Fans of both the NFL and music have something special to look forward to this Christmas Day, as the celebrated superstar Beyoncé is slated to perform during the halftime show of the highly anticipated game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans. The performance will kick off at NRG Stadium, located in her hometown of Houston, Texas, on December 25, 2024, during the second match of the holiday doubleheader, which is set to begin at 4:30 p.m. ET.
The halftime show will be streamed live on Netflix, marking the first time Beyoncé will publicly perform songs from her record-breaking country album, Cowboy Carter. Since its release earlier this year, the album has shattered expectations, earning accolades for becoming the most-streamed album within a single day and for also being the highest debut for any country album released by a Black woman on Spotify.
Beyoncé, who has amassed 29 Grammy Awards over her career, will showcase her new music to viewers and attendees alike, as she celebrates her roots with this latest project. Collaborators from the album such as country legends like Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, and Post Malone are rumored to make appearances during the show, adding to the already high-profile event.
The game itself has fans buzzing, but many may tune in solely to witness Beyoncé's long-awaited live performance. The annual holiday matchup is always filled with excitement and spirit, but this year, the added element of such a significant musical act promises to amplify the festive atmosphere. With past performances, Beyoncé has set the bar high, having previously headlined the Super Bowl halftime show back in 2013, where she performed alongside Destiny’s Child, creating unforgettable moments.
While sports fans are gearing up for the competitive nature of the game, comments made by Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson reveal just how much of an impact the show is expected to have. "First time seeing Beyoncé perform, and it's at our game – that's dope. I'm going to go out and watch,” Jackson said excitedly, sharing his enthusiasm for the event.
Though it remains uncertain exactly which songs will be performed, there are speculations surrounding several tracks from Cowboy Carter, particularly “Texas Hold Em,” which has earned her the distinction of being the first Black woman to top Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. Other potential highlights include “Ameriican Requiem,” the opening track of her latest album. The buzz around who might join her on stage also creates anticipation; fans are eager to see whether she will perform with anyone from her impressive roster of collaborators.
While floodlights illuminate the stadium, viewers will also be able to catch the traditional pre-taped Christmas performance by Mariah Carey, featuring her classic holiday hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” prior to the start of the first game. A cappella group Pentatonix will sing the national anthem at the second game's kickoff. That said, all eyes will be on Beyoncé as she captures the audience's attention during the lengthy halftime show, which is expected to extend beyond the standard 12 minutes.
NFL Executive Vice President of Media Distribution, Hans Schroeder, expressed his optimism about Netflix's arrangements and technology, offering reassurance following previous streaming mishaps. “I think there were some bumps, certainly, with Netflix, but everything we’ve seen, we think their plan, the work we’re doing alongside them, we’re incredibly confident in,” said Schroeder, indicating their preparations to provide smooth coverage of the event.
Having recently starred at rallies, Beyoncé’s performance for such high-stakes events speaks volumes about the blend of entertainment and sports, especially during the holidays when fans tend to gather and celebrate together. While it's Miami's famous annual New Year’s Eve concert series and various summertime festivals are commencement centers for live music, Christmas Day sees Beyoncé elevates the NFL’s event with the cultural weight of her persona.
For fans wishing to witness the action live, the game, along with Beyoncé’s halftime performance, can be viewed through streaming on Netflix, with local broadcasts available on CBS for those living within the cities of the competing teams. Outside the U.S., international viewers will have access for 24 hours following the live performance, ensuring her set can be revisited. With the momentum building as Christmas approaches, anticipation for Beyoncé's performance has reached fever pitch. This unprecedented intertwining of sports and music promises to make this Christmas Day memorable for fans across the nation.
