When you think of Christmas, football and Mariah Carey are likely to come to mind. The Queen of Christmas herself made sure to kick off Netflix’s NFL Christmas Gameday stream with a festive flourish, delivering a performance of her iconic 1994 hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
In a dazzling pre-taped segment, Carey, 55, stole the show in a striking red and gold outfit that perfectly matched the Christmas spirit. Surrounded by an enchanting winter wonderland—complete with Christmas trees, presents, and a miniature village—Carey poured her heart into the performance, bringing warmth to the chilly holiday season. Interspersed with her vocals were delightful clips of football fans in holiday gear, merrily singing along, and of course, the unforgettable highlights from the NFL games that followed.
The Kansas City Chiefs dominated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1 p.m. game with a 29-10 victory, while the Baltimore Ravens triumphed over the Houston Texans, winning 31-2 in the 4:30 p.m. matchup.
Carey’s Christmas Day performance came hot on the heels of her whirlwind Christmas Time Tour, which wrapped up just a few days before in Brooklyn. The “Obsessed” singer kicked off the holiday tour in California, delighting fans with live renditions of her Christmas classics, before her final stop in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center on December 17.
However, not everything went as planned for Carey on the tour. She had to cancel three performances after coming down with the flu, but it didn’t seem to dampen her holiday spirit. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE after the tour wrapped up, she reflected on the ups and downs of the holiday run: “It’s probably something that I’ll always do. I just need to schedule it a little bit differently because this year I got sick just from being out there too long,” Carey shared. Fans who were lucky enough to catch her performances were treated to the familiar magic of Carey’s voice and timeless Christmas spirit.
Though Carey’s annual tradition of performing around the holidays is a given, she hinted at potential changes in the future. “I just need to schedule it a little bit differently,” she said, but her commitment to delivering her Christmas cheer remains unwavering.
After wrapping up her tour, Carey was recently spotted in Aspen, where she was looking chic and enjoying the winter landscape with none other than Anderson .Paak. The holiday season has definitely been full of sparkle and celebration for the singer, who is no stranger to turning Christmas into a family affair and delivering unforgettable moments.
Of course, Carey’s holiday legacy extends far beyond her annual tour. Her classic hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You” continues to bring in millions each year, making it one of the most lucrative songs of the holiday season. How much exactly does Carey earn from the song each year? According to reports, the number is well into the millions, proving that the Queen of Christmas is truly at the top of her game.
Carey wasn’t the only superstar to grace Netflix’s NFL Christmas Gameday stream. In a stunning twist, Beyoncé performed during halftime of the Ravens-Texans game at Houston’s NRG Stadium. The “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer captivated the crowd with a performance from her “Cowboy Carter” album, pulling out all the stops with country-inspired costumes, a marching band, and even a carriage.
As if that wasn’t enough, Beyoncé was joined by a star-studded lineup of guests, including country artist Shaboozey, rapper Post Malone, and her daughter Blue Ivy, who delighted fans with a spirited line-dance performance. It was a halftime show that fans are already calling the “Beyoncé Bowl,” showcasing the superstar’s unmatched ability to fuse music, spectacle, and fun.
With two of the biggest names in music delivering festive performances, the NFL Christmas Gameday was a perfect way to combine the magic of the holiday season with the thrill of football. Whether you tuned in for Mariah Carey’s Christmas magic or Beyoncé’s epic halftime show, there was something for everyone this Christmas Day.
Read more:
Neil Young Surprises Fans With ‘Silver & Gold’ Performance After Nearly 20 Years
Beyoncé’S January 14 Tease: What’S Coming Next For Queen Bey In 2025?