Even though her latest album has been a big success, Beyoncé did not attend this year’s VMAs. Before the event, she shared some personal insights about her life as an artist, which might explain why she wasn’t there.
Many of the biggest stars in the music industry showed up for this year’s Video Music Awards (VMAs) in Elmont, New York. Celebrities dazzled in stunning outfits as they posed for photos. But one star missing from the spotlight was Beyoncé, even though she was nominated for three awards.
Beyoncé, known for her hit song “Countdown,” was nominated for **Song of the Year**, **Best Trending Video**, and **VMAs Most Iconic Performance**. The last two categories are fan-voted, allowing her supporters to have a direct influence on the outcome. Despite these nominations, she was notably absent from the event.
Beyoncé received two of her nominations—**Song of the Year** and **Best Trending Video**—for her hit song *”Texas Hold ‘Em,”* the lead single from her latest album *”Cowboy Carter.”* The album has been a global sensation, further cementing her influence in the music industry despite her absence from the VMAs.
Beyoncé’s third nomination, for **Most Iconic Performance**, was for her beloved classic *”Love on Top.”* Despite not having released official music videos for her latest album *”Cowboy Carter,”* she still managed to secure these impressive nominations, showcasing her enduring influence and the impact of her music.
Beyoncé did release an official lyric video for *”Texas Hold ‘Em.”* The video is simple yet striking, featuring bold red capitalized letters displaying the lyrics. The backdrop includes imagery of a building, barbed wire, and a satellite dish, adding a gritty, atmospheric feel to the song, even though there’s no full music video yet.
At the VMAs, *”Texas Hold ‘Em”* faced stiff competition, going up against other critically acclaimed songs by some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Despite the tough competition, Beyoncé’s track still managed to stand out, earning her nominations in key categories.
Beyoncé was in impressive company for the **Song of the Year** award, with fellow nominees including Taylor Swift and Post Malone for their song *”Fortnight,”* Kendrick Lamar for *”Not Like Us,”* Teddy Swims for *”Lose Control,”* Jack Harlow for *”Lovin On Me,”* and Sabrina Carpenter for her hit *”Espresso.”* These stars, each with their own critically acclaimed tracks, made the competition for the award especially fierce.
Although Beyoncé was not present to celebrate her nominations at this year’s VMAs, which were ultimately won by other artists, this isn’t the first time she’s missed the event. The last time she attended the VMAs was in 2016, making her absence this year less surprising to long-time fans.
Before the 2024 VMAs, Beyoncé gave an interview with *GQ*, where she opened up about her career and what it’s like being one of the biggest stars in the world. In the interview, she shared personal insights and reflections on her journey, offering fans a rare glimpse into the pressures and rewards of her life as a global icon.
During the interview, Beyoncé was asked about her **reputation as a perfectionist**, a trait often reflected in her exceptional work, including her songs and documentaries like *”Homecoming”* and *”Renaissance.”* She discussed how this drive for perfection influences her creative process and the high standards she sets for her projects.
Beyoncé was asked if her reputation for perfection ever feels like a burden, as if she’s trapped or carrying a heavy weight. She was probed about whether the pressure to maintain such high standards ever feels overwhelming.
In response, Beyoncé said, “Working on the music for *‘Cowboy Carter’* and launching this new project don’t feel like a prison or a burden at all. Actually, I only focus on what makes me feel free and inspired.”
Beyoncé did admit that fame can sometimes feel like a prison. She explained, “So, when you don’t see me on red carpets or when I take a break until I have new art to share, that’s why.”
The beloved singer, who once held the Guinness World Record for the most MTV Video Music Awards wins (30) between 2000 and 2021, also talked about her creative process. She emphasized that she works at her own pace and hopes that her music inspires listeners to reflect on themselves and develop their own resilience, strength, and creativity.
In the interview, Beyoncé shared, “I focus on storytelling, growth, and quality. I’m not concerned with perfectionism. My focus is on evolution, innovation, and changing perceptions.”
Sir Elton John, 76, raises his two sons not to be spoiled as they already do chores for some pocket money
David Furnish, Sir Elton John’s spouse, and they have been together for more than 20 years. The couple is also raising their two boys, Zackary and Elijah, to be modest and aware of the worth of money.
Famed artist Sir Elton John has released thirty-two albums to far and shows no signs of slowing down. Even at seventy-three, the vocalist continues to be in high demand.
David Furnish and Sir Elton John in London in 2001 | Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Despite having a successful career for more than thirty years, the musician wants to concentrate on other areas of his life, such as his marriage to David Furnish and his two sons, Zachary and Elijah.
