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"Halo" is a song by American R&B singer Beyoncé. It was written by Ryan Tedder, Evan Bogart and Knowles for her third studio album, I Am… Sasha Fierce. In the U.S. the song was released on January 20, 2009 as the album's third single.

Background

The song "Halo", written by Ryan Tedder, was originally offered to British singer Leona Lewis, but was given to Knowles because Lewis did not have the time to record it. Lewis also stated that the song suited Knowles' voice better. A dance remix of the song was released by famous dance-producers Mysto & Pizzi on their blog.

Promotion

Knowles performed the song for the first time at the NAACP awards where she also won Outstanding Female Artist.

Critical reception

The reviews of "Halo" have been generally positive. Chris Williams of Billboard writes, "'Halo' has a mainstream pop sound, with subtle R&B undertones that should carry it to the top of the charts. Comparisons could be made to Leona Lewis' "Bleeding Love" (also co-written by Ryan Tedder), but hangs high on its own merits." Michael Slezak of Entertainment Weekly writes, "'Halo', an absolutely glorious and perfectly produced track that should be as big a hit as 'Irreplaceable' and 'Crazy in Love'.". Digital Spy said that " 'Halo' is a contemporary power ballad in the 'Bleeding Love' mould: modish beats, a simple piano melody and loads of emotion. "Everywhere I'm looking now, I'm surrounded by your embrace, baby I can see your halo, you know you're my saving grace," Beyoncé sings over Tedder's bombastic production. Could Lewis have pulled this off better? Well, that's a matter of opinion of course, but Mrs. Jay-Z doesn't leave much room for improvement".

Chart performance

The song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 on the issue dated February 7, 2009, at number 93 and so far peaked at number 32, becoming her 17th Top 40 hit. On the Canadian Hot 100, the song debuted at 92 and so far peaked at number 28.

On February 2, 2009, "Halo" debuted at number 40 on the Official New Zealand RIANZ Top 40 Chart, becoming her 15th top 40 hit there. The following week the song jumped 34 places to number 6, then jumping to number three in its third week. The song has since peaked at number 2, making it Knowles' third consecutive number 2 single behind "If I Were A Boy" and "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)". The song was certified Gold after seven weeks, selling over 7,500 copies. On February 7, "Halo" became the most added song to Australian radio in the week of its release. "Halo" debuted at number twenty-nine on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart and has since peaked at number 3 making it a bigger hit than "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" there.

On March 7, 2009, the song made its way up the UK Singles Chart to number 40 on downloads alone, 6 weeks before its official release. The following week the song went up twenty places to number 20.

Music video

The video premiered exclusively on iTunes on December 23, simultaneously with the music video for "Diva".

The music video was shot in late November and directed by Philip Andelman. It features actor Michael Ealy as Knowles' love interest , and unlike the other three music videos from the album , "Halo" is the first video to be shot fully in colour. The song was cut to be shorter for the music video (the album version is 4 minutes and 21 seconds, while the video version is around 3 minutes and 45 seconds. The second bridge in the Video Edit of the song is shortened) and only part of the song is actually sung by Beyoncé while during other times it is just the music playing in the background while the video progresses. The video begins with Beyoncé up against a wall with a window behind her with light shining. As the video progresses the scenes vary in different parts of the house were one scene is Beyoncé dancing to some choreography in a leotard as her love interest looking down at her from a balcony. During the climax Beyoncé is seen underwater moving slowly in white clothing and when the chorus begins, Beyoncé opens her eyes. The last scene is played with Beyoncé lying down with Michael Ealy above her and only their faces are shot for the scene. The video has an alternate video as well when Beyoncé is driving troughout the video then finds out at the end of the video her boyfriend is dead.

Tracklisting

Australian Physical Disc

1. "Halo" (Main Version)
2. "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (Redtop Radio Edit)

Radio Promo CD single

1. "Halo" (Main Version)
2. "Halo" (Radio Edit)
3. "Halo" (Instrumental)

Other versions

• Dave Aude Eye-Dols Radio Edit
• Dave Aude Club Mix
• Karmatronic Club Mix
• Karmatronic Radio
• Gomi & RasJek Club Mix
• Gomi & RasJek Radio
• Lost Daze Club Mix
• Red Soul Club Mix
• Red Soul Radio
• Mysto & Pizzi Dance Remix
• R&B Remix (Feat. ATM)

Charts

Release history

References

1. "Halo". ASCAP. Retrieved 2008-26-12.
2. "Leona's song goes to Beyoncé". Virgin Media. 2008-11-05. Retrieved 2009-02-16.
3. http://www.mystoandpizzi.com
4. "Halo". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 2009-01-17. Retrieved 2009-01-11.
5. "Halo".
6. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a147168/beyonce-halo.html
7. ^ Billboard Hot 100
8. ^ Canadian Hot 100
9. http://charts.org.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Beyonc%E9&titel=Halo&cat=s
10. http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart.asp
11. http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart_facts.asp
12. "Halo" on iTunes Store
13. http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display_singles.asp?chart=1U50
14. Dutch Top 40
15. Irish Singles Chart
16. Israeli Singles Chart
17. Swedish Singles Chart
18. Norway Singles Chart
19. http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart.asp
20. http://promusicae.es/listastonos/listas/historial/TOP%2050%20CANCIONES%2009_04.pdf
22. Billboard Pop 100
23. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
24. UK Release

External links

• Beyoncé official website
• Beyoncé official MySpace

• 2000s ballads
• 2008 songs
• 2009 singles
• Beyoncé Knowles songs
• Pop ballads
• Rhythm and blues ballads