Beyoncé 'Cowboy Carter' tour is master class in fashion, cultural commentary: Here's why
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter performed the second night of her "Cowboy Carter" tour in Los Angeles, and once again, fashion took center stage.
At SoFi Stadium on May 1, the 35-time Grammy winning singer brought high-fashion and cowboy couture to the stage. There was lots of western-glam with sparkly chaps, cowboy hats, boots and a piles of fringe. The megastar also used her wardrobe to send powerful messages.
And while the entire show consisted of noteworthy looks, there were some standout outfits worth highlighting.
Notable new looks during Night 2
In true Bey fashion, she brought even more looks to the stage for her second show. Most notably, Beyoncé wore a new outfit at the start of her song "Alliigator Tears." It featured a sparkly top, a black cowboy hat and knee-high cowboy boots.
Toward the end of the show, fans also noted a new outfit as she sang her single "16 Carriages" and other songs. The new look was an all-Black get up with massive American flag cuffs at the bottom of each pant leg.
'America Has a Problem' outfit
Outside of the new looks, Beyoncé continued to make a statement with her wardrobe. During one interlude, Beyoncé plays a news snippet where news commenter Megyn Kelly says, "Country music's been around for a long, long time. It goes right to the heart of America, and most Americans in red states have been loving and enjoying it long before 'Queen Bey' decided to stick her big toe into the lane."
She intercuts this sound bite with various news clips along with videos of Black musicians from the past before a message that reads "despite noise, we sing." The interlude then goes into her 2022 song "America Has a Problem" and during this performance, Beyoncé, her 13-year old daughter Blue Ivy and the rest of the dancers wear white jumpsuits that have "America Has a Problem" written on them. Their outfits also appear to feature newspapers and lyrics to her other songs like "I'm that girl."
The fashion choice emphasizes a powerful message about America.
'Bncntry' cap
Another memorable look featured Beyoncé in denim shorts, thigh-high white boots, and a sparkly top. She paired the look that with a cap that read "bncntry." In other words, she's letting spectators and fans know she's "been country" rather than infiltrating a new space she hasn't already been a part of.
Beyoncé's LED gown featuring 35,000 lights
Beyoncé' lit up the stage with a LED gown as she sang "Daughter" both nights, and the dress has been one of the most striking looks yet. Created by designer Kunihiko Morinaga, who is behind the Japanese brand Anrealage, the standout gown features around 35,000 LED lights that change in sync with the song's progression.
For the dress, Morinaga worked with Mplusplus, a Japanese design firm led by Minoru Fujimoto known for integrating LEDs into textiles. The firm developed a wireless control system to change the lights as Beyoncé performed.
Beyoncé first kicked off her "Cowboy Carter" tour on April 28 in Los Angeles, the first of of 32 stadium shows. Fans from all over the world traveled to witness Beyoncé's first two Los Angeles shows, which were filled with family, politics, soaring vocals, incredible costumes and masterful dancing.
The nine-city tour will span the U.S. and Europe with the grand finale taking place in Las Vegas on July 26. She's set to make history with her scheduled tour dates, including by playing the most dates at SoFi Stadium of any artist.
Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
24 minutes ago
- New York Post
What kept Kelly Clarkson going during ex-husband Brandon Blackstock's ‘devastating' cancer fight
'Workhorse' Kelly Clarkson kept going during her ex Brandon Blackstock's private three-year cancer battle because she had no other choice. The Grammy winner, 43, not only had a syndicated daily talk show to deliver, but she was also gearing up to launch her Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace in July, just weeks before his shocking death. Blackstock passed away at age 48 on Thursday, August 7, after suffering from melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. 14 Kelly Clarkson performing at the Citi Concert Series for the 'Today' Show in New York on May 6. Jackie Brown / 14 Brandon Blackstock with Kelly Clarkson. Instagram/@kellyclarkson Clarkson held his diagnosis tight to her chest, with sources revealing she told her talk show staff the news in confidence and asked for confidentiality out of respect for the family. Insiders reveal it was those staff members who kept Clarkson going through the hardest time of her life. 'A big part of it was making her schedule available for transporting the children to visit Brandon, and all of the emotions that came with this difficult time,' the insider told Us Weekly, referring to her mysterious 'Kelly Clarkson Show' 10-episode absence earlier this year. 14 Kelly Clarkson returned to her talk show after a 10-episode absence in March. YouTube/@kellyclarksonshow 14 Kelly Clarkson kicks off new Las Vegas residency 'Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions' at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 11, 2025. Getty Images for Live Nation Las Vegas 14 Kelly Clarkson's residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. kellyclarkson/Instagram 'Kelly is a workhorse. Hard work is all she knows. She hates disappointing people, truly. The thing that kept her going was knowing how many people depend on her, like her crews and employees,' they disclosed. Clarkson, who postponed the remaining August shows of her Las Vegas residency this week, is set to return to work next month. While her residency isn't scheduled to pick back up until November, sources said 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' is still scheduled to return for Season 7 in September. 