"Run the World (Girls)" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Beyoncé, from her fourth studio album 4 (2011), released as the lead single from the album on April 21, 2011. It was written and produced by Beyoncé, The-Dream and Switch with additional production by Shea Taylor, while heavily sampling "Pon de Floor" by Major Lazer written by Nick "Afrojack" van de Wall, Wesley "Diplo" Pentz and The song's development was motivated by Beyoncé wanting to do something different: a mixture of different cultures and eras, a new sound, and a message which would give women strength. An unedited demo of the song, then thought to be titled "Girls (Who Run the World)", was leaked on the internet on April 18, 2011. "Run the World" premiered on US radio on April 21, 2011, and was digitally released the same day.

"Run the World (Girls)"
Beyoncé standing in a sandy room in front of a large pillar. She wears a yellow dress and high black boots, and has her right fist raised in the air. Towards the left of the cover is a black vertical strip which has the words "Beyoncé" and "Run the World (Girls)" written sideways.
Single by Beyoncé
from the album 4
ReleasedApril 21, 2011
Recorded2010
StudioMSR (New York City)
Genre
Length3:56
LabelColumbia
Composer(s)
Lyricist(s)
  • Knowles
  • The-Dream
Producer(s)
Beyoncé singles chronology
"Why Don't You Love Me"
(2010)
"Run the World (Girls)"
(2011)
"Best Thing I Never Had"
(2011)
Music video
"Run the World (Girls)" on YouTube

"Run the World" is an electropop and R&B song that heavily samples "Pon de Floor" by Major Lazer. In an interview with Pitchfork published on February 12, 2012, Santi “Santigold” White asserts that she had previously done some writing for Beyoncé and was the first person to show her the “Pon de Floor” video, which inspired Beyoncé and her producers to make a similar song.

The song's title and lyrics comprise an unapologetically aggressive message promoting female empowerment. "Run the World" received mixed reviews by critics; some complimented the song's sample, its musical direction, and Beyoncé's aggressiveness, while others criticized the continuation of past themes and stated that they wanted to see Beyoncé covering new topics. Some critics compared "Run the World" to Beyoncé's other singles with similar themes such as "Independent Women" (2000) – with Destiny's Child, and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (2008) among others, wanting to see Beyonce move past these same familiar themes.

In the United States, the song was moderately successful, peaking at number 29 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It fared better in some international markets, reaching the top ten in Australia, Belgium, Israel, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Norway. It was also a top 20 hit in Canada, France, Ireland, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The song's accompanying music video was directed by Francis Lawrence and was filmed in California over a three-day span. The video won Best Choreography at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards and Best Dance Performance at the 2011 Soul Train Music Awards.

Beyoncé promoted the single with live performances at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards and on the French X Factor. Her performance at the Billboard Music Awards ignited controversy surrounding the production due to visual similarities to a performance by Italian entertainer Lorella Cuccarini in February 2010 at the 60th Sanremo Music Festival in Italy. "Run the World" was used to awaken the crew of the final mission of the US Space Shuttle Atlantis and was dedicated to Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus.

Background and development

edit

In an interview with The Capital FM Network in early March 2011, Shea Taylor confirmed that 4's lead single would premiere at the end of April.[1] "Run the World" was written by Terius "The-Dream" Nash, Beyoncé, Nick van de Wall, Thomas Wesley Pentz, Dave Taylor, and Adidja Palmer. It was produced by Switch, The-Dream, and Beyoncé. "Run the World" was recorded by DJ Swivel and Pat Thrall at MSR Studios, New York City, and was mixed by Serban Ghenea at MixStar Studios, Virginia Beach.[2] Before release, the song's title was rumored to be "Girls (Who Run the World)".[3] On April 14, 2011, two portions of the song leaked online[4][5] while an unfinished demo of "Run the World (Girls)" was leaked online on April 18, 2011.[6] In an interview with Billboard, Beyoncé described the song:

It's definitely riskier than something a bit more... simple. I just heard the track and loved that it was so different: it felt a bit African, a bit electronic and futuristic. It reminded me of what I love, which is mixing different cultures and eras — things that typically don't go together — to create a new sound. I can never be safe; I always try and go against the grain. As soon as I accomplish one thing, I just set a higher goal. That's how I've gotten to where I am.[7]

Between June 16 and June 27, 2011, one song from 4 each day was available to listen to on Beyoncé's official website, together with its accompanying photographs from the album packaging and a quote.[8] On June 27, 2011, "Run the World (Girls)" was the twelfth song to be made available. In the accompanying quote, Beyoncé said: "I try to write songs that will bring out the best in all of us and keep us close together. I think about saying the things that women want to say but sometimes are not confident enough to say. I am going to continue to write those songs that give women strength."[9]

Release and artwork

edit

After the single leaked on the internet, it was released early.[10][11] "Run the World (Girls)" premiered on US radio on April 21, 2011, at 8 am. EST, and was made available for download on iTunes Stores worldwide the same day.[10] According to Digital Spy, the single was available on iTunes, and podcast service Concrete Loop, without payment a few hours before its official release.[12] "Run the World (Girls)" was released to mainstream, urban contemporary and urban adult contemporary radio on April 26, 2011.[13][14] According to MTV News, "Run the World (Girls)" was well received by Beyoncé's fans on Twitter.[15] A Digital EP with three remixes of the song was released in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the UK, on September 2, 2011.[16][17][18][19]

The cover art for "Run the World (Girls)" was previewed on April 20, 2011. On the cover, Beyoncé strikes a bold pose while standing in sand. With her fist in the air covered in forearm protectors, Beyoncé wears a hip cut draping yellow Emilio Pucci dress and black stiletto boots.[10] The Los Angeles Times wrote that the photograph points to a "...post-apocalyptic war zone, donning an elaborate gold headdress and holding a red flag emblazoned with a black 'B'."[20] The photograph was taken on April 14, 2011.[21] Tray Hova of Vibe magazine complimented the cover art of the single, stating that Beyoncé looks "resplendent as hell" on the cover and that "Nobody's complaining about Bey season here."[22] Eleanor Young, in Marie Claire, described the cover art as "hideous".[23] Ray Rogers of Billboard stated that Beyoncé "clearly transmits her trademark message of female empowerment".[7] Becky Bain of Idolator described the cover as "pretty disappointing",[24] and that, with a "ballistic, over-the-top club banger" song like "Run the World (Girls)", she expected something more than a body shot of Beyoncé, and criticized the cover for being confusing regarding the location of the photography. However, Bain complimented Beyoncé on her choice of stilettoes as "...serious business".[24]

Composition

edit

"Run the World" is an electropop[26] and R&B song.[27] Jocelyn Vena of MTV News described the song as a "club banger"[28] and "female empowerment/girl power type of song",[29] like several of Beyoncé's previous singles, including "Independent Women" (2000)—with Destiny's Child—and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (2008).[30][31] Shea Taylor said that the track draws more from pop music than R&B, and is reminiscent of Michael Jackson's prime work.[32] "Run the World (Girls)" also incorporates dancehall influences[33] in the tradition of "Get Me Bodied" (2007).[34] The "high energy" song contains elements of go-go,[35] and is set to a marching militaristic drumbeat sampled from the club song "Pon de Floor" by Major Lazer and Vybz Kartel.[6][25][36] "Run the World" also consists of heavy synth pangs[25] and African and marching percussion.[37]

A review in The Huffington Post, and Kevin O'Donnell of Spin magazine, noted that "Run the World (Girls)" features shout vocals and raw chanting.[25][38] In an interview with Ray Rogers of Billboard, Beyoncé stated that this was something she wanted to showcase in 4, "I used a lot of the brassiness and grittiness in my voice that people hear in my live performances, but not necessarily on my records."[39] Kathy McCabe of Australian newspaper The Daily Telegraph likened "Run the World" to "Single Ladies" and "Diva" (2009).[40] Johnston Breihan of The Village Voice compared "Run the World (Girls)" to schoolyard chants, due to its "cheer-team beats" and the repetitive use of the word "Girls".[41] Billboard magazine's critic Jem Aswad described the song's production, lyrics and Beyoncé's vocals:

"Run the World (Girls)" is a complex but catchy track that's actually more reminiscent of M.I.A. and Santigold than Sasha Fierce. The song combines a dancefloor-defying military drumbeat, a sample from Switch's group Major Lazer, an unconventional song structure and some incongruously pretty, layered melodics that are basically chanted but still employ [Knowles'] full vocal range. The lyrics, however, are just as female-empowering as we've come to expect. There's much more to the song than first meets the ear—it confuses on first listen but coalesces beautifully with repeated plays.[42]

