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Beyoncé ignited a social media firestorm with her controversial halftime performance during the NFL Christmas Gameday on December 25. The Houston native returned to her hometown’s NRG Stadium to perform during the Houston Texans-Baltimore Ravens game. While some fans lauded the Grammy-winning artist for her ambitious show, others were less than impressed, describing the spectacle as “pure torture.”
Image credits: Parkwood Entertainment
The halftime show featured Beyoncé performing songs from her latest album, Cowboy Carter, including 16 Carriages, Blackbird, American Requiem, Levi’s Jeans, Jolene, and Texas Hold ‘Em. She made a dramatic entrance on horseback, donning a white-feathered gown and western hat, before transitioning into a red, white, and blue sash to sing a heartfelt cover of Blackbird.
Image credits: Julian Dakdouk/Parkwood Entertainment
Image credits: Julian Dakdouk/Parkwood Entertainment
Image credits: Julian Dakdouk/Parkwood Entertainment
High-profile collaborators such as Post Malone and Shaboozey and her daughter Blue Ivy Carter were joining her, who once again charmed the crowd with her dance segment.
Image credits: Netflix
Image credits: Parkwood Entertainment
Image credits: Julian Dakdouk/Parkwood Entertainment
The reaction online was swift and polarizing. Detractors, labeled the show “pure torture,” with others criticizing the song choices from Cowboy Carter. Some also called it out for being over the top and unengaging.
While some criticized and detested the performance, BeyHive hailed the performance as a fun and innovative holiday celebration, applauding her creativity and talent.
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Beyoncé’s show also sparked a fresh wave of debate after the singer ended her performance with a finger-gun gesture as a banner reading “Bang” unfurled below her. The move conflicted with the NFL’s strict policy against such gestures, which have led to penalties for players this season.
Image credits: Netflix
Social media erupted with accusations of hypocrisy: “Is the @NFL going to fine @Beyonce for finger guns?!” a user quipped.
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The NFL previously reaffirmed its stance against these actions, with executive Troy Vincent stating, “There’s no place in professional football for that … Think about where we are as a society.”
Image credits: Netflix
This isn’t Beyoncé’s first time dominating an NFL stage. She headlined the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show in 2013 and later joined Coldplay and Bruno Mars in a widely celebrated performance at Super Bowl 50. However, her Christmas Gameday showcase has proven to be more divisive.
Image credits: Netflix
Image credits: nytimes
For those wanting to revisit the spectacle, the full performance of the “Beyoncé Bowl”—will be available as a standalone special on Netflix later this week.
Image credits: Julian Dakdouk/Parkwood Entertainment
Image credits: Netflix
Beyoncé’s halftime show undoubtedly left a mark on the NFL Christmas Gameday, whether celebrated or critiqued. In true Queen Bey fashion, the performance fused star power, drama, and controversy, ensuring her place as a headline-maker this holiday season.
Image credits: Parkwood Entertainment
