The Beyoncé Bowl was one to remember. From the live band, to her iconic bleachers, a truck wrapped in denim, special guests, live horses and a floating stage, the show managed to capture the spirit of Texas as well as the spirit of her most recent album.
Through two quarters of Christmas Day football, the Baltimore Ravens had a 17-2 lead over the Houston Texans. And in between the action on the field, we got a show from the superstar singer. The Texas native took the stage at NRG Stadium in Houston to perform songs from her latest album, “Cowboy Carter,” for the first time live.
She entered the stadium on horseback, singing “16 Carriages,” off her latest album. As she went through the tunnel, she passed a sign with sparklers that said “Cowboy Carter” and antique cars. She was wearing an all-white outfit, down to the cowboy hat, with a sash that also said the name of her chart-topping album.
Beyoncé was rumored to be bringing out surprise guests for the holiday show and she delivered. For her second song, “Blackbiird,” she was joined by four other singers: Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts, Tiera Kennedy and Tanner Adell. But they were far from her only guests.
When she took the middle of the field, her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, who was featured on the album, was a background dancer. CBS Sports predicted ahead of the performance that two of her special guests would be Post Malone and Shaboozey, as they have done NFL performances in the past. Shaboozey and Post Malone also came out to perform the songs they are featured on in the album, “Sweet Honey Buckin” and “Levii’s Jeans,” respectively.
The final song was her hit single “Texas Hold ‘Em,” which she sang as the stage lifted up. She signed off by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
Beyoncé, named the greatest pop star of the 21st century by Billboard, did not disappoint and focused solely on her latest album, rather than her past hits.
Here’s a look at her setlist:
- “16 Carriages”
- “Blackbiird” feat. Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts, Tiera Kennedy and Tanner Adell
- “YA YA” with Blue Ivy Carter
- “My House”
- “SPAGHETTII”
- “Sweet Honey Buckin” feat. Shaboozey
- “Levii’s Jeans” feat. Post Malone
- “Jolene” feat. a voiceover of Dolly Parton
- “Texas Hold ‘Em”
“Cowboy Carter” marked Beyoncé’s first country album and featured icons from the genre as well as newcomers. She collaborated with Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, Willie Nelson, Shaboozey, Tanner Adell, Willie Jones and Linda Martell.
Her past two halftime performances came during Super Bowls, as she took the stage in 2013 during Super Bowl XLVII and in 2016 during Super Bowl 50.