14 Kelly Clarkson performing during the 'Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions' on July 11, 2025, at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Getty Images for Live Nation Las Vegas 14 Kelly Clarkson's announcement when she postponed her August residency shows. Instagram/@kellyclarkson Despite all the people that depend on her, the singer-songwriter's main priority is her children. Clarkson married Blackstock in 2013, and he managed her career. They shared two kids: daughter River, 11, son Remington 'Remy,' 9. The first-ever 'American Idol' winner filed for divorce in 2020, and it was finalized in 2022. 14 Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson at the 25th annual Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, Calif., on Jan. 12, 2020. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP 14 Kelly Clarkson poses with her and Brandon Blackstock's children: River and Remy. Instagram/@kellyclarkson 'Her kids will come first, and she will find a way,' the insider shared with the outlet. 'She loves her work, but nothing compares to a situation like this.' 'She has family and friends, but at the end of the day, it's all on her,' the source explained. 'Thankfully, the Blackstocks have come really close together in this time, so they would be happy to be there for the kids.' Blackstock is survived by his three siblings and four children. Before marrying Clarkson, he welcomed daughter Savannah, 23, and son Seth, 18, with his first wife, Melissa Ashworth. 14 Brandon Blackstock died on August 7 after a three-year battle with cancer. Instagram/@kellyclarkson Just one month before his death, Savannah revealed she was expecting her second baby. Blackstock also leaves behind his famous talent manager father, Narvel Blackstock, who previously managed Clarkson and his ex-wife Reba McEntire's careers. His son took over control of Clarkson's music management during their relationship. 14 Kelly Clarkson (R) and Brandon Blackstock attend the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles, California, on February 10, 2013. Getty Images for NARAS 14 Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock with their kids and his oldest children from a previous marriage in Los Angeles. MediaPunch / BACKGRID Narvel and McEntire married in 1989 and divorced in 2015. They had one child together, Blackstock's half-brother, Shelby, who broke his silence on Brandon's death in an emotional tribute post. While Blackstock wasn't McEntire's biological son, she always treated him like one and brought their broken family back together in the final months of his life. In March, she was photographed alongside her ailing stepson, his half-brother, and the rest of their family at the rodeo in Houston, Texas. 14 (L-R) Reba McEntire, Warner Music Nashville's President and CEO John Espositio, Blake Shelton, Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson attend Warner Music Group Grammy Celebration hosted by InStyle at Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, California, on February 12, 2012. Getty Images for InStyle 14 Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson. MediaPunch / BACKGRID Clarkson, meanwhile, is said to be 'devastated' for her children over the loss of their father. 'When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,' a source told People after Blackstock's death. 'Kelly has always tried to keep things classy. It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well. She's been devastated for the kids,' they added. Blackstock's family announced his passing in a statement obtained by The Post. 'It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years,' his loved ones shared on Thursday. 'He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time,' they added.
an hour ago
Malcolm-Jamal Warner's mother launches memorial project weeks after actor's death
Pamela Warner is honoring her late son, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, with a new social media project aimed at keeping his life's work alive. On Aug. 6, she introduced the Malcolm-Jamal Warner Living Legacy Instagram page, calling it the "official account" dedicated to celebrating the Emmy-nominated actor. In her first post, Pamela shared her plans to highlight projects and causes connected to her son's passions, inviting fans to "stay connected" in the months ahead. Two days later, she followed with an emotional reflection on Warner's life, describing him as "a kind, loving man" whose greatest mission was helping others realize their own strength. She remembered him not only as an accomplished performer but also as a devoted husband, father and son, as well as her confidant and closest friend. Pamela spoke about his artistic journey, from declaring at eight years old that he wanted to be on stage forever, to his later success as a musician with his band, Miles Long. His four albums, including two Grammy-nominated projects and one Grammy win, were just one part of a career. Warner, who became a household name playing Theo Huxtable on "The Cosby Show," died on July 20 at age 54. According to Costa Rican authorities, he drowned while swimming near Cocles Beach with his 8-year-old daughter after being caught in a rip current. In her tribute, Pamela reassured friends and fans that her son "did not suffer," adding that his passing felt like a return to where his life began. "Hold onto whatever part of Malcolm's life touched yours," she wrote. "In keeping it near, you keep his spirit alive."
