Sabrina Carpenter's second album, "Evolution," marked a new musical direction for the American singer when it was released on October 14, 2016. Steering away from the folk-pop and teen pop of her debut, the new album offered a dance-pop vibe. It was received warmly by critics and performed well commercially, debuting at number 28 on the US Billboard 200 and selling 11,500 copies in its first week. The album featured the lead single "On Purpose," which came out on July 29, 2016. As anticipation built, two more songs, "All We Have Is Love" and "Run and Hide," were released as promotional singles. The song "Thumbs" emerged as the album's second and final single on January 3, 2017, securing a solid performance on US charts by topping the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. To promote "Evolution," Carpenter went on to perform at several events and appeared on various platforms. Her efforts included headlining her first concert tour, the "Evolution Tour," in the fall and launching "The De-Tour" during the following summer, during which she performed across America and Canada with special guests Alex Aiono and New Hope Club.

Beyoncé, an American singer-songwriter recognized for her influential presence in the music and entertainment industry, began gaining prominence in the late 1990s as part of Destiny's Child. Going solo in 2003, she has transcended the bounds of music, contributing to various art forms, which has made her a central subject in scholarly discussions of cultural impact. Critics laud her for her innovative art, dynamic performance style, and exceptional vocal prowess, often acknowledging her as one of the most outstanding performers of her era. Her legacy stretches over multiple decades, positioning her as a dominant force in pop culture throughout the 2000s and 2010s. Some have gone as far as declaring her the most significant popular musician of the 21st century. Beyoncé is often hailed for empowering African American female musicians, promoting Black culture within the mainstream, rejuvenating the concept of the visual album, introducing the trend of the surprise release, and championing the representation of women in music. Throughout her career, Beyoncé has navigated the evolving landscape of the music industry gracefully, using her platform and artistic expressions to challenge and discuss societal issues such as feminism, sexism, racism, LGBT rights, and female empowerment. Her work and influence have provoked mixed reactions in sociocultural spheres, drawing criticism from various groups including family organizations, conservative circles, feminists, and religious entities, sometimes leading to boycotts, censorship, and protests. In a testament to her immense popularity, media frequently employ Beyoncé’s name as an adjective or noun, symbolizing her exceptional status and impact in the industry. Jody Rosen, a music critic, has particularly singled out Beyoncé's vocal abilities, referring to her voice as a uniquely compelling musical instrument. Her vocal talent is often regarded as the highlight of Destiny's Child and a defining feature of her solo artistry.

Madonna's Rebel Heart Tour, launched to promote her 13th album of the same name, covered an impressive global expanse with 82 performances. Starting in Montreal, Canada on September 9, 2015, and wrapping up on March 20, 2016, in Sydney, Australia, the tour marked a series of firsts for the iconic pop star. For the first time, she performed in Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau, the Philippines, Singapore, and New Zealand, while returning to Australia and Puerto Rico after a lengthy absence. The tour's creation was an intensive process, entailing lengthy rehearsals spanning 10-12 hours each day. Madonna recruited a team of leading directors, producers, designers, and choreographers to bring her vision to life—a blend of influences ranging from Cirque du Soleil performances to epic historical and classic films, like "300" and "Grease". Underpinning this creative collaboration was Jamie King as the creative director, backed by choreographers Megan Lawson and Jason Yong. Sartorially, the tour dazzled with contributions from major fashion houses such as Moschino, Prada, Miu Miu, and Gucci, with sparkling touches from Swarovski. The stage itself was a spectacular sight—an elevated, cross-shaped expanse that culminated in a heart, echoing the tour's central themes of love and romance. These themes were carried through four distinct segments in the show, named Joan of Arc/Samurai, Rockabilly Meets Tokyo, Latin/Gypsy, and Party/Flapper, each introducing different stylistic elements. While the tour wasn't without its moments of controversy, critical reception leaned towards the positive. The set list comprised over 20 songs, a mix of past hits and selections from Rebel Heart, showcasing Madonna's spanning career while promoting her latest work.