Diva (Beyoncé Knowles song)

"Diva"
Single by Beyoncé
from the album I Am... Sasha Fierce
Released January 20, 2009
Format Digital download
Recorded 2008
Bangladesh Studios
Patchwerk Studios
Silent Sound Studios
(Atlanta, Georgia)
Genre Hip hop, R&B
Length 3:20
Label Columbia
Writer(s) Beyoncé Knowles, Shondrae "Bangladesh" Crawford, Sean Garrett
Producer Bangladesh, Sean Garrett, Beyoncé Knowles
Beyoncé singles chronology
"At Last"
(2008)		 "Diva"
(2009)		 "Halo"
(2009)

"Diva" is a song by American R&B singer Beyoncé Knowles. The song was written and produced by Shondrae "Bangladesh" Crawford, Sean Garrett, and Knowles for her third studio album, I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008). It was released as the album's third overall single in the United States alongside the third international single "Halo". "Diva" is an R&B song, set in a hip hop groove, and carries a stuttering beat. The lyrics of the song deliver messages of independence and female empowerment. The song boasts a beat and bassline similar to that of another Bangladesh production, "A Milli" by American rapper, Lil Wayne, and critics coined "Diva" as a "female companion" to the latter.

"Diva" received mixed to positive reviews, with critics having polarized opinions concerning its affiliation with "A Milli". Despite being released to rhythmic and urban radios only in the United States, the song reached number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, topping the Hot Dance Club Play chart, and attaining a high point of number three on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Although it was only officially released in the US, the song appeared on the charts in Australia, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

The accompanying music video for "Diva" was directed by Melina Matsoukas. It shows the singer and backup dancers in a warehouse, and presents a choreography similar to that of her previous single "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (2008). Knowles also appears in different Thierry Mugler couture pieces. The video ranked at number 13 on BET's Notarized: Top 100 Videos of 2009 countdown. Although she did not perform the song in any televised appearances, the song was a part of her set list on the I Am... Tour.

Contents

Background and release

According to an interview that the composer of "Diva", Bangladesh gave with Rap-Up, the song was originally intended to be put it on the track-listing of his own mixtape.[1] He also had plans to choose a female artist of his choice to contribute vocals to the song.[1] However, he decided to play the song to American R&B singer Keyshia Cole. Cole, who liked the beat of "Diva", but not the whole track, eventually declined to record the song. Later she said she would sing the song, however, this time Knowles also wanted the track for her then upcoming album.[2] Ultimately, Bangladesh decided to give Knowles the song and produced another track for Keyshia Cole.[1] About one month after the release of I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008), it was reported that American R&B singer Ciara, who was at that particular time working on her third studio album, Fantasy Ride, had remixed "Diva". The remix was supposed to be featured on her Fantasy Ride Mixtape.[3]

"Ego" was initially planned to be serviced as the second US urban single, and the third overall US single from I Am... Sasha Fierce, alongside the third worldwide single "Halo".[4] However, the release of "Ego" was scrapped, and "Diva" was released instead to urban radio[5] while "Halo" was sent for mainstream airplay on January 20, 2009.[6] On the same date, "Diva" was sent to rhythmic radio alone.[7] "Ego" was later released as the third urban single and overall fifth single in the US on May 19, 2009.[8] Additionally, in Germany, "Diva" was featured as the B-side to "Halo" single.[9] Upon the release of "Diva", contemporary music critics noted that there are also many similarities between Knowles' "Diva" and the song "A Milli" by Lil Wayne, as both feature a similar beat produced by Bangladesh.[10] In an interview with MySpace, Knowles agreed that "Diva" seems like woman's equivalent to "A Milli". However, she said that it was not consciously.[11] Consequently, the song became to be known as the feminine companion to Lil Wayne's "A Milli".[12]

Composition

"Diva" is an R&B song composed in a moderate hip hop tempo,[13][14] in the key of E major.[13] It carries a stuttering beat,[15][16] which is accompanied by a slow-rolling and bass-pumping groove.[17] "Diva" marks a change of direction for Knowles because it features the singer rapping over a Roland TR-808 drum machine, and less instruments than her usual tracks.[18][19] Adam Mattera of The Observer noted "Diva" could be "a perfect independent women anthem";[20] there is a feel of courage and determination in its message.[21] Houston Chronicle's Joey Guerra called the song an "ode to female fabulousness".[14] "Diva" aurally resembles Knowles own 2006 songs "Freakum Dress" and "Ring the Alarm".[22] Spence D. of IGN Music further compared its hip hop composition to Missy Elliott's earlier songs.[23]