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
How Reba McEntire supported ex-stepson Brandon Blackstock in final months before his death
Reba McEntire brought the family together in the last months of Brandon Blackstock's life. The 'Fancy' singer's former stepson, who was also Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband, died on Thursday, August 7, at age 48 after a private battle with cancer. Sources are now sharing how McEntire, 70, was there for Blackstock before his passing. The Grammy winner was previously married to Blackstock's father, Narvel Blackstock. 14 Narvel Blackstock, Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, and Brandon Blackstock in Phoenix, AZ, on March 28, 2015. Michael Buckner 14 Reba McEntire with Brandon Blackstock, Shelby Blackstock and others at the Houston Rodeo in March. Instagram/shelbyblackstock 'Reba has spent more time with the Blackstock crew in the past year than in years prior,' an insider told Us Weekly in an interview published on Friday, August 8. While the source noted that the years past were 'contentious,' they added that McEntire, her ex-husband and the rest of the clan 'really came together' in the past several months. In March, the country superstar was photographed smiling sweetly at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo alongside her ailing ex-stepson and her biological son, Shelby, the only child she shares with Narvel. 14 Reba McEntire with Brandon Blackstock, Shelby Blackstock and others at the Houston Rodeo in March. Instagram/shelbyblackstock 14 Reba McEntire with Brandon Blackstock, Shelby Blackstock and others at the Houston Rodeo in March. Instagram/shelbyblackstock McEntire was also one of the three headliners at the event, with the source sharing that the exes pushed their feelings aside and were a united front in the months leading up to Blackstock's passing. 'Narvel and his wife, Laura, and Reba's boyfriend, Rex, are at a place where they can be together and talk, which is a big step,' the insider told the outlet. 'Reba has a heart of gold, and she was there for Brandon and his kids. They are family at the end of the day.' McEntire and Blackstock's father married in 1989 while he was her music manager. They announced their separation in 2015 and finalized their divorce that year. 14 Narvel Blackstock and Reba McEntire at the American Country Countdown Awards in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 15, 2014. Jason Merritt 14 McEntire is seen attending the NBCUniversal Upfront 2025 at Radio City Music Hall in Midtown, Manhattan on May 12, 2025. GC Images The 'Consider Me Gone' singer has been in a committed relationship with actor Rex Linn, 68, since 2020. More than a decade before his passing, McEntire spoke about her unbreakable bond with her stepchildren, which also included Narvel's other children from his first marriage, Chassidy and Shawna. 'I don't consider Brandon, Chassidy and Shawna [Blackstock] stepchildren. I claim them all,' she told The Boot in 2010. 14 Shelby Blackstock and Brandon Blackstock. Shelby Blackstock/Instagram 14 Brandon Blackstock attends the 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 2020. Getty Images However, the country superstar revealed years later that time and distance made it hard to stay a family unit. 'I don't ever see the grandkids,' she confessed to People in 2018. 'It was a lot better when everybody was not so busy, but I've got seven grandchildren, so they're scattered all over the country and busy doing stuff. But I love them.' McEntire's love for Blackstock never wavered, though. 14 (L-R) Reba McEntire, Warner Music Nashville's President and CEO John Espositio, Blake Shelton, Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson at Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, California, on February 12, 2012. Getty Images for InStyle 14 Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 07, 2007. MJT/AdMedia / 14 Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, on November 19, 2017. Getty Images for dcp 'Brandon's been my son forever, it seems,' she told Entertainment Tonight in 2021, just four years before his death. 'Although he's my stepson, I still love him like he's my total — my blood, so I'm praying for them both because I love them both.' She also had a tight relationship with Blackstock's ex-wife, Clarkson. In 2023, the singers appeared on Season 23 of 'The Voice,' with Clarkson serving as judge and McEntire as a mega mentor. 14 Remington Alexander Blackstock, Savannah Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson, River Rose Blackstock, Brandon Blackstock, Seth Blackstock. STX Films World Premiere Of 'UglyDolls' in Los Angeles on April 27, 2019. / Blackstock and the 'Since U Been Gone' singer married in 2013, and they had two children together: daughter River, 11, and son Remington 'Remy,' 9. He also had two kids from his first marriage: daughter Savannah, 23, and son, Seth, 18. Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, citing irreconcilable differences, but their battle was drawn-out and contentious. Despite the bad blood, sources told Page Six that the talk show host was there for Blackstock, caring for him and bringing their kids to visit their father, up until his death. 14 Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson in Los Angeles. MediaPunch / BACKGRID She canceled the remaining August shows of her Las Vegas residency the night before her ex-husband's passing, revealing that Blackstock was seriously ill. Hours later, his family announced he had passed away. 'It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has died. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years,' his family said in a statement obtained by The Post. 14 Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson backstage after she performed songs from her new album 'The Meaning of Life' at The Rainbow Room in New York City on September 6, 2017. Kevin Mazur 'He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time,' they concluded. McEntire's son, Shelby, paid tribute to his half-brother in an emotional separate post. 'Words cannot begin to capture the tremendous loss our family has endured. Yesterday, we lost a brother, a father, a grandfather, and a son,' Shelby wrote. 'Brandon Blackstock was an irreplaceable part of our family—funny, bright, and full of life—and he will be deeply missed.' Clarkson is said to be 'devastated' for her kids. She sparked concern earlier this year when she went missing in action from 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' without explanation. Insiders confirmed to Page Six that the singer-songwriter's absences this past season were due to Blackstock's illness, with sources telling TMZ that new episodes of Clarkson's syndicated program are still slated to air in September despite her ex-husband's death.
