Beyoncé Performs ‘Cowboy Carter’ at NFL Christmas Halftime Show with Blue Ivy and Surprise Guests
Beyoncé added a festive twist to her halftime show during the NFL game featuring the Houston Texans against the Baltimore Ravens. The performance, filled with surprises, showcased her new album, Cowboy Carter.
The Grammy Award-winning artist performed at NRG Stadium in Houston on December 25. Dubbed the "Christmas Game Day Beyoncé Bowl," she delivered a dynamic set that highlighted her country music venture.
Bold Entrance and Performance Highlights
Beyoncé made a show-stopping entrance on horseback, galloping past vintage cars. She wore an oversized white fur coat paired with a cowboy hat and a glittering diamond choker. The performance included standout songs such as "16 Carriages," "Black Bird," and a captivating rendition of "Ya Ya," where she changed into a sequined bodysuit.
During her set, Beyoncé collaborated with artists like Shaboozey on "RIIVERDANCE" and Post Malone on "LEVII’S Jeans." She even featured her 12-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy, during "Texas Hold ‘Em." Beyoncé humorously stated, "It’s only right that we do ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ for the first time in Houston, Texas on Christmas," before wishing the audience a Merry Christmas.
While performing "Black Bird," she was accompanied by artists Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts, all contributing to the Cowboy Carter album.
Historic NFL Appearance and Musical Impact
This halftime show aired on Netflix and represents Beyoncé's first live performance of songs from Cowboy Carter since the album's March release. This event followed her previous NFL performances, including headlining the Super Bowl halftime show in 2013 and collaborating with Coldplay and Bruno Mars in 2016.
Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album has made history within the country music genre. It marks her debut in this space while showcasing her versatility beyond pop and R&B. Her track "Texas Hold ‘Em" achieved significant milestones, becoming the first No. 1 entry on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for a Black female artist. Additionally, she was the first Black woman to top the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
Despite commercial success, the album faced challenges. Numerous country music radio stations ignored requests to play the songs, and the 2024 Country Music Association Awards snubbed the work.
Advocacy for Artistic Innovation
At the iHeartRadio Music Awards in April, while accepting the Innovator Award from Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé addressed the music industry. She called for greater openness and encouraged creative freedom. "All the record labels, every radio station [and] every awards show," she stated, should embrace the liberating nature of art.
Beyoncé elaborated, "Innovation starts with a dream… that road can be very bumpy." She acknowledged that being seen as an innovator can lead to criticism, testing one's mental resilience. "Being an innovator is leaning on faith and trusting that God will catch you and guide you," she mirrored.
She also recognized other artists who've blurred genre lines, including Tracy Chapman, Prince, Tina Turner, and Michael Jackson. Beyoncé thanked these pioneers, saying they have allowed others to pursue their own dreams.
Earlier, SSP wrote that Heidi Klum celebrated Christmas with family in Aspen, sledding in matching pajamas.