“Queen Bee definitely still reigns – there were no empty seats!”
An honest review of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour.
Strutting towards the stadium in my newly purchased cowboy boots, I was surrounded by a sea of supporters who all got the memo: double denim, frayed jackets, cowboy hats, and anything else you might see in a Western. We were here for Cowboy Carter - Beyoncé’s six-night residency at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. For those claiming the Beyoncé bubble has burst, I suggest you get your eyes checked - the seats were packed and the crowd was jumping, jumping.
The roof was open, letting natural light pour over Beyoncé’s dazzling diamond-shaped stage and sweeping catwalks. Just in front of the platform were two pit areas for the Beehive - her most devoted fans - divided by a long runway. As smoke rolled across the stage, anticipation grew. Dancers in shimmering gold emerged, and the opening notes of American Requiem, the first track from Cowboy Carter, began to play.
Beyoncé takes centre stage
A triangular section of the stage opened - and there she was. A roar spread through the stadium as the giant screens lit up with a close-up of Beyoncé. Dressed head-to-toe in gleaming white and silver, head bowed. Just as the music cut out, the crowd hushed, leaving Beyoncé to sing acapella - an electric, intimate moment - before slipping into the next track, teasing us with familiar rhythms and bold new sounds.
“It felt like Beyoncé was speaking directly to her fans - protesting injustices both personal and historical.”
Though much of the show celebrated her country turn, the opening songs spanned her discography. She moved from a tender cover of Blackbird (from Cowboy Carter, originally by The Beatles) to the explosive Freedom (Lemonade), the upbeat Why Don’t You Love Me (I Am… Sasha Fierce), and America Has a Problem (Renaissance). Combined with cinematic, story-driven visuals, it felt like Beyoncé was speaking directly to her fans - protesting injustices both personal and historical.
A family affair
Yet she made it all look effortless. Switching from delicate notes to soaring belts, Beyoncé delivered a masterclass in showmanship. The crowd erupted when her daughter Blue Ivy appeared, dancing confidently centre stage during America Has a Problem. The stage swelled with performers, including the ever-stunning Les Twins, as choreography carried us into a stream of Cowboy Carter tracks.
One of the most moving moments of the night came during Protector, when Beyoncé’s youngest daughter, Rumi, took to the stage. As Beyoncé sang about the fierce love and instinct to shield her children from the world, I watched, teary-eyed, as Blue Ivy gently wrapped her arms around both her mum and younger sister. In that moment, I couldn’t help but think of my own children. It was a tender reminder that Beyoncé is not only an icon, but also a mother - a mother who holds her power so publicly, yet remains exposed. A mother who cares deeply for her children. Beyoncé chose to express and celebrate this part of motherhood in the way she knows best: through performance, and by inviting her children to share that space with her.
The show flowed between tender ballads and high-energy dance numbers. As the sun dipped behind the stadium walls, stage lights and audience wristbands lit up the arena. Then came a breathtaking moment: Beyoncé, suspended and flying above the crowd, performed II Most Wanted and 16 Carriages - tracks that have quickly become some of my personal favourites from the album.
Are you a country fan?
I’ll be honest - country music isn’t at the top of my favourites list, but this is where Beyoncé deserves credit: she makes great music, full stop. Even as someone who doesn’t usually lean toward country, I couldn’t help but fall in love with her new songs. Her rendition of Blackbird was simply beautiful, her vocals full of soul, and her band played with such passion that every note landed like a heartbeat. Videos and photos of the Cowboy Carter singer don’t do her justice - she’s an incredible performer who brings her music vividly to life.
Visually, this was a triumph too. The stage design, lighting, and costume changes deepened the emotion behind each song. It was more than a concert - it was a story. One that honoured Beyoncé’s artistic evolution, her love for country, and the space she’s carved out in a genre that’s long resisted artists like her.
For fans, Cowboy Carter wasn’t a shock - Beyoncé has long nodded to her Southern roots, but for critics, her pivot raised eyebrows and sparked racially charged backlash. Still, she stood her ground. Her move into country started important conversations about race and genre while putting a much deserved spotlight on other Black country artists. Her Grammy win for Best Country Album in 2025 was not just a recognition of her talent - it was a historical moment of cultural significance.
Ticket costs and venue choice
Now, let’s talk about the venue and ticket costs. First off: Queen Bee definitely still reigns – there were no empty seats. The stadium was packed and the crowd sang every line. However, in my opinion, concert ticket prices across the board have become far too high. Is that because of the artist, the venue, or the ticket provider? The answer is debatable, but the dynamic (demand-based) pricing model used by sellers like Ticketmaster puts fans at a disadvantage when demand spikes. It’s a system that doesn’t feel fair.
That said, Beyoncé delivered. She started on time - 7:30pm sharp - and gave us nearly three hours of uninterrupted brilliance. No warm-up act, no fillers. Just Beyoncé doing what she does best: commanding the stage, redefining genres, and making magic. For those not familiar with the usual concert format, a headliner performing solo for that long is rare.
While she performed in an area of London I’m not the most familiar with, the stadium rose to the occasion - holding, honouring, and showcasing an icon. I feel genuinely privileged to have witnessed her live. This concert felt like history in the making. A moment for every Blackbird to feel worthy, loved, and joyful. A celebration of Beyoncé’s journey - and of the continued support that lifts her.
As I walked back out in my cowboy boots, heart full and wondering how busy the train station was going to be, one thing was certain: Queen Bee’s reign is far from over.
Thank you for reading,
Chloe x
Personal Note: It’s been years since I wrote a music review, and I’d love to know what you think of my reflections on the Beyoncé concert. Not only did the concert bring me joy, but the act of writing about it did too. Amidst the heaviness of grief, it’s felt good to be moved, to celebrate something, and to feel a little lighter - even just for a while.
Images: All photos in this post are my own.
This is a great review - it swept me along & made me feel like I was there, it gave me insight & told me things I didn’t know, & made me look at country music in a new light! Love all the thorough & helpful detail too. A really good read that deserves a wide audience.