We Speak Entertainment
Woman Who Photobombed Beyoncé During Grammy Weekend Speaks: ‘I Felt Like I Was Hugged by an Angel’
Talk about being in the right place at the right time.
Susan Monaghan, the woman behind the now infamous photo of a really surprised fan reacting to seeing Beyoncé and JAY-Z, has recounted her unlikely story in an interview with the Boston Globe.
The New Jersey resident was in Manhattan on Saturday night (Jan. 27) with family for her granddaughter’s gymnastics competition and to celebrate her daughter’s birthday when she said she headed up to her room alone as the rest of her family stayed behind.
Monaghan detailed that as she exited the elevator she saw photographers and security guards rushing by and she tried to step out of the way but found herself in a close encounter with a “handsome” man that she could not place at first.
“I’m thinking in my mind, ‘Who is this?’ And I looked at him and he looked tall, and thin, and had curly hair, and was really good-looking,” she said.
Monaghan did not realize that she happened to be staying at the same hotel where Clive Davis holds his iconic pre-Grammys party and then she saw Beyoncé and reacted as any mere normal person would when being blessed to come in such close contact with Queen Bey herself.
“I was like, ‘Oh, my God!’” Monaghan shared, recalling the moment when she realized how close she was to music’s biggest couple. “I looked at her and all I could think was, ‘No one is going to believe me. No one is going to believe me.’”
She even began shouting it out loud and that’s when the “Formation” singer flashed her a smile that Monaghan read as, “Don’t worry, it’s going to be OK.”
When asked why she believes Beyoncé included the picture of her among the numerous shots posted to Instagram, Monaghan shared “I think she posted it for me. So people would believe me.”
To see the hilarious shot — which was spoofed and talked about on late night shows all week — skip to the fourth picture in the photo series below.
Quinn Lemley is an acclaimed American entertainer celebrated for her dynamic presence as a singer, actress, producer, and speaker. Renowned for her glamorous stage persona and captivating performances, she has earned accolades for her tributes to iconic figures and contributions to the performing arts.
Career Highlights
Lemley stars in the critically acclaimed shows Burlesque to Broadway and Rita Hayworth: The Heat Is On!, both of which have toured extensively across North America. Her portrayal of Rita Hayworth has been particularly lauded, with The New York Times describing her performance as “dazzling… with one show-stopping number after another” . Her jazz quintet has performed internationally, and she is recognized as the iconic face of The Half Note Jazz Club in Athens, Greece .
Music and Recordings
An accomplished vocalist, Lemley has recorded several albums that showcase her versatility and homage to classic standards. Her discography includes:
- Sirens
- Songs of the Silver Screen
- Cocktails With a Twist
- Dance or Die
- The Heat Is On!
- Live! At The Half Note
- Burlesque to Broadway
- Swinging Hot Tomato
These recordings are available on major platforms like iTunes and Spotify .
Television and Media Appearances
Lemley’s talents have been showcased on national television, including appearances on Good Morning America, Oprah, and as a finalist on Shark Tank . She also hosts the TV show Secrets of the Stage on MNN.org, where she shares insights into the performing arts .
Education and Affiliations
A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Lemley has a background in film and television production. She is a Distinguished Toastmaster and a member of several professional organizations, including SAG, AFTRA, AEA, and the National Speakers Association .
Recent Accolades
In 2024, Lemley was honored as Best Vocalist at the BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the cabaret scene .
For more information on Quinn Lemley’s performances, music, and upcoming events, visit her official website at quinnlemley.com.
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