Beyoncé shows why she's queen

Photo: Andrew White/Parkwood Entertainment

MANCHESTER, UK - JULY 5: Beyonce performs during the Formation World Tour at Old Trafford Cricket Ground on Tuesday, July 5, 2016, in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Andrew White/Parkwood Entertainment)

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SHE came, she played and she absolutely slayed.

I think everyone who saw Queen Bey at Emirates Old Trafford will agree with that sentiment.

Whether you're an adoring fan and or someone simply familiar with her greatest hits, you couldn't fail to be blown away by the R&B songstress who captivates with every move she makes.

Braided, booty-ed and high-booted, Beyoncé unleashed a rage with such rump-shaking ferocity it's a wonder the city is still standing.

Those lucky enough to be among the throng of her loyal subjects last night may well have seen her at her most inspired yet.

Her new album Lemonade isn't just a stab at her husband Jay Z's alleged cheating; it's a celebration of black womanhood and female empowerment. It's serious stuff.

The Formation set list features an eclectic mix of celebrated chart-toppers such as "Crazy in Love", "Survivor" and "Baby Boy" pitched against anthems such as "Run the World" and new material including "Hold Up" and "Daddy Lessons".

Who else would open the show with a 50ft high revolving cube blasting fire into a beautiful, cloud-rippled night sky?

Yoncé burst on stage to the banging black power anthem "Formation" and the next hour was shaped by fiercely sharp choreography, fire, lightening, angst and an air of retribution.

In contrast the latter part of the show seemed to celebrate love and those closest to her mirrored by huge projections of home movies featuring her daughter, Blue Ivy, and Mr Beyoncé himself - a clue she's forgiven his rumoured infidelities maybe?

Before singing "All Night" she told the crowds: "This is my favourite song to sing off the new album cos it reminds me of redemption and forgiveness,". She then launched into the lyrics: "Found the truth beneath your lies; and true love never has to hide; I'll trade your broken wings for mine; I've seen your scars and kissed your crime".

Meticulous dance routines, slick and seamless costume changes and truly incredible vocals reaffirmed why this megastar deserves her place among musical royalty.

She paid her own tribute to Prince - a purple one of course - as the crowd sang along to "Purple Rain".

Her last few numbers were performed in a giant stage-sized puddle as she splashed her way through "Freedom"and "Survivor" and ended with a firework finale of "Halo".

She showered us with ticker tape and told us we were beautiful.

Just one question: Who IS "Becky with the good hair"?