Streaming giant Netflix hosted two thrilling Christmas Day NFL games, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans.
The highlight of the evening? A show-stopping halftime performance by Beyoncé during the second game at NRG Stadium in her hometown of Houston.
Beyoncé Debuts Tracks from Cowboy Carter
The 43-year-old, 32-time Grammy winner took the stage to deliver a live medley from her latest album, Cowboy Carter. Performing hits like “16 Carriages,” “Blackbird,” “Levii’s Jeans,” and “Texas Hold’Em,” she was joined by special guests Shaboozey and Post Malone. Adding to the spectacle, her daughter, Blue Ivy, was among the dancers.
The performance featured over 200 dancers and musicians, all dressed in pristine white, complementing Beyoncé’s stunning feathered costume and cowboy hat. The show concluded with a jaw-dropping finale, as Beyoncé was lifted 300 feet into the air on a platform emblazoned with a massive “BANG” sign.
A Costly Spectacle for Netflix
This high-profile halftime show was part of Beyoncé’s $60 million deal with Netflix, signed in 2019. Valued at over $20 million, the Christmas performance marked the final installment of the contract. Netflix spared no expense, making this one of the most elaborate halftime shows in NFL history.
Beyoncé is no stranger to the NFL, having headlined the Super Bowl halftime show in 2013 and returning alongside Coldplay in 2016. Her latest performance drew widespread acclaim from the audience and over 100,000 social media users.
Other Christmas Day Highlights
The day kicked off with a pre-taped performance of Mariah Carey’s holiday classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You” ahead of the first game, setting the festive tone. Grammy-winning a cappella group Pentatonix followed, delivering a stirring rendition of the national anthem before the second matchup.
Record Ratings for Netflix
Netflix’s Christmas Day NFL extravaganza was a resounding success, with over 40% of all internet users streaming on the platform. The seamless execution of the event and the star-studded performances ensured record-breaking viewership, solidifying Netflix’s place as a major player in live sports broadcasting.
With Kendrick Lamar set to headline the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, the NFL’s partnership with entertainment icons continues to redefine the boundaries of sports and entertainment.