Rap-Up stated that Beyoncé is dominant over men in "Run the World".[43] "Run the World" opens with a short piano solo[44] and a heavy beat. Beyoncé chants, "Girls! / We run this mutha / Girls! / Who run the world."[45][46] It moves into smoother, more persuasive but still boastful lyrics, "I think I need a barber/ None of these niggas can fade me/ I'm so good with this/ I remind you I'm so 'hood with this."[47] She then delivers the repetitive hook and chorus lines.[48] In the second verse, Beyoncé sings that education gives women strength and independence.[49] Other lyrics of this theme include the line, "smart enough to make these millions, strong enough to bear the children, then get back to business." Jocelyn Vena of MTV News said that Beyoncé sings in her signature staccato style on the second verse of the song.[45] She repeats the chorus after the bridge lines[45] and her vocals fade out as the song finishes.[45]

Critical reception

edit
 
Beyoncé performing "Run the World (Girls)" during The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour in April 2013

Critics had mixed reactions towards the track. Amos Barshad writing for the New York magazine described "Run the World (Girls)" as "kind of a monster — aggressive and intense and totally committed". He also called the song declarative and felt that as a lead single, it was "bluntly effective."[50] Matt Donnelly of The Los Angeles Times compared "Run the World (Girls)" to several of Beyoncé's previous singles, stating that the song has a harder edge than "Independent Women Pt. 1", nevertheless, it does not contain "the gritty, futuristic chic" of "Diva" (2009).[51] Jenna Clarke of The Sydney Morning Herald called it an "infectious sounding track" having a catchy dance beat with empowering lyrics and added that the song showcases "a grittier sounding Beyoncé", yet still following the "power footsteps" of her other chart topping hits such as "Single Ladies" and "Crazy In Love" (2003).[52] Kevin O'Donnell of Spin magazine described the song as "a rousing girl power anthem", which resembles "Single Ladies" and "If I Were a Boy" (2008), and highlighted that "Run The World (Girls)" is "far rowdier" than any of those songs because of its synth squiggles and raw chanting.[38] Jarett Wieselman of the New York Post considered "Run the World (Girls)" to be one of the most exciting tracks Beyoncé has ever released.[53]

Jocelyn Vena of MTV News called "Run the World (Girls)" a "sassy [song with] girl-power lyrics paired with [a] club appeal", further writing that the song is "loud and proud in its relentless message", and that Beyoncé "is clearly rallying the troops to her side".[47] Nick Minichind of VH1 lauded the song for several pointed comments on empowerment which according to him, "are skillfully weaved into the lyrics, without feeling out of place." He also wrote that "Run the World (Girls)" restores girls' own subjectivity and that the bridge shows a "practically Cleopatra-channeling Beyoncé."[44] Lewis Corner from Digital Spy described "Run the World (Girls)" as "yet another female-empowerment revolution that is sure to dominate dancefloors this summer".[27] Robert Copsey, also writing for Digital Spy, awarded the song four stars out of five, complimenting the "earthy beats, hypnotising hooks and militant drums pound[ing] relentlessly as Queen B declares it's 'GRLZ who run this mutha' with more woman-friendly conviction than Geri Halliwell at a Spice Girls convention circa 1998."[54] Tom Breihan of Pitchfork Media wrote that "Run the World (Girls)" is "as devotedly pro-female as the title would lead you to expect", and is as dancefloor-directed as Beyoncé gets, in the tradition of "Get Me Bodied" and "Single Ladies".[34] Slant Magazine's Sal Cinquemani wrote "[Beyoncé] misses the mark big time here" and called the song "plain daft". He, however, praised the song's bridge and Beyoncé "warm, gooey harmonies".[55] Maura Johnston of The Village Voice disapproved of the song's lack of structure, calling it "a bit overstuffed, but fairly enjoyable".[56] Dallas Observer critic Shahryar Rizvi stated that the track "cribs a bit" from Major Lazer's "Pon de Floor" and M.I.A.'s track "Boyz", but added that Beyoncé being a couple of years late in acquiring this sound was "a problem".[57]

In a negative appraisal, Tom Hull cited the song's "punk rigidity" as the worst of 4's "overkill production", while saying, "girls are ever going to run the world sounding like the Sweet."[58]

Rankings

edit

Digital Spy ranked "Run the World" at number 16 on its list of 25 Best Songs of 2011.[59] Jon Pareles of The New York Times placed the song in his list of Top Songs from 2011.[60] It received a Teen Choice Award for Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Track at the 2011 Teen Choice Awards.[61] "Run the World" was nominated for Best Single at the 2011 Virgin Media Music Awards.[62] On The Village Voice's 2011 year-end Pazz & Jop singles list, "Run the World (Girls)" was ranked at number 137.[63] The song was nominated for Best R&B/Urban Dance Track at the 27th Annual International Dance Music Awards.[64] In 2013, John Boone and Jennifer Cady of E! Online placed the song at number seven on their list of ten best Beyoncé's songs, writing that it "had everyone, male and female, dancing".[65] The same year, the writers of Complex magazine put the song at number 25 on their list of Beyoncé's 25 best songs, adding that her assertion "we run this mother", "practically wills every woman who hears this song to aspire to bigger things".[66]

Chart performance

edit

Three days after its release to digital download outlets, the single debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number 18 on April 24, 2011.[67] A week later it had risen to number 11[68] and debuted at number five on the UK R&B chart.[69] The song descended the chart for five consecutive weeks to number 45 before rising again to number 23 on the singles chart and from number 12 to number 6 on the R&B chart on May 29, 2011, when the music video was released.[70][71] In Ireland, the single debuted at number 11 on April 28, 2011, the highest chart entry that week[72] and in France, "Run the World (Girls)" debuted at number 33 with 2,065 copies sold.[73] It peaked at number 12.[74] On May 1, 2011, the song entered the Australian Singles Chart at number 12, being the highest new entry that week,[75] and at number six on its urban chart.[76] One day later, "Run the World (Girls)" debuted at number 21 in New Zealand, where it was the highest new entry that week.[77] "Run the World (Girls)" declined in the charts in Australia and New Zealand. However, after the release of its music video, the single rose from number 42 to number 15 on the ARIA Singles Chart and peaked at number 4 on its urban chart on May 30, 2011.[76][78] The following week, it climbed to number 10 on the singles chart, where it peaked.[79] It was certified 5× platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for sales of over 350,000 copies.[80] The video release helped "Run the World (Girls)" re-enter the New Zealand Singles Chart at number 26 on May 23, 2011[81] and it peaked the following week at number nine.[82] "Run the World (Girls)" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) for sales of over 7,500 copies.[83]

"Run the World (Girls)" debuted at number 40 on Canadian Hot 100 chart issue dated May 7, 2011.[84] Paul Tuch of Nielsen SoundScan called the debut impressive as the song was released between digital and radio charts. It stands as Beyoncé's highest entry as a solo artist on the chart.[85] After declining in the chart for three consecutive weeks, "Run the World (Girls)" left the chart in the week ending May 28, 2011. For the week ending June 11, 2011, the single recovered from number 60 to number 16 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart, receiving the titles of the greatest chart mover and the greatest digital gainer.[86] For the issue dated May 7, 2011, "Run the World (Girls)" debuted at number 23 on the US Hot Digital Songs chart, selling 77,000 downloads sold.[87] and at number 65 on the Radio Songs chart with 18 million listener impressions.[87] It accordingly debuted at position 33 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart,[87] and was the highest debut on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, opening at number 41.[88] Digital sales of the single declined by 39%, amassing a total of a total of 47,000 downloads; it fell to number 39 on the Hot Digital Songs chart.[89]

"Run the World (Girls)" was the highest debut, starting at number 37 on the US Pop Songs chart issue dated May 21, 2011.[90] For the same week ending, the song continued to descend the Hot 100 chart to number 65.[91] One week later, the single debuted at number 43 on the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart, becoming Beyoncé's nineteenth solo entry on that chart.[92] The same week, the single fell to number 76 on the Hot 100 chart.[93] After descending the Hot 100 chart for four consecutive weeks, "Run the World (Girls)" recovered 26 places, moving from number 76 to number 50 for the week ending June 4, 2011,[94] promoted by the song's re-entry on the Hot Digital Songs chart at number 44 after its music video's release.[95] The following week, the single escalated to number 29 on the Hot 100 chart, which was its peak, as it descended the Hot 100 chart in subsequent weeks.[96] "Run the World (Girls)" peaked at number one on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart issue dated July 9, 2011.[97][98] On August 8, 2022, it was certified 4× platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales and streams of over 4,000,000 units.[99]

Music video

edit

Background and release

edit
  The environment, I have to give her and Francis that credit. She really challenged Francis on finding a world that's unique to her. We could have easily done it in downtown L.A. We could have easily done it in downtown New York, but it was really important to her to find a world that was unique to her look and image to her new project
—Frank Gatson Jr to MTV News about the choice of the video's location.[100]