In "Diva", the female protagonist speaks and sings about being a diva.[24] According to Nick Levine of Digital Spy, Sasha Fierce also salutes her earning power and proclaims herself as the "number one diva in the game".[25] "Diva" begins with metallic kick drum, "sly vocal stutters"[12] and Knowles singing with a robotic voice: "I'm a, I'm a, a diva."[17] She tells the positive definition of a diva, explaining "diva is a female version of a hustler",[16][26] and makes frequent references to her millions of dollars, even fanning herself with dollar bills.[18] She also raps the lines "I done got so sick and filthy with benjis, I can't spend it" channeling her alter ego, Sasha Fierce.[27]

Critical reception

The song received mixed to positive reviews, with critics either praising or criticizing it being a female companion to "A Milli." Matos Michaelangelo of The A.V. Club said that "Diva" is a flagrant attempt to write a female version of "A Milli".[28] Leah Greenblat of Entertainment Weekly wrote that "Diva" can make a very good feminine companion to Lil Wayne's "A Milli" thanks to their similar music instruments and aural similarities."[12] Noting its similarity to "A Milli", Andy Kellman Allmusic picked out "Diva" as one of the three standout tracks from the album, writing that it is the only song on I Am... Sasha Fierce that bears resemblance to "Freakum Dress" and "Ring the Alarm" in terms of audacity.[22] Stacey Anderson of Spin wrote that "Diva" places a "startling, sexy snarl over window-rattling bass".[29] The Observer's Adam Mattera described the song as a potential source of inspiration to drag queens, however concluded that the track can also leave many persons confused and bewildered.[20] Mariel Concepcion of Billboard magazine noted that "Diva" is not something new, nevertheless it manages to be the "radio-ready dance" song .[30] Bill Lamb of About.com wrote that the beat structure allows Knowles to deconstruct her public image.[15] Similarly, Daniel Brockman of The Phoenix remarked that the song is "particularly intriguing" as it progresses through "hard-knockish robbery scenarios" which does not resemble Knowles' clean public image.[31] Adam Mazmanian of The Washington Times felt that the song was influenced by Knowles' husband, American rapper Jay-Z, because it had a "bad soft-core gangster rap".[27] He also noted that the lyrics of the song contained word that could get an "explicit" sticker by the chain stores.[27] J. Freedom du Lac of The Washington Post chose "Diva" as one of the best songs on I Am... Sasha Fierce, calling it a "fun, [and] tuneless, gender-twisting play".[32]

Alex Thornton of AllHipHop noted that Knowles adopts a masculine character on "Diva" and that it is "something decent to bounce to at least".[33] Colin McGuire of PopMatters picked out the track as a highlight of the album, noting its "Lil Wayne-inspired beat" and describing it as "cheeky". He further wrote the song's lyrical content references courage as well as determination and that "Diva" shows the singer's "impeccable street side... with enough attitude to make it work".[21] Greg Kot of Chicago Tribune commented that the "menacing rhythm and chanted vocals" on "Diva", mark the album's biggest departure.[34] Christian Hoard of Rolling Stone noted Knowles turns out "modal-sounding hooks" over 808 bass on "Diva".[19] The Village Voice's Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond described "Sasha Fierce" as "suffer [sic] no such identity crisis, brassy, big-headed, confrontational, and witty...", further reflected on "Diva" with Knowles singing "A diva is the female definition of a hustla".[35] James Reed of The Boston Globe felt called the song a "glitchy, bass- heavy thumper with the most ridiculous chorus of the year".[36] Reed felt that the song was "insanely catchy, but then, when you hear something looped incessantly, no matter how mindless, it's bound to stick".[36] On the other hand, Alexis Petridis of The Guardian, reviewed the song negatively, stating, "The sonic trickery on the most experimental track, Diva, isn't interesting enough to distract you from the absence of a tune."[37] Spence D. of IGN Music, felt that Knowles' rapping in the song was a "bad idea" and continued to describe the song as "awkward, [and] horribly dated."[23] Bill Lamb of About.com ranked the song at number 83 on his list of the Top 100 Pop Songs of 2009, writing that it is one of the quirkiest songs from I Am...Sasha Fierce and that its kinetic energy is positively infectious.[38]

