What’s new?

Beyoncé performed her highly anticipated halftime show at the NFL Christmas game between the Houston Texans and the Baltimore Ravens in her first public performance of songs from her 2024 album. Cowboy Carter. While fans applauded the show, some conservatives condemned it for being “hypersexualized” and “inappropriate” for family audiences. Tomi Lahren, Fox News contributor and host of OutKick’s Tomi Lahren is fearlessshe disagreed with her fellow conservatives, calling out “faux outrage” and promoting Beyoncé’s skills.

Why it matters

Lahren’s comment reflects a growing divide in conservative circles over the culture wars. While some voices continue to criticize high-profile entertainers, others, like Lahren, question whether the approach is effective or sincere. Her comments come as Beyoncé’s performances increasingly serve as cultural milestones as well as lightning rods for debate.

What to know

Beyoncé’s show combined Texas rodeo imagery with modern pop culture. It included equestrian entries and guest appearances from Post Malone, Tanner Adell, Tiera Kennedy, Reyna Roberts, Brittney Spencer, Shaboozey, members of Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul Marching Band, and her daughter Blue Ivy.

This comes months after Texas Hold ‘Em the singer appeared at Vice President Kamala Harris’ rally in Houston in October during Harris’ presidential run. President-elect Donald Trump then criticized the appearance, saying the performance was lackluster and lacked the energy many expected. Trump, 78, described the Oct. 25 event, saying, “Everybody’s expecting a few songs and there weren’t any songs.” He continued: “There was no luck. It’s like, ‘give me my check. I want out of here’.”

Despite Trump rejecting the event, Beyoncé strongly supported Harris during the rally. “We are so happy to stand here on this stage as proud women from rural Texas supporting and celebrating the one and only Vice President Kamala Harris,” Beyoncé said. “It’s impossible not to feel the energy in this room, the positivity, the community, the humanity. We’re on the precipice of an incredible shift. On the brink of history.”

Beyoncé also made it clear that her appearance was driven by personal values, declaring: “I’m not here as a celebrity. I’m not here as a politician. I’m here as a mother. A mother who cares deeply about a world in which my children and all our children live.” She expressed her concerns about freedom and unity, adding: “A world where we have the freedom to control our bodies. A world where we are not divided.”

What people are saying

Internet personality Vince Lagman on X he called the show “a complete s*** show.”

What happens next?

Like Beyoncé Cowboy Carter continues to dominate the music charts and gain recognition, her performances are likely to remain cultural landmarks.