The music video for "Run the World (Girls)" was directed by Francis Lawrence.[29] Beyoncé worked with eight choreographers,[5] including Frank Gatson and Sheryl Murakami. The Mozambican dance group Tofo Tofo was also a major source of inspiration for the video's choreography; after having seen their videos on YouTube but struggling to adopt the group's unique dancing style on her own, Beyoncé invited Tofo Tofo to LA, where they taught her their style and were featured in the music video themselves as well.[101] The executive producer was Missy Galanida.[102] Filming took place in the Mojave Desert[28][103] and Inglewood, California.[104] Images from the Mojave shoot were leaked online on April 12, 2011, showing Beyoncé standing in a smoky, post-apocalyptic war zone,[105] wearing a gladiator outfit and a gold crown, and waving a red flag with a "B" logo.[104] She was surrounded by dancers in brightly colored skirts, black military-style jackets and peaked caps.[citation needed] Other images showed an army of women posing against a ravaged car with the word "Révolution" sprayed on it. Posters of Beyoncé's face are seen behind the women.[104] In an interview with MTV News on April 18, 2011, director Francis Lawrence, who had previously directed the video for Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" (2009), discussed the music video:

"I just shot a Beyoncé video at the beginning of this last week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, which was fun, and I hadn't done a video since 2009. It'll be big, it'll probably be one of the bigger Beyoncé music videos ever done. And, I can say that I think the song is unbelievable. The Gaga thing took me by surprise, 'cause I've done videos for probably 15 years, and I had forgotten what it felt like to have a video premiere and have it be anticipated and have it explode. And yeah I hope the same for Beyoncé, but I don't know if that's gonna happen. It is a fantastic song, so I really hope that song catches for her, and I think the video's gonna be really fun and cool and different for her."[106]

On May 4, 2011, another 20-second clip of the music video was released, showing a troupe of females in a rural location, however Beyoncé is not seen during the clip.[107] A third teaser was released on May 10, 2011, showing Beyoncé standing in front of a burning car, riding a horse and assembling an army in a post-apocalyptic clip.[108] At a private listening party held on May 12, 2011, for 4, Beyoncé offered a small group of fans a preview of five songs from the album and the official video for "Run the World (Girls)", which reportedly features a lion and Beyoncé writhing around in sand.[109] The video was scheduled for release on May 13, 2011, at 12:01 a.m,[110] however Vevo confirmed that the release would be delayed because Beyoncé was "...perfecting it".[111] The video premiered on American Idol on May 18, 2011.[112] The director's cut of the music video is included on the deluxe version of 4. The video was released on July 1, 2011, but was leaked on June 29, 2011.[113]

Fashion

edit

In the video for "Run the World (Girls)", Beyoncé's outfits include armor, a high priestess' headdress, lingerie and runway couture Beyoncé is first seen wearing a red and gold embroidered dress with thigh-high boots, both by Alexander McQueen from fall/winter 2010. In the first dance scene of the video, she is wearing a Brian Lichtenberg patchwork fur vest.[114] For a dance routine in sand, she wears a black fringed Norma Kamali outfit, followed by a Givenchy dress in a scene depicting Beyoncé with two larger-than-life hyenas. During a scene involving warriors, Beyoncé is wearing a black cut-out dress shown at Jean Paul Gaultier's spring couture show. A short Gareth Pugh dress with golden sequins and two gowns by Emilio Pucci – one yellow with a plunging neckline, the other emerald green with an asymmetrical cut – complete Beyoncé's outfits.[115]

Synopsis

edit

The video begins with Beyoncé riding a black horse over an open, deserted plain. As the horse lifts off the ground, scenes of Beyoncé standing atop a ruined vehicle are shown, as she leads a large army of women. Additional scenery includes a large bull in the middle of the battleground and a large banner featuring an African themed drawing of Beyoncé. A woman seemingly nailed on a cross is later seen. As several scantily clad women are shown, a SWAT team of men charge towards the battlefield as a sample from Major Lazer's "Pon de Floor" is played. As the male forces arrive, Beyoncé, is wearing a large golden helm and is surrounded by a lion, a large group of women prepared for battle and banners featuring Beyoncé insignia. As the song begins, Beyoncé removes her armor and confronts the male army, engaging in a series of shoulder-thrusting dance routines.

Beyoncé dances seductively towards the men as scenes of Beyoncé wearing several outfits are seen, the first of which is a white evening gown as she grasps the chains of two chained hyenas. As the confrontation escalates, Beyoncé appears next to several flaming vehicles, and she undergoes another costume change. Returning to the main plot, the video shows Beyoncé in front of a small group of her female army, wearing a yellow ensemble and black heeled-boots. As the dancing commences, scenes of the two clashing armies are seen while Beyoncé writhes in sand. The females, now an even larger group, are shown dancing, using powerful and emphatic movements, in front of the male army with alternating costumes and several flags in the background. The video ends with the front line of females confronting the men face to face, raising their right arms and saluting to them as Beyoncé rips off the male general's badge, placing it on herself.

Reception

edit

The video received general acclaim from critics. On the night of the video's premiere, Rap-Up complimented Beyoncé on starting a "dance revolution", her "heavily-choreographed visuals" and "menagerie of wild animals, outrageous fashion, and epic dance sequences".[116] Eric Henderson of Slant Magazine wrote that Beyoncé comes off like "barely sentient" but added that she remains cohesive and rational as a human being in real life. He further wrote: "Her reserve of crazy is far from bottomless, and she seems to save it all for her music videos, and I love her for that [...] [The video is] awesome in distressingly fragmented ways."[117] Gina Serpe of E! Online wrote that "for anyone still laboring under the illusion that Beyoncé does not mean business, well, just watch this video. Described by B[eyoncé] herself as 'futuristic', 'electronic' and 'African', the 29-year-old fused all that and more into a still remarkably cohesive music video."[118] CBS News wrote the "smoking hot video [was] blowing up on the web".[119] The Huffington Post wrote that Beyoncé largely brings back the elements that made "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"'s video a hit, citing women's empowerment and a brand new dance.[120] Jarett Wieselman of the New York Post complimented Beyoncé's wardrobe and dancing in the video, and wrote that the choreography ensures the lyrics, "my persuasion can build a nation".[121]

James Montgomery of MTV News wrote Beyoncé has returned "to claim her throne" and that the message in the video "hammers the point home with all the subtlety of a jackhammer". He highlighted the "elaborate, hip-displacing dance routines, haute-couture costuming, wide-screen cinematography and expensive-looking sets".[122] Larry Fitzmaurice of Pitchfork Media wrote that "a thousand YouTube bedroom dancers flood[ing] the Internet with their own takes" were to come in the near future.[123] Rolling Stone praised Beyoncé's dance moves and wrote that it is the latest addition "to the canon of dance pop videos with over-the-top apocalyptic imagery".[124] Nick Neyland of Prefix Magazine wrote Beyoncé made the best music video of 2011, commending its "big budget extravagance, full of preposterous costumes and ridiculously over the top dance routines".[125] Sarah Anne Hughes of The Washington Post wrote that Beyoncé uses "the non-violent tactic of dance to fight off some bad guys in riot gear" and that Beyoncé's alter ego Sasha Fierce "is out in full force as she uses an army of swiveling and shimmying women, her middle finger and two hyenas on leashes to keep control of a post-apocalyptic society".[126] Billboard magazine wrote that Beyoncé made a triumphant return in the elaborate music video for "Run the World (Girls)" after creating classic clips for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", "Crazy in Love", and "Ring the Alarm".[127]

Accolades

edit

On July 20, 2011, the video received three nominations at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in the categories Best Female Video, Best Choreography, and Best Cinematography.[128] It won the Best Choreography category.[129] The video was nominated for Best Video at the 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards.[130] On November 27, 2011, the video won Best Dance Performance at the 2011 Soul Train Music Awards.[131] It was nominated for Best Video at the 2011 Virgin Media Music Awards[132] and Favorite Music Video at the 2012 People's Choice Awards.[133] The writers of Slant Magazine put the music video at number 12 on their list of The 25 Best Music Videos of 2011.[134] The Guardian included "Run the World (Girls)" on its list of the best pop videos of 2011, praising its "glorious effect" and the heavy choreography, before concluding that it is "tiring just watching it".[135] On BET's Notarized: Top 100 Videos of 2011, "Run the World (Girls)" was ranked at number two.[136] The video was nominated for Best Pop Video and Best Choreography at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards Japan,[137] and International Artist Video of the Year at the 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards.[138] It was nominated for World's Best Video at the 2012 World Music Awards.[139] In 2013, John Boone and Jennifer Cady of E! Online placed the video at number seven on their list of Beyoncé's ten best music videos, comparing her dancing in the sand with Shakira's.[140]

