Beyoncé Knowles-Carter electrified Los Angeles once again, taking the stage for the fourth night of her highly anticipated Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin Circuit Tour. The concert, held at the iconic SoFi Stadium, was a dazzling display of talent, artistry, and musical innovation, reaffirming Beyoncé’s status as a global icon.
The Los Angeles shows, particularly from night two onwards, have been marked by a delightful addition to the setlist: a curated selection of Beyoncé’s beloved throwback hits. This inclusion has sent waves of excitement through the Beyhive, both those fortunate enough to witness the spectacle in person and those following along online. The SoFi Stadium on May 7th witnessed a truly special "No. 4 show," where Beyoncé masterfully weaved together songs from her latest album, Cowboy Carter, her critically acclaimed Renaissance project, and a collection of timeless classics, mirroring the format of nights two and three.
The alteration to the setlist first materialized during Beyoncé’s second show on May 1st. It was during this performance that she subtly reshuffled the order of songs and, more significantly, introduced a medley of fan-favorite anthems. The crowd erupted as she launched into renditions of "Irreplaceable" (from 2006), "If I Were A Boy" (released in 2008), the empowering "Single Ladies" (also from 2008), and the uplifting "Love on Top" (a 2011 hit). The addition of these familiar tunes injected a surge of nostalgia and celebratory energy into the already electrifying atmosphere.
The response from fans, both those physically present in the stadium and those watching via social media streams and recordings, was overwhelmingly positive. A palpable sense of excitement and surprise rippled through the Beyhive as they witnessed the evolution of the tour’s setlist. Speculation immediately arose: Would Beyoncé maintain this new, enriched setlist for the duration of her Los Angeles residency? Or would she continue to experiment, introducing further changes and surprises as the tour progressed?
To the delight of many, Beyoncé remained committed to the expanded setlist, delivering the same thrilling combination of new and old for the third consecutive time. This consistency solidified the impression that the throwback hits were not a fleeting addition but rather an integral part of the Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin Circuit Tour experience.
Beyond the inclusion of beloved classics, one particular mash-up caught the attention of a discerning fan. Beyoncé masterfully blended her 2024 track, "Tyrant," with her 2013 song, "Haunted." This unexpected fusion showcased Beyoncé’s creative ingenuity, seamlessly merging the distinct sonic landscapes of her past and present work. The mash-up highlighted her ability to reinterpret her own discography, creating entirely new and captivating musical experiences.
The Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin Circuit Tour officially commenced at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on April 28th. From the outset, the tour was ambitious in scope, featuring a comprehensive setlist of 39 songs. Beyoncé’s second and third shows, which took place on May 1st and May 4th, respectively, further cemented the tour’s reputation as a groundbreaking concert event.
The performances at SoFi Stadium have proven to be a spectacle encompassing a multitude of elements, from the cutting-edge fashion on display to the diverse range of musical genres explored. However, the tour is most notably a celebration of country music and its profound connection to American history and culture. Beyoncé has fearlessly challenged conventional notions of genre, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and sparking important conversations about representation and inclusivity.
As dedicated fans are aware, Beyoncé unveiled her 27-track Cowboy Carter project in March of 2024. The album’s release was met with widespread acclaim, quickly achieving historical significance and shattering numerous records. As Beyoncé’s first foray into the country music genre, the album deliberately featured a diverse array of artists, including established country legends and emerging Black country musicians. This deliberate inclusion amplified marginalized voices within the genre and challenged the historical narrative that has often excluded Black contributions to country music.
Beyoncé’s impact on the country music landscape has been profound. At the 2025 Grammy Awards, she made history by becoming the first Black woman to win the coveted "Best Country Album" award. She also secured the prestigious "Album of the Year" award, solidifying her position as a trailblazer and a visionary artist.
The nine-city tour is scheduled to traverse both the United States and Europe, culminating in a grand finale performance in Las Vegas on July 26th. Beyoncé is poised to make history once again with her scheduled tour dates. Notably, she is set to break the record for the most performances by any artist at SoFi Stadium, underscoring her enduring popularity and her ability to consistently draw massive crowds. The tour is not just a series of concerts; it is a cultural phenomenon that is reshaping the music industry and inspiring audiences worldwide. The deliberate incorporation of Black artists and the emphasis on the historical contributions of Black musicians to country music is a profound statement about the need for inclusivity and representation in the arts. Beyoncé is not just performing music; she is creating a platform for marginalized voices and challenging the status quo.
For real-time updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and comprehensive coverage of Beyoncé’s journey, fans can follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network’s dedicated Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @cachemcclay. McClay’s reporting provides valuable insights into Beyoncé’s creative process, her impact on popular culture, and her ongoing efforts to promote social justice and equality.