Chart performance

Initially, the song charted on the Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart at number five.[39] On January 3, 2009, the song debuted on the main Billboard Hot 100 chart at number 96,[40] and peaked at number 19 on March 7, 2009,[41] becoming Knowles' sixteenth top twenty single on the Hot 100.[39] "Diva" also charted and reached number one on the US Hot Dance Club Play chart on March 28, 2009, giving Knowles her ninth number one on the chart.[41][42] The song was successful on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart, where it peaked at number three for five consecutive weeks from February 14, 2009 to March 14, 2009.[43] The song received a gold certification by Recording Industry Association of America on March 12, 2009.[44] As of October 6, 2010, "Diva" had sold 906,000 digital downloads in the US.[45]

Even though the song was only officially released in the US, it still managed to chart in other countries. In Australia, the song debuted at number 47 on March 15, 2009, becoming the fourth single from the I Am… Sasha Fierce to reach the top fifty of the ARIA Singles Chart.[46] and peaked at number 40 on April 12, 2009.[47] In New Zealand, "Diva" debuted at number 32 on March 30, 2009[48] and peaked at number 26 for two non-consecutive weeks on April 6, 2009 and April 27, 2009.[49][50] On the UK Singles Chart, "Diva" rose from number 173[51] to number 73 on the UK Singles Chart on May 17, 2009 based on downloads alone.[52] The following week, it peaked number 72.[53] In The Netherlands, "Diva" debuted at number 94 on the Mega Single Top 100 and peaked two weeks later at number 73, based on downloads alone.[54]

Music video

Background and concept

The music video for "Diva" was shot downtown Los Angeles on November 22, 2008, and was directed by Melina Matsoukas, who worked with Knowles for several music videos.[55] The music video is thematically similar to the music video for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" in the sense that the video is in black and white, Knowles dons her alter ego Sasha Fierce's metal glove and performs choreography with two back-up dancers with more formal leotards. Knowles wears a Gareth Pugh design in the music video[56] as well as a couple of vintage Thierry Mugler Haute Couture pieces like a leather bodice and a reptilia inspired gown.[56]

In her 2003 music video for "Crazy in Love" (2003), Knowles' husband (then boyfriend) Jay-Z throws a lighter on the ground, which ignites a trail of petrol to a car. According to a Daily Mail's reporter, that particular scene bears resemblance to the climax of "Diva"' accompanying music video where Knowles lights a cigar and throws the still lit lighter at a car, prompting it to explode into flames. Knowles had also chosen the same location under a bridge in downtown Los Angeles.[18] The video for "Diva" premiered on the iTunes Store on December 23, simultaneously with the video for "Halo".[57] It was also included in Knowles' remix album with videography, Above and Beyoncé.[58]

Synopsis

The video begins with a dictionary definition of the word "diva", before cutting to a parking lot outside of a warehouse. Knowles, wearing a pair of "dangle shades", walks past a car full of mannequin parts into the warehouse. From here, she is accompanied by her two dancers and a variety of high fashion outfits. When she states "Diva's gettin' money..." she waves a fan made of $100 bills. During the bridge to the climax, Knowles dances on a single light and then during the climax, she is seen very glossy in another wardrobe choice dancing in robotic movements to the beat with gold punctuating the black and white scene. In one scene, Knowles is seen dancing robotically in front of a set of gold-tinted mannequins; while in another, she dances against a wall with two large chains hanging from the ceiling. During the last chorus, Knowles is in her last wardrobe change in front of window which is where the paparazzi had taken photos of her. At the end of the song, Knowles walks back out to the parking lot. She lights up a cigar and throws the lighter into the car, letting it explode. As she walks away, the intro to "Video Phone" (a track from I Am... Sasha Fierce) plays. The explosion retains its original fiery colors in contrast with the black and white.