Live performances

edit

Beyoncé's first live performance of "Run the World (Girls)" was on May 17, 2011, on Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular at the United Center in Chicago. The special aired on May 23, 2011. Beyoncé wore a tuxedo leotard with red heels and was accompanied by 40 female back-up dancers.[141] The show was organized to commemorate the 25th and final season of The Oprah Winfrey Show. Celebrities including Madonna, Tom Hanks, John Legend, Dakota Fanning, Tom Cruise and his wife Katie Holmes were present.[142] Beyoncé altered the bridge's lyrics, singing: "Oprah, your persuasion can build a nation." The crowd held up blue lights in the arena as Beyoncé sang the song twice while Winfrey danced.[143] According to the Chicago Tribune, Beyoncé received the loudest applause of the show.[144] Beyoncé performed "Run the World (Girls)" live at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards ceremony at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 22, 2011. The writers of Billboard magazine described the live performance as both "stunning" and "impressive".[145] Erika Ramirez of the same magazine put the performance at number one on her list of "Beyonce's 5 Biggest TV Performances" saying that it "showcased the strength of her reign best".[146] It was also placed in the list of 15 Awesome Billboard Music Award Performances by the writers of the magazine.[147]

 
Beyoncé performing "Run the World (Girls)" on Good Morning America

During her promotional tour of Europe, Beyoncé performed at several festivals and made only a limited amount of television appearances. Beyoncé performed the song at a private concert in Nice, France, on June 20, 2011.[148] One week later, Beyoncé flew to the United Kingdom to serve as the closing act at the 2011 Glastonbury Festival on June 26, 2011, where "Run the World (Girls)" was featured as the second to last song on the 90-minute set list, before finishing with "Halo". Beyoncé was also the solo female ever to headline the Pyramid stage in over twenty years.[149] Beyoncé then returned to France, where she performed the song along with her live band on Le Grand Journal in June 2011.[150][151] "Run the World (Girls)" was sung live by Beyoncé on June 28, 2011, on the French X Factor.[152] On July 1, 2011, Beyoncé gave a free concert on Good Morning America as part of its Summer Concert Series on August 14, 2011, and during her 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé shows in Roseland Ballroom, New York City,[153] to an audience of 3,500. Beyoncé wore a gold dress and performed with her all-female band and backing singers, called the Mamas.[154] During the ITV special A Night with Beyoncé which aired on December 4 in the United Kingdom, Beyoncé performed "Run the World (Girls)" to a selected crowd of fans.[155]

In May 2012, Beyoncé performed "Run the World" during her Revel Presents: Beyoncé Live revue in Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States' entertainment resort, hotel, casino and spa, Revel.[156][157] The revue was also called "Back to Business" which was picked from a lyric of the song.[158][159] A writer of Black Entertainment Television noted, "She dazzled fans with an assortment of high-energy performances of her upbeat hits like... 'Run the World (Girls).'"[160] Caryn Ganz of Spin magazine praised the "swaggy" march,[161] while Rebecca Thomas of MTV News wrote that Beyoncé's choreography during the performance of "Run the World", "is meant to do the same: a series of sensual quickstep moves that revolve around the hips and legs."[162] Ben Ratliff of The New York Times mentioned the song in the "almost continuous high point" of the concert.[158] The song also acted as the opening number of her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. After a video intro of Beyoncé imitating Mary Antoinette, Beyoncé rises from beneath the stage along with sparks and flames, leading into the opening performance of "Run the World (Girls)".[163] The song was part of the set list of Beyoncé and Jay-Z's co-headlining On the Run Tour (2014).[164] As well as her Formation World Tour (2016) and her OTR II Tour (2018) with Jay-Z again. "Run The World (Girls)" was also part of her Renaissance World Tour (2023) set list.[165]

Controversy

edit

Following her performance at the Billboard Music Awards, Beyoncé initially received widespread praise from fans, critics and celebrities.[166] However, the following day, critics voiced concerns about similarities to a performance by Italian pop star Lorella Cuccarini in February 2010 at the 60th Sanremo Music Festival.[167] Billy Johnson Jr of Yahoo! Music wrote: "Kenzo Digital, who spent a month creating Beyoncé's interactive video, told Yahoo! News that Lorella concert footage is only part of the inspiration for Beyoncé's show: "[The Cuccarini artists] are awesome and do incredible work as well, but there are a lot of different inspirations for where our piece came from."[167] In a Yahoo! Amplified interview with Daniel Kreps, Digital said: "It's just a bare white screen. It's a technique in video art since the [19]80s in terms of frontal projection and interactive things. That's really nothing new. It's not even a new technology. It's just an incredibly simple, awesome storytelling device, and with a performer like Beyoncé it becomes incredibly powerful."[168] Beyoncé later responded through an interview with AOL Music, saying she was inspired after finding Cuccarini's performance online:

"My makeup artist showed me the performance of Lorella Cuccarini a year ago, and it inspired me so much. I then met with the talented people who worked on it. The technology and concept were so genius. She was inspired after discovering Cuccarini's performance online. Thank God for YouTube or I would have never been exposed to something so inspiring. I never worked so hard on anything in my life as that performance for the Billboard Awards."[169]

Usage in media and cover versions

edit

Beyoncé pre-recorded a message to the astronauts of the final mission of the US Space Shuttle Atlantis on July 16, 2011. With "Run the World (Girls)" playing in the background, Beyoncé said: "Good morning Atlantis. This is Beyoncé. Sandy, Chris, Doug, and Rex, you inspire all of us to dare to live our dreams—to know that we are smart enough and strong enough to achieve this. This song is especially for my girl Sandy and all the women who have taken us to space with them, and the girls who are our future explorers."[170] "Run the World (Girls)" was used in a commercial for Beyoncé's fragrance, Pulse (2011). Released on August 18, 2011, the 15-second advertisement, directed by Jake Nava, shows Beyoncé wearing a metallic gown and walking through lights an instrumental version of the song plays in the background.[171]

A dancer who had worked with Beyoncé,[172] Heather Morris, covered "Run the World (Girls)" for the American television show Glee episode "Asian F", which aired on October 4, 2011. Morris danced to the song wearing a leather cheerleading skirt.[173] Amy Lee of The Huffington Post described Morris' dance choreography as "amazing"[173] and Kristen Dos Santos of E! News called Morris' performance "knockout" and added that it might be Glee's best performance to date.[172] Morris' version debuted at number 91 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and at number 47 on the US Hot Digital Songs chart for the week ending October 22, 2011.[174] On August 25, 2013, girl group Adira–Belle performed "Run the World (Girls)" during the fifth season of The X Factor Australia.[175] Giles Hardie of The Sydney Morning Herald rated their performance six out of ten and wrote it was a "terrible song choice".[175] He also felt that it was "a bit early for Beyoncé for these girls perhaps as the song was bigger than them".[175]

"Run the World (Girls)" is featured on the dance rhythm game, Just Dance 2022.[176]

Format and track listing

edit
  1. "Run the World (Girls)" [Single Version] – 3:56
  1. "Run the World (Girls)" [Chris Lake Remix] – 6:24
  2. "Run the World (Girls)" [Kito Remix] – 3:37
  3. "Run the World (Girls)" [Billionaire Remix] – 5:19
  • US digital remix single[178]
  1. "Run the World (Girls)" [Kaskade Club Remix] – 5:02
  2. "Run the World (Girls)" [RedTop Club Remix] – 6:02
  3. "Run the World (Girls)" [Jochen Simms Club Remix] – 6:17

Credits and personnel

edit

Credits are taken from 4 liner notes.[2]

Charts

edit

Certifications

edit
Certifications and sales for "Run the World (Girls)"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[80] 5× Platinum 350,000
Belgium (BEA)[226] Gold 15,000*
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[227] Diamond 250,000
Canada (Music Canada)[228] 3× Platinum 240,000
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[229] Gold 30,000^
Germany (BVMI)[230] Gold 150,000
Italy (FIMI)[231] Gold 25,000
New Zealand (RMNZ)[83] Gold 7,500*
Portugal (AFP)[232] Gold 10,000
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[233] Gold 30,000
Sweden (GLF)[234] Platinum 40,000
United Kingdom (BPI)[235] Platinum 600,000
United States (RIAA)[99] 4× Platinum 4,000,000

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

edit
Release dates for "Run the World (Girls)"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Australia April 21, 2011 Contemporary hit radio Sony Music [236]
Italy Radio airplay [237]
Various Digital download [10]
United States April 26, 2011 [13][14]
Australia September 2, 2011 Digital download (EP) Sony Music [16]
New Zealand [17]
United Kingdom RCA [18][19]
United States April 2, 2013
  • Columbia
  • Parkwood
[178]

