Beyoncé Performs an Absolutely *Epic* Medley at the 2016 VMAs

Nominated for 11 awards tonight, Beyoncé graced the red carpet early at the VMAs with her four-year-old daughter Blue Ivy in tow. Both were dressed like actual fairy princesses, with Beyoncé stunning in a feathered Francesco Scognamiglio naked dress and Blue Ivy wearing a winged tulle dress with a train. Lemonade stars Chloe and Halle Bailey, model Winnie Harlow, and the mothers of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and Oscar Grant rounded out her entourage, joining her on the carpet for a group photo.

Reliably fashionably late on the red carpet, Beyoncé's early entrance sparked rumors that she would be opening the awards show tonight (MTV confirmed news of her hitting the stage this evening on Twitter).

Instead, *surprise, surprise,* she was introduced mid-show by Lemonade twerker Serena Williams. Emerging in a floor-length white feathered cape, Bey performed a stunning performance of "Pray You Catch Me" surrounded by dancers, followed by a feathered bodysuit look for "Hold Up" and "Sorry." Donning a fur coat for a guns-blazing rendition of "Don't Hurt Yourself," she closed her Lemonade medley with an epic performance of "Formation," in which—bless up—her female dancers came together to form the symbol for women. All we can say is, long live the queen.

See clips from her performance below:

Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.