On the evening of June 5, 2025, Beyoncé launched the first of six electrifying shows in her London residency at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, marking the much-anticipated kickoff of her Cowboy Carter tour. At 43 years old, the Houston-born superstar demonstrated why she remains one of the most captivating performers of her generation, delivering a two-and-a-half-hour spectacle that blended country flair, timeless classics, and cutting-edge stagecraft to a packed crowd of over 60,000 fans.
The show opened with a dramatic visual—a giant projection of an American flag that fizzled and cracked behind Beyoncé as she took center stage to perform "American Requiem." This powerful start set the tone for a night filled with musical prowess and emotional depth. The performance featured an impressive brass band and dancers, including a special appearance by Beyoncé's oldest daughter, Blue Ivy, who joined her on stage early on.
Throughout the evening, Beyoncé showcased her remarkable range and breath control, seamlessly navigating more than 30 songs that spanned her illustrious career and the new Cowboy Carter album. Highlights included the politically charged "Formation," which she punctuated by repeating the line, "they'll never take the country out of me," reminding audiences that her eighth album honors her roots without abandoning her signature style.
The British summer rain did little to dampen spirits. As dark clouds rolled in, Beyoncé, clad in a sparkling American flag jumpsuit layered under a white fur coat, sang "Alligator Tears." Unfazed by the weather, she told the crowd, "The rain feels so good," embodying the resilient spirit that permeated the entire show.
Another touching moment came when Beyoncé’s younger daughter, Rumi, made a cameo to hug her during a heartfelt rendition of "Protector," a song dedicated to her children. This intimate interlude contrasted beautifully with the high-energy performance of "Tyrant," where Beyoncé astounded the audience by riding a full-size animatronic golden bull, displaying both her vocal stamina and stage presence.
Fans reached a fever pitch when Beyoncé teased the opening notes of "Single Ladies" from atop a silver lorry, wearing a dazzling gold sequined Levi’s top. The London crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable as they serenaded her classics back before she could even grab the microphone. The singer’s grin in the pouring rain was a testament to the mutual admiration between artist and audience, especially during the deafening sing-alongs of "Irreplaceable" and "If I Were A Boy." After the crowd’s rendition of "Irreplaceable" died down, Beyoncé shook her head in amazement and said, "That just happened like that. Thank-you, that was beautiful."
The show was not without its unexpected moments. Mid-performance, Beyoncé suffered a wardrobe malfunction when her gold trousers fell to her ankles during a dance routine, revealing her leotard beneath. Yet, ever the consummate professional, she continued without missing a beat as a dancer swiftly assisted her.
Critics were unanimous in their praise. The BBC lauded the performance as "flawless," highlighting the seamless transitions between songs and the dazzling costume changes, each more rhinestone-studded than the last. Alexis Petridis of The Guardian noted that "Whatever you paid for your tickets, you do get an awful lot of Cowboy Carter for your money," emphasizing that nearly half the setlist featured songs from the new album. The Telegraph awarded the show a five-star review, describing it as "a show of spectacle and seduction, of bone-rattling volume and heart-beating musicality, of surprisingly hard-hitting politics and uplifting emotion." Fans on social media echoed these sentiments, with one user on X declaring, "The crowd is singing word for word. A legend. The greatest living entertainer," particularly praising her performance of "Irreplaceable."
The setlist, according to Setlist.FM, was a sprawling journey through Beyoncé’s musical universe, featuring 46 songs in total. Among them were covers such as The Beatles' "Blackbird" and Dolly Parton's "Jolene," the latter performed in a unique Cowboy Carter style. The show also included shortened versions of her biggest hits like "Crazy in Love," "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," "Love on Top," and "If I Were a Boy." Notably, "Energy" from her Renaissance album made its debut on this tour, adding a fresh dynamic to the set.
Adding to the night’s spectacle were nine quick costume changes and innovative staging elements. Beyoncé soared over the audience first in a horseshoe-shaped rig while singing her cover of "Jolene," then later in a velvet flying car for the closing number, "16 Carriages." The performance also featured a "mute challenge," where the crowd was expected to fall silent on cue—a challenge London met with resounding success, creating one of the evening's loudest reactions.
Longtime collaborators, the French dance duo Les Twins, made a surprise return to the stage, rekindling memories from past tours like The Mrs. Carter Show and Beychella. Their presence added a nostalgic touch to an otherwise forward-looking show.
Before the final song, a montage played across the stadium’s giant screens, tracing Beyoncé’s journey from her home-video beginnings to her current status as a global icon. The montage included viral moments, such as her Grammy losses and wins, underscoring the perseverance behind her success. She closed the night with heartfelt gratitude: "I’m so blessed to do what I do just because of you." This sentiment resonated deeply with the audience, who had witnessed not just a concert but a masterclass in artistry and showmanship.
Despite reports earlier that day suggesting hundreds of tickets were still available, the stadium appeared packed to the rafters, a testament to Beyoncé’s enduring appeal and the magnetic draw of the Cowboy Carter tour. With her blend of intense dance routines, emotional storytelling, and groundbreaking production, Beyoncé’s residency at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is shaping up to be one of the most complete and unforgettable performances of the season.
