Beyoncé brought the heat to her hometown of Houston with a star-studded halftime show during the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans Christmas Day game. Joined by her daughter, Blue Ivy, and an impressive lineup of guests, the Grammy-winning icon delivered a performance fans won’t soon forget.
A Texas-Sized Entrance
Kicking off the halftime spectacle, Beyoncé rode into Houston’s NRG Stadium on a white horse, setting the stage for an unforgettable show. The performance opened with her hit single “16 Carriages,” from her genre-defying album Cowboy Carter. Dressed in a crystal-studded white bodysuit, cowboy hat, and chaps, Beyoncé radiated star power as she honored her Texas roots with a country flair.
The show transitioned into a stunning rendition of “Blackbird,” where Beyoncé was joined by a group of rising Black country artists, including Tanner Addlell, Brittany Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts. Their harmonies highlighted the diversity and depth of modern country music.
A Stage Full of Stars
Beyoncé kept the surprises coming, bringing out special guests to perform alongside her. Shaboozey joined for their duet “Sweet Honey Buckiin’,” while Post Malone electrified the crowd with their collaboration “Levii’s Jeans.” Each performance added layers of excitement to an already dynamic setlist.
Fans were treated to live versions of fan favorites like “Ya Ya,” “Jolene,” and “My House,” showcasing Beyoncé’s vocal versatility. And then came the moment everyone was waiting for—Blue Ivy stepping onto the field for “Texas Hold ‘Em.” Together, mother and daughter led a line dance, creating an unforgettable family moment that had fans buzzing online.
Breaking Barriers with Cowboy Carter
This performance marked the first time Beyoncé showcased songs from Cowboy Carter live since the album’s release in March. The project, which blended country influences with her signature R&B sound, made history as Beyoncé became the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Country Albums chart.
Despite its success, Cowboy Carter didn’t receive nominations at the 2024 CMA Awards, sparking discussions about representation in country music. However, the album’s impact was undeniable, introducing a global audience to talented Black country artists like Tanner Addell and Shaboozey. The latter even tied a Billboard record with his breakout single, “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
The Decision to Let the Music Speak
In a 2024 interview with GQ, Beyoncé reflected on her unconventional choice to forgo music videos for Renaissance and Cowboy Carter. “The music is so rich in history and instrumentation,” she explained. “It takes months to digest, research, and understand. The music needed space to breathe on its own.”
This philosophy resonated during her live performances, where the focus remained on the music and her voice. For Beyoncé, the absence of visuals was an invitation for fans to engage more deeply with the art itself.
A Legacy of NFL Performances
This wasn’t Beyoncé’s first time dominating an NFL stage. Fans will remember her iconic performance at the 2013 Super Bowl XLVII halftime show in New Orleans, where she reunited with Destiny’s Child and delivered an electrifying medley of hits.
Her Christmas Day show at NRG Stadium, however, felt more personal. As a Houston native, Beyoncé’s performance was a love letter to her city and its rich cultural tapestry. And with Blue Ivy by her side, it became a multigenerational celebration of music, family, and community.
A Setlist to Remember
The halftime performance featured an impressive lineup of tracks from Cowboy Carter:
- “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)
Beyoncé’s ability to blend genres and bring people together was on full display, solidifying her status as one of the most versatile performers of her generation.
