Entertainment

22 photos of Beyoncé's stunning Grammy performance

Beyonce Grammy Awards performance 2017 close up
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The 59th Annual Grammy Awards had a Beyoncé-packed first half. The music queen performed two songs from her hit record/visual album "Lemonade," and then she won an award for best urban contemporary album (and delivered a stirring speech about the need for better diverse representation).

Beyoncé's show-stopping performance wound up being the most memorable part of the evening, though Adele took home the awards for both album and record of the year.

Keep scrolling for a look at the stunning visuals from Beyoncé's performance.

The performance opened with a pre-recorded video of Beyoncé (in all her pregnant glory).

Grammys 2017 Beyonce performance
CBS

But then it cut to the real woman herself, standing in an amazing bejeweled gown.

Beyonce Grammys 2017 performance
CBS

More pre-recorded video played, including a group of tiny Blue Ivy's dancing around their mom.

Beyonce Blue Ivy Grammys
CBS

Another augmented visual showed Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, and Beyoncé's mother Tina Knowles all dressed in yellow with halos around their heads.

Beyonce performance Grammys 2017
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The real Beyoncé had a gorgeous gold headpiece on.

Beyonce Grammy Awards performance 2017 hands
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Her dancers draped a golden shroud over Beyoncé's head, increasing the religious imagery.

Beyonce performance Grammys 2017
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This whole time, Beyoncé's voice was reading the same poetry that was incorporated into "Lemonade."

Beyonce halo spotlight Grammys 2017
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But soon, it was time to sing.

Beyonce Grammy Awards performance 2017
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First, one more photo showing Beyoncé's stunning gown.

Beyonce pregnant Grammy Awards performance 2017 side view
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Beyoncé walked along the top of a table, and sat in a chair.

Beyonce Grammy Awards performance 2017 standing
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She began singing "Love Drought."

Beyonce Grammy Awards performance 2017 overview
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And then, just when we thought maybe Beyoncé was taking a break from the action, her chair began tilting back.

Beyonce chair Grammy Awards performance 2017
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An overhead shot showed the rig under the chair that would keep her from falling.

Beyonce chair drop Grammys 2017
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The chair moved back upright, and Beyoncé changed gears.

Beyonce smiling performance ending Grammys 2017
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"Sandcastles" — the heartbreaking ballad from "Lemonade" was up next.

Beyonce Grammy Awards performance 2017 close up
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Beyoncé was literally glowing.

Beyonce dress close up Grammys 2017
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She sat on another chair while belting out the final song.

Beyonce Grammys 2017
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Her dancers looked equally ethereal in flowing gowns and gold accessories.

Beyonce Grammy Awards walking performance 2017
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The performance ended with Beyoncé surrounded by the women.

Beyonce performs at 2017 Grammy awards
Larry Busacca/Getty

As everyone's hands raised, Beyoncé stood smiling.

Beyonce smiling Grammys 2017
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She soaked it all in, with husband Jay Z and daughter Blue Ivy beaming up at her from the front rows.

Beyonce smiling Grammy 2017 performance
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And with that, the blessed Beyoncé left the stage.

Beyonce Grammy Awards performance 2017 chair
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Kim was an entertainment correspondent for Insider. She was best known as Insider's resident "Game of Thrones" analyst, and authored "The Unofficial Guide to Game of Thrones." Kim moderated panels for the annual Con of Thrones fan convention and made guest appearances on podcasts including "Night's Cast," "Bald Move," and "Game of Owns." She co-hosts the "House of the Dragon" unofficial recap podcast "A Cast of Kings."Kim covered other sci-fi and fantasy series, including "Stranger Things," "Dark," "Westworld," "The OA," and more. Kim graduated from Hunter College with a degree in cultural anthropology.