Beyoncé Briefly Grounded During ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tour After Stage Malfunction
A technical issue with a stage prop during Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” tour in Houston, Texas, briefly halted Saturday’s performance, leaving the singer suspended mid-air and clinging to safety cables. The incident underscores the inherent risks of elaborate stage productions and highlights the singer’s composure under pressure.
“16 Carriages” Setpiece Involved in Incident
One of the most visually striking elements of the “Cowboy Carter” tour is the staging for the song “16 Carriages,” which features the 43-year-old singer soaring above the audience aboard a red, suspended platform. During the first of two scheduled concerts at Houston’s NRG Stadium on Saturday, the structure supporting the “flying car” unexpectedly tilted, leaving Beyoncé stranded several meters in the air.
According to numerous videos captured by concertgoers, Beyoncé initially maintained her composure, continuing to sing despite the precarious situation. However, as it became clear that the platform could not be immediately stabilized, she repeatedly called for the performance to be stopped, shouting “Stop! Stop!” into the microphone to alert technicians.
Swift Response and Fan Support
The technical team quickly intervened, safely lowering the platform and ensuring Beyoncé’s secure return to the stage. Addressing the audience afterward, Beyoncé expressed her gratitude, stating, “I want to thank you for your affection. If I ever fall, I know you would take me.” She then concluded the show with the intro and outro of her latest album, “Cowboy Carter.”
Parkwood Entertainment, Beyoncé’s production and management agency, released a statement on Instagram following the incident. The statement read, “Tonight in Houston at NRG Stadium, a technical accident caused the inclination of the flying car, a stage object that Beyoncé uses to go around the stadium and see her fans closely. It was rapidly dropped and nobody was injured. The show continued without accidents.”
Performance Modified for Subsequent Show
While the cause of the malfunction remains unknown, Beyoncé opted to forgo the “16 Carriages” performance during Sunday evening’s concert at NRG Stadium. She instead closed the show alongside her daughter, Blue Ivy.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complex engineering and safety protocols involved in large-scale concert productions. While the technical issue caused a temporary disruption, the swift response and Beyoncé’s calm demeanor ensured a safe outcome for all involved.
