Beyoncé basically just handed Rob49 the biggest career boost he could ever dream of by adding his viral hit WTHELLY to her Cowboy Carter tour setlist. This isn’t just any artist doing a cover or giving a shoutout. This is Beyoncé, the most powerful performer in music, choosing to feature an emerging rapper’s song during her massive stadium tour.
Rob49 went from being a regional rapper with a catchy TikTok song to having his music played in front of tens of thousands of Beyoncé fans in London. The fact that she seamlessly incorporated his track into her show and transitioned it into her own song SPAGHETTI shows the level of thought and artistry she put into making this work.
This is exactly the kind of surprise that separates Beyoncé from other mega stars. She doesn’t just perform her greatest hits and call it a night. She finds ways to keep her shows fresh, relevant, and connected to what’s happening in music culture right now.
The crowd went absolutely wild for the surprise
When WTHELLY started playing at Tottenham’s Hotspur Stadium on May 5th, the audience erupted because they knew they were witnessing something special and unexpected. The moment when Rob’s lyrics What the hell what the helly What the hell yoncé played, fans realized Beyoncé had customized the experience specifically for her tour.
The seamless transition from Rob49’s track into her own song SPAGHETTI kept the energy flowing instead of making the surprise feel like an awkward interruption. This shows the level of professional planning that went into incorporating an outside artist’s music into her carefully crafted show.
Stadium concerts are massive productions where every moment is usually planned months in advance, so the fact that Beyoncé found a way to work in a current viral song demonstrates her commitment to staying connected to contemporary music culture.
Rob49 handled his moment perfectly
Rob49’s response to having his song featured by Beyoncé was exactly what you’d want to see from an artist in this situation. He posted QUEEN BEY USING MY SONG with genuine excitement and added WHAT THE HELLYONCE, showing he understood the significance of the moment.
His comment about not needing money and loving Beyoncé in real life shows maturity and understanding that this kind of career moment is worth more than any licensing fee he could demand. This exposure in front of Beyoncé’s global audience is the kind of opportunity that can completely change an artist’s trajectory.
The fact that he was humble and appreciative rather than trying to capitalize financially probably makes it more likely that Beyoncé and her team will continue supporting his career. Artists who understand the value of these moments beyond immediate money often build longer lasting relationships in the industry.
Social media had predictably mixed reactions
The internet being the internet, fans had a range of responses from celebrating the collaboration to joking about Rob49 missing out on a payday. Some fans appreciated the honor and potential future opportunities this represents, while others focused on the financial aspect and suggested he should have demanded payment.
Comments ranged from supportive observations about Beyoncé being more connected to current music than people realize to jokes about Blue Ivy putting her mom onto trending songs. The variety of reactions shows how Beyoncé’s choices generate conversation and engagement across different perspectives.
The fans who understood that this exposure is worth more than any licensing fee probably have a better grasp of how the music industry actually works. Getting your song featured in a Beyoncé show is career changing publicity that money can’t buy.
Les Twins made their triumphant return
Adding to the night’s surprises, Beyoncé brought back Les Twins, the iconic dance duo Laurent and Larry Bourgeois, who had been absent from the North American leg of the tour. These dancers have been part of Beyoncé’s performances since 2011, so their return felt like a reunion for longtime fans.
Les Twins bring a specific energy and dance style that elevates Beyoncé’s already incredible performances. Their chemistry with her and their ability to match her intensity makes them perfect collaborators for her live shows. Seeing them back in sync with Beyoncé and her crew reminded everyone why they’ve been part of her team for over a decade.
The uncertainty about whether they’ll continue with the remaining tour dates adds an element of unpredictability that makes each show feel potentially unique. Fans never know if they’ll get the full Les Twins experience or something completely different.
This shows Beyoncé’s cultural awareness and influence
Incorporating Rob49’s viral song into her tour demonstrates that Beyoncé stays connected to what’s happening in music culture beyond just the mainstream charts. She recognized a song that was resonating with people and found a creative way to acknowledge it while enhancing her own show.
This kind of cultural awareness is part of what keeps Beyoncé relevant across different generations and music communities. She doesn’t just exist in her own superstar bubble. She pays attention to emerging artists and viral moments, then finds ways to incorporate them into her artistic vision.
The fact that she can take a TikTok viral song and make it work seamlessly in a stadium show demonstrates her creative vision and her team’s ability to execute complex artistic decisions quickly and professionally.
Rob49 just experienced every rapper’s dream scenario
Most artists would have to pay enormous amounts of money for the kind of exposure Rob49 got for free. Having your music featured in a Beyoncé concert is equivalent to getting a endorsement from the most influential performer in music. This kind of cosign can open doors and create opportunities that years of traditional promotion might not achieve.
The ripple effects of this moment will probably continue long after the tour ends. Music industry professionals, other artists, and fans will remember that Beyoncé chose to feature Rob49’s music, which gives him credibility and opens up potential collaborations and opportunities.
This is the kind of career defining moment that artists dream about but rarely experience. Rob49 handled it with grace and appreciation, which suggests he understands the magnitude of what just happened to his career.
Beyoncé continues to set the standard for live performance
This surprise addition to her setlist is just another example of why Beyoncé’s live shows are considered the gold standard in entertainment. She doesn’t just perform her songs, she creates experiences that feel spontaneous and connected to current cultural moments.
The combination of featuring an emerging artist’s viral song and bringing back beloved collaborators like Les Twins shows her ability to balance supporting new talent with honoring longtime creative partnerships. This kind of thoughtful curation is what separates great performers from legendary ones.
Every Beyoncé tour becomes a cultural event partly because fans know they might witness moments like this that don’t happen anywhere else. She has the power and influence to create career changing opportunities for other artists while enhancing her own artistic vision.