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ "Beyoncé to release new single?". The Capital FM Network. Global Radio. Archived from the original on April 12, 2011. Retrieved April 11, 2011.
  2. ^ a b 4 (Media notes). Beyoncé Knowles. Columbia Records. 2011. Archived from the original on 2011-06-27. Retrieved 2011-06-27.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  3. ^ Lipshutz, Jason (April 20, 2011). "Beyoncé's 'Run the World (Girls)' Single to Hit iTunes Tomorrow". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on June 20, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2011.
  4. ^ "Snippet of Beyoncé's New Single Hits the Net". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. April 14, 2011. Archived from the original on April 16, 2011. Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  5. ^ a b Ramirez, Erika (April 14, 2011). "Listen: Beyoncé Single Snippet Leaks?". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on May 28, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  6. ^ a b "Beyoncé Drops Official Version Of 'Run The World (Girls)'". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. April 18, 2011. Archived from the original on April 20, 2011. Retrieved April 19, 2011.
  7. ^ a b Trust, Gary (May 11, 2011). "Beyoncé: The Billboard Music Awards Q&A". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on April 8, 2018. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
  8. ^ "Join Us As We Count Down To '4'". Beyoncé Knowles' Official Website. Archived from the original on June 20, 2011. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
  9. ^ "Beyoncé's New Album Out Now & Streaming In Full | The Official Beyoncé Site". Please note that you have to click on the cover art of 'I was Here' to see the quote. Beyoncé Knowles' Official Website. Archived from the original on April 16, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
  10. ^ a b c d Dinh, Jame (April 21, 2011). "Beyoncé's 'Run The World (Girls)' To Hit Radio, iTunes Thursday". MTV News. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on April 23, 2011. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
  11. ^ "Beyoncé's "sassy" comeback single gains buzz". Yahoo! News. Yahoo!. April 23, 2011. Archived from the original on August 7, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  12. ^ Copsey, Robert (April 21, 2011). "Beyoncé's 'Girls' leaks on iTunes for free". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias. Archived from the original on April 24, 2011. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
  13. ^ a b "Top 40/M Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on March 30, 2011. Retrieved April 22, 2011.
  14. ^ a b "Urban/UAC Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on March 30, 2011. Retrieved April 22, 2011.
  15. ^ "Beyoncé Crafts Another Female Anthem, Fans React". MTV. MTV Networks. April 19, 2011. Archived from the original on April 24, 2011. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
  16. ^ a b "Run the World (Girls) – Remixes – EP Beyoncé". iTunes Store (Australia). Apple Inc. 2 September 2011. Archived from the original on 2 February 2016. Retrieved September 21, 2011.
  17. ^ a b "Run the World (Girls) – Remixes – EP Beyoncé". iTunes Store (New Zealand). Apple Inc. 2 September 2011. Archived from the original on 2 February 2016. Retrieved September 21, 2011.
  18. ^ a b c "Run the World (Girls) – Remixes – EP Beyoncé". iTunes Store (UK). Apple Inc. Retrieved September 21, 2011.
  19. ^ a b "Run the World (Girls) – Remixes". Amazon UK. Retrieved September 21, 2011.
  20. ^ "Beyoncé Cover Art – Run This World (Girls)". MTV. MTV Networks. April 21, 2011. Archived from the original on July 11, 2011. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
  21. ^ "Beyoncé Shines Bright on Day 3 of Video Shoot". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. April 15, 2011. Archived from the original on April 17, 2011. Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  22. ^ Hova, Tray (April 20, 2011). "Peep This: Beyoncé's Single Art For 'Run The World (Girls)'". Vibe. InterMedia Partners. Archived from the original on April 23, 2011. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
  23. ^ Young, Eleanor (April 21, 2011). "First Look! Beyoncé's Sizzling Single Cover". Marie Claire. IPC Media. Archived from the original on April 25, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  24. ^ a b "Beyoncé's "Run The World (Girls)" Single Cover Less Exciting Than The Song". Idolator. Buzz Media. 2011-04-20. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
  25. ^ a b c d Zakarin, Jordan (April 19, 2011). "Beyoncé's 'Run The World (Girls)': New Single Released". The Huffington Post. AOL Inc. Archived from the original on April 23, 2011. Retrieved April 20, 2011.
  26. ^ "Album review: Beyoncé, '4'". 2011-06-26. Archived from the original on 2016-06-02. Retrieved 2016-05-04.
  27. ^ a b Corner, Lewis (April 21, 2011). "Beyoncé unleashes 'Run The World (Girls)'". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias. Archived from the original on April 24, 2011. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
  28. ^ a b "First Look At Beyoncé's New Music Video". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. April 11, 2011. Archived from the original on October 13, 2012. Retrieved April 12, 2011.
  29. ^ a b Vena, Jocelyn (April 12, 2011). "Is Beyoncé Prepping Her Next Music Video?". MTV News. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on April 25, 2018. Retrieved April 12, 2011.
  30. ^ Gayles, Contessa (April 21, 2011). "Beyoncé Debuts Anthem 'Run the World (Girls)'". AOL Music. AOL Inc. Archived from the original on March 21, 2012. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
  31. ^ Perricone, Kathlene (April 21, 2011). "Beyoncé releases new single: 'Run the World (Girls)' is another female-empowerment anthem". Daily News. Daily News L.P. Archived from the original on May 3, 2012. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
  32. ^ Benitez-Eves, Tina (March 8, 2011). "Beyoncé to Debut New Single This April?". AOL Music. AOL Inc. Archived from the original on March 14, 2011. Retrieved April 12, 2011.
  33. ^ Winistorfer, Andrew (April 19, 2011). "Beyoncé – "Run The World (Girls)" (Prod. Diplo & Switch)". Prefix Magazine. Archived from the original on February 12, 2012. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  34. ^ a b Breihan, Tim (April 19, 2011). "Listen: Beyoncé Teams With Major Lazer". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on April 23, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  35. ^ Dixon, Risa (April 19, 2011). "New Beyoncé track, 'Girls (Who Run The World)'". Newsday. Cablevision. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012.
  36. ^ Caramanica, Jon (June 27, 2011). "On '4,' Beyoncé Bids Farewell (for Now) to Her Old Selves". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 1, 2011. Retrieved June 28, 2012.
  37. ^ Cheung, Nadine (April 21, 2011). "Beyoncé, 'Run the World (Girls)' – New Song". AOL Music. AOL Inc. Archived from the original on May 6, 2012. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  38. ^ a b O'Donnell, Kevin (April 19, 2011). "Beyoncé's Hot Girl-Power Anthem Leaks". Spin. Spin Media LLC. Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  39. ^ Rogers, Ray (May 11, 2011). "Beyoncé: The Billboard Music Awards Q&A". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on April 8, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2011.
  40. ^ McCabe, Kathy (April 21, 2011). "Beyoncé has ripped off her own hits for new release "Run The World (Girls)"". The Daily Telegraph. News Limited. Archived from the original on October 4, 2012. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
  41. ^ Breihan, Johnston (April 19, 2011). "Beyoncé and Diplo Load Up On Accessories". The Village Voice. Village Voice Media. Archived from the original on April 23, 2011. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
  42. ^ Aswad, Jem (May 6, 2011). "Beyonce, Run the World (Girls)". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on June 19, 2014. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  43. ^ "New Music: Beyoncé – 'Run the World (Girls)' [Official Premiere]". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. April 20, 2011. Archived from the original on April 24, 2011. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
  44. ^ a b Minichind, Nick (April 19, 2011). "Beyoncé And Co. Run the World on Leaked Single". VH1. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on April 20, 2011. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  45. ^ a b c d Vena, Jocelyn (April 19, 2011). "Beyoncé's New Single, 'Girls (Who Run The World),' Leaks Online". MTV News. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on April 24, 2011. Retrieved April 19, 2011.
  46. ^ Corne, Lewis (April 19, 2011). "New Beyoncé single 'Girls' leaks online". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias. Archived from the original on April 24, 2011. Retrieved April 19, 2011.
  47. ^ a b Vena, Jocelyn (April 21, 2011). "Beyoncé Drops Official Version Of 'Run The World (Girls)'". MTV News. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on April 24, 2011. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
  48. ^ Wete, Brad (April 20, 2011). "Beyoncé's reign resumes with 'Run the World (Girls),' her club-banging new single for the ladies". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Archived from the original on April 23, 2011. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
  49. ^ Walker, Caroline (April 21, 2011). "Beyoncé's Run The World (Girls)' Stays True To Female Fans". MTV. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on July 20, 2011. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  50. ^ Barshad, Amos (April 19, 2011). "Beyoncé's New Single is Here!". New York. New York Media Holdings. Archived from the original on April 25, 2011. Retrieved April 19, 2011.
  51. ^ Donnelly, Matt (April 20, 2011). "Beyoncé's new song, 'Girls (Who Run The World)', leaks online". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on April 24, 2011. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
  52. ^ Clarke, Jenna (April 19, 2011). "Beyoncé tells girls they rule the world". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on April 30, 2011. Retrieved April 22, 2011.
  53. ^ Wieselman, Jarett (April 19, 2011). "Beyoncé 'Runs The World'". New York Post. News Corporation. Archived from the original on April 21, 2011. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  54. ^ Copsey, Robert (April 21, 2011). "Beyoncé: 'Run The World (Girls)'". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias. Archived from the original on April 30, 2011. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  55. ^ Cinquemani, Sal (April 21, 2011). "Single Review: Beyoncé's 'Run the World (Girls)'". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on April 24, 2011. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
