Lainey Wilson’s NFL Halftime Performance Sparks Beyoncé Comparisons

Lainey Wilson found herself at the center of an online debate after her appearance during Netflix’s NFL Christmas Day halftime show, hosted by Snoop Dogg, drew immediate comparisons to Beyoncé’s now-iconic 2024 performance.

The show aired on December 25 during the Detroit Lions–Minnesota Vikings game and featured a genre-spanning lineup, with Snoop Dogg leading a holiday-themed halftime party. Midway through the set, Wilson arrived onstage dressed in an all-white Western-inspired outfit, performing “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” while seated on an ornate sleigh.

Almost instantly, social media users pointed out visual parallels to Beyoncé’s 2024 NFL Christmas halftime debut, which accompanied the release of her country album Cowboy Carter. From the Western aesthetic to the grand, cinematic staging, many viewers questioned whether Wilson’s appearance was an intentional nod or an uncomfortable echo.

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The reactions ranged from playful to pointed. Some fans framed the moment as a clear homage to Beyoncé’s cultural impact, while others accused Wilson of “recycling” imagery that had already sparked controversy within the country music community. Memes and commentary spread rapidly, with phrases like “reheating Beyoncé’s nachos” circulating across platforms.

Wilson has previously spoken positively about Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, crediting the album with introducing new audiences to country music, even after losing a Grammy to the project earlier this year. Despite her vocal support, the similarities reignited lingering tensions around Beyoncé’s presence in a genre that has historically struggled with inclusivity.

The halftime show itself received mixed reviews, with critics describing the overall production as disjointed. In addition to Wilson, the set featured performances from EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami, and Andrea Bocelli, resulting in abrupt tonal shifts that some viewers found confusing.

While the performance may not have reached the cultural heights of Beyoncé’s 2024 appearance, Wilson’s moment proved one thing: Beyoncé’s influence on country music, and on pop culture at large, continues to ripple long after she leaves the stage.