A man who stole unreleased music by global superstar Beyoncé after breaking into a vehicle belonging to members of her tour team has been sentenced to prison in the United States.
Kelvin Evans, 41, was sentenced to two years behind bars after pleading guilty to charges including entering an automobile and criminal trespass. In addition to his prison term, the court ordered that he serve three years of probation following his release.
The theft took place in July 2025 in Atlanta, just days before Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour stop in the city. Authorities said Evans broke into a rented Jeep Wagoneer used by Beyoncé’s choreographer, Christopher Grant, and dancer, Diandre Blue, while the pair were away from the vehicle.
When they returned, they found the rear window smashed and two suitcases missing. Inside were hard drives and jump drives containing highly sensitive material, including unreleased songs, watermarked recordings, show footage, tour plans, and past and future set lists. Personal belongings such as laptops, clothing, designer sunglasses, and Apple AirPods Max were also stolen.
Investigators later used Apple’s “Find My” tracking technology linked to the stolen AirPods and laptops to help trace Evans. Surveillance footage reportedly showed a red Hyundai arriving at the scene and later pulling into an apartment complex where Evans was allegedly seen handling the stolen luggage. He was arrested several weeks later after police linked him to the break-in.
Although Evans has now been sentenced, authorities say the stolen hard drives and other missing items have still not been recovered, raising ongoing concerns about the security of Beyoncé’s unreleased material. However, there has been no indication that any of the music has leaked online.
The case drew significant attention due to Beyoncé’s carefully guarded approach to releasing new music. The singer, known for surprise album drops and strict confidentiality around her projects, had been preparing for her Cowboy Carter performances when the theft occurred.
Court records indicate Evans initially pleaded not guilty and rejected an earlier plea agreement before ultimately changing his plea as jury selection began this week. Prosecutors described him as a repeat offender with a history of theft-related crimes.
His lawyer told the court that Evans was hoping for “a future where he can make money legitimately and be part of society.”
Despite the security breach, Beyoncé continued her successful tour, which has become one of the highest-grossing tours of her career. Fans have expressed relief that none of the stolen music appears to have surfaced publicly.
The incident highlights the increasing risks artists and entertainment teams face in protecting unreleased creative material, particularly during major international tours where sensitive files are often transported between venues.
