Beyoncé Expresses Gratitude to the McCartneys for Inspiring ‘Blackbird’

American music icon Beyoncé has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the McCartney family, paying tribute to the influence of Paul McCartney’s legendary Beatles track “Blackbird,” which she reinterpreted on her latest album Cowboy Carter. The touching message comes as she continues her record-breaking international tour, which recently included a series of unforgettable shows in London.

In a post shared on Instagram following her performances at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Beyoncé thanked Paul McCartney for writing what she called “one of the best songs ever made.” Her moving rendition of the 1968 classic appears on Cowboy Carter as “Blackbiird,” and features contributions from four rising Black female country artists: Tiera Kennedy, Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, and Reyna Roberts. Beyoncé emphasized how deeply meaningful the track is to her, writing, “Every time I sing it, I feel so honored.”

But her appreciation didn’t stop with the music. Beyoncé also gave a shoutout to McCartney’s daughter, renowned designer Stella McCartney, who created one of her standout stage outfits. The custom look included a striking white t-shirt emblazoned with two blackbirds, paired with sparkling rhinestone fringe chaps — a stylish nod to the song’s legacy and her own evolving country aesthetic. “It is a full circle moment to wear your beautiful daughter’s design,” Beyoncé added, acknowledging the deeper personal and artistic connections woven into the performance.

Beyoncé Honors Paul and Stella McCartney for ‘Blackbird’ Inspiration in Emotional Tribute

Paul McCartney himself has praised Beyoncé’s cover, calling it a powerful continuation of the song’s original message. In an Instagram post last year, he described her version as “magnificent,” adding that it powerfully reinforces the civil rights themes that inspired the song when it was first written. He encouraged fans around the world to listen to her take on it, noting that it brought new life and perspective to a decades-old anthem of justice and hope.

McCartney originally wrote “Blackbird” during the height of the civil rights movement in the United States, with a specific focus on the bravery of the Little Rock Nine — a group of Black students who, in 1957, were the first to integrate the previously all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. The group’s courage in the face of fierce resistance left a lasting impression on McCartney, who recalled being “shocked” by images of young Black girls being turned away from school by authorities.

In light of that painful history, McCartney has described Beyoncé’s rendition as both timely and moving. “Anything my song and Beyoncé’s fabulous version can do to ease racial tension would be a great thing,” he wrote, adding, “It makes me very proud.”

Beyoncé’s reimagining of “Blackbird” not only breathes fresh life into a beloved classic, but also aligns seamlessly with the overarching themes of Cowboy Carter, her genre-blending album that challenges boundaries in country music and amplifies historically underrepresented voices. By inviting young Black women in country music to join her on the track, she’s using her platform to spotlight emerging talent and make a clear statement about inclusion in a genre where diversity has often been overlooked.

The collaboration between Beyoncé and the McCartneys — one musical and the other sartorial — exemplifies how art can transcend generations and mediums to create meaningful dialogue. Whether through a poignant vocal performance or a symbol-laden stage costume, Beyoncé is intentionally crafting a space where music, fashion, and activism intersect.

Fans have responded with overwhelming appreciation for the way Beyoncé has honored the history of “Blackbird” while reimagining it for modern audiences. Critics, too, have noted that her performance feels less like a cover and more like a continuation — a respectful extension of the song’s message into a new era marked by both progress and ongoing struggles for racial justice.

As the Cowboy Carter tour moves on to Paris and beyond, Beyoncé’s emotional tribute to the McCartney family stands out as a testament to the power of music to connect, heal, and inspire. With “Blackbiird,” she’s not only honoring the past — she’s also shaping the future.