Beyoncé’s Christmas Day halftime performance during the Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens game was a dazzling spectacle that blended her signature showmanship with a distinct country flair, celebrating her groundbreaking album, Cowboy Carter. The "Christmas Game Day Beyoncé Bowl," as it was dubbed, marked the first live performance of songs from the album since its March release, solidifying Beyoncé’s foray into a new genre while simultaneously reaffirming her status as a global superstar. The electrifying show, broadcast on Netflix, saw Beyoncé command the stage at NRG Stadium in her hometown of Houston, delivering a memorable performance for a global audience.
The halftime show opened with a dramatic entrance. Beyoncé, clad in a luxurious white fur coat and cowboy hat, rode a horse across the field, passing a display of vintage cars, immediately establishing the country theme. This grand entrance set the stage for a dynamic performance that seamlessly transitioned between high-energy choreography and intimate musical moments. The setlist featured a mix of tracks from Cowboy Carter, including "16 Carriages" and "Black Bird," with the latter featuring guest appearances from fellow country artists Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts, all of whom contributed to the album. This collaborative performance highlighted the album’s community spirit and Beyoncé’s embrace of the country music scene.
The energy escalated as Beyoncé launched into "Ya Ya," changing into a shimmering sequined bodysuit, showcasing her versatility and ability to command attention. The performance continued with a captivating rendition of "RIIVERDANCE" alongside Shaboozey, followed by a collaboration with rapper Post Malone for "LEVII’S Jeans," with Malone seated atop a denim-covered truck, adding a unique visual element to the performance. The setlist also included a crowd-pleasing performance of Dolly Parton’s classic "Jolene," further solidifying the country theme of the show. A touching moment came with the performance of "Texas Hold ‘Em," where Beyoncé’s 12-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy, joined the backing dancers, creating a special family moment on the grand stage. Beyoncé emphasized the significance of the moment, declaring, "It’s only right that we do ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ for the first time in Houston, Texas on Christmas," before concluding with a heartfelt "Merry Christmas, God bless y’all."
This Christmas Day performance was not Beyoncé’s first time gracing the NFL stage. She previously headlined the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show in 2013 and returned in 2016 for a joint performance with Coldplay and Bruno Mars at Super Bowl 50. These previous appearances cemented her status as a sought-after performer for major sporting events, capable of captivating massive audiences. The Cowboy Carter halftime show, however, held a unique significance as it represented a departure from her typical pop and R&B repertoire, showcasing her willingness to experiment and push creative boundaries.
The Cowboy Carter album, released in March of the same year, marked a significant milestone in Beyoncé’s career, representing her first venture into the country music genre. The album achieved considerable success, with "Texas Hold ‘Em" becoming the first song by a Black female artist to top the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Furthermore, the album itself reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, making Beyoncé the first Black woman to achieve this feat. These accomplishments underscored the album’s impact and Beyoncé’s ability to transcend genre boundaries, while also highlighting the historical significance of her achievements within the country music landscape.
Despite the album’s commercial success and critical acclaim, it faced resistance within certain segments of the country music community. Some radio stations reportedly ignored listener requests to play songs from the album, and the 2024 Country Music Association Awards failed to nominate Cowboy Carter in any category. This resistance prompted Beyoncé to address the need for greater inclusivity and open-mindedness within the music industry during her acceptance speech for the Innovator Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in April. She challenged record labels, radio stations, and awards shows to embrace artistic innovation without preconceived notions, emphasizing the importance of celebrating diverse artistic expressions. In her speech, she acknowledged the challenges and criticisms faced by innovators, highlighting the importance of perseverance and faith in pursuing one’s artistic vision. She cited influential artists like Tracy Chapman, Prince, Tina Turner, and Michael Jackson as examples of individuals who defied labels and paved the way for future generations of artists. Her message resonated as a call for greater acceptance and recognition of diverse artistic voices within the music industry.
