Even though her latest album has been a big success, Beyoncé did not attend this year’s VMAs. Before the event, she shared some personal insights about her life as an artist, which might explain why she wasn’t there.
Many of the biggest stars in the music industry showed up for this year’s Video Music Awards (VMAs) in Elmont, New York. Celebrities dazzled in stunning outfits as they posed for photos. But one star missing from the spotlight was Beyoncé, even though she was nominated for three awards.
Beyoncé, known for her hit song “Countdown,” was nominated for **Song of the Year**, **Best Trending Video**, and **VMAs Most Iconic Performance**. The last two categories are fan-voted, allowing her supporters to have a direct influence on the outcome. Despite these nominations, she was notably absent from the event.
Beyoncé received two of her nominations—**Song of the Year** and **Best Trending Video**—for her hit song *”Texas Hold ‘Em,”* the lead single from her latest album *”Cowboy Carter.”* The album has been a global sensation, further cementing her influence in the music industry despite her absence from the VMAs.
Beyoncé’s third nomination, for **Most Iconic Performance**, was for her beloved classic *”Love on Top.”* Despite not having released official music videos for her latest album *”Cowboy Carter,”* she still managed to secure these impressive nominations, showcasing her enduring influence and the impact of her music.
Beyoncé did release an official lyric video for *”Texas Hold ‘Em.”* The video is simple yet striking, featuring bold red capitalized letters displaying the lyrics. The backdrop includes imagery of a building, barbed wire, and a satellite dish, adding a gritty, atmospheric feel to the song, even though there’s no full music video yet.
At the VMAs, *”Texas Hold ‘Em”* faced stiff competition, going up against other critically acclaimed songs by some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Despite the tough competition, Beyoncé’s track still managed to stand out, earning her nominations in key categories.
Beyoncé was in impressive company for the **Song of the Year** award, with fellow nominees including Taylor Swift and Post Malone for their song *”Fortnight,”* Kendrick Lamar for *”Not Like Us,”* Teddy Swims for *”Lose Control,”* Jack Harlow for *”Lovin On Me,”* and Sabrina Carpenter for her hit *”Espresso.”* These stars, each with their own critically acclaimed tracks, made the competition for the award especially fierce.
Although Beyoncé was not present to celebrate her nominations at this year’s VMAs, which were ultimately won by other artists, this isn’t the first time she’s missed the event. The last time she attended the VMAs was in 2016, making her absence this year less surprising to long-time fans.
Before the 2024 VMAs, Beyoncé gave an interview with *GQ*, where she opened up about her career and what it’s like being one of the biggest stars in the world. In the interview, she shared personal insights and reflections on her journey, offering fans a rare glimpse into the pressures and rewards of her life as a global icon.
During the interview, Beyoncé was asked about her **reputation as a perfectionist**, a trait often reflected in her exceptional work, including her songs and documentaries like *”Homecoming”* and *”Renaissance.”* She discussed how this drive for perfection influences her creative process and the high standards she sets for her projects.
Beyoncé was asked if her reputation for perfection ever feels like a burden, as if she’s trapped or carrying a heavy weight. She was probed about whether the pressure to maintain such high standards ever feels overwhelming.
In response, Beyoncé said, “Working on the music for *‘Cowboy Carter’* and launching this new project don’t feel like a prison or a burden at all. Actually, I only focus on what makes me feel free and inspired.”
Beyoncé did admit that fame can sometimes feel like a prison. She explained, “So, when you don’t see me on red carpets or when I take a break until I have new art to share, that’s why.”
The beloved singer, who once held the Guinness World Record for the most MTV Video Music Awards wins (30) between 2000 and 2021, also talked about her creative process. She emphasized that she works at her own pace and hopes that her music inspires listeners to reflect on themselves and develop their own resilience, strength, and creativity.
In the interview, Beyoncé shared, “I focus on storytelling, growth, and quality. I’m not concerned with perfectionism. My focus is on evolution, innovation, and changing perceptions.”
Square Waves in the Ocean? Exit the Water Immediately for Your Safety
The Captivating Beauty and Hidden Danger of Cross Seas
Nature never ceases to amaze with its ability to produce breathtaking phenomena, offering us moments of awe and wonder. Among these marvels is the striking display of cross seas—a rare and visually stunning oceanic pattern where waves intersect to create intricate, grid-like formations.
Cross seas occur when two wave systems converge at angles greater than 45 degrees, or when wind-driven waves clash with a swell traveling in a different direction. While these watery grids are undeniably beautiful, they are also deceptively dangerous, posing serious risks to both swimmers and vessels.
Beneath their enchanting surface lies a hazardous reality. The currents generated by cross seas can be unpredictable and powerful, making them perilous for those in the water. Navigating a boat or ship through these conditions is especially challenging, often leading to accidents and shipwrecks. Experts attribute many maritime incidents to the dangers of cross seas.
A 2010 report by the European Space Agency highlighted how frequently these conditions occur, particularly when wind-driven waves and swells overlap. According to a 2004 study cited by the agency, a significant proportion of ship accidents were linked to crossing sea states, underscoring the need for caution in these waters.
One location where this phenomenon is particularly visible is along the western coast of France, especially near Île de Ré. Tourists flock to witness the mesmerizing patterns, though entering the water is strongly discouraged due to the extreme risks. Instead, visitors can safely admire the view from a lighthouse on the island’s western side.
Cross seas serve as a reminder of nature’s duality—its ability to inspire wonder while demanding respect for its inherent dangers. For a closer look at this extraordinary phenomenon, check out the video below. Nature’s beauty continues to captivate us, blending awe with caution.
Leave a Reply