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Wonders & Blunders: Celebs highs and lows

Beyoncé dropped her new hit single “Formation” just one day before Super Bowl 50. The next day, Beyoncé slayed her performance during the halftime show. When the music video premiered, I was immediately impressed. Her music is always empowering and her talent for both singing and dancing is always present in her music and videos.

However, Queen B’s new music video and halftime performance sparked controversy for some. Beyoncé decided to use the single and performance as an opportunity to pay tribute and make a statement. During the show, Beyoncé wore a replica of an old Michael Jackson costume, while her backup dancers were dressed in all black leather wearing berets, some people it paid homage to the Black Panther party from the 1960s.

Post halftime performance, some of the backup dancers used the opportunity to hold up signs reading “Justice 4 Mario Woods” in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

People immediately acted out against the song; some even tried to hold an anti-Beyoncé protest in front of the NFL headquarters the following day. It quickly turned into a Pro-Beyoncé gathering, considering only three people in opposition showed up.

After the negative attention the performance was receiving, it was no surprise when “Saturday Night Live” decided to poke fun at the recent Beyoncé “scandal” this past weekend during a digital short. The short mocks white American reactions by creating a horror movie trailer titled “The Day Beyoncé Turned Black,” and it was spot-on.

The fake trailer shows several white SNL cast members falling to pieces as they listen to “Formation,” acting as if the world is ending. The short clearly expresses the idea that people in America were overreacting to what Beyoncé was singing about.

Beyoncé expressed herself in the new single, and someone should never apologize for taking pride in their heritage. No matter what she sings, it’s going to be powerful and reach audiences of all races. Props to SNL for acknowledging the absurdity of those opposing the new single and her performance.

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