Photo Story Of How Blue Ivy Prepared to To Slay The Cowboy Carter Stage

From Beyoncé’s 2011 pregnancy reveal all the way to the performing in arenas, Blue Ivy was bound to be an icon.

If there’s any one celebrity kid we’re all rooting for, it’s Blue Ivy Carter! The oldest daughter of Beyoncé and Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter has been a star all her life, but in recent years, Blue Ivy stepped into the spotlight and onto the big stage, making a name for herself and showing off her moves.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Walter Davis On Building a Black-Owned Bank From Zero to $2 billion

After touring and performing at stadiums with her mother for the “Renaissance World Tour,” Blue Ivy is back for more on the “Cowboy Carter Tour.” And this time, she’s showing out! To celebrate just how far the 13-year-old has come from when we watched Beyoncé reveal her pregnancy in 2011, here’s the story of how Blue Ivy Carter became a dancing star.

Beyoncé at the 2011 VMAs

In order to tell the story, we have to start with the moment the world found out about Beyoncé’s pregnancy. Dressed in a glittery tuxedo, the Texas superstar performed “Love on Top,” and literally dropped the mic before revealing she and her husband were pregnant with their first born. Beyoncé went on to perform several more times as her due date approached, and that’s probably how Blue got all her moves.

Blue Ivy in Rehearsals With Beyoncé

@popniche

Adorable moment of blue interrupting her mamas performance #beyonce #fyp #beyhive #backstage #rehearsal

♬ original sound – Pop niche

When Blue was as young as two years old, she was spotted helping Jay and Bey rehearse. Most notably, ahead of the couple’s 2014 Grammy performance of “Drunk in Love,” Blue could be heard singing along to the lyrics while watching her mom practice.

‘Brown Skin Girl’

We first got a glimpse of Blue Ivy’s stardom on the Grammy Award winning song, “Brown Skin Girl,” in 2020. Blue was featured on the track and in the music video.

Performing in Dubai

What better way to perform your award winning song than at an exclusive performance in Dubai with you own mother??

Watching Blue Ivy Grow

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Winter

Throughout her early childhood, Blue Ivy stayed mostly away from the spotlight… but obviously, she had bigger and better dreams for herself.

The Story Behind Blue Ivy at the ‘Renaissance’ Tour

Photo: Getty Images Ezra Shaw

According to Beyoncé, it was Blue who told her mom she wanted to perform. Bey was hesitant at first, saying “Blue told me she was ready to perform, and I told her no.” She continued saying “I did not think it was an appropriate place for an 11-year-old on a stadium stage.” Eventually, the mother and daughter made a deal: “If you practice and you show your commitment, I’ll let you do one show,” the singer said.

Blue Ivy Joins for the ‘Renaissance’ Tour

Screenshot: Instagram

In 2023, Blue Ivy officially hit the stage at the Paris stop of the “Renaissance World Tour.” The crowd went wild as the then-11-year-old showed off her moves during the “Power” dance break.

Haters Gon’ Hate

Following Blue’s debut, the reviews were mixed. While many folks were proud of her for performing on one of the biggest stages in Europe, others had a lot of criticism for her dance skills. @Lumiiii2028 wrote on X saying “So stiff. Shaped like her dad… Please stop lying to this child.” Another user, @sisibah4, tweeted “i’m sorry no disrespect but she’s so boring.”

Getting Better

Blue didn’t let the haters get to her. Instead, she kept practicing and performing as the tour went on. If you look close enough, you can tell when Blue became more confident on stage.

Blue Ivy and Amari Marshall

As the shows went on, Blue got better and better. Here, you can see Beyoncé’s dance captain, Amari Marshall, in close proximity to Blue. According to Bey herself, she trusts Marshall with watching over her daughter.

The Final Night

By the final night of “Renaissance,” Blue Ivy was a certified star.

World Premiere Of Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King

Photo: Getty Images Jesse Grant

Blue Ivy wasn’t just trying her hand at dancing. She was also getting into her acting bag with Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” in 2024. In the film, she voiced Kiara.

Beyoncé Bowl

Even though the “Renaissance Tour” was over, that didn’t mean Blue Ivy was! She joined Beyoncé during the 2024 Christmas NFL halftime show.

Night 1 of ‘Cowboy Carter Tour’

It looks like fans can expect to see Blue Ivy perform throughout the “Cowboy Carter Tour.” She helped kicked off the summer tour in Los Angeles. Not only did she steal the shine during “America Has a Problem,” but Miss Carter also held her own during a dance break for “Deju Vu,” one of Beyoncé’s earliest hits.