Reception

A writer of Rolling Stone called the video for the song "quite a hot mess" further comparing the dancers with the ones from the video for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)."[59] The writer finished the review calling it "a four-minute art-school film unworthy of her Sasha Fierceness."[59] Jennifer Cady of E! Online commented that the video was "all about being gritty and edgy, like strutting around a downtown L.A. warehouse in crazy designer fashion and chewing bubblegum. Hard-core style."[60] Cady further described the dance in the video as "way easier to learn than 'Single Ladies.'"[60] However, she chose the C-3PO-inspired mannequins, the lack of Knowles' robot hand and the "obnoxious camera work or car explosion" as the worst parts in the video.[60] Entertainment Weekly's Michael Slezak commented: "The video has the production values of the clearance bin at Family Dollar, and yet somehow it works."[61] Slezak further described the set as a "trunk full of mannequins, Cylon-y fringed sunglasses, and angry-lady dancing on display in the accompanying video."[61] The video ranked at number 13 on BET's Notarized: Top 100 Videos of 2009 countdown.[62]

Live performances

Although Knowles did not perform the song in any televised appearances, the song was a part of her set list on the I Am... Tour (2009-2010).[63] Eventually, the song was included on Knowles' live album, I Am... World Tour (2010) as the twelfth track.[64] The performance of "Diva" during her I Am... Tour features Knowles performing the song while being backed up by six dancers (four of which are golden mannequins) while sporting a leopard print glow-in-the-dark leotard, black trenchcoat, leopard print stockings, high heeled boots and leopard-print sunglasses. Eventually, she would remove the trenchcoat. While reviewing a concert by Knowles, Alice Jones of The Independent felt that "she sings her heart out" during the electro hook of "Diva".[65]

Formats and track listings

US Diva (The Remixes)[66]
  1. "Diva" (Maurice Joshua Extended Mojo Remix) – 6:53
  2. "Diva" (Mr. Mig Extended Club Remix) – 7:09
  3. "Diva" (Karmatronic Club Remix) – 5:08
  4. "Diva" (DJ Escape & Tony Coluccio Club) – 6:45
  5. "Diva" (Gomi & RasJek Club Mix) – 7:27
  6. "Diva" (Redtop Club Mix) – 6:34
  7. "Diva" (DJ Jeff Barringer vs. Fingazz Extended Remix) – 7:33
  8. "Diva" (Maurice Joshua Mojo Dub) – 6:53
  9. "Diva" (DJ Escape & Tony Coluccio Dub) – 5:43
  10. "Diva" (Gomi & RasJek Dub) – 6:56
Germany CD single[9]
  1. "Halo" – 4:22
  2. "Diva" – 3:21
UK Remix Promo[67]
  1. "Diva" (Redtop Club Mix) – 6:34
  2. "Diva" (Gomi & RasJek Club Mix) – 7:27
  3. "Diva" (Mr. Miggs Fierce Hustler Mix) – 7:11
  4. "Diva" (DJ Jeff Barringer vs. Fingazz Mix) – 7:33
  5. "Diva" (DJ Escape & Tony Coluccio Mix) – 6:45
  6. "Diva" (Karmatronic Mix) – 5:08
  7. "Diva" (Maurice Joshua Mojo Mix) – 6:53
  8. "Diva" (Redtop Edit) – 3:31
  9. "Diva" (Original Radio Edit) – 3:20

Credits and personnel

  • Matt Green – mixer assistant
  • Michael Miller – producer assistant
  • Mark "Spike" Stent – mixer
  • Miles Walker – producer

Source:[68]

Charts and certifications

Weekly charts

Chart (2009) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[46] 40
Australia (ARIA Urban)[69] 12
Brazil (Billboard Hot 100)[70] 9
Brazil (Billboard Hot Pop Songs)[71] 7
Ireland (IRMA)[72] 50
Netherlands (Mega Single Top 100)[46] 73
New Zealand (RIANZ)[46] 26
UK Singles (The Official Charts Company)[73] 72
US Billboard Hot 100[74] 19
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[75] 3
US Hot Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[76] 1
US Pop Songs (Billboard)[77] 39

End-of-year charts

Chart (2009) Position
Australian Urban Singles Chart[78] 50
US Billboard Hot 100[79] 82
US Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs[80] 22
US Hot Dance Club Play Songs[81] 24

Certifications

Country (provider) Certifications
United States (RIAA) Gold[44]

Chart precession and succession

Preceded by
"Long Distance" by Brandy		 U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play number-one single
March 28, 2009 – April 4, 2009		 Succeeded by
"The Fear" by Lily Allen

Release history

Radio adds

Radio add dates and formats
Country Date Format
United States January 20, 2009 Urban[5]
Rhythmic[7]

Purchasable release

Release dates, record label and format details
Country Date Format Label
United States[66] February 3, 2009 Dance remixes Columbia Records

