Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tour is a Masterclass in Performance and Stage Spectacle
The anticipation surrounding Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter World Tour in Chicago carried a note of caution, with May’s unpredictable weather looming for the BeyHive. While May 15th dawned a perfect 80 degrees, a sudden downpour threatened to drench Soldier Field just as the show was set to begin. However, no metropolitan monsoon could deter Queen Bey and her “II Hands II Heaven.”
Taking the stage around 10:15 p.m., Beyoncé’s profound gratitude for the Chicago faithful who braved the storm was palpable as she launched into her intro and “AMERIICAN REQUIEM.” And let’s be unequivocally clear:
A Beyoncé ticket is the gold standard in entertainment. Forget waiting for online visuals; the show itself is the spectacle. Buy the ticket. Beyoncé delivers a performance that inspires you, prompting a personal reflection on dedication and effort. For nearly three hours, an icon showcases precisely why her name resonates alongside legends like Michael Jackson and Prince.
Despite the preceding storm and the late start, expectations that the Cowboy Carter experience might be abbreviated compared to the SoFi Stadium dates were quickly dispelled. Chicago received the full 40+ song setlist, appearances from her remarkable daughters – a moment to applaud Blue Ivy Carter’s confident stage presence and Rumi Carter’s delightful charm – an exceptional ensemble of dancers, intricate stage design featuring two aerial displays, and breathtaking costumes.
While some social media commentary has questioned Beyoncé’s foray into country with Cowboy Carter, this production is a powerful rebuttal. Beyoncé skillfully interweaves the themes and songs of Cowboy Carter with her established discography, making one point resoundingly clear: Beyoncé transcends genre. She is the genre, a culmination of the groundbreaking sounds of artists whose legacies she has mastered and evolved. This genre fluidity is evident in the echoes of “Tyrant” within her self-titled album’s “Haunted,” and again in the seamless blend of Cowboy Carter‘s “Blackbird” with the powerful guitar riffs of a “Star-Spangled Banner” rendition leading into Lemonade‘s “Freedom,” immediately followed by the eargasmic fusion of “Ya Ya” and “Why Don’t You Love Me.”
The show unfolds in distinct segments, each introduced by stunning visual displays that revisit key moments in Beyoncé’s career. An early nod to the Renaissance era seamlessly incorporates her Destiny’s Child roots with an interpolation of “Bills, Bills, Bills” and “Say My Name” into “THIQUE.”
“TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” cues a vibrant run of Beyoncé’s chart-topping hits, a journey through “Crazy In Love,” “Single Ladies,” “Love on Top,” “Irreplaceable,” and “If I Were a Boy.” A welcome inclusion is the revisiting of “Daddy Lessons,” The Hive’s initial public foray into Bey’s country music explorations, paired with the fan-favorite “BODYGUARD,” a potent reminder that her vocals are always live.
Beyond Beyoncé’s vocal prowess, performance, and undeniable aura, the stage itself is a crucial element elevating this show to elite status. A central riser facilitates dramatic entrances and exits, while saloon neon signage firmly establishes the Western theme. A “Cécred” stage section flawlessly integrates brand marketing with impeccable choreography. A flying horseshoe carries Beyoncé to the stadium’s upper reaches, ensuring all fans get a closer view of the Queen. And the show-stopping “16 Carriages” features its now-signature element: a flying red convertible that transports Mrs. Carter across the stadium. These are just a glimpse of the breathtaking concepts brought to life on stage.
True to form, Beyoncé’s tour wardrobe is a spectacle in itself. The Chicago show unveiled new Chap Boots emblazoned with “Made for Walking,” a nod to the Nancy Sinatra classic and a testament to her commanding performance. Another remarkable outfit, a flowing Western-style dress, undergoes mesmerizing color transformations reminiscent of a motherboard – a visual element best experienced firsthand.
The Renaissance segment of the show reignites the post-pandemic spirit of self-expression and joy. Performances of “I’m That Girl,” “Cozy,” and “Alien Superstar” recall the highlights of two summers past while introducing those moments to new audiences.
The Cowboy Carter World Tour transcends the boundaries of a typical country concert, emerging as a masterclass in genre fusion and a testament to Beyoncé’s unparalleled artistry and impact. Anyone still considering attending knows that this is an essential live music experience.
The remaining dates of the Cowboy Carter World Tour are available below.
Remaining tour dates:
May 17, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
May 18, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
May 22, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
May 24, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
May 25, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
May 28, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
May 29, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
June 05, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
June 07, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
June 10, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
June 12, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
June 14, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
June 16, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
June 19, 2025 – Paris, France – Stade de France
June 21, 2025 – Paris, France – Stade de France
June 22, 2025 – Paris, France – Stade de France
June 28, 2025 – Houston, TX – NRG Stadium
June 29, 2025 – Houston, TX – NRG Stadium
July 04, 2025 – Washington, D.C. – Northwest Stadium
July 07, 2025 – Washington, D.C. – Northwest Stadium
July 10, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
July 11, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
July 13, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
July 14, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
July 25, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium
July 26, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium