Beyoncé released ‘Cowboy Carter’ album one year ago: A look back
It’s been one year since Beyoncé released her eighth studio album, “Cowboy Carter.” Here’s a look back at the album’s impactful year.
- Beyoncé is launching her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour with the first show on April 28 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
- The tour includes 32 stadium shows across nine cities in the U.S. and Europe, concluding in Las Vegas on July 26.
- The album’s creation was inspired by Beyoncé’s feeling unwelcome in the country music genre, leading her to explore its history.
She coming!
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is set to ignite the stage as she debuts her highly anticipated Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour on April 28 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The night will officially kick off at 7 p.m. PT.
The show will mark Beyoncé’s first of 32 stadium shows on her nine-city tour that will span the U.S. and Europe with the grand finale taking place in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium on July 26. She’s set to make history with her scheduled tour dates, including in Los Angeles.
Here’s everything to know about the history-making album, and the upcoming spectacle.
Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour dates and cities
- Los Angeles: April 28, May 1, May 4, May 7, May 9 at SoFi Stadium
- Chicago: May 15, May 17, May 18 at Soldier Field
- New Jersey: May 22, May 24, May 25, May 28, May 29 at MetLife Stadium
- London: June 5, June 7, June 10, June 12, June 14, June 16 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Paris: June 19, June 21, June 22 at Stade de France
- Houston: June 28, June 29 at NRG Stadium
- Atlanta: July 10, July 11, July 13, July 14 at Mercedes Benz Stadium
- Washington, D.C.: July 4, July 7 at Northwest Stadium
- Las Vegas: July 25, July 26 at Allegiant Stadium
What to know about ticket sales and prices in different cities
Tickets initially went on sale for Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter and Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour in February. While ticket prices have varied by city and date of purchase, a ticket expert suggests a number of factors may contribute to the price each concertgoer will pay for the concert.
Fans are still able to purchase tickets for the opening show on Beyonce.com or Ticketmaster.com directly, along with resale markets. As of April 25, the lowest ticket starts at $58.65 for level 500 seating, and prices increase depending on seating assignment inside the stadium.
Ahead of the Los Angeles shows, fans should confirm their seats to ensure they have not been changed on Ticketmaster.
What to know ahead of her opening show at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles
There is a strict bag policy at SoFi Stadium. Fans are only allowed to bring one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc or similar) and small clutch bags that cannot exceed 4 by 6 inches with or without a handle or strap. Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC totes that do not exceed 12 by 6 by 12 inches are also approved.
Beyoncé fans can save money by paying for parking online before arriving to the stadium. Prices range from $44 to $60.50 and will increase on site the day of the show.
What are fans planning to wear?
As much as a Beyoncé concert is a musical spectacle, it is also a fashion showcase for the singer and her fans alike. Most fans are preparing to wear their individual cowboy core looks. From cowboy hats to handheld fans, there are some must-have accessories that are sure to be staples at the shows.
What are fans hoping to see at the ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour?
Beyoncé’s first live performance of songs from her “Cowboy Carter” album took place on Christmas Day during the Texans-Ravens NFL game. The halftime performance was dubbed the “Beyoncé Bowl and drew in nearly 27 million U.S. viewers on Netflix.
While the performance may have been a precursor to the singer’s upcoming tour, most fans are expecting it to only have scratched the surface of what Beyoncé will deliver at her concerts. Fans have voiced their wishes and predictions for the upcoming rodeo, and it’s clear they are putting no limits on Beyoncé. Some cities are expected to be especially epic.
Will the concerts be live streamed?
Fans who can’t attend the show in person will have the opportunity to witness the performance thanks to fans like Matthew Serafin, who turned live streaming her shows into a passion and an act of service. He plans to attend and stream the opening show and a number of others from his personal social media accounts.
Many other fans plan to do the same.
When did Beyoncé first announce her tour?
Beyoncé first announced the tour the night before the 2025 Grammy Awards, where she took home the award for best country album and the top prize — album of the year — for her eighth studio album “Cowboy Carter.” She became the fist Black woman to take home the award for best country album.
Prior to her three “Cowboy Carter” wins, no Black female solo artist had ever won a Grammy for country music. Four years ago, Mickey Guyton became the first Black female solo artist to be recognized in a country music category when she received a nomination for her song “Black Like Me.” This year also marked the first time a Black woman has been nominated for the top prize of album of the year for a country album. Ray Charles was nominated for album of the year for “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music” in 1962.
The Grammy recognition was especially significant considering Beyoncé was snubbed, receiving zero nominations, at the Country Music Association Awards just months prior.
Beyoncé last toured in 2023 for her record-breaking Renaissance World Tour. It began May 10 in Stockholm, Sweden, and concluded Oct. 1 in Kansas City, Missouri, with Beyoncé performing a total of 56 shows.
Releasing ‘Cowboy Carter’ and its larger impact
She first released the 27-track project March 29, 2024. It has since made history and broken multiple records. As Beyoncé’s first country album, she deliberately featured country legends and emerging Black country artists alike.
Prior to releasing “Cowboy Carter” Beyoncé opened up about creating the project and her struggles within the country music genre, referencing her 2016 CMA Awards performance.
“This album has been over five years in the making. It was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed…and it was very clear that I wasn’t,” she wrote. “But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive.”
The album is the second part of a three-act project. Her seventh studio album, “Renaissance” is considered Act 1. The 2022 project earned her four Grammys, including best dance/electronic music album, making her the most decorated artist in the awards’ history.
Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network’s Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
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