Mariah Carey kicked off Netflix’s Christmas-themed NFL doubleheader with a spectacular recorded performance of her beloved holiday hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Dressed in a dazzling red outfit, Carey performed from a rooftop adorned with festive decor, including artificial snow and Christmas trees. Accompanied by Santa Claus and festive elves, she brought holiday cheer to the event, which celebrated both sports and the magic of the season.
The performance was well-promoted by Netflix, who shared it on social media with a playful caption: “ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A MARIAH CAREY KICKOFF.” Carey’s iconic Christmas song, released in 1994, has proven timeless, having sold over 9 million copies in the U.S. alone, despite a slight decline in its overall listenership lately.
This special event also featured key NFL matchups, including the Kansas City Chiefs against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens versus the Houston Texans, a significant move for Netflix as it embraces live event programming. The streaming service has plans for more high-profile live events, including weekly WWE shows starting soon and hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031.
In addition to Carey, Beyoncé is set to grace the halftime show during the second game, further enriching the holiday experience on Netflix. The anticipation surrounding these performances has been heightened, with both stars teasing their appearances leading up to the games.
This venture aims to solidify Netflix’s presence in live sports and entertainment, presenting a promising horizon as they explore new ways to engage audiences.
Overall, the combination of sports, star power, and holiday festivities makes for an exciting and joyful celebration that fans will remember, effectively blending two cultures—sports and music—into a delightful holiday experience.