Beyoncé’s Christmas Day performance, livestreamed on Netflix, marked the first live performance of material from her country-themed album, *Cowboy Carter*. This wasn’t her first time using a football game as a backdrop for a statement; her iconic Super Bowl and Coachella performances similarly leveraged American iconography. Since 2019, her husband Jay-Z’s company, Roc Nation, has partnered with the NFL, a relationship that has drawn criticism for its association with an organization that sidelined Colin Kaepernick. Beyoncé’s dedication to her craft, mirroring that of elite athletes, fuels endless debates about her place among the greatest performers of all time.
The Christmas Day show began with a pre-recorded segment showcasing Beyoncé riding a horse, wearing a large cowboy hat, and singing “16 Carriages.” This segment acknowledged the history of African American horse riding clubs, underscoring the *Cowboy Carter* project’s aim to highlight Black contributions to country music, a goal that hasn’t been universally accepted. The pre-recorded segment transitioned to a live performance, starting with “Ya Ya,” a song whose energy was amplified by the live setting. Beyoncé, known for sometimes appearing stiff in past performances, displayed a remarkable looseness and range, prowling the stage with infectious energy reminiscent of artists like Little Richard and Janelle Monaé.
The performance became a whirlwind of hits, a “turducken” of songs including “My House,” “Riiverdance,” and “Sweet Honey Buckiin’,” featuring guest Shaboozey. While the setlist felt incomplete without “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” a notable Black country anthem of the year, the performance continued with “Levii’s Jeans,” a duet with Post Malone, performed amidst a denim-upholstered pickup truck. While the overt branding and playful approach to the song’s cornpone melodies might be seen as mockery by some, its self-awareness and silliness charmed many.
The show continued with a “ho-ho-ho down” featuring a cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” This version, however, drew criticism for its deviation from the original’s vulnerability, with Beyoncé’s imperiousness replacing Parton’s pleading. Despite this, the live arrangement, bolstered by the marching band and background lasso tricks, created a visually stunning spectacle. The performance concluded with “Texas Hold ‘Em,” a song whose comforting beat contrasted beautifully with the large-scale production featuring dozens of musicians, dancers, and Beyoncé’s daughter, Blue Ivy. The striking whiteness of the performers’ costumes offered a visual counterpoint to the reception of her all-black outfits in 2016.
The show ended with Beyoncé being held aloft, the word “Bang!” appearing beneath her. This playful subversion of cowboy imagery, even bordering on emasculation, has riled some country fans who view Beyoncé as an outsider. However, this playful energy is precisely what makes her live shows so electrifying.