Beyoncé released her new Homecoming documentary on Netflix in the early hours of this morning, alongside a surprise.
Beyoncé fans have come to expect that extra touch after the singer’s first secret album dropped in 2013. She’s had a knack for keeping fans on their toes with releases like Lemonade and Everything Is Love.
Now, Beyoncé has also released a new, unannounced live-album version of the Homecoming concert.
The Homecoming documentary and live album center around Beyoncé’s performance at last year’s Coachella festival.
Beyoncé’s appearance marks the first time a black woman headlined the event. With dozens of backup dancers, a marching band, and a massive musical set, the Homecoming documentary explores the event in a behind-the-scenes perspective.
At one point, more than 170 musicians were on stage during Beychella. The stage-plotting alone must have taken hundreds of hours. Several big binders in the behind-the-scenes footage of Homecoming suggest what a feat the performance was.
One poignant part of the documentary suggests that Beyonce set out to change Coachella from the beginning.
“Instead of me pulling out my flower crown, it was more important that I brought our culture to Coachella.”
Bootlegs of that Coachella (better known as Beychella) have circulated online since it happened. Beyoncé made an official version of it available with the documentary and surprise album drop.
Homecoming is being billed by Netflix as a film by Beyoncé that features rehearsal footage and several backstage moments.
Homecoming: The Live Album breaks down more than two hours of performance into 40 tracks. Former Destiny’s Child groupmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams appeared for performances of “Say My Name” and “Soldier”.
The new album also includes an a cappella version of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Blue Ivy, the eldest daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
The live album is available on all major streaming platforms including Apple Music, Google Play, and Spotify. Netflix subscribers can watch the Homecoming documentary right now.