Beyoncé lit up the stage during Netflix’s debut live-streamed NFL Christmas Halftime Show, delivering a high-octane performance that set social media ablaze. Taking place in her hometown of Houston, Texas, at NRG Stadium during the Texans vs. Ravens game, the event marked a milestone for Netflix as it expands its venture into live streaming—a move met with skepticism after the platform’s previous struggles, including technical glitches during the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight.
This performance was the first time Beyoncé performed songs from her GRAMMY-nominated, genre-defying album, Cowboy Carter, live. Fans were treated to a dazzling setlist that included tracks like “Blackbiird” and “Spaghettii/Riiverdance.” The finale saw Beyoncé quite literally ascending to the rafters as the crowd roared, and she performed “Texas Hold ’Em.”
Notably, Beyoncé appeared to be back in peak form, delivering intense choreography with heavy footwork, deep bends and remarkable vigor—a stark contrast to the more restrained movement she adopted during her Renaissance World Tour. The energy and precision of her dancing were a highlight of the performance, reminding fans of her unmatched stage presence.
Beyoncé also welcomed her collaborators in for the fun. She opened the set with “16 Carriages” and then segued into “Blackbiird,” joined by Tanner Adell, Brittany Spencer, Tiera Kennedy and Reyna Roberts. Later in the show, Bey was joined by Post Malone and Shaboozey for the songs “Levii Jeans” and “Spaghettii” respectively. The chemistry between Beyoncé and Malone could likely be felt everywhere.
In a nod to her roots and the album’s Western-inspired theme, the show featured iconic guest appearances celebrating rodeo culture, including trailblazers like Myrtis Dightman Jr., the first Black bull rider to compete professionally, and Ja’Dayia Kursh, Arkansas’s first Black rodeo queen. The Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Marching Band added their signature energy while Beyoncé’s daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, danced alongside her, eliciting cheers from fans worldwide. Former longtime dance captain Ashley Everett also returned triumphantly after sitting out Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour.
Fans were left buzzing after the performance when Beyoncé posted a surprise video teaser. The clip showed her astride a horse, waving an American flag, before the date “1.14.25” appeared—sending the BeyHive into overdrive with speculation about an upcoming tour or visuals for Cowboy Carter.
Houston itself was buzzing with excitement during the big game. SirDavis American Whisky, the brand Beyoncé co-founded, hosted lively watch parties at select bars and restaurants across the city. These events featured SirDavis drink specials, photo booths and exclusive screenings of Beyoncé’s halftime show. The festivities continued post-game, with specialty cocktails and celebratory vibes flowing at various Houston hotspots.