Beyoncé is set to electrify audiences on December 25 during the halftime show of the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens game, which will also be streamed live on Netflix. This event marks the streaming giant's first-ever NFL Christmas Gameday, and there’s palpable excitement surrounding the performance, especially since it will showcase songs from her newly released album, Cowboy Carter.
The news had fans buzzing since Beyoncé announced her return to her hometown of Houston for this performance, last seen at the venue during higher-profile occasions. Bey’s mom, Tina Knowles, has been confidently reassuring fans about the stream’s reliability, saying, “Everything’s going to be good. God is going to be there,” as she addressed concerns stemming from Netflix's previous live-streaming glitches.
Indeed, many have been anticipating how Netflix will handle the expected high viewership, particularly following the widely criticized live-streamed boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, which faced notable streaming problems. Following this, Netflix has promised improvements and is reportedly collaborating with internet service providers to bolster its streaming capabilities.
Beyoncé’s halftime show not only adds excitement to this year’s holiday festivities but also marks her first live performance featuring tracks from her Grammy-nominated Cowboy Carter album, which just received eleven nominations—the most for any female artist this year. The performance is expected to include special guests, highlighting various artists who collaborated on the album, including country music legends.
Fans are eager to see which songs from Cowboy Carter will make it onto the live setlist. The anticipation has been building since the album's announcement during the Super Bowl earlier this year, and media attention has amplified through promotional teasers and previews released by Netflix. A short promotional clip circulating online shows Beyoncé donning red, white, and blue Western attire, harmonizing with “AMERICAN REQUIEM” and catching footballs, infusing the show with festive flair.
The game itself is scheduled for 3:30 PM CST, with Beyoncé expected to grace the stage shortly after halftime. This performance not only cements Beyoncé’s stature as one of the top entertainers but also showcases Netflix’s growing interests and ambitions within live sports broadcasting.
Though the hype is high, doubts linger as to whether Netflix can successfully execute its streaming plans under the weight of substantial viewership, particularly after the substantial turnout seen with the Tyson-Paul matchmaking, which was marred by technical issues. Nonetheless, Tina Knowles remains steadfast in her optimism and faith, deflecting concerns with her humorous confidence as she declares, “God is going to be there.”
The event will be just one of two NFL Christmas games; the other features the Kansas City Chiefs squaring off against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both games will be available not only on Netflix but also through broadcast TV outlets and the NFL app, extending their reach even beyond the streaming platform.
For those interested, tickets for the game are still available, priced from around $201 up to upwards of $2000, depending on seating choices. Tickets can be purchased through various platforms including StubHub and Ticketmaster.
With much at stake and the exciting premise of a live halftime show featuring Beyoncé, the day promises to deliver top-tier entertainment and festive cheer. If you plan to tune in or catch it live, it’s shaping up to be one for the books!
