Beyoncé was joined onstage by her daughters Blue Ivy Carter and Rumi Carter at the opening night of her Cowboy Carter Tour on Monday night, April 28. The family moment created an instant highlight in what critics are already calling one of the most ambitious concert productions of the year.
The Grammy winner kicked off the jaunt at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and it was an emotional family affair, with Blue Ivy, 13, once again dancing for her mother during her performance of “American Has a Problem.” Blue Ivy has been developing her dance skills since early childhood, working with several professional choreographers to refine her technique.
Later on, it was time for Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s 7-year-old, Rumi Carter, to make her onstage debut. This marked the first time Rumi has performed publicly, with the young Carter daughter showing remarkable poise in front of the massive audience.
As Beyoncé belted out the moving ballad, “Protector,” Rumi and her big sister stood under the spotlight with the “Crazy in Love” hitmaker. The song, which speaks to maternal love and protection, took on new meaning with both daughters present, creating what many described as the night’s most touching moment.
Following the performance, pictures of Beyoncé and her three children — also including Rumi’s twin brother Sir — appeared on a big screen behind her. The images showcased family moments that emphasized the personal themes running through her recent country-inspired album.
Blue Ivy was part of the backup dance troupe for her superstar mom on her 2023 Renaissance Tour. During that tour, Blue appeared in multiple shows, gradually expanding her performance role as the tour progressed.
She also joined her mother onstage for her NFL Christmas Day Halftime Show in 2024. That performance showcased Blue Ivy‘s growing confidence as a performer in her own right.
The talented teenager has followed in her famous parents’ footsteps and voiced Kiara in the 2024 Disney film Mufasa: The Lion King. Beyoncé herself previously voiced Nala in the Lion King franchise, making this a special family connection.
Beyoncé‘s production is off-the-scale, with a star-shaped stage with a massive runway. The elaborate set creates an immersive experience for fans, allowing the star to connect with audience members throughout the venue.
The Cowboy Carter Tour continues at SoFi Stadium on May 1. The tour, which follows the release of her critically acclaimed album Cowboy Carter, is set to visit cities across North America and Europe in the coming months.
Music critics in attendance praised the ambitious setlist that spans Beyoncé’s extensive catalog while highlighting her new country-influenced material. The production features multiple costume changes, a full band including country music specialists, and elaborate visual elements that blend Western aesthetics with modern technology.
The concert began with “Ameriican Requiem,” setting the tone for a show that explores American musical traditions while challenging genre boundaries. The carefully curated setlist weaves together tracks from Cowboy Carter with reimagined versions of her earlier hits.
Particularly notable was her performance of “Blackbird,” which included a snippet of “America the Beautiful” at the end, creating a powerful musical statement. Her rendition of “Jolene” received enthusiastic applause, as did her performance of “Texas Hold ‘Em.”
Celebrity attendees included numerous music industry figures, actors, and cultural icons, with many sharing their excitement about both the artistic vision of the show and the heartwarming family moments. Fashion observers immediately took note of the elaborate costume designs, which incorporate Western motifs with contemporary high fashion.
This tour marks Beyoncé’s first major series of performances since her acclaimed “Renaissance World Tour,” which drew millions of fans worldwide. Industry experts anticipate the Cowboy Carter Tour could achieve similar success, with strong initial ticket sales reported across venues.
The tour showcases Beyoncé’s evolution as an artist willing to explore different musical genres while maintaining her signature performance style. By incorporating her daughters into the show, she also highlights the importance of family in her artistic journey, connecting her personal life with her professional persona in meaningful ways.
Beyoncé’s Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium setlist included 36 songs spanning her career, from classics like “Crazy in Love” and “Formation” to new favorites from the Cowboy Carter album, including “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages,” giving fans a comprehensive musical experience that celebrates her artistic evolution.
