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.”
After three years of trying and failing to get pregnant, we finally bought our first house and decided to adopt a fur baby
The worn, wooden rocking chair creaked rhythmically as I swayed, the rhythmic motion a comforting counterpoint to the storm raging outside. Rain lashed against the windows, mirroring the tempest of emotions swirling within me. Three years. Three long, heartbreaking years of trying. Three years of doctor’s appointments, of whispered hopes and crushing disappointments. Three years of yearning for the pitter-patter of tiny feet and the sound of childish laughter filling our home.
Then, there was Teddy. Our goofy, clumsy Labrador Retriever, a whirlwind of fur and affection that had crashed into our lives like a playful puppy tornado. We had brought him home on a whim, a spur-of-the-moment decision after months of soul-searching. The emptiness in our home felt unbearable, and Teddy, with his boundless energy and unwavering love, had filled it with a joy we hadn’t known existed.
He was a whirlwind of activity, his tail a blur as he chased squirrels, his bark echoing through the neighborhood. He loved nothing more than a good belly rub and a game of fetch, his floppy ears flapping in the wind as he sprinted across the yard. And then, there were the cuddles. Teddy loved to snuggle, especially on cold winter evenings, his massive head resting on my lap, his warm breath a comforting presence.
But it was recently that Teddy’s behavior had taken on a new dimension. He’d become increasingly protective of me, his golden eyes following my every move with an almost uncanny intensity. He’d started spending more time by my side, his head resting on my lap for longer periods, his gentle nudges more frequent. And then, there were the kisses.
It started subtly. A gentle lick on my hand, a playful nudge against my arm. But then, it evolved. He’d seek me out, his tail wagging with a newfound purpose, and carefully, delicately, he’d nudge my belly with his nose, then lick it with a soft, wet tongue. It was the most unexpected, and yet, the most heartwarming gesture. It was as if he knew, somehow, that something magical was happening within me.
And then, it happened. The two blue lines appeared on the pregnancy test, stark against the white background. Tears welled up in my eyes, hot and salty. I was pregnant. After three years of longing, hope had finally returned.
I turned to see Teddy watching me, his head cocked to the side, his golden eyes filled with an unusual intensity. He whined softly, then nudged my belly again, his tongue gently licking the skin. It was as if he was congratulating me, celebrating with me. In that moment, I knew. Teddy wasn’t just our dog; he was our protector, our confidante, our furry guardian angel. He knew before I did, and his joy was palpable.
The weeks that followed were a whirlwind of emotions. Morning sickness, fatigue, and the constant worry about the tiny life growing inside me. But Teddy was always there, a constant source of comfort and companionship. He’d lie beside me, his head on my lap, his presence a soothing balm to my anxieties. He’d follow me everywhere, his eyes glued to my every move, as if anticipating my every need. And every evening, without fail, he’d gently nudge my belly with his nose, as if checking on the progress of the little miracle growing within me.
As the months passed, my belly grew, and so did Teddy’s protective instincts. He’d bark at any sudden noise, his eyes scanning the room with a newfound alertness. He’d nudge anyone who came too close, his low growls a gentle warning. He was already preparing for his role as protector, his love for the unborn child radiating from him like a warm glow.
Finally, the day arrived. The day I met my little miracle. As I held my newborn daughter in my arms, tears streamed down my face. She was perfect, tiny and fragile, yet so strong. I glanced at Teddy, who was watching us with wide, curious eyes. He whined softly, then cautiously approached, sniffing the air with his wet nose.
He hesitated for a moment, then gently nudged my daughter’s hand with his nose. She startled, her tiny fingers twitching. Teddy, sensing her surprise, whined again, then licked her hand gently. My daughter, seemingly sensing his affection, reached out a tiny hand and touched his nose.
In that moment, I knew that Teddy was already smitten. He was no longer just our dog; he was a brother, a protector, a friend. He had welcomed our daughter into our lives with open arms, and his love for her was already overflowing.
As I watched my daughter and Teddy interact, a wave of gratitude washed over me. Teddy, our furry companion, had not only filled our home with joy but had also prepared our hearts for the greatest love of all. He had shown us the meaning of unconditional love, and now, he was sharing that love with the newest member of our family.
Teddy, our goofy, clumsy Labrador, had truly brought magic into our lives. And I knew, with a certainty that settled deep within my soul, that our little family was complete.
Leave a Reply