The 2022 Academy Awards kicked off with a surprise performance by Beyoncé Knowles at tennis courts in Compton singing her Best Original Song-nominated, “Be Alive,” from the movie “King Richard.”

Just weeks after Compton was celebrated at the Super Bowl LVI halftime show by Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar and other performers, Beyoncé put the spotlight back on the city that is also the hometown of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. The superstar sisters’ upbringing in Compton was the subject of “King Richard,” in which actor Will Smith portrays their real-life father, Richard Williams.

It was unclear whether the performance was live or pre-recorded. Fans, and especially Los Angeles residents, were thrilled to see Compton honored once again.

So we’re gonna start by letting @Beyonce do whatever she wants in tribute to Compton and the Williams sisters: Never a bad plan. #Oscars

— Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) March 28, 2022

Beyoncé in the city #BeAlive #Compton #Oscars

— Kyla Pratt (@KylaPratt) March 28, 2022

compton representing this year oscar’s and super bowl

— (@christoveur) March 28, 2022

CITY OF COMPTON pic.twitter.com/Ebm9Uafebk

— melv. (@manizegos) March 28, 2022

This arrangement!! The attire being the color of Tennis balls, honoring The Williams Family, the beauty and glory of being Black & celebrating Compton. I LOVE IT! Come on Beyoncé!

— Kay-B (@TheLadyKayB) March 28, 2022

Folks in Compton, like I hear Beyoncé! Where is she

— Necole Kane (@hellonecole) March 28, 2022

CITY OF COMPTON

— Nina Parker (@theninaparker) March 28, 2022

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