One year ago, Beyoncé brought the marching band culture of historically black colleges and universities to the mainstage with her iconic headlining performance at the 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which she opened with a lively drumline comprised predominately of people of color.
She reminded the world of her immaculate and awe-inspiring show with the release of her Netflix documentary, Homecoming, on April 16, which chronicled the blood, sweat and tears poured into making her Coachella performance one of the most memorable concerts of all time. Throughout the special, Beyoncé explained the importance of using her massive platform to exemplify HBCUs and uplifting the rich black American culture from which she comes, all while showcasing the talents of the many black and brown kids that put it all on the line on the college football field year after year with such grandiose style and finesse.
It was a complete moment, drawing praise and appreciation for Queen Bey yet again.
Then at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards on Wednesday—a mere two weeks and two days since Homecoming's debut—Taylor Swift opened the ceremony with a drumline clad in pink.
TAYLOR SWIFT JUST BIT TF OUTTA BEYONCE ON THE BILLBOARD AWARDS ... I’m 💀😭😭😭💀💀💀💀 where is the beyhive???? pic.twitter.com/hWvRcKK4an
— Jamilah Michelle (@jamilahmichelle) May 2, 2019
The similar set concepts were undeniable—and, of course, drew the ire of plenty of Beyoncé fans. Thousands took to social media pointing out the noticeable comparisons between Beyoncé's Coachella performance and Swift's ensemble at the Billboard Awards, thus leading to the viral hashtag, #Mayochella, a play on a watered-down version of Beyoncé's Beychella.
If you could visualize the taste of LaCroix #mayochella pic.twitter.com/6Q3XkPDS2s
— Did you finish the project Jake? (@InhambaneAfrika) May 2, 2019
Granted there were some differences. Swift's performance of her latest single, "Me!," featured a little more whimsical elements thanks to dancers dressed in pastel suits, colorful umbrellas and the accompaniment of Panic! At the Disco's Brenden Urie, who also appears on the song. While a drumline was present, there was no full out marching band either.
The moment wouldn't mark the first time Swift was accused of mimicking Beyoncé in some fashion.
When Swift released "Look What You Made Me Do" in 2017, fans were quick to draw comparisons to video scenes that seemed to mirror parts of Beyoncé's 2016 Lemonade video alum, particularly clips in the "Formation" video sequence in which Beyoncé, dripping in all black, stands on a porch surrounded by dancers. Meanwhile, in Swift's video, she appears dressed in all black in a ballroom and also surrounded by dancers.
Joseph Kahn, who directed "Look What You Made Me Do," denied using any elements of Beyoncé's video for Swift's. "It's not 'Formation' at all," he told The Los Angeles Times in 2017.
"They try to say she's wearing a black crop top and Beyoncé wore a black crop top," Kahn continued, later suggesting that it was Beyoncé who copied Swift. "They don't realize in 2015 in 'Bad Blood,' Taylor Swift was wearing a black crop top. I really do think, by the way, that Beyoncé copied 'Bad Blood.'"
Sagittarius: Hey can I copy your homework
— Astro Poets (@poetastrologers) August 25, 2017
Virgo: Sure just change it up a bit so no one notices pic.twitter.com/9vn9i6eQu2
Fans didn't stand for the similarities then, just as they are outraged by the performances' resemblance now. See a few reactions to Swift's Billboard Music Awards presentation below.
This is what I imagine it looked like when the gentrifiers showed up on Howard’s campus to walk their dogs
— Sylvia (@SylviaObell) May 2, 2019
https://t.co/ywEq5mUKbA
Not saying Taylor Swift isn't talented, but whoever thought of this should be fired. They need to understand that bands aren't in style for live performances at this moment. That was just Beyonce doing Beyonce things. #mayochella
— B. Nick 🏁 (@CantBNick) May 2, 2019
“Okay ladies, let’s promote colonization.” #MayoChella pic.twitter.com/p8nZfam2F8
— Preston Mitchum (@PrestonMitchum) May 2, 2019
Where’s Kanye when you need him?! #Mayochella
— Adrienne!!!! (@_NoRocky) May 2, 2019
And trust me I AM VERY AWARE THAT Beyoncé is not the first person to ever have a marching band in her performance. Taylor literally copied the entire HBCU culture of a marching band! That is why #mayochella is trending.
— Ama (@musu_feefiefo) May 2, 2019
Taylor mother fucking Christopher Columbus Swift.
— but is it gone get us free? (@YesAurielle) May 2, 2019
MAAAAAAAM. MAAM. https://t.co/wZqQzrqzXx
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Michigan native, Janice Williams is a graduate of Oakland University where she studied journalism and communication. Upon relocating to New ... Read more
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