Cowboy Carter shall henceforth be known as a Christmas album. On Wednesday, Beyoncé commandeered the NFL’s Christmas programming as she took the field in Houston for a historic halftime performance, marking the first live rendition of her genre-bending country album. The show may have taken place in the middle of the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans matchup, but I’d be willing to bet that a decent portion of the games’ viewership tuned in just to watch the Grammy winner perform her ode to her country roots in the very town that raised her. As Beyoncé told the crowd at the Texans’ NRG Stadium, “It’s only right that we do ‘Texas Hold ’Em’ for the first time in Houston, Texas, on Christmas.” Merry, merry indeed.
Beyoncé is the greatest artist alive and no one comes close yall can cry about it ???? pic.twitter.com/uggpEHqdFn
— rafa carter ???? (@beyfobic) December 25, 2024
The halftime show — which miraculously survived Netflix’s glitchy livestreaming capabilities — featured 13 minutes of white cowboy hats, glittery fringe, two-stepping, and triumphant harmonies. As promised, the 43-year-old brought out a few of her Cowboy Carter collaborators, including Shaboozey for “Sweet Honey Buckin’;” Post Malone for “Levii’s Jeans;” and young Black country artists Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts for “Blackbird.” And, of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Beyoncé performance without a cameo from 12-year-old Blue Ivy, who joined her mom in the finale choreography for “Texas Hold ’Em.” Elsewhere in the show, Beyoncé sang on a horse, was paraded around in a car with a fan, and catapulted into the air.
BEYONCÉ AND BLUE IVY PERFORMING TOGETHER ❤️???? pic.twitter.com/FQwvEsp43x
— espnW (@espnW) December 25, 2024
Not that anyone expected a mediocre show from Beyoncé, but this? This has to have the CMAs — which snubbed Cowboy Carter back in September — shaking in their boots. Merry Christmas to y’all, and to y’all a good night.
Honestly can’t get enough of you @Beyonce
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) December 25, 2024
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