With whispers of a roaring Rock finale to Beyonce‘s colossal album trilogy reaching a fever pitch, anticipation around the megastar is hitting new heights.

And it is not just the “what” that has fans talking. It is the “when,” too.

The 44-year-old icon takes center stage tonight (May 4) as co-chair of the Met Gala 2026, and the BeyHive is abuzz with theories that the event could double as the launchpad for her ninth solo album era.

Full story below…

The three-act concept was first rumoured when the Houston native announced ‘Renaissance’ in 2022 via Instagram, explicitly framing the project as “Act I” of a three-project arc. That subtle but seismic detail set the tone for a carefully curated trilogy, one that has since seen her explore Dance and Country with cultural precision.

Now, all signs point to Rock.

Central to the voyage has been the diva’s desire to spotlight the pioneering and foundational role Black artists have had in genres that

Indeed, history makes clear that Rock and Roll was born from Black artistry long before it was mainstreamed.

Pioneers like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Little Richard, and Chuck Berry laid the sonic groundwork, only for the genre to later be popularised by artists like Elvis Presley. In many ways, this potential Act III would mark yet another moment of reclamation, following her spotlight on House with ‘Renaissance’ and Country with ‘Cowboy Carter.’

Indeed, the latter project (which finally netted her the coveted GRAMMY for Album of the Year) has only amplified speculation. Tracks like ‘Ya Ya’ leaned into a gritty, guitar-laced soundscape, while the tour visuals were rich with nods to Rock royalty. Indeed, there were homages to Prince’s flamboyant stagecraft, Tina Turner’s ferocity, and Little Richard’s genre-defying swagger.

Suffice it to say, the speculation most definitely feels anchored in more than hyperbole.

With that, That Grape Juice has tallied up nine songs that capture the sonic spirit we would love to hear on Act III.

The Brief

 Anthemic, hard-hitting production. Towering choruses. Gargantuan guitar riffs. All anchored by the unmistakable soul and vocal dynamism that defines her catalog.

Our Picks

En Vogue – Free Your Mind
The gold standard of R&B-Rock crossover. Pulsating, commanding, and all sorts of funky.

Prince – Purple Rain

It doesn’t get much bigger or more brief-defining than this eternal gem.

Tina Turner – What’s Love Got To Do With It
A masterclass in timelessness with a Rock edge that still resonates.

Meat Loaf – I Would Do Anything For Love
Random to some, essential for us. Big, theatrical, and driven by a seismic chorus that demands to be felt.

Seal – Kiss From A Rose
Layered, lyrically stirring, with dramatic flair.

Beyonce – Freakum Dress
Proof she already has Rock-adjacent fire in her arsenal. More of this energy, please.

N.E.R.D. – She Wants To Move
Big, bold, blazing. The perfect musical marriage between Funk and Rock.

Rihanna – Kiss It Better
Sultry, synthy, guitar-led, and effortless.

Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson – Scream
Explosive, urgent, and sonically daring.

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Honorable Mention

Kings of Leon – Sex on Fire
Raw, anthemic, and stadium-ready. Queen Bey has already covered this, but we’d lap up more.

Wishlist: Producers, Features, Contributors, Samples

Lenny Kravitz, Pharrell, Slash, Bruno Mars, Sheila E., Jeff Bhasker, Ryan Tedder, Andre 3000, Stevie Nicks, Tame Impala, Tracy Chapman, Jimi Hendrix, Brittany Howard.

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As of writing, there has been no official confirmation about Act III. But if the clues are anything to go by, the final chapter of this trilogy could be her boldest and most blazing yet. We’re ready for Bey to bring the heat!

Your thoughts?

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