Beyoncé’s much-anticipated performance during the NFL Christmas Gameday halftime show has ignited a firestorm of reactions from viewers, leaving fans both praising and criticizing her show. The performance, which took place on December 25, 2024, in Houston, Texas, at NRG Stadium, showcased the global superstar in a larger-than-life spectacle that featured songs from her Cowboy Carter album.
The show opened with an extravagant entrance: Beyoncé appeared on horseback, dressed in a stunning white-feathered gown and cowboy hat. As she delivered her 12-minute set, she performed several tracks from her Cowboy Carter album, including “16 Carriages,” “Blackbird,” “American Requiem,” “Ya Ya,” and “Spaghetti/Riiverdance,” among others. Beyoncé was joined on stage by various guest performers, including Post Malone, Shaboozey, Reyna Roberts, and her daughter Blue Ivy, who danced alongside her for a heartwarming moment.
Despite the star-studded performance, Beyoncé’s show left fans divided. While some lauded her talent and artistry, others expressed frustration. Social media exploded with conflicting opinions, with one viewer writing, “Can I get a refund?” while others called it “pure torture.” Another audience member commented, “Not a fan of her album, but I can admit the performance was great!” However, some viewers criticized the show for not fitting the holiday theme, with one saying, “It was never going to end. What was that?” Others took issue with Beyoncé’s take on country music, calling it a “slap to country music” and labeling the performance as the “worst halftime show ever.”
The halftime show also made headlines for a controversial gesture by Beyoncé, which seemed to clash with NFL policies. At the end of her performance, the singer made a finger-gun gesture while standing on a scaffold above the field. This move quickly drew attention on social media, especially given the NFL’s strict stance on similar celebrations by players. NFL executive Troy Vincent had previously stated in October that such gestures “have no place in professional football,” citing concerns over what the league is trying to represent. Fans were quick to point out the apparent double standard, questioning why Beyoncé was not fined for the finger-gun gesture, as NFL players have faced penalties for similar actions.
Despite the controversy, some fans defended the performance, with one stating, “Fun show! She’s incredibly talented and works so hard.” Beyoncé’s halftime concert was part of Netflix’s first-ever NFL Christmas Gameday special, and viewers will be able to rewatch the performance in its entirety as a standalone special on the streaming service.
This isn’t Beyoncé’s first time performing at a major NFL event. She headlined Super Bowl XLVII in 2013 and joined Coldplay and Bruno Mars for Super Bowl 50 in 2016, both of which are considered among the most iconic halftime performances.
As the debate continues, it’s clear that Beyoncé’s performance, now dubbed “Beyoncé Bowl,” has left a lasting impression, sparking both praise and backlash from fans across the world. Whether fans loved or hated it, the performance undoubtedly added another chapter to her already legendary career.
