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Beyonce's 'Formation' tour kickoff: What's her strategy for concert success?

The singer's 2016 international tour began in Miami on April 27. Critics praised the music, the fast-paced choreography, and pared down effects.

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Frank Micelotta/Invision for Parkwood Entertainment/AP
Beyonce (c.) performs in the opening concert of her 'Formation' tour, which kicked off in Miami on April 27, 2016, and will continue through August.

Shortly after releasing her unexpected new album, "Lemonade," singer Beyoncé began her "Formation" tour, with the first stop taking place in Miami.

Beyoncé's "Lemonade" album was released on April 23 and was accompanied by a TV special on HBO, which aired the same day. The work has attracted stellar reviews and is expected to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, which measures album sales. 

The singer's "Formation" tour had been announced shortly after she appeared at this year's Super Bowl with the band Coldplay and singer Bruno Mars. The tour will run into August and also includes dates in Europe. 

Beyoncé is a renowned performer, as noted by New York Times writer Jon Caramanica, who writes that the singer "excels at spectacle and … conducts and executes grand-scale group activity with military precision."

What are some of the singer's strengths that make her concerts satisfying and intriguing events? 

Her music is, of course, a key factor. The opening night in Miami was heavy with songs from "Lemonade" and many critics praised the new music as well as other fan favorites included in the show. Maeve McDermott of USA Today notes that the singer's "discography [has an] insanely deep bench," while Kat Bein of Rolling Stone noted that during the concert, Beyoncé had "nearly 20 years of hits" from which to choose.

And then there are her dance moves.

Beyoncé's ability and commitment when it comes to choreography have also been praised. Mr. Caramanica wrote that the singer "is a fiery dancer and can keep up with her backing troupe at peak speed and complexity."

Critics have noted that Beyoncé is able to hold the stage herself without distractions. Caramanica noted that the singer "made the striking decision to spend large parts of this show alone," while Becky Randel of Billboard wrote of the show, "Beyoncé brought her show back to basics – focusing on singing, dancing, and amazing outfits... While the launch of the Formation tour wasn't exactly 'epic' in the way of visual stunts and pop-style dance songs, Beyoncé nevertheless gave a pure and genuine performance; which consisted of two-plus hours of gorgeous vocals and undoubtedly the best dancing anyone will see this year."

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