Can $x^{2q}$ be irrational for rational $x$ and $q$?

Question

I think the answer to the question in the title is "yes", because $9^{2/3}$ is irrational by an argument similar to the accepted answer in this question. Or am I mistaken?

Answer 1

Yes, it can be, x=1. But, it is not necessarily rational, as Simon S. pointed out, x=2, q=1/4.

Answer 2

... Yep. For example, $x = 2$, $q = \frac{1}{4}$.

$2^{2(1/4)} = 2^{1/2}$, an irrational number.