Christmas Day Halftime Review: Beyoncé’s Stunning ‘Cowboy Carter’ Show

“Beyoncé Declares ‘Texas Hold ’Em’ Performance a Christmas Delight in Texas!” This was the exciting proclamation made by Beyoncé during her exhilarating halftime show performance at the Houston Texans versus Baltimore Ravens game on Christmas Day. This unique showcase was a celebration of her album Cowboy Carter, which fans had eagerly anticipated for months. The performance not only mesmerized the audience present but also captivated viewers around the globe, marking a significant moment in the intersection of music and sports.

During a spectacular Christmas Day NFL game presented on Netflix, Beyoncé was gloriously introduced as a “hometown hero” ahead of the much-anticipated ‘Beyoncé Bowl.’ This extended performance was not just a typical halftime show; it was a vibrant celebration of her latest album, Cowboy Carter. The live debut of several tracks from the album created a unique atmosphere that transcended the usual confines of a sports event. Fans worldwide tuned in, creating a tremendous buzz across social media platforms, making it a must-watch event for both music enthusiasts and sports fans alike.

Beyoncé made a striking entrance, introducing an all-white western aesthetic that set the tone for her entire performance. Arriving on a majestic white horse from backstage, she performed “16 Carriages,” captivating the audience as she made her way to the field at NRG Stadium, her golden curls framing her face beautifully. Following this dazzling introduction, she seamlessly transitioned into her soulful rendition of “Blackbiird.” Accompanied by a talented ensemble of band members and backup singers, she was joined on stage by her four co-singers: Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts, creating a stunning visual and auditory experience.

Once she arrived on stage, Beyoncé launched into an electrifying rendition of the album highlight “Ya Ya.” The performance was further energized by a dynamic marching band that filled the atmosphere with excitement as she gracefully sashayed across the field and into the end zone. The quieter moments of the set quickly transformed into a vibrant spectacle with dozens of dancers and musicians joining her. She then performed her 2023 single “My House” live for the very first time, followed by a pair of standout tracks from Cowboy Carter: “Riiverdance” and “Sweet ★ Honey ★ Buckiin’.” The latter track featured a triumphant guest appearance by Shaboozey, who had recently tied the all-time Hot 100 record with his own single “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”

As the performance continued, the tempo shifted, and Beyoncé struck a pose in front of a classic pickup truck, seamlessly transitioning into “Levii’s Jeans.” In a delightful twist, Post Malone awaited her in the bed of the truck, clad in a diamond-encrusted white jacket and stylish jeans. Their heartfelt duet marked the first live performance of the song together, with both stars radiating joy as they shared this magical moment on stage.

After delivering an emotional rendition of her cover of “Jolene” while cruising down the field in a convertible, Beyoncé transitioned into her chart-topping hit from Cowboy Carter, “Texas Hold’ Em.” In a heartwarming moment, her daughter, Blue Ivy, joined her on stage, dancing joyfully by her side. “Now I need all my cowboys to the dance floor!” Beyoncé exclaimed, inviting everyone to join in the celebration. The performance culminated with her ascending to the roof of the stadium, finishing the show mid-air on a small white platform, surrounded by the ecstatic applause of the hometown crowd.

This remarkable performance was the first live showcase of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album, which had been released earlier in March, quickly soaring to the top of the Billboard 200 chart by April. The album also earned her yet another Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. While Beyoncé spent much of 2023 on the road promoting her 2022 album Renaissance, she has yet to embark on a tour for Cowboy Carter. However, following her electrifying performance, she hinted at an exciting announcement scheduled for January 14, 2025, leaving fans buzzing with anticipation.

Netflix’s Christmas Day games represent a groundbreaking shift in sports broadcasting, marking the start of a holiday tradition that is set to continue through at least 2026. Beyoncé’s involvement in the NFL halftime show is not new; she has a rich history with major halftime performances, having headlined Super Bowl XLVII in 2013 in New Orleans alongside Destiny’s Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. She also made a memorable return for Super Bowl 50 in 2016, performing alongside Coldplay and Bruno Mars, solidifying her status as a powerhouse in both the music and sports entertainment arenas.