Beyoncé's highly anticipated country album, Act 2: Cowboy Carter, has finally hit the airwaves. The anticipation for the project reached a high point yesterday when she dropped off the tracklist. However, the album showcases a diverse array of features and talent. Released tonight (March 29), the album serves unforgettable journey into the heart of country music, with an impressive lineup of collaborators and an abundance of heartfelt tributes. Miley Cyrus and Post Malone made guest appearances to name a few. Cyrus joins Beyoncé on the track "II Most Wanted," while Malone lends his distinctive vocals to "Levii's Jeans." Additionally, country music legends Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson make appearances on the album, contributing to an interlude alongside Linda Martell, the pioneering black female solo artist who made history at the Grand Ole Opry. In addition, Beyoncé's daughter Rumi Carter joins her for the track "Protector."
Moreover, one of the standout moments on the album is Beyoncé's rendition of Parton's classic hit, "Jolene." Following Parton's interlude, Beyoncé's soulful interpretation of the 1973 track serves as a powerful homage to the country music icon and adds a fresh perspective to the beloved song. The release of Cowboy Carter follows the surprise drop of singles "Texas Hold 'Em" and "16 Carriages" during the Super Bowl, building anticipation for the full album. Serving as the long-awaited Act II of Beyoncé's 2022 project, Renaissance, the album represents a culmination of the singer's exploration into the country genre.
Moreover, Beyoncé' recently revealed that her journey to "Cowboy Carter" began five years ago. Furthermore, this revelation was sparked by an incident at the Country Music Association Awards in 2016. Reflecting on her experience, she shared on social media last week that she felt unwelcome in the country music community at the time. However, this experience inspired her to delve deeper into the genre's rich history, leading to the creation of Cowboy Carter and a newfound appreciation for its musical legacy.
With its diverse lineup of collaborators, heartfelt tributes, and Beyoncé's unmistakable talent, Cowboy Carter is set to leave a lasting impression on the world of country music. As fans immerse themselves in the album's captivating melodies and soul-stirring lyrics, they are sure to discover a newfound appreciation for the genre and Beyoncé's groundbreaking contributions to its evolution. Are you excited to listen to the entire project? Let us know on HNHH which track is your favorite!
Tracklist:
AMERICAN REQUIEM
BLACKBIRD
16 CARRIAGES
PROTECTOR
MY ROSE
SMOKE HOUR WILLIE NELSON
TEXAS HOLD 'EM
BODYGUARD
DOLLY P
JOLENE
DAUGHTER
SPAGHETTI
ALLIGATOR TEARS
SMOKE HOUR II
JUST FOR FUN
II MOST WANTED
LEVII'S JEANS
FLAMENCO
THE LINDA MARTELL SHOW
YA YA
OH LOUISIANA
DESERT EAGLE
RIVERDANCE
II HANDS II HEAVEN
TYRANT
SWEET HONEY BUCKIN'
AMEN
Sharleen Spiteri joined BBC Radio 2’s The Sara Cox Breakfast Show ahead of Texas taking the stage to launch the main live music programme at Radio 2 in the Park in Stirling.
Checking in from rehearsals, the Texas frontwoman spoke about getting ready for the band’s opening performance at City Park. Radio 2’s annual flagship festival takes place there from 11 to 13 September 2026. "I’m match fit because I’ve had a couple of days’ rehearsals," Spiteri said. "We’re kicking the whole weekend off, which we’re very much looking forward to, so everybody’s got to get ready to party."
Before the live acts take over, Friday’s DJ Pre-Party gets the weekend started with Radio 2 favourites Sara Cox, DJ Spoony, Gary Davies, Michelle Visage, and Rylan behind the decks.
Jo Whiley helped set the mood with a special programme from Stirling’s Tolbooth venue. Working with BBC Introducing Scotland, the broadcast put the spotlight on Scotland’s emerging music scene through performances and conversations with Fright Years, Alice Faye, and James Emmanuel.
Fright Years, a four member band from Edinburgh, played "Never Been Wrong" and offered their take on Simple Minds’ "Waterfront." Glasgow singer and songwriter Alice Faye, the BBC Introducing in Scotland 2026 winner, paired "Some Brief Encounter" with a rendition of Lulu’s arrangement of "I Started a Joke." James Emmanuel, who was born in Nigeria and now lives in Edinburgh, sang "Brothers & Sisters" before taking on Chaka Khan’s "I’m Every Woman."
"We’re all about celebrating BBC Introducing and all the music that’s come out of Scotland," Whiley told listeners. "It's about celebrating the local music scene and the incredibly important work that BBC Introducing does to support independent, up-and-coming artists."
Joining the conversation were Stephanie Cheape, presenter of BBC Introducing in Scotland, Tara McLoughlin, venue manager for Stirling Council, and student radio presenters representing the University of Stirling’s Air3 Radio.
Listeners can catch the complete interviews and live performances from the weekend’s programmes on BBC Sounds.
