Singer calms crowd as tilting flying car briefly traps her mid-air during Cowboy Carter tour
Beyoncé’s homecoming took an unexpected turn during her Cowboy Carter tour stop at NRG Stadium on Friday night, when the singer was briefly suspended above thousands of fans due to a malfunctioning flying car prop. The high-flying moment turned tense as the red convertible used in her performance began to tilt dangerously mid-air.
The prop, typically used during the performance of “16 Carriages” to float the star above the audience, suddenly leaned to one side, leaving Beyoncé stuck in the air for several moments. Videos quickly circulated on social media showing the car angling awkwardly above the crowd as Beyoncé calmly instructed the crew: “Stop. Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop,” she said into her mic, prompting the music to cut out.
Applause erupted as the rig’s cables slowly lowered the car and the singer to the stage. Audience members could be heard gasping, then cheering, relieved that the Grammy winner made it back safely.
Parkwood Entertainment, Beyoncé’s production company, confirmed the incident in a statement shortly after the show: “Tonight in Houston, at NRG Stadium, a technical mishap caused the flying car, a prop Beyoncé uses to circle the stadium and see her fans up close, to tilt. She was quickly lowered, and no one was injured. The show continued without incident.”
And indeed, the Queen Bey didn’t miss a beat. Once back on stage, she addressed the situation with trademark poise and a nod to her hometown supporters. “If ever I fall, I know y’all would catch me,” she told the crowd, drawing roars of support and admiration.
Despite the scare, the concert resumed seamlessly, with Beyoncé performing the rest of her set to a full and enthusiastic stadium. Later that night, she took to Instagram, sharing several images from the performance, including one of her in the airborne car. The caption simply read: “I love you, Houston.”
Fans flooded the post with praise for her composure, many noting how she managed the moment with calm professionalism and even grace. One user commented: “Only Beyoncé could nearly fall from the sky and still serve vocals.”
The Cowboy Carter tour, named after her latest genre-bending album that blends country and soul, has received critical acclaim for its theatrical visuals, emotional depth, and cutting-edge stagecraft, including the now-infamous flying red convertible.
Beyoncé is known for pushing technical boundaries in her live shows, often incorporating sophisticated props and choreography into her performances. However, Friday’s incident served as a stark reminder of the risks involved with high-concept staging — even for the most seasoned performers.
Fortunately, this malfunction ended without injury or cancellation. The concert resumed, spirits remained high, and Beyoncé once again proved why she’s considered one of the most professional and resilient performers in the world.
The tour continues with additional North American dates before heading overseas later this summer. And while the flying car might get a tune-up, Beyoncé’s reputation for putting on unforgettable — and unshakable — performances remains intact.
