'Just trying to up Taylor Swift': Internet divided over Beyonce's country album 'Act II: Renaissance'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Global superstar Beyonce has announced the release of her new album, 'Act II: Renaissance'.

The announcement, which came as a surprise during a Super Bowl ad, has sparked a wave of mixed reactions among fans and critics alike, given the country touch of the two tracks made available.

The 42-year-old singer took to Instagram on Sunday, February 11 to share the news, revealing that the album will be available from March 29.

What is the tracklist of Beyonce's new album 'Act II: Renaissance'?

Accompanying the announcement was a country-style video, hinting that the first song off the record may be titled 'Texas Hold 'Em'.

Following her initial announcement, Beyonce disclosed that the first two tracks from the album, 'Texas Hold 'Em' and '16 Carriages,' are now available.

Her previous album, 'Act I: Renaissance', was released in July 2022.

This revelation came after Beyonce's appearance in a Verizon commercial, where she and Tony Hale attempted to ‘break the internet’ with a series of promotional antics.

The commercial concluded with Beyonce declaring, "Drop the new music!" While no additional details were provided at that moment, Beyonce's subsequent Instagram post addressed all the questions her fans had, as reported by ET.

Earlier this week, when Verizon hinted at Beyonce's participation in their ad, fans began to speculate that she was planning something.

Internet feels Beyonce is 'trying to up Taylor Swift!'

However, the announcement has not been without controversy. Some fans have accused the singer of trying to upstage Taylor Swift, leading to an intense debate on social media.

Despite the mixed reactions, anticipation for the album is high.

A Facebook user commented, "This the kind of artistic freedom I want! Do whatever I like and dont have to worry about any validation except me and what feeds my soul! #beyhaw!"

Another person stated, "I love Country. Do you Queen B! Renaissance part 1 was everything. I can’t wait."

A fan said, "Her talent goes well beyond what we have seen, heard and experienced."

"Well it worked for Ray Charles. If she truly likes country music. I hope it's successful for her," added another.

A user remarked, "I think she’s doing this because the country music academy snubbed her for the Daddy’s Lessons song."

"Really country album how WHy," remarked another.

"She is always following Taylor!" added another.

"Not sure it was a surprise after her outfit lol," suggested another.

"Looking forward to hearing it," a fan wrote.

"She is just trying to up Taylor Swift!!" opined another.

"It won't be her true voice," mentioned another.

A user noted, "Country! She’s trying to appeal to a more white audience now. She wants that album of the year."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.