Beyoncé Ignites SoFi Stadium with 'Cowboy Carter' Tour Launch

LOS ANGELES — The wait is over. Beyoncé officially kicked off her highly anticipated "Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour" with a spectacular show at SoFi Stadium on April 28th. Transforming the Los Angeles venue into a vibrant hoedown, the global superstar presented her vision for the new era to a stadium packed with fans adorned in cowboy hats and denim, many travelling internationally for the premiere.

The nearly three-hour performance was a sprawling journey through Beyoncé's musical landscape, featuring a massive 39-song setlist (counting mash-ups as single entries). The USA TODAY Network provided extensive coverage, with reporters inside the stadium and monitoring online reactions, capturing the energy of the night.

A Spectacle of Music, Fashion, and Family

From the moment figures in red robes appeared on stage just after 8:15 p.m. PT, the energy was electric. Beyoncé opened the show with "Ameriican Requiem," stunning in an all-white cowboy ensemble. Throughout the night, she seamlessly blended tracks from her latest, genre-bending album "Cowboy Carter" with beloved hits and nods to her previous work.

Highlights included:

• Country Roots & Reimaginations: She performed her cover of The Beatles' "Blackbiird," followed by the Star Spangled Banner. Later, she soared above the audience in a giant horseshoe while singing her version of Dolly Parton's "Jolene," transitioning into her own 2016 country track, "Daddy Lessons." Beyoncé has previously stated that the chilly reception to "Daddy Lessons" within some country music circles inspired the creation of "Cowboy Carter."
• Renaissance Returns: Fans were treated to favourites from her 2022 album "Renaissance," including "I'm That Girl," "Cozy," and "Alien Superstar."
• High-Energy Hits: The setlist pulsed with energy during performances of "Freedom," "Ya Ya" (mixed with "Why Don't You Love Me"), "Formation," "Diva," and the chart-topping "Texas Hold 'Em," which she remixed with "Pony Up" and "Church Girl" amidst pyrotechnics.
• Viral Moments & Dance Breaks: Having recovered from knee surgery that limited her during the Renaissance World Tour, Beyoncé showcased more choreography. She rode a golden mechanical bull during "Tyrant" and playfully incorporated Drea Kelly's viral dance moves during "II Hands II Heaven."
• Family Appearances: The audience roared as daughter Blue Ivy Carter, 13, took center stage for powerful dance breaks during "America Has A Problem" and "Deja Vu." In a touching moment, 7-year-old daughter Rumi Carter made her first-ever stage appearance alongside her mother during the song "Protector."
• Spectacular Finale: For the penultimate song, "16 Carriages," Beyoncé flew over the crowd in a red car alongside an American flag. She closed the show with "Amen," performed before a replica of the Statue of Liberty wearing a bandanna.

Star-Studded Audience and Fan Frenzy

The opening night drew celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, and "Abbott Elementary" star Sheryl Lee Ralph, who shared her excitement about seeing Beyoncé live for the first time. Fans fully embraced the "Cowboy Carter" aesthetic, sporting Western wear with red, white, and blue accents. Many queued early for merchandise and enjoyed themed cocktails served in souvenir mason jar-style cups topped with miniature cowboy hats, featuring Beyoncé's whiskey brand, SirDavis.

Fans travelled from far and wide, like Alessandro Marques, who journeyed 24 hours from Brazil. The communal aspect of the Beyhive was palpable, with attendees sharing the collective excitement. For those unable to attend, dedicated fans provided live streams, offering a glimpse into the experience, similar to how fans share events like the Coachella Live Stream.

Looking Ahead

"Cowboy Carter," which earned Beyoncé historic Grammy wins earlier in the year, including becoming the first Black woman to win Best Country Album, continues its exploration of country music's Black roots. The tour, set to break records including the most performances at SoFi Stadium, will travel through eight other cities in the U.S. and Europe, including Chicago, London, Paris, and her hometown of Houston, concluding in Las Vegas in July.

Before the main event, fans could even visit a pop-up salon hosted by Beyoncé's hair care line, Cécred, ensuring everyone looked their best for the hoedown. The extensive preparation, fan dedication, and spectacular execution solidified the opening night as a major cultural moment, setting a high bar for the rest of the tour.