Beyoncé delivered an unforgettable Christmas gift to her hometown of Houston, lighting up the NFL halftime show with a powerful performance. During the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, the superstar was joined by her daughter, Blue Ivy, and a host of special guests. This marked the first live performance of songs from her groundbreaking album, Cowboy Carter, creating a historic moment for fans at NRG Stadium and watching worldwide.
A Hometown Welcome with a Country Twist
Making a Texas-sized entrance, Beyoncé rode into the stadium on a majestic white horse, immediately setting a grand tone for the show. Her performance began with “16 Carriages,” a powerful track from her latest album. Dressed in a dazzling, crystal-studded white bodysuit complete with a cowboy hat and chaps, she paid homage to her Texas roots.
The country theme continued with a beautiful rendition of “Blackbird.” For this song, Beyoncé shared the stage with a group of talented rising Black country artists. Tanner Addlell, Brittany Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts joined her, their combined voices creating stunning harmonies that celebrated the rich diversity within modern country music.
A Stage Packed with Surprise Guests
The energy in the stadium soared as Beyoncé brought out a series of surprise guests. The collaborations added new layers to the dynamic performance, keeping the audience captivated throughout the set.
Shaboozey appeared for their duet “Sweet Honey Buckiin’,” bringing his unique energy to the stage. Soon after, Post Malone joined Beyoncé for their fan-favorite track “Levii’s Jeans,” and their chemistry electrified the crowd. Each guest appearance was a highlight, making the halftime show feel like a star-studded music festival.
Blue Ivy Steals the Show in a Family Moment
While the guest artists were a major draw, the most talked-about moment came when Blue Ivy Carter stepped onto the field. In a heartwarming display of family talent, mother and daughter performed “Texas Hold ‘Em” together. They led a massive line dance, creating an iconic and joyful moment that quickly went viral online. It was a personal touch that connected with fans on a deeper level.
Bringing Cowboy Carter to the Big Stage
This halftime show was a significant milestone for Beyoncé’s album, Cowboy Carter. Released in March, the album made history when it made Beyoncé the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Country Albums chart. Despite its massive success and cultural impact, the album was notably absent from the 2024 CMA Awards nominations, sparking important conversations about inclusion in the genre.
Beyoncé’s decision to perform these songs live for the first time on such a massive stage felt like a powerful statement. By featuring artists like Tanner Addell and Shaboozey, she used her platform to introduce a global audience to the new generation of Black country stars.
A Full Circle Moment in Houston
This was not Beyoncé’s first time commanding an NFL stage, as fans fondly remember her legendary 2013 Super Bowl performance. However, this Christmas Day show felt different. Performing in her native Houston, with her daughter by her side, gave the event a deeply personal and celebratory feel. It was more than just a concert; it was a love letter to her city, her family, and her musical journey.
The setlist perfectly captured the spirit of Cowboy Carter and Beyoncé’s incredible versatility.
- “16 Carriages”
- “Blackbird” (with Tanner Addlell, Brittany Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts)
- “Sweet Honey Buckiin’” (featuring Shaboozey)
- “Levii’s Jeans” (featuring Post Malone)
- “Ya Ya”
- “Jolene”
- “My House”
- “Texas Hold ‘Em” (with Blue Ivy)
Frequently Asked Questions
What was special about Beyoncé’s NFL Christmas halftime show?
This performance was special because it was the first time Beyoncé performed songs from her album Cowboy Carter live. It also featured a surprise appearance by her daughter, Blue Ivy, and several other guest artists in her hometown of Houston.
Who performed with Beyoncé during the halftime show?
Beyoncé was joined by her daughter Blue Ivy, fellow country artists Tanner Addlell, Brittany Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts. She also brought out collaborators Shaboozey and Post Malone for their respective duets.
Why was the performance of Cowboy Carter songs significant?
The performance was significant because Cowboy Carter made Beyoncé the first Black woman to top the Billboard Country Albums chart. The live debut of these songs on a major stage celebrated this achievement and highlighted other Black artists in country music.
Which song did Blue Ivy perform with Beyoncé?
Blue Ivy joined her mother, Beyoncé, on stage to perform the hit song “Texas Hold ‘Em.” Together, they led a line dance that became one of the most memorable moments of the show.