References

  1. ^ a b c Reid, Shaheem (2010-08-06). "From Ludacris To Lil Wayne, Bangladesh Remembers His Best Beats". MTV News. MTV Networks. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1645208/20100805/bangladesh.jhtml. Retrieved 2010-12-10. 
  2. ^ "Rap-Up TV: Bangladesh Reinvents Kelly Rowland And R. Kelly". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. 2010-07-12. http://www.rap-up.com/2010/07/12/rap-up-tv-bangladesh-reinvents-kelly-rowland-and-r-kelly/. Retrieved 2010-12-10. 
  3. ^ "New Music: Ciara - "Diva" (Beyoncé Cover)". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. 2008-12-27. http://www.rap-up.com/2008/12/27/new-music-ciara-diva-beyonce-cover/. Retrieved 2010-12-10. 
  4. ^ "Beyoncé's ‘I Am…’ Second Singles Revealed". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. 2008-10-20. http://www.rap-up.com/2008/10/20/beyonces-i-am-second-singles-revealed/. Retrieved 2010-12-09. 
  5. ^ a b "R&R :: Going For Adds :: Urban". Radio & Records. 2009-05-19. http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=01/20/2009&Format=5. Retrieved 2010-07-13. 
  6. ^ Top 40 – Week Of: January 20, 2009 Radio and Records. Retrieved 2010-12-09.
  7. ^ a b Rhythmic – Week Of: January 20, 2009 Radio and Records. Retrieved 2010-12-09.
  8. ^ "New Musice: Beyoncé – 'Ego'". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. 2008-11-09. http://www.rap-up.com/2008/11/09/new-music-beyonce-ego/. Retrieved 2010-12-09. 
  9. ^ a b "Halo (Single)". Amazon Germany. Amazon Inc. 2010-08-27. http://www.amazon.de/dp/B001UEFH4O. Retrieved 2010-08-23. 
  10. ^ Crosley, Hillary (2010-11-15). "Lil Wayne Has A New 'A Milli'?: RapFix Dissects The Orignal [sic]". MTV. MTV Networks. http://rapfix.mtv.com/2010/11/15/lil-wayne-records-first-song-a-milli/. Retrieved 2010-12-10. 
  11. ^ "Video: MySpace TV Interviews Beyoncé". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. 2008-11-12. http://www.rap-up.com/2008/11/12/video-myspacetv-interviews-beyonce/. Retrieved 2009-11-30. 
  12. ^ a b c Greenblatt, Leah (2008-11-05). "I Am...Sasha Fierce | Music". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20237810,00.html. Retrieved 2009-11-30. 
  13. ^ a b "Diva digital sheet music (Digital Download)". MusicNotes.com (Hal Leonard Corporation). 
  14. ^ a b Guerra, Joey (2008-11-17). "Album Review: Beyonce I Am... Sasha Fierce". Houston Chronicle (Hearst Corporation). http://www.chron.com/entertainment/music/article/CD-showcases-Beyonce-s-split-personality-1675646.php. Retrieved 2011-12-25. 
  15. ^ a b Lamb, Bill (2008-11-26). "Beyonce - I Am...Sasha Fierce". About.com. The New York Times Company. http://top40.about.com/od/albums/fr/beyoncesasha.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-28. 
  16. ^ a b Kraines, Talia (2008-11-28). "Beyoncé - I Am...Sasha Fierce Review". BBC Online. BBC. http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/pxbd. Retrieved 2011-12-25. 
  17. ^ a b Sterdan, Darryl. "Review Album: Beyoncé - I Am ... Sasha Fierce". Jam!. Sun Media. http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/B/Beyonce/AlbumReviews/2008/11/18/7453821-sun.html. Retrieved 2010-12-11. 
  18. ^ a b c "Copycat Beyoncé strikes again... but this time she's borrowing her husband Jay-Z's moves". Daily Mail (Daily Mail and General Trust). 2009-01-07. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1108222/Copycat-Beyonc-strikes--time-shes-borrowing-husband-Jay-Zs-moves.html. Retrieved 2011-02-11. 
  19. ^ a b Hoard, Christian. (2008-11-18) Review: I Am... Sasha Fierce. Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. Retrieved on 2009-11-11.
  20. ^ a b Mattera, Adam (November 9, 2008). Review: I Am... Sasha Fierce. The Observer. (Guardian Media Group). Retrieved on 2010-09-10.
  21. ^ a b McGuire, Colin. (2009-02-09) Review: I Am... Sasha Fierce. PopMatters. Retrieved on 2009-11-11.
