Beyoncé is Billboard‘s top female R&B/hip-hop act of 2016, and there were a lot of big moments that led her to the top.
From the surprise release of “Formation” in February to leading all Grammy nominees with nine nods just this week, these are Queen Bey’s top 10 moments of 2016:
February 6 & 7: ‘Formation’ Arrives Online & At the Super Bowl
Only Beyoncé could debut a song one day and be performing it for television’s biggest audience the next.
April 23: ‘Lemonade’ Visual Album Hits HBO
She teased fans that something called “Lemonade” was coming to HBO — Was it a movie? A concert special? — but we never knew just how sweet this glass of lemonade would be.
April 27: The Formation Tour Kicks Off in Miami
Just days after Lemonade‘s debut, Bey took the instant-classic album on the road — starting with a timely “Purple Rain” tribute just six day’s after Prince‘s death.
June 13: Beyoncé Raises $82,000 for Flint Water Crisis
During the Formation World Tour, Beyoncé gave her fans an option to donate to the residents of Flint when they purchased tickets — and they came through to the tune of $82,000-plus.
A BIG thanks to @beyonce‘s @BeyGood for all their support. This donation goes to our #FlintWaterFund for residents pic.twitter.com/aqRYtAiFKd
— United Way Genesee (@UWGeneseeCo) June 13, 2016
July 7: Beyoncé Pens Letter About Police Brutality
Following the fatal police shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile over the summer, Beyonce posted a letter to her website calling for an end to police brutality with this powerful line: “Stop killing us.”
June 26: Beyoncé Open BET Awards With Kendrick Lamar
Talk about making a splash. Beyoncé performed “Freedom” with Kendrick Lamar to open the 2016 BET Awards ceremony, bringing the splashy water set from her Formation World Tour along with her.
August 29: Beyoncé Surpasses Madonna for Most VMA Wins
After collecting six Moonmen at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards, Beyonce had a total of 22 VMAs — topping Madonna‘s previous record of 20. She also performed a killer Lemonade medley at the show.
November 2: Beyoncé Performs With the Dixie Chicks at the CMA Awards
Bey introduced herself to Nashville by performing her twangy Lemonade track “Daddy Lessons” with country hitmakers (and recent outcasts) the Dixie Chicks.
November 4: Beyoncé Joins Jay Z for Hillary Clinton Concert
We knew Jay Z, Chance the Rapper and Big Sean would be performing in Cleveland, but Beyoncé crashed the (Democratic) party and made her Hillary Clinton endorsement official: “We have to think about the future of our daughters, our sons, and vote for someone who cares for them as much as we do. And that is why, I’m with her.”
“We have to vote. The world looks to us as a progressive country that leads change.” —@Beyonce https://t.co/3TKJ4H68Kz pic.twitter.com/KXL4PTOGxQ
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) November 5, 2016
December 6: Beyoncé Racks Up Nine More Grammy Nominations
If Beyoncé wins in eight of the nine categories she’s nominated come February, she’ll become the winningest female artist in Grammy history. We have a feeling if she doesn’t get it done in 2017, she’ll score that record soon.
