Beyoncé paid tribute to her southern roots during a spectacular halftime performance at the NFL Christmas Day game between the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens. Dubbed “The Beyoncé Bowl” by fans, the show captivated 27 million viewers, making it the most-watched NFL Christmas game since 2001.
Performing hits from her Cowboy Carter album, Beyoncé brought the stage to life with tracks like Texas Hold Em’, 16 Carriages, and Blackbird. The latter featured collaborations with rising Black female country artists Brittany Spencer, Reyna Roberts, Tanner Adell, and Tiera Kennedy, all of whom joined her on stage. Singer Shaboozey also made a special appearance during the nearly 15-minute set.
One of the most heartwarming moments came when Beyoncé’s eldest daughter, Blue Ivy, danced alongside her, delighting fans and adding a personal touch to the performance.
The unforgettable halftime show, held at NRG Stadium in Houston, showcased Beyoncé’s deep connection to her hometown and southern heritage. Fans can rewatch the performance on Netflix for a limited time.
Beyoncé Crowned Billboard’s Greatest Pop Star
In a separate announcement, Billboard named Beyoncé the greatest pop star of the 21st century, recognizing her 25 years of influence, evolution, and impact.
From her days with Destiny’s Child to her record-breaking solo career, Beyoncé has set an unparalleled standard in the music industry. Billboard highlighted her commercial success, raw talent, and cultural influence, stating, “Few artists can match her in any critical category of pop stardom.”
The Renaissance singer was praised for her timeless albums, iconic performances, and groundbreaking influence on music and culture. “No one can equal her in all these aspects,” Billboard concluded, calling her the quintessential innovator of the modern era.