  22. ^ a b Kellman, Andy (2008-11-18). "((( I Am... Sasha Fierce [Deluxe Edition] > Overview )))". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r1451954. Retrieved 2009-11-30. 
  23. ^ a b D., Spence (2008-11-22). "Beyonce – I Am... Sasha Fierce: The two sides of Ms. Knowles fight for your attention". IGN. News Corporation. http://music.ign.com/articles/933/933019p1.html. Retrieved 2011-12-25. 
  24. ^ Vineyard, Jennifer (2008-10-23). "Beyoncé Album Preview: I Am... Sasha Fierce Shines Light On B's Alter Ego". MTV News. MTV Networks. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1597718/20081023/knowles_beyonce.jhtml. Retrieved 2011-02-27. 
  25. ^ Levine, Nick (2008-11-17). "Music - Album Review - Beyoncé: 'I Am... Sasha Fierce'". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/albumreviews/a136159/beyonce-i-am-sasha-fierce.html. Retrieved 2010-05-30. 
  26. ^ Powers, Ann (2008-11-11). "Snap Judgment: Beyoncé's 'I Am ... Sasha Fierce'". Los Angeles Times. Tribune Company. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2008/11/snap-judgment-b.html. Retrieved 2011-12-25. 
  27. ^ a b c Mazmanian, Adam (2008-11-18). "Beyonce’s two faces". The Washington Times. News World Media Developmen. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/18/beyonces-two-faces/. Retrieved 2011-12-25. 
  28. ^ Matos, Michaelangelo (2008-11-17). "Music - Album Review - Beyoncé: 'I Am... Sasha Fierce'". The A.V. Club (The Onion). http://www.avclub.com/articles/beyonce-i-am-sasha-fierce,6733/. Retrieved 2010-06-20. 
  29. ^ Anderson, Stacey (2008-12-08). Review: I Am... Sasha Fierce. Spin. Spin Media LLC. Retrieved on 2010-09-10.
  30. ^ Concepcion, Mariel (2008-11-22). "I Am ... Sasha Fierce: Beyoncé". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/magazine/reviews/albums/e3ifc7bb2290700c27fc478bd2c3ff3dde9. Retrieved 2008-11-18. 
  31. ^ Brockman, Daniel (2008-12-02). "Beyoncé | I Am . . . Sasha Fierce - CD Reviews - Boston Phoenix". The Phoenix (Phoenix Media/Communications Group). http://thephoenix.com/Boston/Music/72987-BEYONCe-I-AM-SASHA-FIERCE/. Retrieved 2009-12-31. 
  32. ^ Freedom du Lac, J. (2008-11-18). "Beyoncé's 'I Am...Sasha Fierce'". The Washington Post. The Washington Post Company. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/17/AR2008111703099.html. Retrieved 2011-12-25. 
  33. ^ Thornton, Alex (November 19, 2008). "I Am... Sasha Fierce". AllHipHop. http://allhiphop.com/stories/alternatives/archive/2008/11/19/20703901.aspx. Retrieved January 15, 2011. 
  34. ^ Kot, Greg (2008-11-16). "Beyonce's 'Sasha Fierce' places blame for women's pain on men". Chicago Tribune (Tribune Company). http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-11-16/news/0811140321_1_disc-fierce-previous-album. Retrieved 2011-12-11. 
  35. ^ Brew-Hammond, Nana Ekua. (2008-12-17) Review: I Am... Sasha Fierce. The Village Voice. (Village Voice Media). Retrieved on 2009-11-11.
  36. ^ a b Reed, James (2008-11-17). "Beyoncé branches out". The Boston Globe. The New York Times Company. http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2008/11/17/beyonceacute_branches_out/?page=full. Retrieved 2011-12-25. 
  37. ^ Petridis, Alexis (2008-11-14). "CD: Beyoncé, I Am ... Sasha Fierce | Music". The Guardian (Guardian Media Group). http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/nov/14/beyonce-i-am-sasha-fierce. Retrieved 2009-11-30. 
  38. ^ Lamb, Bill. "Top 100 Pop Songs 2009". About.com. The New York Times Company. http://top40.about.com/od/top10lists/tp/top100songs2009.01.htm. Retrieved 2010-12-27. 
  39. ^ a b "Beyoncé's "Diva" Is America's #1 Dance Record!". Beyoncé Knowles Official Website. 2009-03-18. http://www.beyonceonline.com/us/news/beyonc%C3%A9s-diva-americas-1-dance-record-0. Retrieved 2011-01-05. 
  40. ^ "Hot 100 – Week of January 3, 2009". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. http://www.billboard.com/#/charts/hot-100?chartDate=2009-01-03&order=gainer. Retrieved 2011-01-02. 
