Beyoncé’s halftime performance during the NFL’s Houston Texans-Baltimore Ravens game on Christmas Day wasn’t just a musical interlude; it was a cultural statement. The global superstar delivered a spellbinding 13-minute set, streamed live on Netflix, that transformed the NRG Stadium into a dazzling celebration of country music, Southern culture, and her own towering artistry. Entering the stage on a white horse and clad in a sequined white bodysuit paired with a cowboy hat, Beyoncé began her performance with the hauntingly beautiful “16 Carriages,” a standout from her latest album, Cowboy Carter. The crowd—both in the stadium and across the globe—was immediately captivated, and the show only grew more impressive as it unfolded.
Cowboy Carter, released earlier this year, marks Beyoncé’s first country music album, and her halftime performance was the album’s live debut. The setlist felt like a love letter to the genre’s roots and a bold reimagining of its future. She seamlessly transitioned into her cover of the Beatles’ “Blackbird,” accompanied by rising Black country artists Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts, all of whom collaborated on the album. The symbolism of their presence, standing shoulder to shoulder with Beyoncé, underscored the album’s broader mission to spotlight underrepresented voices in country music.
The performance featured a series of stunning collaborations. Shaboozey joined Beyoncé for their chart-topping duet “Sweet Honey Buckiin’,” while Post Malone brought his signature energy to “Levii’s Jeans,” performed against the backdrop of a denim-clad truck. Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé’s 12-year-old daughter, made a memorable appearance, joining her mother for the exuberant finale, “Texas Hold ’Em.” The pair’s chemistry and Blue Ivy’s growing stage presence added a heartfelt layer to an already monumental performance.
Streamed live on Netflix as part of the platform’s NFL debut, the production for the “Beyoncé Bowl” was nothing short of spectacular. A sea of dancers, musicians, and extras clad in white filled the field, creating a visual feast that rivaled any Super Bowl halftime show. The staging, from Beyoncé’s celestial ascent during the finale to the intricate choreography and dynamic lighting, showcased Netflix’s ability to deliver a live event of this magnitude without the glitches that marred previous attempts. The platform announced that the performance will soon be available as a standalone special, ensuring that fans can relive the magic.
While the football games themselves were largely one-sided—the Ravens trounced the Texans 31-2 and the Chiefs dominated the Steelers 29-10—Beyoncé’s halftime show proved to be the true highlight of the day. Her performance served as both an artistic triumph and a strategic move in the lead-up to the Grammy Awards, where Cowboy Carter is nominated for 11 awards, including Album of the Year. The setlist’s focus on the new album, coupled with its impeccable execution, felt like a bold statement: this is music’s future, and Beyoncé is leading the charge.
The significance of Beyoncé’s Christmas Day performance extends beyond music. It represents a reclaiming of space in a genre that has historically marginalized Black artists. Her presence, along with the inclusion of her collaborators, signaled a broader, more inclusive vision for country music. It was a message of welcome, resilience, and boundless creativity—a perfect reflection of Beyoncé’s enduring legacy.