A brief romance blossomed between John and Furnish in 1993, before their lives got consumed with parenting their sons. The singer of “Sacrifice” announced that he had moved back into his Windsor home and was looking to socialize.
John then requested a friend to invite Furnish and other individuals to dinner, saying he felt an immediate connection with Furnish. John admired how well-groomed and reserved he was.
After going on a date the next day, the two’s long-term relationship officially started. After nine years of being in a civil partnership, they made the decision to tie the knot in 2014.
The pair used Instagram to send out invites. The highlight of the day was spending time with their sons, who had the important duty of serving as ring carriers.
Furnish and John found great joy in sharing their partnership with their children, particularly considering the difficult road they had to go to become parents. It all began in 2009 when they were acquainted at an HIV orphanage with a young boy from Ukraine named Lev.
Lev came from a shattered family, so the couple wanted to help him, but the government wouldn’t let it because he was too old. Still, the couple assisted Lev and spoke with him.
John came to the realization that he may be a father after meeting Lev. He acknowledged that he had always believed he was too old to have children. Zachary, their first son, was born in 2010 through a surrogate, and Elijah followed in 2013.
Bringing Up Children Outside of the Media
The couple desired to be actively involved with their children while leading a hectic lifestyle. “We don’t want to entrust housekeepers and nannies with raising our kids,” Furnish stated. The couple decided that having boys was the best course of action, and now their primary objective is to raise their sons in a happy and healthy environment.
John expressed to his sons in a touching letter how much they had altered his life. “You two are the best gifts I have ever received, Zachary and Elijah. In ways I never imagined imaginable, you have given my life meaning and purpose and filled my heart with love,” the singer added.
Furnish and John are content with the lovely family they have created. The love and support their children will always have from their parents is something they do not want them to forget as they grow older.
John talked candidly about how becoming a parent has altered his outlook on life and some of the values he and his spouse want their kids to grow up with.
John talked about how having children affected his attitude toward money. Having two children of his own now, he values his time with Zachary and Elijah more than a popular song or artwork.
The singer acknowledged that because he and Furnish were used to living as the center of attention, they had spent a lot of money before having children. However, John claimed that since their sons arrived, they had drastically cut back on their spending.
The couple’s current concern is ensuring that they own only what they require. Additionally, the couple has been instilling in their kids the importance of money and the labor required to acquire it.
Although John is aware that his kids have a privileged existence already, he still wishes they had humility. The artist has stated that he does not intend to leave them his whole estate as a result. Rather, he aims to strike a balance between providing his kids with a wonderful life and keeping them grounded. He thought to himself:
Naturally, I would like to leave my boys in a very secure financial situation. But giving children a silver spoon is a poor idea. Their lives is ruined by it.
John has attempted to instill in the boys an appreciation for money since they were young children. Zachary and Elijah may not have realized how well-known their parents were at the age of five and three, but John and Furnish did teach them a valuable lesson about budgeting.
The singer said in 2016 that doing chores around the house, such the kitchen or garden, would earn them £3 ($3.74) in pocket money. Each coin would then be divided between savings, spending, and charity. As they grew older, their responsibilities included tidying their rooms, and they received stars for each task completed.
Although the couple is aware that their children would not have a typical childhood, they nevertheless make an effort to give their lives some degree of normalcy. According to John, his children are “not stuck behind the gates of a mansion,” but rather live like locals.
When questioned if he was afraid of having his kids in the spotlight, he replied that he knew there would be drawbacks but that he didn’t mind at all because he thought people were “brilliant” and “not hostile,” especially when they wanted to see pictures of him and his family.
The musician and his spouse would take their kids to the movies or out for pizza because they want them to spend quality time with their family somewhere else than their mansion.
Because of his celebrity, John does not want to miss out on special times with his kids. The musician is also prompt in picking up and dropping off his youngsters at school.
Elton John Flaunts His Offspring
The “Rocket Man” singer posted a unique picture of Furnish, their sons, and their godmother, Lady Gaga, on social media, while John and his spouse typically don’t post any pictures of their sons online. The musician conveyed his love despite expressing his regret at missing the opportunity to picture with them.
On Elton John’s page, leave a remark | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn
Fans expressed disbelief at Zachary and Elijah’s growth in the comment section. “However, the boys are growing quite tall.” Very attractive tiny fellas, a commenter commented. Another admirer exclaimed, “Look at these gorgeous boys and their pappa and Godma!”
John expressed to his sons in a touching letter how much they had altered his life. “You two are the best gifts I have ever received, Zachary and Elijah. In ways I never imagined imaginable, you have given my life meaning and purpose and filled my heart with love,” the singer added.
Furnish and John are content with the lovely family they have created. The love and support their children will always have from their parents is something they do not want them to forget as they grow older.
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