Beyoncé Honors Pamela Anderson’s Iconic Looks in Surprise ‘Bodyguard’ Video From Cowboy Carter
In a surprise move, Beyoncé has paid homage to Pamela Anderson’s most iconic looks in her new music video for “Bodyguard,” a track from her album Cowboy Carter. Released on November 5, the video shows Beyoncé channeling Anderson’s bold, femme fatale aesthetic with nods to her roles in Barb Wire and Baywatch.
Beyoncé appears in a black strapless outfit with black leather boots and mesh gloves, reminiscent of Anderson’s edgy look as the character Barb in Barb Wire. She also captures Anderson’s softer side, recreating her 1999 MTV Video Music Awards ensemble—a white corset, sparkly leggings, and a pink fuzzy hat. But the true highlight is Beyoncé’s take on the famous red Baywatch swimsuit, cleverly dubbed “Beywatch” by fans. Alongside the visuals, Beyoncé uses the video to remind viewers to vote, holding up a red sign that simply says, “Vote!”—a timely message for the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
Pamela Anderson responded to the tribute on social media, playfully referencing her famous Barb Wire line by writing, “Don’t call me Bey,” with a kissing emoji on Instagram. The tribute stirred excitement among fans, many of whom have been hoping for a full visual album for Cowboy Carter and Renaissance. However, Beyoncé has been intentional in her approach, choosing not to release traditional visuals for these albums. In an interview with GQ in September, she explained, “During a time where all we see is visuals, I wanted the world to focus on the voice.” She emphasized that the music’s rich instrumentation and layered history required time to be fully absorbed, without visuals as a distraction.
Reflecting on her creative philosophy, Beyoncé shared, “I create at my own pace, on things that I hope will touch other people. I focus on storytelling, growth, and quality.” She made it clear that she prioritizes innovation and shifting perceptions over perfectionism, allowing herself to release projects only when she feels the inspiration.
Cowboy Carter delves into themes of identity, resilience, and empowerment, with Beyoncé reimagining classic country music in a way that’s distinctly her own. On the track “Jolene,” she offers her own spin on the Dolly Parton hit, singing, “Jolene, I’m a woman too / The games you play are nothing new.” She takes the opportunity to deliver a warning, encouraging “Jolene” to “shoot your shot with someone else.” In an interlude, Dolly Parton’s voice playfully refers to “Becky with the good hair,” bridging references from both the country and pop worlds.
Beyoncé also addresses the critiques she faced after performing at the CMA Awards in 2016, reflecting on how people once said she wasn’t “country enough.” In “Ameriican Requiem,” she tackles these perceptions, singing, “If that ain’t country, tell me, what is? / Plant my bare feet on solid ground for years / They don’t, don’t know how hard I had to fight for this.” These lyrics underscore Beyoncé’s journey and persistence in the face of stereotypes and rejection.
With “Bodyguard” and Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé blends nostalgia with timely messages, bringing her perspective to the country genre while staying true to her voice. The new video is now streaming, offering fans a fresh look into her evolving artistry.