  56. ^ Johnston, Maura (April 21, 2011). "Beyoncé and Diplo Load Up On Accessories". The Village Voice. Village Voice Media. Archived from the original on April 23, 2011. Retrieved April 22, 2011.
  57. ^ Rizvi, Shahryar (May 19, 2011). "The Problem With... Beyonce's "Run the World (Girls)"". Dallas Observer. Village Voice Media. Archived from the original on May 23, 2011. Retrieved February 27, 2012.
  58. ^ Hull, Tom (July 10, 2011). "Rhapsody Streamnotes". Tom Hull – on the Web. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  59. ^ Staff (December 22, 2011). "Digital Spy's top 25 singles of 2011 in pictures". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias. Archived from the original on January 9, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2011.
  60. ^ Pareles, Jon (December 18, 2011). "Music of Heartache, Mortality and Success". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 30, 2012. Retrieved June 28, 2012.
  61. ^ Votta, Rae (June 29, 2011). "Teen Choice Awards 2011 Nominees Announced: Harry Potter vs Twilight". The Huffington Post. AOL Inc. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 30, 2011.
  62. ^ "Virgin Media Music Awards: Best Single". Virgin Media. Archived from the original on November 24, 2011.
  63. ^ "New York Pazz and Jop Singles – 2011". The Village Voice. Village Voice Media. Archived from the original on March 10, 2012. Retrieved March 19, 2012.
  64. ^ Slomowicz, DJ Ron. "27th Annual International Dance Music Awards Nominees and Winners". About.com. The New York Times Company. Archived from the original on June 22, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
  65. ^ Boone, John; Cady, Jennifer (January 30, 2013). "Top 10 Best Beyoncé Songs". E! Online. NBCUniversal. p. 4. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
  66. ^ White, Caitlin (August 29, 2013). "The 25 Best Beyoncé Songs – 25. "Run The World (Girls)" (2011)". Complex. Complex Media. p. 2. Archived from the original on September 4, 2013. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  67. ^ "Top 40 UK Singles Chart (April 24, 2011)". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
  68. ^ "Top 40 UK Singles Chart (May 1, 2011)". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
  69. ^ a b "UK Top 40 R&B Singles Chart (May 1, 2011)". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on February 2, 2016. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
  70. ^ "Top 40 UK Singles Chart (May 23, 2011)". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on February 2, 2016. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  71. ^ "UK Top 40 R&B Singles Chart (May 29, 2011)". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on February 2, 2016. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  72. ^ "Irish Singles Chart (April 28, 2011)". Chart-Track. Irish Recorded Music Association. Archived from the original on February 16, 2017. Retrieved April 29, 2011.
  73. ^ Decant, Charles (April 29, 2011). "Disques : Très joli démarrage pour Hugh Laurie, nouveau numéro un pour Mylène Farmer" (in French). OZAP. Archived from the original on March 14, 2012. Retrieved April 29, 2011.
  74. ^ a b "Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)". Australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on September 12, 2014. Retrieved May 10, 2011.
  75. ^ "Chartifacts – Week Commencing: 2nd May 2011". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on April 25, 2011. Retrieved May 8, 2011.
  76. ^ a b c "Top 40 Urban Albums & Singles Chart – 6/6/2011". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on May 18, 2011. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  77. ^ "Chart #1771 – Monday 2 May 2011: Top 40 Singles Chart". Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. 2 May 2011. Archived from the original on 19 March 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  78. ^ "Australia Single Top 50 (May 30, 2011)". Australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on August 20, 2011. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  79. ^ "Australia Single Top 50 (June 6, 2011)". Australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on September 11, 2011. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  80. ^ a b "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2022 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  81. ^ "Chart #1774 – Monday 23 May 2011: Top 40 Singles Chart". Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. May 23, 2011. Archived from the original on 19 March 2012. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  82. ^ "Chart #1775 – Monday 30 May 2011: Top 40 Singles Chart". Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. 2 May 2011. Archived from the original on 19 March 2012. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
  83. ^ a b "Latest Gold / Platinum Singles". Radioscope. 21 August 2011. Archived from the original on 2011-08-31. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
  84. ^ "Canadian Hot 100: Week Ending May 7, 2011". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on August 1, 2013. Retrieved April 29, 2011.
  85. ^ Tuch, Paul (April 29, 2011). "Adele Tops Album & Digital Songs Chart" (PDF). Nielsen SoundScan. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 2, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
  86. ^ Tuch, Paul (June 3, 2011). "Lady Gaga Scores Second No. 1 Album" (PDF). Nielsen SoundScan. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 2, 2011. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  87. ^ a b c Trust, Gary (April 27, 2011). "Katy Perry's 'E.T.' Returns To No. 1 On Hot 100". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on May 5, 2011. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
  88. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: Week Ending May 7, 2011". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved April 29, 2011.
  89. ^ Caulfield, Keith (May 4, 2011). "Adele's '21' Marks Sixth Week At No. 1". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on May 23, 2013. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
  90. ^ "Pop Songs: Week of May 21, 2011". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved May 17, 2011.
  91. ^ Grein, Paul (May 11, 2011). "Week Ending May 8, 2011. Songs: Rolling In The Dough". Yahoo! Music. Yahoo!. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
  92. ^ Trust, Gary (May 16, 2011). "Britney Spears 'Ends' Up Atop Dance/Club Play Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on August 29, 2014. Retrieved May 17, 2011.
  93. ^ Grein, Paul (May 18, 2011). "Week Ending May 15, 2011. Songs: Idol Boosts Tyler". Yahoo! Music. Yahoo!. Retrieved May 25, 2011.
  94. ^ Grein, Paul (May 25, 2011). "Week Ending May 22, 2011. Songs: Flooding The Zone". Yahoo! Music. Yahoo!. Retrieved May 27, 2011.
  95. ^ "Hot Digital Songs: Week of June 4, 2011". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. June 4, 2011. Retrieved May 27, 2011.
  96. ^ Grein, Paul (June 1, 2011). "Week Ending May 29, 2011. Songs: He Was In It To Win It". Yahoo! Music. Yahoo!. Retrieved June 2, 2011.
  97. ^ a b "Week of July 09, 2011 : Hot Dance Club Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on May 1, 2014. Retrieved December 23, 2011.
  98. ^ Caulfield, Keith (June 29, 2011). "Beyonce's '4' Headed For No. 1 with Perhaps 300,000". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on July 29, 2013. Retrieved June 30, 2011.
  99. ^ a b "American single certifications – Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  100. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (May 19, 2011). "Beyoncé 'Nailed It' in 'Girls' Video, Choreographer Says". MTV News. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on May 21, 2011. Retrieved May 20, 2011.
  101. ^ Life Is But a Dream. Dir. Ed Burke, Dir. Beyoncé Knowles. HBO, 2013. Documentary Film.
  102. ^ Knopper, Steve (May 21, 2011). "Beyoncé's new vid has the bite stuff". New York Post. News Corporation. Archived from the original on January 4, 2013. Retrieved May 22, 2011.
  103. ^ "Beyoncé comeback single 'Girl' details emerge". NME. IPC Media. April 12, 2011. Archived from the original on April 15, 2011. Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  104. ^ a b c "Beyoncé Starts a Revolution on Set of Video". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. April 12, 2011. Archived from the original on April 16, 2011. Retrieved April 13, 2011.
  105. ^ Montgomery, James (April 13, 2011). "Beyoncé Waves Her 'B' Flag In New Video Set Photos". MTV News. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on April 17, 2011. Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  106. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (April 18, 2011). "Beyoncé's 'Girls' Video Will Be 'Big', Director Says". MTV News. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on April 21, 2011. Retrieved April 19, 2011.
  107. ^ "Sneak Peek: Beyoncé – 'Run the World (Girls)'". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. May 4, 2011. Archived from the original on May 8, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
  108. ^ "Teaser: Beyoncé – 'Run the World (Girls)'". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. May 10, 2011. Archived from the original on May 12, 2011. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
  109. ^ "Billboard Bits: Beyoncé Previews '4' at Listening Party, Kenny Chesney Playing Alabama Show For Charity". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. May 12, 2011. Archived from the original on July 13, 2011. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
  110. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (May 11, 2011). "Beyoncé Sports Haute Couture In 'Run The World (Girls)' Video Teaser". MTV News. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on May 13, 2011. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
  111. ^ Daw, Robbie (May 12, 2011). "Beyoncé Unveils Final "Run The World (Girls)" Teaser Before Video Premiere". Idolator. Buzz Media. Retrieved May 13, 2011.
  112. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (May 17, 2011). "Beyoncé to Premiere 'Run The World (Girls)' On 'American Idol'". MTV News. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on May 18, 2011. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
  113. ^ Kennedy, Gerrick D. (June 29, 2011). "Beyoncé '4' promo push: Delay in bonus content irks buyers". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on August 30, 2011. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
