Overview of the Opening Night

The highly anticipated Cowboy Carter World Tour kicked off on Monday at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium, marking the beginning of five scheduled performances. This elaborate show highlighted the profound impact of Black creativity on American culture, a recurring theme throughout Beyoncé’s career.

Musical Journey Through Her Catalog

Following the release of her country-inspired album “Cowboy Carter,” which earned her the Grammy Award for Album of the Year earlier this year, Beyoncé delivered a diverse setlist. The concert featured many tracks from “Cowboy Carter” alongside selections from her previous works, particularly last year’s successful “Renaissance.”

Show Structure and Highlights

The performance, lasting nearly three hours, opened with moving renditions of “Ameriican Requiem” and the Beatles’ classic “Blackbird,” fostering a sense of spirituality. Beyoncé’s powerful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was underscored by a poignant message displayed on a massive screen: “Never ask permission for something that already belongs to you.”

Dressed in striking white cowgirl attire, she proceeded to deliver a powerful excerpt from “Freedom,” seamlessly transitioning into “Ya Ya.” Notably, her daughter Blue Ivy joined the extensive group of dancers on stage during this segment. The act concluded dramatically with Beyoncé seated on a throne while a giant robotic arm poured her a drink.

Costume Changes and Thematic Elements

The second half began with an energetic performance of “America Has a Problem,” delivered from behind a news podium adorned with microphones. This section of the concert included familiar hits such as “Spaghettii,” “Formation,” and “My House.”

The third act maintained a more subdued tone, characterized by the intimate “Alliigator Tears” and “Just for Fun,” before a heartwarming moment when her 7-year-old child, Rumi, appeared to hug Beyoncé during her heartfelt song “Protector.”

Special Effects and Closing Acts

Beyoncé continued to captivate the audience with high-energy performances, including “Desert Eagle” in a dazzling bodysuit. This vibrant segment saw her moving through various dance-heavy routines, again featuring Blue Ivy prominently.

During a standout moment, she sang “Daddy Lessons” while suspended from an enormous neon horseshoe. Following a riveting rendition of “Cuff It,” she concluded her main set on a secondary stage before making a grand return using the horseshoe prop.

Finale and Concert Conclusion

As the concert approached its climax, Beyoncé encouraged the audience with, “Welcome back to the Renaissance,” leading into additional tracks such as “I’m That Girl” and “Alien Superstar.” The evening’s finale included “Texas Hold ’Em” performed from atop a big rig, before closing with the bluesy “16 Carriages,” sung from a suspended convertible.

The concert ended with “Amen,” where Beyoncé donned a whimsical stars-and-stripes gown, leaving audience members with a striking visual as a masked replica of the Statue of Liberty’s head loomed center stage.