Beyoncé lit up Christmas Day with her highly anticipated halftime performance at the NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans, marking her first live showcase of her genre-blending country music album, Cowboy Carter. Performing at NRG Stadium, her hometown venue, the superstar absolutely wowed the audience with spectacular visuals and top-notch musical talent.
Riding onto the stage on a stunning white horse, Beyoncé opened her explosive 13-minute set with the tracks "16 Carriages" and "Blackbird". Clad in dramatic white feathers, cowboy hat, and adorned with sequins, she made quite the statement even before stepping foot on the main stage. This was more than simply another halftime show; it was a grand homecoming for the Houston-born artist, who delighted fans with her signature flair.
After her dazzling entrance and opening numbers, Beyoncé transitioned seamlessly onto the field. She swapped her equestrian outfit for crystal-embellished chaps and continued her captivating performance. Joining her were country stars such as Tanner Addlell, Brittany Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts – all adding to the fervor of the event.
A particularly memorable moment came when the 12-year-old Blue Ivy Carter took the stage alongside her mother, delivering heartfelt synchronicity with dance moves reminiscent of their performances on the recent Renaissance tour. Observers online couldn't help but rave, with one Twitter user exclaiming, "Blue Ivy is eating the girlies up! I'm always so happy to see her perform right next to Beyoncé!" Their mother-daughter duet added emotional depth to the high-energy performance.
Beyoncé featured special guests during her set to extend the festive cheer. US singer Shaboozey joined her for their duet "Sweet Honey Buckiin'" and Post Malone brought some extra star power for the track "Levii's Jeans." The lush setup, complete with large orchestras and dancers, brought the audience right to the heart of the Texas spirit.
Throughout the show, Beyoncé performed several fan-favorite songs from her new album, including her cover of Dolly Parton’s classic "Jolene." The country-themed segment was complemented by her cover of the Beatles' "Blackbird," where the visual spectacle and vocal prowess truly shone.
The performance culminated in the finale of "Texas Hold 'Em," where fans felt the emotional weight of the moment as Beyoncé acknowledged the significance of performing this track for the first time ever on Texas soil. "I am so honoured to be in Texas right now. It is only right for us to do Texas Hold 'Em for the first time in Texas at Christmas," she said during the impressive conclusion.
Fans applauded the Christmas Day performance, calling it "Beyoncé Bowl" as it was streamed live on Netflix. The collaboration showcased how NFL and major entertainment events are blending, demonstrating the power of music and sport to captivate audiences during the holiday season.
While the show itself brought joy, it came amid some controversy surrounding her husband, Jay-Z, facing serious allegations. Despite this backdrop, the couple appeared to stand united, celebrating their daughter Blue Ivy's achievements the same week she made her acting debut in Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King.
Before the performance, Beyoncé humorously addressed Netflix's earlier streaming issues during the Mike Tyson versus Jake Paul boxing match, sharing her own video prep for the performance as Netflix jokingly changed their bio to read: "Roasted by Beyoncé 12.24.24."
Here, not only did Beyoncé showcase her artistry, but she reaffirmed her position as one of the most versatile performers of our time, transforming holiday entertainment with her powerful presence. Her album Cowboy Carter, which has made history this year as the first by a Black woman to top Billboard’s Country Albums chart since its establishment, received acclaim and Grammy nominations, firming her status as music royalty. On this Christmas Day, she reminded fans why she remains at the forefront of the music industry.
