Mariah Carey, often hailed as the "Queen of Christmas," brought festive cheer to Netflix's NFL doubleheader on Christmas Day. The pop sensation opened the streaming giant's Christmas game day broadcasts with her iconic rendition of "All I Want for Christmas Is You," complete with holiday flair and some whimsical surprises.
The performance, which was pre-recorded, showcased Carey dressed to impress in a bedazzled red outfit as she appeared atop a rooftop adorned with holiday decorations, including fake snow and dazzling Christmas trees. Joining her for this festive celebration were several special guests from the North Pole, including Santa Claus and his merry elves, who danced joyfully around the singer. The segment was enlivened by clips highlighting intense moments from past NFL games, interspersed with shots of families enjoying the broadcast from their homes.
Netflix promoted the event heavily leading up to Christmas Day, with its social media team enthusiastically declaring, "ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A MARIAH CAREY KICKOFF" on X. Mariah Carey initially penned this Christmas classic back when she was just 22, and it has since become synonymous with the holiday season, boasting triple-platinum sales upon its release and remaining popular across the years.
Alongside Carey, the Christmas Day broadcast featured two exciting NFL matchups: the Kansas City Chiefs against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Baltimore Ravens taking on the Houston Texans. Beyoncé was also slated to perform during halftime of the nightcap, adding another layer of star power to the event.
This ambitious broadcasting move marks Netflix's initial foray as it taps the expansive potential of live event programming. The games themselves, produced by CBS Sports, are pivotal for Netflix as they endeavour to capture sports fans and users seeking vibrant holiday entertainment. Executives are eyeing this broadcast to gauge viewer engagement, particularly with sports programming, which they hope can rival traditional networks.
Both matchups are not only exciting contests on the field, but they also test Netflix's mettle as it navigates the world of live sports. Fans, equipped with Netflix subscriptions, were able to seamlessly stream the games live, with options to revisit them for up to three hours post-broadcast. This ease of access was part of Netflix's broader strategy to retain interest and viewer loyalty.
Interestingly, Mariah's performance was only one of many spectacular moments planned for the day. The NFL Christmas Gameday pregame show kicked off several hours earlier, hosted by familiar sports figures like Kay Adams and Drew Brees alongside analysts including Mina Kimes and Robert Griffin III from various studios and stadiums. Comedic talent, including Bert Kreischer and Nate Bargatze, added some lighthearted commentary to the broadcast, promising viewers both analysis and entertainment.
During the Christmas matchups, the Chiefs' game against the Steelers featured performances of the National Anthem by Voices of Service, with Pentatonix warming up the audience for the Ravens versus Texans game. This rich array of pre-game festivities set the backdrop for the much-anticipated games between some of the NFL's heavy hitters.
For Carey, her connection to past NFL games transcends the mere performance, and her influence on holiday music is celebrated annually. "The NFL is live on Netflix, and I’ll be there too,” she teased to fans, encouraging them to tune in for the festive fun. Netflix’s strategy anticipates future expansions within live events, already announcing plans for more live offerings like World Wrestling Entertainment shows and exciting international sports. These plans showcase Netflix's adaptability amid competition to cater to the shifting dynamics of how audiences consume entertainment.
Meanwhile, Beyoncé's halftime feature during the Ravens-Texans game promises to deliver another exciting musical experience, with teasers making light of Netflix's past streaming issues. This playful jibe reflects the heightened anticipation and engagement surrounding the event, indicating just how much viewers have invested emotionally and financially.
The spectacle of holiday cheer combined with high-energy football exemplifies Netflix's daring approach to shaping the future of sports entertainment, perfectly blending music and sports during the festive season. Fans witnessed not only thrilling touchdowns but also heartfelt renditions from iconic performers, leaving them with memories to carry through the holidays.
The Christmas gameday presentation by Netflix marks not just another day of NFL football but orchestrates an experience where music and sports collide, aimed at uniting families and friends around their love for both. The combination of Carey and Beyoncé encapsulates the excitement of the day and adds to the legacy of Christmas celebrations.
