Beyoncé Steals the Show in Spectacular NFL Christmas Halftime Performance
Beyoncé's halftime show at the NFL Christmas games on Netflix stole the spotlight, overshadowing the lackluster on-field action. The 32-time Grammy winner made a grand entrance on a white horse, delivering a mesmerizing 13-minute performance that left the Houston crowd in awe.
Surprising fans, Beyoncé brought out Shaboozey for a rendition of "Sweet Honey Buckiin'" and was joined by Post Malone for a captivating performance of "Levii's Jeans."
While the AFC's top five teams were on display, the games failed to meet expectations. In the first matchup, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce exposed Pittsburgh's defensive vulnerabilities, leading Kansas City to a dominant 29-10 victory.
Despite the lackluster games, the NFL's debut on Netflix was a hit, quickly becoming the second-most popular live title on the platform. Beyoncé's halftime show added a touch of glamour, with the Ravens securing a decisive 31-2 win over the Texans.
The day kicked off with Mariah Carey's enchanting performance of "All I Want for Christmas is You," followed by the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs, clinching the top seed in the AFC with a resounding victory over the Steelers.
Netflix's broadcast ran smoothly, marking a successful test for the streaming giant. Mahomes shone on the field, throwing for 320 yards and three touchdowns, while Kelce's stellar performance helped the Chiefs secure a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson led the Ravens to victory with two touchdown passes, supported by Derrick Henry's impressive 147 yards rushing and a touchdown, propelling Baltimore to the top of the AFC North.
Netflix's three-year contract to broadcast Christmas Day games marked a significant milestone for the NFL, providing a global platform for fans worldwide. With 282.3 million subscribers in over 190 countries, Netflix offered the games in five languages, reaching a diverse audience.
While Netflix faced challenges during the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight, the NFL games on Christmas Day garnered immense viewership, with audiences tuning in from all 50 states and nearly 200 countries.
The NFL's decision to schedule games on a Wednesday was a rare occurrence, with the last Wednesday game played in 2020 due to the pandemic. The league's history of Christmas Day games dates back to 1971, with this year's games showcasing the NFL's commitment to innovation and expanding its reach.
Streaming services have become integral to the NFL's broadcasting strategy, with Thursday night games on Amazon Prime Video and exclusive games on platforms like Peacock and YouTube TV. The shift towards digital platforms reflects the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting.
