Beyoncé may be known for flawless performances, but even the Queen Bey isn't immune to technical mishaps.
As The Blast reported, during a recent show in her hometown of Houston, Texas, the "Cowboy Carter" star experienced a terrifying moment when the red convertible she uses to soar above the crowd began to dangerously tilt mid-air.
The incident occurred during her performance of "16 Carriages" at NRG Stadium, when the flying car prop, designed to give Beyoncé an up-close view of her fans, unexpectedly shifted, placing her in a precarious position above the audience.
Beyoncé Survives Onstage Scare After Flying Car Tilts Mid-Performance
@stillunjadeddd Now why would the car malfunction mid air? So glad she got down safely! #fyp #stillunjadeddd #houstoninfluencer #cowboycarter #cowboycartertour #beyonceknowles #beyonceknowles #beyonce #blueivy #parkwoodentertainment #parkwoodentertainment ♬ original sound - stillunjadeddd
Beyoncé quickly realized something was wrong and calmly addressed her crew.
"Stop, stop, stop, stop," she said firmly as the vehicle wobbled overhead, prompting gasps from the crowd. The superstar remained poised throughout the ordeal and was safely lowered back to the main stage.
In a statement released by her company, Parkwood Entertainment, the team confirmed the near-accident:
“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.”
Despite the scare, Beyoncé continued her set without missing a beat, earning cheers and admiration for her professionalism. She later thanked her audience with a heartfelt message, "If ever I fall, I know y'all will catch me."
A Risky Replacement?
SHE REPLACED THE CADILLAC WITH A HORSE FOR 16 CARRIAGES 😭 pic.twitter.com/2SzYou2a5L
— THUGGA (@THUGGABEY) July 11, 2025
After Beyoncé's team swapped out the tilting flying car for a new horse-themed prop, fan reactions were swift and divided, lighting up social media with both awe and concern. Some viewers questioned the logic and safety of the new choice, especially in the wake of the concert mishap.
"Was that necessary?" one user asked bluntly.
"I'm crying because this seems even more dangerous than the car," another wrote, echoing the sentiments of many who feared the horse posed new risks.
"Not sure whether I should be nervous or in awe," added a fan caught between admiration and anxiety.
"How is this safer than a car?" one commenter questioned, summing up the confusion that echoed across X.
Fans React To Beyoncé's Flying Horse Stunt
Beyoncé performing 16 CARRIAGES on a flying golden horse in Atlanta tonight#CowboyCarterTour pic.twitter.com/uhJAfVQ6Mh
— COWBOY CARTER Updates 𐚁 ☆▷ (@B7Album) July 11, 2025
Others weren't impressed by the creative pivot.
"Gross," wrote one viewer.
"…and it was a sickening decision," said another, using the slang term often associated with something extreme or over-the-top, though it wasn't clear whether they meant that as a compliment or criticism.
Backlash Over Controversial Shirt Adds Fuel to the Fire
Days before Beyoncé's team scrambled to address the flying car incident, a separate controversy brewed overseas.
During the Paris stop of her "Cowboy Carter" tour, the singer sparked backlash for wearing a shirt depicting the Buffalo Soldiers, a group of African American soldiers with a complex and controversial legacy.
At first glance, the shirt appeared to honor a forgotten chapter of Black military history. But as images circulated online, fans began scrutinizing the back of the garment, which included a passage referring to Native Americans and others as "enemies of peace, order, and settlement."
"Their antagonists were the enemies of peace, order, and settlement: warring Indians, bandits, cattle thieves, murderous gunmen, bootleggers, trespassers, and Mexican revolutionaries," the excerpt read, according to a screenshot shared by ONTD.
The quote, taken from historical writings often criticized for glorifying colonial violence, struck a nerve with Beyoncé's progressive fanbase. Many took to social media, calling the shirt "offensive," "insensitive," and "deeply disappointing."
Beyoncé Makes History In Paris Amid Ongoing Controversies
While facing backlash for a controversial wardrobe choice, Beyoncé simultaneously reached new professional heights during her "Cowboy Carter" world tour. The 43-year-old superstar recently wrapped a stunning three-night run at Paris' Stade de France and broke records in the process.
According to a statement released by Live Nation and shared by Beyoncé's longtime publicist, Yvette Noel-Schure, the Paris stop grossed over $39.7 million across the June 19, 21, and 22 shows, making it the highest-grossing set of concerts ever held at the iconic venue.
That wasn't all. With over 215,000 tickets sold, Beyoncé also became Stade de France's top-selling female artist of all time.