Bey-day arrives Beyonce starts Australian tour in Melbourne

When it comes to urban music these days it's simple - there's Beyonce and then there's everyone else.

Her first Australian concert on the new Mrs Carter Show world tour was truly something to Bey-hold.

It was filled with non-stop 'because I can' moments that Beyonce makes look effortless.

And an energy and natural talent which would embarrass most of her contemporaries.

"This is not the show for you to sit down and be cool," Beyonce warned the adoring crowd early on.

Very few seats were used.

RELIVE THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM BEYONCE'S SHOW:

News_Module: Beyonce blog

Watching Beyonce transcend from star to artist has been fascinating. She was at the top of her game when she sacked her father as manager and officially took over creative control.

The resulting album, 2011's 4 did more than merely aim for the charts again.

The Mrs. Carter Show in Melbourne, Australia is now over. Beyoncé is performing there again tomorrow (Oct. 23rd). pic.twitter.com/NEilEZxQ9x

Fans thought Beyonce would have a new album out in time for this 2014 world tour. Nope.

It's not right so it's not coming out yet. Then again it could be ready to release next week. Such is the mysterious, spontaneous new Beyonce.

Likewise her latest tour has a superstar budget and epic production, but with a maverick creative streak.

THAT WAS SICK, BEYONCE UR AMAZING!!!!!! #MrsCarterWorldTour #Melbourne @kartupos pic.twitter.com/rq9yytUumB

The show looks incredible, with state of the art visuals.

But it's the personal touches that make it special - bringing back the all girl band, mixing Bitter Sweet Symphony into If I Were a Boy and paying tribute to her heroes Whitney Houston and Donna Summer.

She's fierce street dancer one minute for Diva, Vegas disco showgirl for Party the next. And there's no holding back letting the dancers do the heavy lifting. And no letting her intense dancing stop her vocal power. Her concert is a master class in performance.

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS: The Mrs. Carter Show in Melbourne, Australia (Oct. 22) http://t.co/5agGGtZ8X8 pic.twitter.com/XT3NH84Nih

The set list is bold - there's chart toppers (Crazy in Love, Irreplaceable, Baby Boy, Naughty Girl, Survivor) but it's far from a lazy greatest hits show.

4 provides some of the best moments - from the unbridled old school funk of Love on Top to the goosebump-creating emotional vocals on 1+1, as delivered atop a grand piano.

Just after delivering the perfect pop of Crazy in Love Beyonce notes "In ten years time y'all say 'I was at Beyonce concert'." Because she can - and she's right.

Hands down the hottest lady in show biz. And no she didn't spit my way. #beyonce #melbourne pic.twitter.com/ieHKnC5JmQ

With Pink and now Beyonce, we've seen two young women skyrocketing the bar for live entertainment this year.

Final release tickets are available for Beyonce's three remaining Rod Laver Arena shows.

If @Beyonce spits on me I swear I won't be offended. It's raining out there, but it's HOT IN HERE! #melbourne pic.twitter.com/7idSbwwyo7

Beyonce is expected to keep a low profile in Melbourne, spending time with daughter Blue Ivy.

The superstar has posted a string of photos with her daughter on her Tumblr page - her way of connecting directly with her fans.

Beyonce graces the stage in Melbourne, Australia! pic.twitter.com/ZjJ3Ky3EIa

While fans have been patiently waiting for a follow up to 2011's 4, Beyonce's record label boss today hinted the album may drop as soon as December.

Beyonce's fifth studio was scrapped after a release date planned to coincide with her SuperBowl performance and world tour.

News_Rich_Media: Beyonce persevered with her performance after snagging her hair in a fan.

Songwriter Ryan Tedder told News Corp Australia he has worked on the second attempt at the album - he co-wrote Beyonce's hit Halo.

After her Melbourne stint Beyonce heads to Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide.

The Australian tour ends after a show in Perth on November 9.

The world tour ends with a show in New York on December 22.

Melbourne fans can purchase the final tickets for all Beyonce's shows this week through Ticketek.

Tickets start at $99.90, with VIP packages being the top ticket price at $1275 which includes a `Beyhive' pit standing room ticket, VIP pre-party and a pre-autographed photo.

Australian rapper Iggy Azalea will be on stage at 8pm, with Beyonce's expected ETA, or Bey-TA, somewhere between 9pm and 9.30pm.

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