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.”
Mom Proudly Breastfeeds in Public and Claps Back at Critics
Mothers can nourish their newborns naturally and beautifully by breastfeeding. In addition to giving vital nutrients, it fosters a solid emotional tie between a mother and her kid. Unfortunately, breastfeeding in public has become a contentious issue, upsetting or even unsettling some people.
One mother, Trinati, made the decision to speak out and posted an impactful photo of herself nursing her child inside a Costco. After becoming viral, the public reacted to this photo with love and condemnation.
Instagram user Trinati, who has over 7,000 followers, shared the image in 2017 to highlight the extent moms will go to in order to make sure their kids are taken care of, no matter what. She clarified that she wants to normalize nursing in public and that she never hesitates to do so. She’ll have to put up with odd looks and awkward laughs, but she’s determined to support her child wherever they go.
Even Trinati’s family members have been known to tease her about her protracted breastfeeding journey, despite the criticism she faces from outsiders. She is determined to breastfeed her infant for as long as she needs, though, and she is unconcerned. Trinati rejects the notion that nursing in public is improper or sexual and tries to eradicate the stigma associated with it. She humorously notes that her breasts are more like udders than anything else, so they’re definitely not objects of desire.
Trinati is certain that her child’s needs come before any attempts to make her feel ashamed. She becomes a part of the community of moms who, by sharing their own heroic breastfeeding stories, challenge social standards and offer encouragement to one another.
There are several advantages to breastfeeding for both mother and child. The CDC states that it can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, ovarian and breast cancer, among other diseases. Numerous celebrities have also shown support for nursing mothers, including as Chrissy Teigen, Olivia Munn, Ronda Rousey, and Vanessa Morgan.
For mothers everywhere, the debate about breastfeeding in public is draining. Without condemnation or criticism, they need to be able to feed their kids in the way that suits them the best. It’s time to honor and promote the lovely act of nursing, as well as to stand with mothers like Trinati who take great pride in providing their kids with comfort and nourishment.
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