Classified by music critics as a multi-genre song, "Countdown" samples the countdown from "Uhh Ahh" performed by Boyz II Men, as Knowles interlaces additional lyrics between each count from ten to one.
Here is the premiere of Beyoncé’s new 1960s-inspired music video for “Countdown,” the third single off her latest album “4.” The pregnant diva rocks a Audrey Hepburn inspired haircut, shows off her baby bump, and dances around in colorful leotards in the Adria Petty-directed video and .
Beyonce 'Countdown' Music Video Look By Look
Oh man. Beyoncé. Could she BE more outrageously happy. Everything about this‘Countdown’ video is so triumphant and good mood making. That glow? That ‘I am gestating and making sentience in my belly because I am a magical lady’ glow? Something about it on Bey is just the winningest and the fact that in this candy salad of ‘60s pop art, she’s so vital and strong and CUTE the whole time makes the single that much more earwormier. From the retro side-swept mini bangs, to the ENORMOUS lined eyes, to the almond-shaped PUMPKIN-colored nails, all the way to the syncopated dancing in vibrant monochrome which winks back to that iconic Audrey Hepburn sequence in Funny Face, we can’t help but get all the way waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay into this jam. And, thanks to our pal Ty Hunter, Beyonce’s hallowed stylist and all around wonderfuldude, we’ve got all the fashion credits (oh, HELLO Thierry Mugler black and white gonzo hammock sleeved dress) as well as a tidbit from the shoot’s incredible makeup artist Francesca Tolot.
THE GREAT PUMPKIN
Even though Bey sports entirely black and white from head-to-toe, she brightened up her ensemble a pop of neon orange on her stiletto nails. What? Bey can't count down without some killer nails, and we can't either.
PEA IN A MOD
Queen Bey shows off her baby bump in a FIERCE black and white cut out Thierry Mugler dress and super short bowl cut 'do. We love the cut outs around the neckline and her bust, but seriously, the best part of this ENTIRE look is that penetrating smize.
I CAN HAZ SNARL
OH HAI, BEY. Nice snarl and cat's eye makeup, you got there! "The inspiration behind Beyoncé’ brightly-lined lids came from the beatnik movement of the late '50s, early '60s," says 'Countdown' makeup artist Francesca. "From previous experiences with Dreamgirls, I knew Beyoncé looked amazing with that type of makeup so the almond eye seemed to be the perfect fit." YUP.
DO NOT ADJUST YOUR SET
Nope, your TV isn’t showing you that color bar test screen. That’s just Bey showing off her primary color leotard Capezio collection paired with her black and white striped Karen Keithfor Patricia Field sun hat.
HIS SHIRT, HER SHOES
If this is any indication of what "a bunch of little Beyoncés running around" will be like, I'm SO in. Bey wears a sheer American Apparel over-sized button up with sky-high stilettos while dancing her face off. We imagine this is what Sunday mornings are like in the Bey/HOV household.
PRETTY IN PASTEL
Ms. Carter-Knowles (as we refer to her sometimes, you know when we're making FANFIC in our heads) dons a few more colorways of the sheer AA button-up, this time adding a tied headkerchief, kicking off the heels in favor of loafers, and livening things up with pastel palette.
FLASHDANCE, BLUNT BANGS
This look is unmistakably reminiscient of the classic dance film Flashdance with the off-the-shoulder Forever 21 tee, exposed lilac bra strap and a BOLD set of blunt bangs. And the fact that Bey is bodying all these moves with a baby bump? We can't.
DREAMGIRL FOREVER
Well, HELLO Dreamgirls flashback. Bey nods back to her role in the musical's film adaptation with this glittering jeweled Chan Luu mini dress, subtle-yet-glam makeup with expertly sculpted brows and the shiniest flipped bob.
BLACK, WHITE, PARISIAN ALL OVER
If B got REALLY into miming, she’d probably wear this black and white striped American Apparel outfit. The sleek tank, the shorts, suspenders, and white socks with pumps? ALL. SO. MIGNON. Give us some bread with a side of bread, we're sold on this francophilic getup.
Beyoncé's "Countdown" video plays up the singer's theatrical side. It pays homage to iconic films like "West Side Story" and "Funny Face," as well as '60s icons like the Supremes and Audrey Hepburn. The clip, co-directed by Adria Petty, is an eye-catching glimpse at the pop culture moments that reside in the creative conscience of the pop star.
While a lot of the video displays the singer's personality and spunk, as well as her ever-expanding baby bump, it's clear that Petty and her team worked hard to make sure they captured the spirit of the milestones they re-created in the video.
"I brought Beyoncé a number of references and we picked some out together. Most were German modern-dance references, believe it or not. But it really evolved," she told MTV News, calling it "an evolving, spontaneous process."
"The references were then dispersed to her creative team (hair, makeup, wardrobe), and they interpreted them on the set in their own special way. Of course, one of the strongest wardrobe references was Audrey Hepburn in 'Funny Face' when she does the beatnik dance scene. I think a lot grew from there," Petty continued. Shot over the last few months in New York City warehouses, the shoot was all about being able to squeeze in all of her work commitments while also trying to finish the elaborately set video.
"Funny Face": A gamine Audrey Hepburn dons Beatnik black in the West Village in the 1957 Fred Astaire musical. From the bunched white socks and loafers to the fancy footwork, Beyonce kicks off "Countdown" by nailing the silver-screen queen's iconic look — and dusts off some the Bebop moves!