  114. ^ mtv (2011-05-19). "Look By Look: Beyoncé's 'Run The World (Girls)' Video With Exclusive Stylist Interview – MTV". Style.mtv.com. Archived from the original on 2015-11-17. Retrieved 2015-12-24.
  115. ^ "Which haute couture looks did Beyoncé wear in her 'Run the World' video?". The Independent. Independent Print Limited. May 19, 2011. Archived from the original on January 29, 2019. Retrieved May 20, 2011.
  116. ^ "Video: Beyoncé – 'Run the World (Girls)'". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. May 18, 2011. Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
  117. ^ Henderson, Eric (May 19, 2011). "Video Review: Beyoncé, "Run the World (Girls)"". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on May 21, 2011. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
  118. ^ Serpe, Gina (May 19, 2011). "Girl Power Returns: Watch Beyoncé's "Run The World (Girls)" Video Now!". E! Online. NBCUniversal. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
  119. ^ CBS News Staff (May 19, 2011). "Beyoncé's "Run The World (Girls)" VIDEO: Why we love it, hate it". CBS News. CBS Broadcasting Inc. Archived from the original on July 24, 2012. Retrieved May 20, 2011.
  120. ^ Zakarin, Jordan (May 19, 2011). "Beyoncé: 'Run The World (Girls),' Video, Album '4' Revealed". The Huffington Post. AOL Inc. Archived from the original on May 21, 2011. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
  121. ^ Wieselman, Jarett (May 19, 2011). "Beyoncé still 'Runs The World'". New York Post. News Corporation. Archived from the original on November 27, 2011. Retrieved May 22, 2011.
  122. ^ Montgomery, James (May 18, 2011). "Beyoncé's 'Run The World (Girls)' Video Premieres". MTV News. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on May 22, 2011. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
  123. ^ Fitzmaurice, Larry (May 19, 2011). "Video: Beyoncé: "Run the World (Girls)"". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
  124. ^ "Beyoncé – Bleak, Funky 'Run the World (Girls)'". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. May 19, 2011. Archived from the original on May 21, 2011. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
  125. ^ Neyland, Nick (May 19, 2011). "Run the World (Girls) video". Prefix Magazine. Archived from the original on June 8, 2011. Retrieved May 20, 2011.
  126. ^ Anne Hughes, Sarah (May 19, 2011). "Beyoncé's 'Run the World (Girls)' video premieres". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 12, 2012. Retrieved May 20, 2011.
  127. ^ Billboard Staff (May 18, 2011). "Beyoncé's 'Run the World (Girls)' Video Premieres". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on May 29, 2013. Retrieved May 20, 2011.
  128. ^ "Katy Perry, Kanye West, & Adele Lead MTV VMA Nominations". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. July 20, 2011. Archived from the original on July 23, 2011. Retrieved July 22, 2011.
  129. ^ Ditzian, Eric (August 28, 2011). "Lady Gaga, Beyonce Win Early VMAs". MTV News. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on June 2, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2011.
  130. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (September 19, 2011). "Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry Nab MTV EMA Nods". MTV News. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on September 22, 2011. Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  131. ^ Joseph, Justin (November 27, 2011). "Soul Train Music Awards 2011 Winners". Centric. BET Networks. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012. Retrieved November 28, 2011.
  132. ^ "Virgin Media Music Awards: Best Video". Virgin Media. Archived from the original on November 24, 2011.
  133. ^ Adickman, Erika (October 19, 2011). "Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Beyonce Lead 2012 People's Choice Nominees". Idolator. Buzz Media. Retrieved October 21, 2011.
  134. ^ Staff (December 21, 2011). "The 25 Best Music Videos of 2011". Slant Magazine. p. 2. Archived from the original on January 7, 2012. Retrieved December 25, 2011.
  135. ^ Cragg, Michael (December 30, 2011). "The best pop videos of 2011". The Guardian. Archived from the original on May 17, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  136. ^ "Notarized: Top 100 Videos of 2011". Black Entertainment Television. BET Networks. Archived from the original on January 8, 2012. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  137. ^ Hicap, Jonathan (March 20, 2012). "K-pop groups nominated in MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2012". The Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on March 24, 2012. Retrieved March 24, 2012.
  138. ^ "Marianas Trench leads with seven nominations at the 2012 MMVAs". MuchMusic. May 15, 2012. Archived from the original on July 21, 2012. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
  139. ^ "2012 World Music Awards". Worldmusicawards.com. Archived from the original on November 28, 2012.
  140. ^ Boone, John; Cady, Jennifer (February 1, 2013). "2013 Super Bowl Countdown: Beyoncé's Top 10 Music Videos Ever!". E! Online. E!. Archived from the original on July 15, 2018. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
  141. ^ "Beyoncé, Usher, and Alicia Keys Salute Oprah During Farewell Spectacular". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. May 18, 2011. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
  142. ^ Oberman, Mira (May 18, 2011). "Beyoncé, Madonna honor Oprah in farewell shows". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. Archived from the original on January 30, 2012. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
  143. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (May 23, 2011). "Beyoncé 'Felt Honored' To Perform On 'Oprah'". MTV News. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on May 26, 2011. Retrieved May 25, 2011.
  144. ^ "Live updates from 'Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular'". Chicago Tribune. Tribune Company. May 17, 2011. Archived from the original on May 19, 2011. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
  145. ^ "Beyonce Kicks Off Her Own Year-End List". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. December 16, 2011. Archived from the original on May 28, 2013. Retrieved December 21, 2011.
  146. ^ Ramirez, Erika (February 2, 2013). "Beyonce's 5 Biggest TV Performances". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on May 29, 2013. Retrieved April 4, 2013.
  147. ^ "15 Awesome Billboard Music Award Performances". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. April 22, 2013. p. 1. Archived from the original on April 28, 2013. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
  148. ^ "Beyoncé Invades The Stage At European Concert Kickoff (Video)". Rap-Up. June 20, 2011. Archived from the original on June 23, 2011. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
  149. ^ MTV Reporter (June 27, 2011). "Beyoncé Closes 2011 Glastonbury Festival". MTV UK. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on August 1, 2011. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
  150. ^ Adickman, Erika Brooks (June 28, 2011). "Beyonce Runs The French Airwaves With 'Le Grand Journal' And 'X Factor'". Idolator. Buzz Media. Retrieved July 7, 2011.
  151. ^ "Beyoncé Performs 'Run the World (Girls)' on 'Le Grand Journal' [Video]". Rap-Up. June 28, 2011. Archived from the original on July 1, 2011. Retrieved July 7, 2011.
  152. ^ Erika Brooks Adickman (June 28, 2011). "Beyonce Runs The French Airwaves With 'Le Grand Journal' And 'X Factor'". Idolator. Buzz Media. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
  153. ^ Newman, Jason (August 15, 2011). "Concert Review: Beyoncé Reigns at Roseland Ballroom". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. Archived from the original on March 8, 2012. Retrieved August 21, 2011.
  154. ^ Wete, Brad (August 15, 2011). "Beyonce performs first of four-night run of her new '4' album at small NYC theater – an EW review". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Archived from the original on August 16, 2011. Retrieved August 21, 2011.
  155. ^ Beyoncé Knowles (December 4, 2011). A Night With Beyoncé (video) (ITV1). The Fountain Studios, London, United Kingdom: Victory Television Network in co-production with Sony Music Entertainment. Event occurs at 9pm.
  156. ^ Johnston, Maura (May 27, 2012). "Live: Beyoncé Brings The House Down At Atlantic City's Newest Casino". The Village Voice. Village Voice Media. Archived from the original on May 29, 2012. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
  157. ^ Anderson, Kyle (May 29, 2012). "Beyonce's post-baby concerts: Whitney Houston tribute, Goo Goo Dolls and Lauryn Hill songs". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Archived from the original on June 2, 2012. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
  158. ^ a b Ratliff, Ben (May 27, 2012). "Beyoncé: Coming Back and Catching Up, Then Conquering". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 30, 2012. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
  159. ^ Ramirez, Erika (May 29, 2012). "Beyonce Returns to the Stage in Atlantic City". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on February 3, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
  160. ^ "Beyoncé Shines in Her Return to the Stage". Black Entertainment Television. BET Networks. May 29, 2012. Archived from the original on June 6, 2012. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  161. ^ Ganz, Caryn (May 29, 2012). "Run the World (Showgirls): Beyonce Gets Back to Business in Atlantic City". Spin. Spin Media LLC. Archived from the original on June 4, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2012.
  162. ^ Thomas, Rebecca (May 27, 2012). "Beyonce Serenades Michelle Obama, Cements Comeback In Atlantic City". MTV News. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
  163. ^ "Beyoncé makes nod to The Verve at London's O2 Arena". NME. April 30, 2013. Archived from the original on May 9, 2013. Retrieved June 4, 2013.
  164. ^ Young, Alex (June 26, 2014). "Jay Z and Beyoncé kick off On the Run Tour with massive 42-song setlist". Consequence of Sound. Archived from the original on June 28, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  165. ^ Garcia, Thania (May 10, 2023). "Beyoncé Renaissance Tour: The Full Setlist From Opening Night". Variety. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  166. ^ "Stars React To Beyoncé's Billboard Music Awards Performance". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. May 23, 2011. Archived from the original on May 25, 2011. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