  41. ^ a b "Diva - Beyoncé - Chart History". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. http://www.billboard.com/song/beyonce/diva/12002823. Retrieved 2010-07-13. 
  42. ^ Caulfield, Keith. "Kelly Clarkson Conquers Billboard 200 With Second No. 1 Album". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/charts/chart_alert/e3i9195894d101675e35a9d19516e56f4f7. Retrieved 2009-03-19. 
  43. ^ The song peaked at number three for five consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart:
  44. ^ a b "Beyonce - Diva certifications". Recording Industry Association of America. http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=2&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=beyonce&format=SINGLE&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=Artist&perPage=25. Retrieved 2010-12-10. 
  45. ^ Grein, Paul (2010-10-06). "Week Ending Oct. 3, 2010: America's Most Popular Inmate". Yahoo! Music. Yahoo!. http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/66598/week-ending-oct-3-2010-americas-most-popular-inmate. Retrieved 2011-12-19. 
  46. ^ a b c d "Beyoncé – Diva". Australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Beyonc%E9&titel=Diva&cat=s. Retrieved 2010-11-19. 
  47. ^ "ARIA Single Top 50 (April 12, 2009)". Australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. http://australian-charts.com/weekchart.asp?year=2009&date=20090412&cat=s. Retrieved 2010-07-13. 
  48. ^ "New Zealand Singles Top 40 (March 30, 2009)". Charts.org.nz. Hung Medien. 2009-03-30. http://charts.org.nz/weekchart.asp?year=2009&date=20090330&cat=s. Retrieved 2010-07-13. 
  49. ^ "New Zealand Singles Top 40 (April 6, 2009)". Charts.org.nz. Hung Medien. http://charts.org.nz/weekchart.asp?year=2009&date=20090406&cat=s. Retrieved 2010-07-13. 
  50. ^ "New Zealand Singles Top 40 (April 27, 2009)". Charts.org.nz. Hung Medien. http://charts.org.nz/weekchart.asp?year=2009&date=20090427&cat=s. Retrieved 2010-07-13. 
  51. ^ "Chart Log UK – May 16, 2009". Zobbel.de. http://zobbel.de/cluk/090516cluk.txt. Retrieved 2010-12-09. 
  52. ^ "UK Singles Top 100 (May 17, 2009)". The Official Charts Company. http://www.chartstats.com/chart.php?week=20090523. Retrieved 2009-11-30. 
  53. ^ "UK Singles Top 100 (May 24, 2009)". The Official Charts Company. http://www.chartstats.com/chart.php?week=20090530. Retrieved 2010-07-13. 
  54. ^ "Beyoncé - Diva". Dutchcharts.nl. Hung Medien. http://www.dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Beyonc%E9&titel=Diva&cat=s. Retrieved 2011-12-19. 
  55. ^ "Beyoncé Gets In "Diva" Mode For New Video". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. 2008-11-23. http://www.rap-up.com/2008/11/23/beyonce-gets-in-diva-mode-for-new-video/. Retrieved 2010-12-10. 
  56. ^ a b Lomrantz, Tracey (2008-12-30). "Beyoncé rocks Gareth Pugh in her new music video". Glamour. Condé Nast Publications. http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2008/12/beyonce-rocks-gareth-pugh-in-h.html. Retrieved 2009-08-22. 
  57. ^ "'Diva' music video on iTunes". iTunes Store (US). Apple Inc. 2008-12-23. http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewRoom?fcId=300593719&id=1&v0=WWW-NAUS-ITUWEEKLY-STARTPAGE. Retrieved 2010-12-10. 
  58. ^ "Beyoncé to Release Above and Beyoncé - Video Collection & Dance Mixes!". Beyoncé Knowles Official Website. 2009-05-26. http://www.beyonceonline.com/us/news/beyonc%C3%A9-release-above-and-beyonce-video-collection-dance-mixes. Retrieved 2009-11-30. 
  59. ^ a b "Beyonce Is Fiercely Confusing in Baffling Video for "Diva"". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. 2008-12-23. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beyonce-is-fiercely-confusing-in-baffling-video-for-diva-20081223#ixzz1eunnX5Wm. Retrieved 2011-11-26. 
