes Footage of Beyoncé Working With Thierry Mugler on Her Tour Costumes. New York. New York Media, LLC. Amy. Odell. December 14, 2010. March 5, 2012. December 18, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20101218193111/http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2010/12/video_rare_behind_the_scenes_f.html. live.
  34. News: Review: Beyonce is ... Fierce talent . Parke . Puterbaugh . . . June 29, 2009 . January 10, 2011 . March 8, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120308121341/http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/06/28/article/beyonce_is_fierce_talent . dead .
  35. News: January 10, 2011 . Flash, Concepts and, Yes, Songs . Ben . Ratliff . . June 22, 2009 . September 29, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130929120917/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/23/arts/music/23beyonce.html?_r=1 . live .
  36. News: Beyonce puts on a dazzling display at the O2. Irish Independent. Independent News and Media. June 1, 2009. August 25, 2011. July 26, 2011. https://archive.today/20110726031956/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/beyonce-puts-on-a-dazzling-display-at-the-o2-1757200.html. live.
  37. News: Beyoncé, 02 Arena, London. The Independent. Independent Print Limited. Alice. Jones. May 27, 2009. December 25, 2011. May 28, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090528232659/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/beyonc-02-arena-london-1691069.html. live.
  38. Star Tracks. People. Time Inc.. July 6, 2009. 72. 1. March 5, 2012. March 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071508/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20292735,00.html. live.
  39. Web site: Live: Beyoncé at Honda Center. Los Angeles Times. Ann. Powers. Ann Powers. July 13, 2009. March 6, 2012. December 28, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131228154614/http://articles.latimes.com/2009/jul/13/entertainment/et-beyonce13. live.
  40. News: Review: Beyonce at Newcastle Metro Radio Arena. Evening Chronicle. Trinity Mirror. May 23, 2009. March 6, 2012. July 21, 2012. https://archive.today/20120721184230/http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2009/05/23/beyonce-wows-the-crowd-at-newcastle-arena-72703-23695689/. live.
  41. Web site: Beyoncé, Jay-Z Thrill New York Crowd At I Am... Stop. https://archive.today/20120903173107/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1614410/beyonce-jayz-thrill-new-york-crowd-at-i-stop.jhtml. dead. September 3, 2012. MTV News. MTV Networks. Jayson. Rodriguez. June 22, 2009. October 26, 2011.
  42. News: She's a woman of two halves. The Observer. Guardian Media Group. Barbara. Ellen. May 24, 2009. March 6, 2012. May 28, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090528123108/http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/may/24/beyonce. live.
  43. News: Beyonce Knowles wows Perth fans at Burswood concert . . News Limited . September 25, 2009 . August 26, 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120616081529/http://www.perthnow.com.au/entertainment/beyonce-knowles-wows-perth-fans-at-burswood-concert/story-e6frg3ic-1225779313174 . June 16, 2012 .
  44. News: Beyonce shakes her booty at Burswood. Yahoo! Music. Yahoo!. September 25, 2009. August 26, 2011. September 30, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120930010729/http://au.news.yahoo.com/entertainment/a/-/entertainment/6100367/beyonce-shakes-her-booty-at-burswood/. live.
  45. Web site: Beyonce Knowles and Sasha Fierce unite Sydney ladies, fans at concert. The Daily Telegraph. Holly. Byrnes. September 19, 2009. March 6, 2012. October 22, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20091022000641/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/beyonce-knowles-and-sasha-fierce-unite-sydney-ladies-fans-at-concert/story-e6frexar-1225776869209. live.
  46. News: Choreographed self-belief. The Australian. News Limited. Patrick. Emery. September 17, 2009. March 6, 2012.
  47. Web site: I Am...World Tour . Amazon.com (Germany) . November 15, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120120055318/http://www.amazon.de/dp/B00496OIYK . January 20, 2012 .
  48. Web site: Andy. Kellman. Review: I Am...World Tour. Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. March 6, 2012. January 7, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120107130922/http://www.allmusic.com/album/i-amworld-tour-r2052327/review. live.
  49. Web site: Andy. Gill. Album: Beyonce, I Am... World Tour (Columbia). The Independent. Independent Print Limited. December 3, 2010. March 6, 2012. August 12, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170812102021/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-beyonce-i-am-world-tour-columbia-2149562.html. live.
  50. Web site: Star Tracks - Lighten Up - Beyonce Knowles. People. Time Inc. December 4, 2008. March 5, 2012. March 29, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110329061258/http://www.people.com/people/gallery/0,,20244044_20550860,00.html. live.
  51. Web site: Jackson honored at Essence Music Festival. USA Today. Gannett Company. Jerry. Shriver. July 4, 2009. March 5, 2012. January 7, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120107023216/http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2009-07-04-essence-jackson_N.htm. live.
