Beyonce’s ‘over the top, diva’ rider is neither over the top nor diva-esque, right?

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First of all, the brother in the tiara is giving me PRINCESS REALNESS. He makes the photo a work of art. He is the Tilda Swinton of Beyonce’s tour.

Second of all, I think I’ve been doing this job too long, because there was absolutely nothing on Beyonce’s newly-released video-shoot rider that seemed off-side or diva-tastic. I mean, I think we all know that Beyonce is a diva, out and proud. She loves luxury and fancy things. She dresses Blue Ivy in couture and she has a 24-hour, 7-day a week on-hand documentarian and archivist for all things Beyonce. DIVA. So, when you look at it that way, Beyonce’s rider is kind of meh. She wants a sanitized bathroom. She wants white rugs and everything babyproofed. She wants a blender! *clutches pearls* She wants Irish Spring soap. OK, that surprised me. I thought she would want some fancy, designer soap. Beyonce soaps her body with Irish Spring? Amazing.

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In Touch has exclusively obtained Beyoncé’s list of dressing room demands for a recent video shoot — and though some of her requests are reasonable, others are over the top!

“Beyoncé asked that her dressing room not only be completely baby-proofed [for daughter Blue Ivy, 21 months] but that it be furnished in all white,” a source tells the new issue of In Touch, adding that the temperature had to remain at 72 degrees.

But it doesn’t end there. “She requested a large second room with a massive vanity and stage lighting so that her hair and makeup team could make her look her best,” the insider tells In Touch, adding that Queen Bey even asks that “all of her food be served on a crisp white tablecloth.”

Beyoncé, 32, also had some serious rules about what went on outside of her dressing room as well. “She has a no-camera policy,” the insider adds. “No one on set was allowed to take any pictures.” Can we blame her for that one, though?

[From In Touch Weekly]

The headline at In Touch is “Beyoncé’s Diva, Over-the-Top Demands Revealed In Video Shoot Rider”. Seriously? Have I become too jaded or is this rider really just kind of average? Why can’t we wait to yell at Beyonce when she actually does do something over-the-top and diva-esque?

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Photos courtesy of Beyonce’s Tumblr.

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92 Responses to “Beyonce’s ‘over the top, diva’ rider is neither over the top nor diva-esque, right?”

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  1. Serenity now says:

    I question her as a mother. Children and white objects/clothes/fabrics in general do not go together.

    • Rhea says:

      With her money, she doesn’t need to worry about that though.

    • mkyarwood says:

      Rider, meh, not caring. Brother in the tiara = morning laugh!

    • YoungHeartOldSoulNewView says:

      You question her parenting because she wants all white? Wow. What is a mother to you? She also requested no sharp corners and closed outlets for safety, which seems more important that getting white clothes or a white sofa dirty. I never heard of a white bib or white bedsheets scratching a kid or poking their eye or shocking them. Smh

      Most of these seem like basic things anyone would demand in a hotel. Electricity (interesting to specify that, makes me think she has some interesting stories about concerts in places where that is not readily available), hot running water, toilet tissue, towels, clean room…seems reasonable.

      • DahliaDee says:

        There is a very simple and logical reason behind requesting white furniture, which is, that increases the chances of it being cleaner than coloured furniture.

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        Hey that makes sense! Never thought about that.

        *scribbles notation on hospitality rider*

      • Jackie Jormp Jomp (formerly Zelda) says:

        Pretty sure it was a joke.

      • Sandip says:

        I am sure the white furniture is slip-covered. Seems pretty reasonable to me.

      • My2cents says:

        Or disgusting stories about having to use the dressing room used by a crazy rock band the day before…I’m sure there is a really gross story as to why she specifies things need to be sanitized. I don’t think it’s demanding being that she is the star. I wish I could give my work place a rider.
        *wine in break room
        * paper towels that don’t disolve when I dry my hands

    • L says:

      It’s not her house or her money-it’s a tour dressing room. Not like she has to worry about cleaning it-the same stuff would apply even if her request was for a all pink room.

    • Babalon says:

      Actually, if you pay attention to what needs to be white, I think it’s pretty clear there’s some awesome mothering going on.

      Sounds to me like Mom wants to be sure baby has a clean environment to crawl around in.

    • Maria says:

      On the contrary, white is pretty awesome for kids, cause you can just bleach the hell out of it. It also doesn’t hide dirt the way patterns and color do, which is a great way to make sure your kids aren’t playing on filthy surfaces in an away-from-home, furnished-by-strangers environment.

  2. Val says:

    Ehh doesn’t seem as as bad as whoever it was that didn’t want a specific M&M color. Was that J.Lo?

