Ethan Miller, Getty Images for ABC
Indeed, the word "epic" comes to mind, as it was a dazzling marriage of choreography and technology, the likes of which have rarely been seen on live television. However, some have argued that the word "groundbreaking" might be misleading -- Beyonce's performance may have been unique in its execution, but the basic idea actually came from a performance by Italian pop singer Lorella Cuccerini in 2010. The visuals, dancing and even sequencing are remarkably similar at points. That's no coincidence, nor is it a rip-off. Rather, Beyonce acknowledges the direct influence.
"My makeup artist showed me the performance of Lorella Cuccarini a year ago, and it inspired me so much," Beyonce tells AOL Music, exclusively. "I then met with the talented people who worked on it. The technology and concept were so genius. 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."
Naturally, YouTube is now flooded with side-by-side comparisons of the two performances and, yes, it is fascinating to see how ideas can evolve from one creative entity to the next. But whereas critics are quick to point out influences, musicians are more prone to identify them as inspiration. In turn, Beyonce's performance will now, no doubt, "influence" other artists at future award shows. For proof, check back next year. And that, of course, is exactly why Beyonce is a Billboard Millennium Award recipient.
Watch Beyonce perform 'Run the World (Girls)' at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards.
Compare the two performances.
Kellie Pickler Named 'Dancing With the Stars' Champion
J. Cole Performs 'Born Sinner' on 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon,' Reveals Competitive Spirit Against Kanye West
Kellie Pickler Gets Puppy Surprise After Moving 'Dancing With the Stars' Performance
Blake Shelton Joins NBC in Organizing Oklahoma Tornado Benefit Concert
Beyonce Releases New Anthem, 'Grown Woman'
Charlie Sheen Gets Back To His Roots
Toby Keith Returns to Help Family, Friends in Moore, Oklahoma
WHOOPS! Obama Makes Big Gaffe
Black Hippy Release 'U.O.E.N.O.' Remix
Mariah Carey Curses And Busts Out Of Dress On Live TV
Mariah Carey's Dress Busts Open During 'GMA' Performance
Jury Foreman: '18 Days Of Testimony Hurt' Jodi Arias
Miranda Lambert's MuttNation Foundation to Aid Moore, Oklahoma Animal Rescue Efforts
What It's Like To Talk To A 2-Year-Old
Carrie Underwood Says She's 'Queen of Awkward' in Marie Claire Interview
Best Friends Reportedly Die Holding Each Other In Tornado
New Trayvon Martin Evidence Features Incriminating Photos, Texts From Teen
Killed Soldier In London Attack Identified
Rapper Accused Of Faking His Own Death To Escape Payments
Danny Tanner Is Fighting With Topanga
LISTEN: Terror Inside Elementary School As Tornado Hits
Luke Wilson Caught Staring At Fan's Chest
Teenager's 'Awww'-Inspiring Drawing Wins Big At Google
WATCH: Police Force Shows Up To Support 5-Year-Old Who Lost Her Dad
Bridge Collapses In Washington State
Pope Francis Says All Who Do Good Are Redeemed - Atheists Included
Jodi Arias Jury DEADLOCKED
PHOTO: Dog Guards Dead Victim's Body After Oklahoma Tornado Disaster
Surgeons Remove Giant Hairball From Tiger
LOOK: Photoshop Mistake Is Seriously Cringeworthy
LOOK: Bank Vault Saves 22 Lives During Tornado
Man Reportedly Beheaded In Brutal Assault In London Neighborhood
Mum-Of-Two Faces Down Woolwich Attack Suspects
196 Comments