  60. ^ a b c Cady, Jennifer (2008-12-23). "New Videos From Beyoncé...and Sasha Fierce!". E! Online. NBCUniversal. Archived from the original on 2011-11-26. http://www.webcitation.org/624yQ1ad2. Retrieved 2011-11-26. 
  61. ^ a b Slezak, Michael (2010-01-07). "Beyonce vs. Beyonce! ('Diva' vs. 'Halo'!) Weigh in!". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. http://popwatch.ew.com/2009/01/07/beyonce-vs-beyo/. Retrieved 2011-11-26. 
  62. ^ Black Entertainment Television's. "Notarized: Top 100 Videos 2009". BET. http://www.bet.com/OnTV/BETShows/notarized2009_top100videos. Retrieved 2010-01-09. 
  63. ^ Ganz, Caryn (2009-06-22). "Beyonce Brings Hits, Jay-Z to "I Am..." Tour opener in New York". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beyonce-brings-hits-jay-z-to-i-am-tour-opener-in-new-york-20090622. Retrieved 2011-03-29. 
  64. ^ "I Am...World Tour". Amazon Germany. Amazon Inc. http://www.amazon.de/dp/B00496OIYK. Retrieved 2010-12-10. 
  65. ^ Jones, Alice (2009-05-27). "Beyoncé, 02 Arena, London". The Independent. Independent Print Limited. http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/beyonc-02-arena-london-1691069.html. Retrieved 2011-12-25. 
  66. ^ a b "Diva The Remixes (Digital Remix EP)". Masterbeat.com. https://www.masterbeat.com/#release/bdiva. Retrieved 2010-12-10. 
  67. ^ "Beyonce - Diva UK Remix Promo". Capital Vinyl. http://www.capitalvinyl.com/recordinfo.php?id=40088&title=Diva%20-%209%20Mix%20CD. Retrieved 2010-12-10. 
  68. ^ Knowles, Beyoncé (2008). Album notes for I Am... Sasha Fierce [Deluxe Edition] (Liner Notes) by Beyoncé Knowles, p. 14 [Compact Disc]. Atlanta, Georgia: Columbia Records (88607 42884 2).
  69. ^ (PDF) The ARIA Report. ARIA Charts. Pandora Archive. 2009-03-09. http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20090320-0000/issue993.pdf. Retrieved 2010-08-25. 
  70. ^ "Brasil Hot 100 Airplay". Billboard Brasil (Brasil: bpp) (2): 96. April, 2011. ISSN 977-217605400-2
  71. ^ "Brasil Hot Pop & Popular Songs". Billboard Brasil (Brasil: bpp) (2): 97. April, 2011. ISSN 977-217605400-2
  72. ^ "Chart Track". Irish Singles Chart. Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  73. ^ "Chart Stats – Beyonce – Diva" UK Singles Chart. Chart Stats. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  74. ^ "Beyonce Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Hot 100 for Beyonce. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  75. ^ "Beyonce Album & Song Chart History" Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for Beyonce. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  76. ^ "Beyonce Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play for Beyonce. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  77. ^ "Beyonce Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Pop Songs for Beyonce. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  78. ^ "The ARIA Report" (PDF). ARIA Charts. Pandora Archive. http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20100205-0000/EOY2009.pdf. Retrieved 2010-07-17. 
  79. ^ "Top 100 Music Hits, Top 100 Music Charts, Top 100 Songs & The Hot 100". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2009-12-31. http://www.billboard.com/charts-year-end/hot-100-songs?year=2009. Retrieved 2010-07-13. 
  80. ^ "Top Hip-Hop and R&B Songs & Singles Charts". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2009-12-31. http://www.billboard.com/charts-year-end/hot-r-b-hip-hop-songs?year=2009. Retrieved 2010-07-13. 
  81. ^ "Club Music, Hot Dance Songs, Club Songs, Dance Club Music Charts". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. http://www.billboard.com/charts-year-end/hot-dance-club-play-songs?year=2009&begin=21&order=position. Retrieved 2010-07-13. 

External links

Beyoncé singles
Dangerously in Love
#1's
B'Day
I Am... Sasha Fierce
4
Featured singles
Soundtrack singles
Promotional singles
Other songs
Book · Category · Portal · Template · WikiProject