    • Elisabeth says:

      it was Van Halen

      • gina says:

        It was also JLo, as well among other rediculous items. I have seen other rider requests before and this is not very demanding at all (as it could be)

    • Celebitchy says:

      They did that as a test to see if their more important tour rider details were followed, specifically about their sound stage setup and things that, if screwed up, could ruin their performance. If the m&ms weren’t right, they would know to double check the more important things.

    • S says:

      I used to work events, and the American Idol team stayed at a local resort when they came to town (outside of Houston). I knew the person in charge of all the riders at the resort and my boyfriend at the time actually was working room service for them. J-Lo’s rider was the only one over the top. I don’t remember everything, but the one thing that stood out was that she requested a new mattress at every location that she stayed.

      As far as room service went- she had a team of body guards standing outside of her room that were rude and didn’t tip. Randy opened his own door, was very friendly and tipped really well. No one ever saw Ryan, but Julianne Hough was spotted at the pool during the day. Stephen Tyler showed up to a local AA meeting.

      • pantalones en fuego says:

        I really hate to relate to anything that la JLo does but if I had the means, I would probably request a new mattress at every location as well. Bed bugs y’all.

      • Rachel says:

        Not to mention what people do on those mattresses that never get cleaned…

      • Mean Hannah says:

        The mattress thing – I’d do what one artist I know does, which is to bring his own. If he made J. Lo money, I’m sure he’d have a new one provided at each stop, too.

  3. GiGi says:

    For a tour rider it would be worse – for a video shoot rider… meh.

    I’m of two minds about these things. While I understand that the artists want the environment to be ultimately comfortable to them, they also have the funds to pay for this crap. I mean, can’t they have an advance team set this up? To have the venues do all this for what is sometimes a few hours seems just ridiculous.

    • Mean Hannah says:

      It’s easier for the venue to provide it, rather than your own team advancing it. Besides, it’s all included in the production cost – that gets passed down to the audience.

  4. teehee says:

    White may not be ideal for babies, but shes not the one who has to clean the room.
    I wouldn’t care what the decor is, just so long I had the things I need, considering a singer spends a good portion of the year or years in a hotel room. I wonder if she (and all others) gets billed accordingly? I hope so.

    • AngelaH says:

      Years ago, Matt Bowman from The Pigeon Detectives, said they used to have a huge rider until they got the bill for it. I’m sure they weren’t making Beyonce money though. I’ve always wondered what the bill would be every time I see someone’s rider.

  5. Anna says:

    I think this is basically my hotel room requirement for when stay at a Holiday Inn, minus the color scheme.

    • V4Real says:

      I am no longer a fan of Bey but that request doesn’t seem that bad. Most people in the higher ranking of the hospitality business usually caters to their high end customers.

      I once spent a couple of days in Trump Tower with a few friends and one of the concierge went out and purchased pajamas from Victoria Secret for my girlfriend and me. My guy friend tipped him really well.

      • Erinn says:

        My only real “wow” with the rider was the fact that the ‘lower end’ Jo Malone Grapefruit candles are like 75 bucks. His luxury candles are over 400.

        You’re literally burning away your money.

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        That is ridic but I have to admit that the Jo Malone scents are amazing. I’m obsessed with the English Pear and Freesia, the Nectarine, and the Blackberry & Bay, among others.

      • WendyNerd says:

        Jo Malone is AMAZING. And her stuff lasts so you don’t have to use a lot of it— the 100 ML bottles are totally worth the cost. I’ve had a bottle of the Blue Agava and Caocao and the White Jasmine and Mint for almost two years and still have about a third of each bottle, and I wear those two together almost every day. The Orange Blossom is also fantastic.

      • Shannon1972 says:

        I have been campaigning for Jo Malone to bring back their honeysuckle and jasmine cologne since it was (so sadly!) discontinued. If anyone from Jo Malone is reading this: I love that cologne, I’ve been hoarding the last few drops for over a year. Please, please, please please bring it back!! Can’t even get it on EBay anymore.
        I’ve moved on to Bulgari Jasmine Noir, and it doesn’t even come close. 🙁

        As for Beyoncé, I am totally with her on the candles. The rest of her rider…well, I’m a germaphobe, so a totally white room is my idea of heaven. A white room with a diptyque Baies candle? Swoon.

  6. gogoGorilla says:

    I’m amazed that they have to specify hot and cold water. Touring must be a bitch when you are a relative unknown.

    Also, I don’t get the celebrity fascination with all things white. Does it somehow produce serenity? At least it is not a basket of fluffy white kittens, ala Mariah.

    • j.eyre says:

      I don’t get the white love either? Is it a luxury because you need more assets to keep it pristine? Are they all just really big Logan’s Run fans?

      Ralph Lauren had a white limo on his rider in the early 90s

      • Tapioca says:

        I’m going to guess that, as well as for aesthetic reasons, you can see that everything is CLEAN! We’ve all heard the horror stories about hotel rooms and blacklights, right?