  167. ^ a b "Beyoncé's Billboard Music Awards Show Strikingly Similar To Year-Old Performance From Italian Singers". Yahoo! News. Yahoo!. May 24, 2011. Archived from the original on October 6, 2011. Retrieved May 25, 2011.
  168. ^ "The Story Behind Beyonce's Incredible Billboard Performance". Yahoo! Music. Yahoo!. May 24, 2011. Retrieved October 6, 2011.
  169. ^ "Beyoncé's Responds To Billboard Music Awards Controversy". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. May 25, 2011. Archived from the original on May 28, 2011. Retrieved May 25, 2011.
  170. ^ "Beyoncé Calls Astronauts on Space Shuttle Atlantis". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerien. July 16, 2011. Archived from the original on September 21, 2011. Retrieved September 18, 2011.
  171. ^ "Beyoncé Feels the Power in Pulse Commercial (Video)". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerien. August 18, 2011. Archived from the original on August 27, 2011. Retrieved September 18, 2011.
  172. ^ a b Dos Santos, Kristen (September 30, 2011). "'Best Glee Performance Yet? Get Your First Look at Heather Morris' 'Run the World (Girls)'!". E! News. NBCUniversal. Retrieved October 6, 2011.
  173. ^ a b Lee, Amy (October 5, 2011). "'Glee' Season 3, Episode Three: Kiss My Grits Harvard University". The Huffington Post. AOL Inc. Archived from the original on October 7, 2011. Retrieved October 6, 2011.
  174. ^ "Hot 100 For Week Ending October 22, 2011: (91–100)". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on January 16, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2011.
  175. ^ a b c Hardie, Giles (August 26, 2013). "The X Factor recap: Adira–Belle the first finalists sent home". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on August 29, 2013. Retrieved September 3, 2013.
  176. ^ "Just Dance 2022: Run The World (Girls) by Beyoncé | Official Track Gameplay [US]". Ubisoft. 15 June 2021. Archived from the original on 21 October 2021. Retrieved 21 October 2021 – via YouTube.
  177. ^ "Run the World (Girls) – Single by Beyoncé". iTunes Store (US). Apple Inc. April 21, 2011. Archived from the original on April 26, 2011. Retrieved May 21, 2011.
  178. ^ a b "Run The World (Girls) – Single by Beyoncé". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. 2 April 2013. Archived from the original on 5 November 2014. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  179. ^ "Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  180. ^ "Beyoncé – Run The World (Girls)" Archived 2018-08-06 at the Wayback Machine (in Dutch). Ultratop Flanders. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  181. ^ "Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)" (in French). Ultratop 50.
  182. ^ "Beyoncé – Run The World (Girls)" Archived 2018-08-06 at the Wayback Machine (in French). Ultratop Wallonia. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  183. ^ "Beyoncé Album & Song Chart History". Billboard Canadian Hot 100 for Beyonce. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved April 28, 2011.
  184. ^ "Beyonce Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved August 21, 2019.
  185. ^ Beyoncé — Run the World (Girls). TopHit. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  186. ^ "Radio Top100 Oficiální – Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls) – Czech Republic". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (Czech Republic). Archived from the original on May 15, 2012. Retrieved January 15, 2011.
  187. ^ "Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)". Tracklisten.
  188. ^ "Beyoncé: Run the World (Girls)" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  189. ^ "Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)" (in French). Les classement single.
  190. ^ "Black Top 30 (July 16, 2011)". Mix1 (Germany). Archived from the original on May 26, 2011. Retrieved September 18, 2011.
  191. ^ "Beyoncé – Global Dance Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 27, 2020. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  192. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Run the World (Girls)". Irish Singles Chart.
  193. ^ "Media Forest: Airplay chart". Mediaforest.biz. Archived from the original on August 4, 2012. Retrieved June 28, 2012.
  194. ^ "Classifica italian FIMI del 18 Aprile 2011". Federation of the Italian Music Industry. Sony BMG Italy. Archived from the original on September 3, 2012. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
  195. ^ "Week of July 9, 2011: Japan hot 100". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on October 2, 2011. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
  196. ^ "Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)". Top 40 Netherlands. Archived from the original on July 9, 2020. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  197. ^ "Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)". Dutch Charts. Archived from the original on July 6, 2020. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  198. ^ "Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)". Top 40 Singles.
  199. ^ "Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)". VG-lista.
  200. ^ "Dance Chart :: Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. July 1, 2011. Archived from the original on May 13, 2012. Retrieved September 22, 2011.
  201. ^ "Chart Search – Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved September 3, 2018.
  202. ^ "Romanian Top 100 - 19 iunie 2011" (in Romanian). Kiss FM. June 19, 2011. Event occurs at 16:42. Archived from the original on September 13, 2012. Retrieved August 6, 2024. If the user accesses the link, the respective podcast will start downloading automatically.
  203. ^ "Top 40 Scottish Singles Chart – 1 May 2011". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 2 February 2016. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
  204. ^ "RADIO TOP100 Oficiálna: Run the World (Girls)" (in Slovak). International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (Slovakia). Archived from the original on May 9, 2012. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
  205. ^ 가온차트와 함께하세요 (in Korean). Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on March 20, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2011.
  206. ^ "Top 50 Canciones" (PDF) (in Spanish). Productores de Música de España. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 28, 2012. Retrieved June 24, 2011.
  207. ^ "Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)". Swiss Singles Chart.
  208. ^ "Beyoncé: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company.
  209. ^ "Beyonce Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  210. ^ "Beyoncé Album & Song Chart History". Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for Beyonce. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved April 28, 2011.
  211. ^ "Beyoncé Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.
  212. ^ "Beyoncé – Chart history". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2018-08-29. Retrieved 2015-12-24.
  213. ^ "ARIA End of Year Charts – Top 100 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on January 9, 2012. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  214. ^ "ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 50 Urban Singles 2011". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on February 28, 2015. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  215. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 2011" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on October 19, 2012. Retrieved December 25, 2011.
  216. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 2011: Dance" Archived 2018-08-06 at the Wayback Machine (in Dutch). Ultratop Flanders. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  217. ^ "Rapports annuels 2011" (in French). Ultratop. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on October 19, 2012. Retrieved December 25, 2011.
  218. ^ "Classement des 100 premiers Singles Fusionnés par GfK Music 2011 – du 1er janvier au 31 décembre 2011" (PDF) (in French). USNEP. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 28, 2013. Retrieved February 8, 2013.
  219. ^ "Japan Hot 100 – Year-End Charts". Billboard—Japan. Prometheus Global Media. 2011. Archived from the original on December 2, 2013. Retrieved November 24, 2013.
  220. ^ "Jaarlijsten 2011" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Archived from the original on January 10, 2014. Retrieved June 7, 2022.
  221. ^ "Dutch Charts 2011" (in Dutch). Dutchcharts.nl. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on March 7, 2016. Retrieved December 24, 2011.
  222. ^ "Annual South Korea International Chart". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
  223. ^ "Top Selling Singles" (PDF). British Phonographic Industry. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 10, 2021. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  224. ^ "Best of 2011: Dance/Club Songs (41–50)". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on November 10, 2016. Retrieved January 3, 2012.
  225. ^ "Year-end Charts- R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on July 29, 2012. Retrieved January 3, 2012.
  226. ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – singles 2013". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
  227. ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
  228. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)". Music Canada. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
  229. ^ "Danish single certifications – Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  230. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Beyoncé; 'Run the World (Girls)')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
  231. ^ "Italian single certifications – Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved 22 August 2016. Select "2016" in the "Anno" drop-down menu. Type "Run the World (Girls)" in the "Filtra" field. Select "Singoli" under "Sezione".
  232. ^ "Portuguese single certifications – Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  233. ^ "Spanish single certifications – Beyonce – Run the World (Girls)". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  234. ^ "Veckolista Heatseeker, vecka 1, 2017" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Archived from the original on July 7, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  235. ^ "British single certifications – Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
  236. ^ "Beyoncé". The Music Network (833). Peer Group Media. April 25, 2011. Archived from the original on March 24, 2012. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  237. ^ "Radio Date". EarOne (in Italian). Archived from the original on August 15, 2021. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
edit