Blue Ivy: How Beyoncé's daughter dealt with criticism after dancing debut
Blue Ivy Carter, born Jan 7, 2012, is growing up fast! Not only is the young woman coming into her own as a performer, but she's also offering some serious inspiration. Read on to see how she dealed with getting roasted by critics... and to learn where her very unique name came from!
When Blue Ivy, Beyoncé's daughter, joined her famous mother's 'The Renaissance World Tour' as a dancer for the track 'My Power,' she faced more critics than fans. Despite the mixed reception, it is important to remember that this budding star was just 11 years old.
It was at the end of May when Blue Ivy took the stage in Paris, France, in front of roughly 80,000 people. It quickly went viral on the internet... and the trolls came out in droves.
Photo: Instagram @beyonce
Naturally, Beyoncé was deeply concerned when her daughter read the critiques about her "lackluster dance moves," as described by The New York Times in a review of the new documentary film 'Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé (2023)' about the singer's tour, which highlights this whole debacle.
Critics were harsh, with some remarking that Blue Ivy's only shining moment on stage was her silver outfit. Ouch.
Photo: Instagram @beyonce
While Beyoncé expressed immense pride in her then-11-year-old daughter, the audience and media had mixed opinions about the eldest child of Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
In the film, the singer admits that she didn't think it was a good idea for her daughter to join her on stage. To her, it wasn't a place for an 11-year-old, as she would have to perform in front of thousands.
"But it thrilled her mother that instead of quitting, she decided to put in the work and train even harder for future stops," wrote the NYT, based on what appears in the film: 'Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé."
Despite the initial reluctance, Blue Ivy took to the stage anyway. Even amid harsh criticism, she didn't get downhearted or defeated. On the contrary, Beyoncé's eldest started training harder each day, with noticeable improvements in subsequent concerts.
In fact, people began recognizing her improved performance. By September, there were even comparative videos on TikTok praising her on-stage evolution.
Beyoncé's fans have noticed not just an improvement in her steps but also a significant boost in her stage confidence. This growth is applauded by both her mom and dad, rapper Jay-Z.
"Blue's been born into this world that she didn't ask. She's been born into a life she didn't ask for. So since she was born she's been in, like, scrutiny and public eye, and everyone having an opinion," Jay-Z told CBS Mornings.
Photo: Instagram @beyonce
The rapper added that the song 'My Power,' was very much a defining moment for his daughter. "You can't write a better script," he said.
But rather than being daunted and stepping aside, Blue Ivy has shown that she's inherited more than just her parents' blood and names - she's also got their discipline and will to improve at such a young age.
Now, Blue Ivy appears more confident on stage, undaunted by the thousands of eyes on her. Instead, she's motivated to give more and always appreciates the applause she receives.
In Oct. 2023, Jay-Z finally spilled the beans on where her name came from after so much scrutiny and theories. And no, it has nothing to do with a favorite color or branding strategy, as some had said.
The original plan for the name was Brookyln, an homage to where her dad grew up. However, during prenatal checks, they started calling her Blueberry. "'Look at the little blueberry.' You know, it was like a nickname," said Jay-z on CBS Mornings. "It just was natural." Once the nickname started to feel like more of a name, they dropped the 'berry' and just called her Blue.