Baller Alert Joins Netflix’s Celebration of ‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’ in NOLA With Big Freedia [Video]

Shonda Rhimes is bringing Netflix another hit.

Off the rise of the ground-breaking series, Bridgerton, Shondaland is introducing the next installment of the period drama series: Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.

In just a few weeks, the prequel will be introduced to the world in a six-part series, and what better place to celebrate than New Orleans — a city rich in black history.

To commemorate the launch of Queen Charlotte, Netflix partnered with the Queen of NOLA —Big Freedia and Xavier University. Since the spin-off series centers on the rise of a powerful, young Black queen, the popular streaming platform hosted a Bounce Waltz party on Xavier’s campus, and Baller Alert had a front-row seat.

Hosted by the bounce Queen herself, the celebration was a love letter to the royal culture at HBCUs. Miss Xavier and other campus queens from HBCUs like Tuskeegee University, Dillard University, and Prairie View A&M University appeared at the event. 

As the campus auditorium filled with royalty, the all-female Orginal Pinettes Brass Band performed New Orleans-styled renditions of the hottest tunes.

Before XULA’s Homecoming court performed a choreographed “bounce waltz,” Xavier University’s dance team, ‘The Golden Starlettes,’ showed us their moves in a sexy, sequenced routine.

It’s an extraordinary time for the university as the campus will vote on the “passing of the baton” to the new queens and kings of XULA. If familiar with the HBCU culture, the passing of leadership is a major cultural touchstone.

The night was followed by a high-energy show-down from Big Freedia performing her recently released ‘Bridgerton’ themed ‘Hey Queen’ New Orleans Bounce Remix.

The celebration took place on and around a floral circular stage that was rendered from the crown Queen Charlotte wears in the show. 

Premiering on May 4th, 2023, the limited prequel series based on the origins of Queen Charlotte will center on the rise and love life of a young Charlotte while addressing the diversity in Bridgerton’s ton and society.

Watch Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story only on Netflix.