Since Beyoncé announced a new album during her Super Bowl commercial — in pink cat ear headphones, no less — fans have been anticipating Cowboy Carter. Part II of the singer’s trilogy that started with 2022’s Renaissance finally dropped yesterday, and social media’s reactions didn’t disappoint.
First, let’s take it from the album’s roots. In Beyoncé’s Instagram post about Cowboy Carter, she mentioned the album “was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed…and it was very clear that I wasn’t.” Fans have guessed that she’s referring to the 2016 Country Music Association Awards, where her performance of “Daddy’s Lessons” with The Chicks received racist and sexist backlash.
People said Beyoncé “isn’t country” — but this album proves them wrong:
Some fans still played the two singles released on Super Bowl night, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages”:
Other songs on the album, like “Bodyguard,” “Levii’s Jeans” with Post Malone, and the cover of “Jolene” sparked reactions as well:
Let’s not forget Beyoncé’s tribute to Ireland (jk), “Riiverdance”:
Even Vice President Harris posted about Cowboy Carter, saying Beyoncé inspires us all:
Fans who aren’t in the White House are inspired as well:
And some picked up on the very end of the album, when the music seemed to rev up for a moment before ending on a final, ringing note.
What is Beyoncé up to? We’ll just have to stay tuned and find out. For now, we’re jamming to Cowboy Carter.