The Beyoncé Bowl was unforgettable. From the live band to their iconic bleachers, a denim-wrapped truck, special guests, live horses and a floating stage, the show managed to capture the spirit of Texas as well as the spirit of their most recent album.
Through two quarters of Christmas Day football, the Baltimore Ravens held a 17-2 lead over the Houston Texans. And between the action on the field, we have a show from the superstar singer. The Texas native took the stage at Houston’s NRG Stadium to perform songs from her latest album, “Cowboy Carter,” live for the first time.
He entered the stadium on horseback, singing “16 Carriages,” from his latest album. As he walked through the tunnel, he passed a sign with flares that said “Cowboy Carter” and vintage cars. He wore an all-white suit, right down to the cowboy hat, with a sash that also said the name of his chart-topping album.
It was rumored that Beyoncé would bring surprise guests for the Christmas show and she delivered. For his second song, “Blackbiird”, he was joined by four other singers: Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts, Tiera Kennedy and Tanner Adell. But they were far from his only guests.
When he took center field, his daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, who appeared on the album, was a background dancer. CBS Sports predicted before the performance that two of his special guests would be Post Malone and Shaboozey, as they have done in NFL performances in the past.. Shaboozey and Post Malone also came out to perform songs featured on the album, “Sweet Honey Buckin” and “Levii’s Jeans”, respectively.
The last song was his single “Texas Hold ‘Em,” which he sang as the stage rose. He said goodbye wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
Beyoncé, named the biggest pop star of the 21st century by Billboard, did not disappoint and focused primarily on her latest album, rather than her past hits.
Here’s a look at their setlist:
- “16 wagons”
- “Blackbird” feat. Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts, Tiera Kennedy and Tanner Adell
- “NOW NOW” with Blue Ivy Carter
- “My house”
- “SPAGHETTI”
- “Sweet Honey Buckin” feat. Shaboozey
- “Levii’s Jeans” feat. Malone Message
- “Jolene” feat. a voiceover by Dolly Parton
- “Texas keeps them”
“Cowboy Carter” marked Beyoncé’s first country album and featured icons of the genre as well as newcomer artists. He collaborated with Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, Willie Nelson, Shaboozey, Tanner Adell, Willie Jones and Linda Martell.
His last two halftime performances came during Super Bowls, as he took the stage in 2013 during Super Bowl XLVII and in 2016 during Super Bowl 50.