      • WendyNerd says:

        If I were a celebrity who was obsessed with white, it would be because I’m a huge Logan’s Run fan.

  7. crab says:

    I guess she likes white!

  8. Jules says:

    A rider for a video? And who is going to watch it?

  9. Leigh says:

    Most of this stuff just seems like common sense to me… (save for tall the white furniture and accessories).. but maybe she picks white so she can see that it’s (superficially) clean?

    I used to use executive short term rentals and they did everything in white because it could always be bleached and they could be sure they had “clean” condos… (I asked…)

  10. It'sJustBlanche says:

    Doesn’t seem all that bad. I’m more amused by the support hose under those fishnets.

  11. lolita says:

    I love to look are riders and wonder what mine would be like if I was famous. Most of the time I come up with nothing except everything sanitized (which I think is basic common sense) and flowers.but maybe fame and money gives a different perspective

  12. neelyo says:

    This looks just like J. Lo’s rider from a few years ago. Divas certainly love their scented candles and all white surroundings.

  13. j.eyre says:

    I have definitely seen much worse.

  14. Dawn says:

    As long as people comply she will demand. But goodness she sure like white. She needs to add some color to her life.

  15. Ank says:

    It’s not as basic as Adele’s rider but still very reasonable.

    • CaribbeanLaura says:

      oooh what was Adele’s rider? She seems like such a homegirl, Adele does. I could imagine she’d be like, a case of water and a case of beers, I’m good!

  16. Jaana says:

    This is a basic list, White is to ensure the place is as clean as it looks. However I’m sure Beyonce’ is going to add to this list as it isn’t really that ‘diva’ enough for her!

  17. jelynn says:

    It’s completely reasonable and the all white decorations are to ensure things are *clean.* It’s not that hard to put together. Haters..

  18. Cazzee says:

    “Please supply a lighter for the candles.”

    That tells me she doesn’t smoke cigarettes. Smokers always have a lighter on them.

    Good for her! I’m impressed. So many show business people smoke…

    • Brittney says:

      I was pretty surprised about that, actually… not because of cigarettes but because of something else. I guess it makes sense that a new mother wouldn’t partake, but I’d be shocked if NO ONE on her tour crew (or even in her family) did.

      • Emily C. says:

        I actually no longer know anyone who smokes. The few people I knew who smoked, quit years ago. So I don’t find it at all surprising.

  19. paola says:

    I’ve never been on tour but I imagine i would want (with that disposal of money shouldn’t be hard) to feel comfortable and ‘at home’ since tours go on for months.
    Honestly i heard weirdest stories, like Madonna wanting her own furniture in every hotel room or (i don’t even remember who)wanting baskets and baskets of fresh fruit or the toilet seat changed every time after the use.

  20. Lucy2 says:

    Not that big a deal. I expected worse especially from someone who takes herself so seriously.

  21. ShurleyNot says:

    Sorry, but yes, Kaiser, you have become jaded and yes, IMO this is ridiculous. Why must she have linen napkins for a video shoot? Why must the tablecloth and towels be white? Why must all the furniture be white? Why must the candles be gratefruit-scented and hideously expensive? Why is a loveseat necessary? Absurd.

    • Mims says:

      dude… white to ensure cleanliness… i’m pretty sure anyone can relate? Going to hotel and sleeping under dark bedsheets is shady, being a super star, I would want to ensure everything is squeaky clean, especially if my child is with me, putting everything she sees in her mouth!

    • Mean Hannah says:

      It really isn’t ridiculous at all. The artists I work with don’t make enough to pay for Bey’s weaves per gig and their riders are not that different. All white is to ensure cleanliness and candles are to provide warmth, atmosphere, and cover up mustiness, etc.

  22. MonkSolo says:

    What? no titanium straws and red toilet-paper?!? girl is slipping

    • paola says:

      I can’t remember who was the one who wanted red toilet paper??

      • jaquese says:

        Allegedly, it was her lol. But they said it was false. These “demands” seem a bit understandable. White so you know it’s clean, grapefruit candles maybe because she likes the smell of grapefruits. Baby proofing because she has a baby. It sounds a bit logical, she wants to be comfy.

  23. chloe says:

    I’m not a huge fan of Beyonce but none of these requests seem over the top. I’m assuming the all white stuff is just to make sure everything is clean, since white shows dirt. I think it’s pretty sad that you have to request hot and cold water. I love the guy in the tiara, make me want to break mine out for the day (yes I have one, what about you).

  24. Nikita says:

    i once read, one celeb or singer said: stars/artists/singer order everything in white because then you can be sure everything is new and clean. Most of them had bad experience with hotels or dressing rooms etc. so you make sure everything is fine when you arrive, i mean, if i could, i would do the same. I dont think this is over the top.

