Beyoncé Turns NFL Christmas Halftime Show into a ‘Cowboy Carter’ Party
Beyoncé took holiday cheer to the next level during the Christmas Day NFL Halftime Show at the Texans-Ravens game in her hometown of Houston, Texas. The superstar celebrated the holiday in grand style, marking her first live performance of songs from her chart-topping 2024 album, “Cowboy Carter.”
From the moment she entered on horseback singing “16 Carriages,” to her surprise collaboration with Post Malone on “Levii’s Jeans,” Beyoncé transformed the field into a “Cowboy Carter” spectacle that left fans and football viewers in awe.
Beyoncé’s Spectacular Entrance
The performance began with Beyoncé riding a majestic white horse onto the field, a nod to the cowboy theme central to her album. Surrounded by a backdrop of classic cars and a full marching band, she transitioned into a soulful rendition of The Beatles’ classic, “Blackbird,” alongside country singers Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts.
The medley of genres highlighted Beyoncé’s versatility and her ability to seamlessly blend country influences with her signature style.
Post Malone’s Surprise Cameo
Adding to the excitement, Post Malone joined Beyoncé for their hit collaboration, “Levii’s Jeans,” thrilling fans with their on-stage chemistry. This followed her duet with country star Shaboozey, further cementing Beyoncé’s foray into the world of country music.
The performance also included standout tracks like “Ya Ya” and “Texas Hold ‘Em,” with her daughter Blue Ivy making a memorable appearance, dancing alongside her mother to the delight of the crowd.
Beyoncé’s History with NFL Halftime Shows
This isn’t Beyoncé’s first time dazzling NFL audiences. She headlined the 2013 Super Bowl in New Orleans and joined Coldplay and Bruno Mars during the 2016 Super Bowl. However, her Christmas Day performance showcased her evolution as an artist, blending holiday cheer with the bold themes of “Cowboy Carter.”
The 2024 album has been a monumental success, earning 11 Grammy nominations and widespread critical acclaim. Beyoncé first teased “Cowboy Carter” during a Super Bowl ad spot earlier this year, building anticipation for this much-anticipated performance.
Netflix’s Role in the Christmas NFL Games
This year’s Christmas Day NFL games were streamed live on Netflix, marking a historic collaboration between the streaming giant and the NFL. Beyoncé teased her halftime performance earlier in the week with a playful video featuring her stopping a rolling football with her heels while strumming a banjo to “Texas Hold ‘Em.”
The video humorously mimicked Netflix’s notorious buffering issues during the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight, ending with Beyoncé’s signature wink and giggle. Netflix assured fans they had optimized their systems for the high viewership anticipated during these games.
Mariah Carey’s Festive Cameo
Beyoncé wasn’t the only music icon to grace the Christmas NFL games. Mariah Carey, dubbed the “Queen of Christmas,” appeared in a pre-recorded performance of her holiday classic, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” Carey’s rooftop performance celebrated the song’s 30th anniversary and added another layer of holiday magic to the event.
