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By Konner Hines
Beyoncé paused her June 28 Cowboy Carter concert in Houston after a suspended stage prop began to tilt while she was performing midair. The incident occurred during the finale number “16 Carriages,” shocking thousands of fans.
The 43-year-old superstar was seated atop a red convertible platform when it suddenly became unstable. Harnessed and visibly calm, Beyoncé gripped a cable and instructed the crew to stop. “Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop,” she repeated as the music cut out and the vehicle was safely lowered.
What Happened
The malfunction took place during Beyoncé’s final hometown performance. The high-flying set piece, designed to elevate her above the crowd, malfunctioned near the song’s end. Once back on stage, she thanked the audience: “If ever I fall, I know y’all will catch me.”
Fans praised her poise and professionalism in handling the moment. The artist later addressed the scare on Instagram, sharing a humorous video montage with the caption “Sittin’ Sidewayz.”
Background
The Cowboy Carter tour has been known for elaborate visuals and unexpected moments. Previous stops featured appearances by Jay-Z and Miley Cyrus. Reports now suggest the suspended prop segment has been removed from upcoming shows as a safety precaution.
Community Impact
The brief incident underscores the risks involved in large-scale productions and the importance of rapid response. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks in live performance. Like Michael Jackson’s 1984 on-set accident, it underscores the need for strict safety protocols in complex stage productions.
Authors Bio
Konner Hines is a marketing and international business student at Baldwin Wallace University and a member of the Honors College. Passionate about storytelling and global issues, Hines explores pop culture, media, and social justice through thought-provoking writing.