Beyoncé kicked off her Cowboy Carter tour at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Monday but be warned, "This ain't a country tour, it's a Beyoncé tour."
While the nearly three-hour show certainly highlights her Grammy-winning country album of the same name, Queen Bey comes out swinging with her iconic bangers, of course, but it's also stacked with choreography, mashups, theatrics, Americana regalia, flying horseshoes, tearjerker and more, clocking out at a whopping 41 songs performed.
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The show opens with Cowboy Carter opening track "American Requiem," followed by "Blackbiird," then, in a shocking move, the Star Spangled Banner. The national anthem then transitions into a stirring rendition of "Freedom" and an oh-so-southern performance of "Ya Ya."
Beyoncé jumps effortlessly between genres and political statements, intent on reclaiming what it means to be American. Every outfit worn on stage is either red, white, or blue, and Americana imagery is featured heavily throughout the three-hour show. In one visual projected on stage, a Godzilla-sized Bey lights her cigar with the statue of liberty. During "16 Carriages," a moving ballad about loss and resilience, she flies through the air on a red convertible with an American flag billowing behind her, positing her existence as a Black woman as the American struggle – but also an American triumph. It's playful and camp with a strong message.
This is America, she seems to say, for better or worse. And despite our fraught history ("a whole lotta red in that white and blue"), our resilience is our superpower. It's our responsibility to make our country better for everyone.
Family and legacy also play an important role in the show. At just 13 years old, Beyoncé's eldest daughter Blue Ivy has become an essential part of the dance team, appearing in several numbers at Bey's side. During one of the show's highlights, Blue strutted down the runway to "Deja Vu," performing some of Beyoncé's dance moves from her iconic BET Awards performance of the song. And during "Protector," her other daughter Rumi excitedly came out on stage for an adorable mother-daughter-daughter moment that left her mother, Tina Knowles, in tears.
"Oh my God this moment!!" she wrote on Instagram. "The tears, the love the protection. It’s one of my favorite songs on the record. Because it talks about allowing your children to grow and to shine on their own, but still being a protector.."
The show was breathtaking and gaggy but despite it all, I couldn't help but think to myself that nothing would top the Renaissance World Tour. It was a moment in time, post-Covid, that it seemed like the entire world came together to dance. And with the dedication to her Uncle Johnny, LGBTQ+ culture, and disco, it felt like Beyoncé saw and acknowledged Black queer people in ways we have never seen before. The Renaissance World Tour will always reign supreme as one of her best tours, if not the best.
But during a lull, just when the thought crossed my mind, Beyoncé returned to the stage in familiar gold chrome. "Welcome back to the Renaissance," she announced to the screaming crowd of gays.
With "I'm That Girl," "Cozy," and "Alien Superstar," Bey revived the choreography, the thrill, and even the signature robotic arms. She also gave us another ballroom moment, and dancer Honey Balenciaga returned to the stage to dip and serve once more. It was a joy to witness, a highlight of the show, and we're grateful Beyoncé loved it enough to bring it back to what many people expected to be a more ballad-focused country tour.
Despite Beyoncé's warnings, it's clear that people did expect the Cowboy Carter Tour to be more country. But this Beyoncé show proves that she's simultaneously at the top of her game and still just getting warmed up as an artist with plenty to say. Don't expect the hits (she only performed a few of her No. 1 hit songs), expect a SHOW. There are a couple nods to Destiny's Child, and even viral moments and trends like the "Diva" point and the "II HANDS TO HEAVEN" TikTok dance.
Pro-tip for fans: get there early! Though she went on around 8:15, you should arrive early if you want merch or to stop by her activations. Her whiskey brand Sir Davis has a tasting pop-up where visitors can buy themed drinks. And her hair care line Cécred passed out free Cowboy Carter-themed key chains to anyone who signed up for their newsletters. These activations ended promptly at 8pm. Certain items like fans and bandanas were only sold at inside merch stands, so be sure to check which merch is at the stand you're in line for as a few people were quite disappointed upon reaching the front.
Stadium workers are passing out light-up wristbands just past the entrance. Be sure to grab one to be a part of the insane light show inside, and it makes a great souvenir.
Though no dress code has been announced, the people and Beyoncé's merch seemed to agree on denim and American flag colors. The Cowboy boots do complete the outfits, but prepared to stand for a long time and treat those blisters promptly.
And lastly, learn the lyrics of "Heated." She really wanted the audience to participate on the iconic outro LA's first night could not keep up.
