Beyoncé fans may need to slow their countdown after fresh rumors about her long-awaited next album were publicly denied.
Online speculation took off this week after a viral post claimed the superstar’s rumored “Act III” era would launch at the 2026 Met Gala, followed by an album announcement and a lead single next month. The same post also alleged the project was already finished and included two major guest appearances.
That talk quickly reached Beyoncé’s longtime publicist, Yvette Noel-Schure, who wasted no time shutting it down. Responding directly to the claims, she wrote, “This is unequivocally false!!” She did not offer any additional details about Beyoncé’s upcoming plans.
Even with the denial, excitement remains high around the final chapter of the trilogy Beyoncé began in 2022 with “Renaissance.” That album celebrated Black dance music traditions and became one of the most talked-about releases of the decade. She followed it in 2024 with “Cowboy Carter,” a country and Americana-inspired project that expanded her sound once again.
Now, fans are still trying to guess where she could go next. One of the loudest theories is that Beyoncé may step into rock music for the third installment. Speculation intensified after Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams was asked during a recent concert if she would appear on the album.
“If I’m on Act III? What do you want me to do if I am?” Williams told the crowd. “Girl, I don’t know if I am or not. … If I could tell anyone, it would be you right now. I just don’t have that answer. You might know before I do.”
Beyoncé is still confirmed as a co-chair for this year’s Met Gala, which marks her first appearance at the event in a decade. Even without an album reveal, all eyes will still be on her.
