BEYONCÉ’S NFL XMAS HALFTIME SPARKS DEBATE 

The NFL has announced that Beyoncé will perform during the Christmas Day halftime show for the Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens game.

While fans of the music icon celebrated the news, the reaction from many football enthusiasts has been lukewarm.  

Beyoncé’s global star power is undeniable, but some fans expressed doubts about the choice. “Nahhhh, nobody wants this,” commented one user on social media. Another dismissed the announcement with a blunt “Hard pass.”  

The criticism wasn’t solely about the performance itself. Some alluded to Beyoncé’s past political endorsements, questioning whether the halftime show might include more than music. One commenter asked, “Is she singing or making a speech?” referencing her previous campaigning for Kamala Harris. 

Texans vs Ravens in 2023. Getty Images.

Despite the mixed reception, the NFL has packed its Christmas schedule with excitement. Earlier in the day, the Kansas City Chiefs face the Pittsburgh Steelers, followed by the Texans hosting Lamar Jackson’s Ravens in the evening.  

This holiday lineup comes after Netflix faced criticism for technical issues during the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight on Nov. 15. Some fans worry the streaming service might struggle with the expected high viewership. “If it’s like the Tyson/Paul numbers, we won’t even see the game live,” one person joked online.  

Whether viewers tune in for Beyoncé, the games, or both, this Christmas promises plenty of entertainment—and perhaps a touch of controversy.

Main image: Beyoncé accepts the Best RNB Performance award for ‘Black Parade’ onstage during the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Los Angeles Convention Center on March 14, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Kevin Winter — Getty Images for The Recording Academy.