That Time Beyonce’ Stole the Super Bowl, Without Even Setting Foot on the Field

Viral Verizon Commercial, Texas Hold 'Em and 16 Carriages Review

On Sunday morning, February 11th, 2024, I did what lots of people across the nation were doing: I searched for a streaming service that was offering a free one-week trial just so I could catch the Super Bowl and, of course, the highly anticipated halftime show.

I expected the three-time Champion Kansas City Chiefs to win, and I expected Usher to put on the greatest Super Bowl Halftime show we have seen in years, especially after the legendary Vegas residency he recently completed. 

I even expected the frequent crowd footage of Taylor Swift, as the ‘Taylor Swift Effect' has been a concern of many fans during the entire NFL season.

But what I did not expect was for Beyonce to drop a Super Bowl commercial, immediately after Usher's performance, discussing various ways of ‘breaking the internet’ and ending by announcing that new music was coming soon. And then to drop a 2 pack, including ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ and ‘16 Carriages,’ and redirect the entire Beyhive to Tidal, and YouTube to listen to her new releases from Act 2 of the 3 Part Renaissance album. 

Though little information is known about the details of Act 2, fans assume that this will be a Country music-themed album. This is not Beyonce’s first rodeo experimenting with Country Music, because she released Daddy Lessons on Lemonade in 2016, and was well received among fans even though the record stood out as the only Country music record on that project. 

This news comes one week after, Beyonce was overlooked again for Album of the Year Nomination and Award at the 66th Annual Grammy Award Ceremony. Her husband, Jay Z, received the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award and during his speech said "We love y'all. We want y'all to get it right…I don't want to embarrass this young lady, but she has more Grammys than anyone and never won Album of the Year. So even by your own metrics, that doesn't work."

Notably, Beyonce has won more Grammys than any other artist (32), but has never won Album Of The Year, and no African American woman has received the Album of the Year Award in over 25 years. 

During Black History Month, it was a powerful statement for Jay Z to use his platform to promote his Black wife and Black art at an award show that has historically snubbed Black artists and Black art forms. 

One week later, Beyonce’ using her Super Bowl commercial to redirect fans to her newly released music, during the most watched and important athletic event in America, during Black History Month, was also a powerful statement. 

When I learned that the 2 pack was being released via the X social media platform, I immediately muted the game at the start of the 3rd quarter and turned my attention to my Tidal app to listen to the songs and marinate on the lyrics.

‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ is an upbeat Country anthem, and ‘16 Carriages’ brings more of a rich, soulful edge. 

On ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ the Houston native, sings ‘This ain't Texas, Ain’t no hold ‘em, So lay your cards down, down, down.’  Before you know it, there'll be a line dance craze, with a hashtag to match, and it'll be everywhere.

‘At fifteen, the innocence was gone astray. Had to take care of home at an early age, I saw Mama cryin’, I saw Daddy lyin’. Had to sacrifice and leave my fears behind.’-16 Carriages

The transparency and vulnerability in the lyrics are palpable, as she details the challenges of rising to fame in adolescence, time spent away from family, and sacrifices made on the road to success along the way.

‘It's been 38 summers, and I'm not in my bed, On the back of the bus and a bunk with a band, Goin' so hard, now I miss my kids, Overworked and overwhelmed.’-16 Carriages

The artist shares that her jam-packed tour itinerary still cuts into precious moments with her kids, proving some work-life balance struggles aren't over just yet.

The remainder of the second act is expected to be released on March 29, 2024, but February 11, 2024, will go down in American history as the day Beyoncé effortlessly broke the internet during the Super Bowl. And when she finally wins the Album of The Year Award (Manifesting) at the 67th Grammy Awards next year, for her Country Music Album, no one will be surprised.

Easy Listening, The Urban Music Enthusiast.