  52. Web site: A-listers pay tribute to Jacko at BET Awards. Lucy. Hutchings. Marie Claire. Hearst Corporation. 29 June 2009. August 22, 2011. 1 April 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120401142508/http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/celebrity/380455/a-listers-pay-tribute-to-jacko-at-bet-awards.html. dead.
  53. News: Janet Jackson, Jamie Foxx Lead Michael Jackson Tribute at BET Awards . https://archive.today/20120722110629/http://uk.eonline.com/news/janet_jackson_jamie_foxx_lead_michael/131689 . dead . July 22, 2012 . . Brandi . Flowler . June 28, 2009 . October 26, 2011 .
  54. Web site: BET Awards Salute Michael Jackson With Heartfelt Tributes. MTV News. MTV Networks. Eric. Ditzian. June 29, 2009. August 22, 2011. May 10, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110510023325/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1614877/bet-awards-salute-michael-jackson-with-heartfelt-tributes.jhtml. dead.
  55. Web site: Janet Jackson honours Michael . June 29, 2009 . August 22, 2011 . . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120404183544/http://www.ok.co.uk/posts/view/11738/Janet-Jackson-honours-Michael- . April 4, 2012 .
  56. News: Michael Jackson's father Joe fears 'foul play' over singer's death. 29 June 2009. August 22, 2011. The Daily Telegraph. London. 16 February 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100216040836/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5685189/Michael-Jacksons-father-Joe-fears-foul-play-over-singers-death.html. live.
  57. News: At BET Awards, Michael Jackson's legacy honoured . . . August 23, 2011 . Chennai, India . June 29, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121110131406/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200906290924.htm . November 10, 2012 .
  58. Web site: Ashleigh and Pudsey win Britain's Got Talent final. BBC Online. BBC. May 13, 2012. June 5, 2012. June 14, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120614080224/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-18048792. live.
  59. Web site: 'Britain's Got Talent' final: Live blog. Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias. Daniel. Sperling. May 12, 2012. June 5, 2012. June 16, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120616171758/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s107/britains-got-talent/realitybites/a381313/britains-got-talent-final-live-blog.html. live.
  60. News: Holt. Simon. The Voice recap. The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. May 29, 2012. June 4, 2012. May 31, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120531202931/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/gloves-off-claws-out-in-deltaseal-tiff-20120529-1zg2l.html. live.
  61. Web site: The Voice Monday 28th May – Laura Bunting, Jimmy Cupples and Taga Paa Eliminated! . . MCM Entertainment Pty Ltd . May 29, 2012 . June 4, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120530092542/http://www.take40.com/news/31684/the-voice-monday-29th-may---laura-bunting%2C-jimmy-cupples-and-taga-paa-eliminated%21 . May 30, 2012 .
  62. Web site: Fatai Veamatahau – Ave Maria . australian-charts.com. Hung Medien . June 4, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140917043315/http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Fatai+Veamatahau&titel=Ave+Maria&cat=s . September 17, 2014 .
  63. Web site: Single Top 50. australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. June 10, 2012. June 5, 2012. October 15, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121015114642/http://australian-charts.com/weekchart.asp?year=2012&date=20120610&cat=s. live.
  64. I Am... Sasha Fierce . I Am... Sasha Fierce . Beyoncé Knowles . 2008 . Beyoncé . Knowles . Beyoncé Knowles . Compact Disc . . 88607 42884 2 . New York City, New York .
  65. Web site: Beyoncé - I Am... Sasha Fierce > Credits > Ave Maria. Beyonce.com. Parkwood Entertainment. June 5, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120610010633/http://www.beyonce.com/music/i-am-sasha-fierce. 2012-06-10. dead.
  66. Web site: The Official Beyoncé and Destiny's Child Top 40 Revealed!. July 5, 2013. Justin. Myers. Official Charts Company. August 1, 2013. July 9, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130709002447/http://www.officialcharts.com/features/the-official-beyonce-and-destinys-child-top-40-revealed-2335/. live.
  67. Web site: Chartifacts . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120814015357/http://www.ariacharts.com.au/news/33225/chartifacts . August 14, 2012 . August 29, 2016.
  68. Web site: Top Singles (Week 52, 2023). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. French. January 2, 2024.
  69. Web site: Top 30 Ring Tones – Semana 49 De 2010 . pt . . December 26, 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120426055635/http://www.afp.org.pt/top.php?top=topdigi&qano=2010&sem=49 . April 26, 2012 .
  70. Web site: Zywietz, Tobias. Chart Log UK: November 29, 2008 . Zobbel Archive (UK) . August 22, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110719120417/http://zobbel.de/cluk/081129cluk.txt. 19 July 2011 . live.