Beyoncé took centre stage during the NFL’s Christmas Day halftime show, delivering an unforgettable performance in Houston that marked the live debut of her groundbreaking album Cowboy Carter. The event, dubbed the “Beyoncé Bowl,” combined dazzling visuals, country-infused melodies, and a celebration of Southern culture, cementing her status as an unrivalled global entertainer.
Dressed in a striking white bodysuit with silver accents and a cowboy hat, Beyoncé opened the show with “16 Carriages,” entering the stage on a white horse. The elegiac song set the tone for a performance that was both celebratory and introspective, seamlessly blending nostalgia with a forward-looking message. Throughout the 13-minute set, Beyoncé’s presence was magnetic, yet she shared the spotlight generously with collaborators and performers.
A Star-Studded Showcase
The halftime performance featured an impressive ensemble, including a quartet of young Black country artists—Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts—who joined Beyoncé for a stirring rendition of her cover of the Beatles’ “Blackbird.” Rising star Shaboozey delivered a dynamic verse on “Sweet Honey Buckiin’.” At the same time, Post Malone’s guest appearance on their duet “Levii’s Jeans” added a touch of charm, breaking the monochrome white dress code with his denim outfit.
Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé’s 12-year-old daughter, also joined the lineup, displaying a maturity beyond her years as part of an exuberant two-step routine. Including such a diverse group of collaborators underscored Beyoncé’s commitment to highlighting voices often overlooked in mainstream country music while paying homage to its rich and varied history.
A Bold Statement on Country Music
Cowboy Carter, released earlier this year, has been celebrated for exploring country music’s roots, particularly its overlooked Black contributions. While the album received no nominations at the Country Music Association Awards, it earned 11 Grammy nominations, leading all artists. Beyoncé’s halftime show was a live embodiment of the album’s themes, blending traditional country instrumentation like banjos and fiddles with modern pop and hip-hop influences.
One standout moment came during her performance of “Ya Ya,” where she sang, “Whole lotta red in that white and blue, history can’t be erased,” delivering a powerful yet subtle critique of the genre’s history and its gatekeepers.
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A Visual and Emotional Feast
The show was a feast for the senses, from the opening moments to the grand finale. The stage was awash in dazzling white, from the dancers’ and musicians’ costumes to the props and lighting design. Beyoncé’s ability to turn an NFL halftime show into a high-concept art piece was evident in every detail.
The performance concluded with a jubilant rendition of “Texas Hold ’Em,” her chart-topping single. “It’s only right that we do ‘Texas Hold ’Em’ for the first time in Houston, Texas, on Christmas,” Beyoncé told the roaring crowd. The festive spirit was palpable, even if the home team couldn’t deliver a win, losing 31-2.
A Grammy Campaign in Motion
While the setlist focused solely on Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé’s decision to highlight this material felt strategic, aligning with Grammy voting season. The performance was a resounding reminder of her artistry and innovation, bolstering her bid for the elusive Album of the Year trophy.
Though the halftime show didn’t include earlier country-inspired hits like “Daddy Lessons,” it reinforced Beyoncé’s commitment to challenging genre boundaries and spotlighting underrepresented voices in country music.
A Legacy of Spectacle
Beyoncé’s history with NFL stages is illustrious, from her fiery 2013 Super Bowl halftime show to her groundbreaking 2016 performance of “Formation.” This latest showcase was another triumph, demonstrating her ability to transform even the most traditional platforms into spaces for cultural commentary and artistic innovation.
With Cowboy Carter and its spectacular live debut, Beyoncé has redefined what a halftime show can be—an inclusive celebration of artistry, history, and possibility. Once again, she proved why she remains a singular force in the entertainment world.