  25. Aud says:

    She can adorn her vag with the Hope Diamond and gyrate and I couldn’t care less for her as an entertainer.

    What will she request next? A tampon with a golden thread?
    That aside, all these types of riders bring OCD to mind.
    Like the time I read that Van Halen wanted M & Ms but with the brown ones removed.
    That being said, the baby proofing is understandable, although I don’t know why you’d have your baby backstage for that long.

    • Lucrezia says:

      The M&Ms weren’t an OCD thing. The idea was that it gave the band an easy way to tell if the venue were cutting corners. Previously they had damaged equipment and crew members nearly electrocuted because venues weren’t obeying the important technical parts of the rider.

      No brown M&M’s = assume venue is up to spec; brown M&M’s = assume venue is a death-trap & double-check everything.

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_Halen#Contract_riders

      So bizarre contract riders were originally a great idea, but it’s gotten totally out of hand since then.

      • Aud says:

        One of Mariah Carey’s riders stipulates that the perimeter has to be draped and that the dressing room accommodates 10 people.
        Jennifer Lopez’ rider is one of the most demanding. Practically everything has to be white. If she wasn’t Hispanic, I’d begin to wonder.

  26. Kiddo says:

    The photo bomb with the Tiara Princess in molded Roman torso armor is the best thing about this story. Oh, and Jo Malone fragrances do smell wonderful. That is all.

  27. phillykatt says:

    Maybe if I hit the lottery I’ll buy one.

  28. loveisthecoal says:

    Yeah, this is nothing. My mom used to work in backstage catering when I was in high school, and she’d bring home some of the riders–you would not believe some of the requests. The most off the wall ones were always from people you’d never expect, too.

  29. Venus says:

    Am I the only one who thinks it’s funny that she specifies Irish Spring soap? lol!

  30. RHONYC says:

    grapefruit candles are the TITS!!!

    great mindz Bey! imma a diva hey, imma a diva HEY! :mrgreen:

  31. kim says:

    Used to think she was hot…now she reminds me of jlo…gross.

  32. truthful says:

    JLo beats her out by a long shot–I think she wants flowers and doves too
    (I kid)

    The white is so you can see the dirt, those places do not sanitize well and the baby crawling around etc.

    I had no idea that babies lick as many things as they do (until I baby sat)

    if you don’t ask for it, you won’t get crap.

    but JLo’s list of something, I could move in after she’s gone.

    I’d also like to see Madonna’s list.

  33. claire says:

    I didn’t even look at the rider. Got too distracted to see one of Les Twins in the back ground of that top photo. Love them!

  34. mar says:

    I do not think it anything out of the ordinary. Im on team Bey on this one.

  35. Mrs. Darcy says:

    So Beyonce’s too fancy for Yankee Candle? Be-yond. That’s some GOOPY Paltrow influence there methinks.

  36. Elizabeth says:

    I don’t think any of it is unreasonable. I get the white to know its clean & the baby proofing seems to me like she’s a good mom making sure her daughter is safe. I was shocked by the Irish Spring soap though, I would expect some fancy designer soap.

  37. TOPgirl says:

    Celebrities make demands for so much waste and then they throw it all out after it’s one time use. Honestly, so wasteful for the environment. Her demands are not as outrageous as some other Divas out there..*hint hint* Jlo.

  38. fabgrrl says:

    Given that she has to specify the need for hot and cold water, and a bathroom stocked with towels, soap and tissue paper, no, I don’t think this is over the top. I would expect that in a budget hotel!

  39. Fifi says:

    Her demands seem reasonable enough to me. Can’t say I find any part of it ‘over-the-top’ diva-esque in any way

  40. Reece says:

    Cannot believe I have something in common with Beyonce but I love Irish Spring!

    Overall it’s a pretty logical and tame rider for what it could be.

  41. Claudia says:

    The brother in the tiara is one-half of Les Twins :D. They’re incredible dancers (and French!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XLGYxeL1iQ
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDu3283IWhM

  42. Maureen says:

    Except for the fixation with the color (non-color/absence of color) white, everything seems totally reasonable.

  43. Her indoors says:

    Anything from Jo Malone is fabulous. The candles are to die for.

  44. Angie says:

    I’m a little shocked at how understandable and modest her rider is.

    Christ, I think, by looking at this, I’M more of a Diva than Bey is. If I could I’d be far more particular while traveling (which I do too much of -_-), because I am a particular kinda person. And when you are traveling and working your ass off, it is those small details like you would do, that build a sense of continuity, that really keep you sane.

  45. Aud says:

    The most entertaining rider to read is Iggy Pop and the Stooges; 2012 rider.
    Hilarious.
    Maybe they write for Cracked.

  46. paranormalgirl says:

    not an unreasonable rider at all.

  47. Maritza says:

    I love Irish Spring soap too.