Kelly Clarkson launched Netflix’s second annual NFL Christmas Gameday on December 25, 2025, with a dazzling pre-recorded performance of her holiday smash “Underneath the Tree,” descending from the sky in a glittering sleigh past a massive Christmas tree to a snow-draped stage. NFL players dashed around tossing perfect passes and tackling giant presents, cheerleaders danced wildly, and fans roared as the stadium morphed into a magical Netflix snow globe—pure festive spectacle for the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders opener at Northwest Stadium.
The Texas-born Cowboys superfan, first American Idol winner and multi-Grammy champ, brought her powerhouse vocals to the 2013 Wrapped in Red track, echoing Mariah Carey’s 2024 kickoff of “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Clarkson’s set hyped the doubleheader, followed by Lions-Vikings with Snoop Dogg’s halftime extravaganza featuring Lainey Wilson and HUNTR/X. Over 30 million global viewers tuned in last year; 2025 shattered records at 50 million streams, blending sports and stardom seamlessly.
Fresh off Vegas residencies and her talk show’s seventh season, Clarkson infused personal joy post-life challenges, including ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s passing. “Two fantastic football games on Christmas? That’s a gift!” she teased pre-show. CBS Sports produced the games with NFL Media, Ian Eagle calling play-by-play alongside Kay Adams, Drew Brees, and Michael Irvin. Her red-hot energy—vocal belts slicing through holiday cheer—set a whimsical tone, proving pop queens rule gridiron holidays.
From Rockefeller belters to NFL openers, Clarkson’s versatility shines, uniting families in song and sport. Cowboys fans cherished her loyalty as Commanders fell; the performance cemented Netflix’s Christmas tradition, gifting America under-the-tree magic amid tackles and touchdowns.
