It’s been nearly two years since Beyoncé released Renaissance in June 2022, and fans have been buzzing on what’s next ever since. At the time of release, Beyoncé’s website and Instagram bio read “act i | Renaissance,” and an accompanying British Vogue spread and cover story teased “a thrilling abundance” of new music.
The BeyHive is ready for new music now, and have been speculating on what the superstar has in store for the next acts of her Renaissance era, with a popular theory being that Bey might dip into her Southern roots with a country album. It would make sense, given that on her 2019 single, “Black Parade,” the Houston native sings, “I’m going back to the South… where my roots ain’t watered down.”
In November, in a since-deleted tweet, New York Times reporter Kyle Buchanan said Act II of the Renaissance trilogy would be an “acoustic album,” and that Act III would be a collaboration with Jay-Z, though Bey never confirmed the information.
In fact, Bey hasn’t confirmed anything surrounding any upcoming release, but that’s not stopping the Internet from buzzing with theories. See below for all the reasons why Beyoncé fans speculate that the “Break My Soul” singer’s next album will be a country album.
At the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 4, Bey was the ultimate glam cowgirl, rocking a brown checkered blazer-and-shorts set and a matching ribbon tie, complete with a big, beige cowboy hat. The outfit choice let fans on X to believe it was strategic, and a minor hint at a country era head.
It’s certainly not Bey’s first rodeo in the country world — even if the Recording Academy didn’t agree. Back in 2016, the star released “Daddy Lessons,” and she submitted the bluesy, twangy Lemonade track to the country category for the Grammys. The Academy’s country music committee ultimately rejected the track from the category.
Beyoncé performed the track at Country Music Association Awards alongside the Dixie Chicks, and later released a version of the song featuring the country trio.
Bey is outspoken and proud of her Southern roots, so wouldn’t it make sense for the star to honor her Houston, Texas, hometown musically?
Beyoncé has noted in the past that her Renaissance album is meant to be a trilogy. As a result, the BeyHive have been analyzing anything and everything surrounding the first installment’s release in 2022. In particular, fans notice how often Bey was wearing cowboy hats in the promotional images, onstage during her Renaissance tour and beyond, which could be a subtle hint at a country installment of the Renaissance trilogy.
Bey loves a cowgirl aesthetic, so a country album would make sense to match! Back in 2021, she released her fourth Ivy Park collection with Adidas, titled “Ivy Park Rodeo.” “I grew up seeing artists like Selena and Frankie Beverly and Maze and today it is just as eclectic with artists like Kacey Musgraves to Mary J. Blige. I remember the trail ride, with people riding from all over to the Houston Rodeo,” Bey said in a statement to the Houston Chronicle.