Blue Ivy, Rumi Carter and Beyoncé

Photo: Mason Poole

Rumi Carter also hit the stage alongside her older sister and mother to perform “Protector” off the “Cowboy Carter” album.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Exclusive: Rev. Al Sharpton, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

Exclusive: Rev. Al Sharpton, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

The Root Exclusive Series: Black History Month was established 100 years ago, in February 1926. To commemorate this momentous occasion, 100 Black thought leaders and creators share their collective wisdom and insight for the culture in this ongoing series …
All of the Times US Presidents Were Openly Racist Against Black Folks

All of the Times US Presidents Were Openly Racist Against Black Folks

We’re looking at times that United States presidents have been racist towards Black people …
Nick Cannon Makes Shocking Claim About Bible’s ‘Tales’ and the Internet Has Some Thoughts

Nick Cannon Makes Shocking Claim About Bible’s ‘Tales’ and the Internet Has Some Thoughts

It’s never a dull day when you have Nick Cannon letting off his latest controversial take. This time it’s about the Bible. Let’s get into it! …
New Development in Influencer Ashlee Jenae's Mysterious Death on Vacation

New Development in Influencer Ashlee Jenae’s Mysterious Death on Vacation

New details have emerged about influencer Ashlee Jenae’s death in Tanzania …
The Untold Story Flau'jae Johnson, The WNBA Star Who Rose From Tragedy to Triumph

The Untold Story Flau’jae Johnson, The WNBA Star Who Rose From Tragedy to Triumph

You might recognize Flau’jae Johnson as a star player for LSU basketball or from “The Rap Game,” but how well do you really know the 8th overall WNBA draft pick? …
You'll Never Guess Who Joe Biden Reportedly Wanted as His Vice President Instead of Kamala Harris

You’ll Never Guess Who Joe Biden Reportedly Wanted as His Vice President Instead of Kamala Harris

Before naming Kamala Harris as his running mate back in 2020, Joe Biden reportedly had another woman in mind …
Why ‘Michael’ Star Jaafar Jackson’s Special Visit to the King of Pop’s Hometown Had Fans in Tears

Why ‘Michael’ Star Jaafar Jackson’s Special Visit to the King of Pop’s Hometown Had Fans in Tears

Jaafar Jackson, who’s set to portray his ‘King of Pop’ uncle in the new Michael Jackson movie, recently visited Gary, IN. And you’ve got to see what happened next! …
Everything You Need to Know About the U.S. Military's Plans to Automatically Enroll Young Men in the Draft This Year

Everything You Need to Know About the U.S. Military’s Plans to Automatically Enroll Young Men in the Draft This Year

Starting this year, the U.S. government is officially flipping the switch on Automatic Draft Registration. Here’s everything you need to know …
Jackie Robinson Broke the Color Line, Professional Baseball Rebuilt It

Jackie Robinson Broke the Color Line, Professional Baseball Rebuilt It

Today, Major League Baseball will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day, but it ignores the system pushing Black players out of the game …
Photo: Getty Images Addis Wechsler Pictures

11 Reasons Love Jones Is a Romance for The Ages

The 1997 romantic comedy still gives fans the feels nearly three decades later, but star Nia Long says the film was a box office flop …
Exclusive: Raphael Warnock Breaks Down the Real Problem with Trump's Version of 'Christianity'

Exclusive: Raphael Warnock Breaks Down the Real Problem with Trump’s Version of ‘Christianity’

“In Donald Trump’s White House, Jesus is a victim of identity theft,” Sen. Raphael Warnock told The Root in an exclusive interview …
Hispanic Woman Now Suing After She Was Denied Benefits Meant for Black Moms in California

Hispanic Woman Now Suing After She Was Denied Benefits Meant for Black Moms in California

A non-Black woman is suing because she wasn’t allowed benefits from a program specifically designed to help Black mothers in California …
All About The Pope's Black, Creole Roots

All About The Pope’s Black, Creole Roots

While President Trump is in a one-sided war of words with the head of the Catholic church, we’re taking a closer look at the Chicago-born pope’s background …
Nia Long’s Brutally Honest Take on Dating After Divorce Has Fans Loving Her Even More

Nia Long’s Brutally Honest Take on Dating After Divorce Has Fans Loving Her Even More

Nia Long is making it clear she’s putting herself first and that she’s only dealing with a certain type of man when it comes to dating. And the internet is loving it! …
Former Michigan Football Coach Sherron Moore Sentenced After Scandal That Rocked the Sport

Former Michigan Football Coach Sherron Moore Sentenced After Scandal That Rocked the Sport

The 40-year-old was sentenced to 18 months’ probation and fined $1,000 on April 14 after being fired for having a relationship with his former staff member …
Black Clergy React to Trump's Photo Portraying Himself as Jesus

Black Clergy React to Trump’s Photo Portraying Himself as Jesus

Following a social media post by the president depicted himself as Jesus, prominent Black faith leaders voice their outrage …
This TikTok Star's Terrifying Health Scare is a Reminder to Take Care of Our Bodies

This TikTok Star’s Terrifying Health Scare is a Reminder to Take Care of Our Bodies

TikTok star PinkyDoll is sharing yet another unfortunate piece of news about her health. But her message is one that younger folks need to hear …
'TODAY Show' Host Sheinelle Jones Cries Tears Of Joy After Surprise Visit From Special Guests

‘TODAY Show’ Host Sheinelle Jones Cries Tears Of Joy After Surprise Visit From Special Guests

Mother’s Day came early for Sheinelle Jones when her book promotion turned into tears of joy …
The Ultimate Guide to Drummer Travis Barker’s Best Hip-Hop Collabs

The Ultimate Guide to Drummer Travis Barker’s Best Hip-Hop Collabs

After the rocker’s surprise performance with Clipse onstage at Coachella, we’re looking at some of his greatest hip-hop collabs of all time! …
Why Phaedra Parks' 'Men Don't Like Smart Women' Myth Is Nonsense

Why Phaedra Parks’ ‘Men Don’t Like Smart Women’ Myth Is Nonsense

The ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ alum is mistaking personal frustration for universal truth …