Kelly Clarkson Returns to the NFL Stage
On December 25, 2025, the NFL is merging two American traditions—football and Christmas—by featuring the dynamic Kelly Clarkson in yet another holiday spectacle. This year, Clarkson will grace the stage with her infectious holiday classic, Underneath the Tree, much to the delight of fans and families tuning in to the games.
The Big Matchups
This year's NFL Christmas Day lineup includes an exciting showdown between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders at 1 p.m. EST at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Fans can also anticipate another thrilling game as the Detroit Lions take on the Minnesota Vikings at 4:30 p.m. EST at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
“This year I'm kicking off NFL Christmas Gameday, live on Netflix,” Clarkson shared in a promotional video, her excitement palpable. “Two great football games on Christmas Day? That's a present we can all enjoy.”
A New Holiday Tradition
Netflix continues to carve its niche in holiday entertainment, a year after the previous Christmas Gameday featured Mariah Carey's ever-popular All I Want for Christmas Is You. With Clarkson's addition to the lineup, viewers can look forward to beloved music intertwined with sportsmanship.
The streaming giant has successfully capted audiences, boasting over 30 million viewers during last year's stream. It seems that as streaming becomes integral to our holiday celebrations, both music and sports will play vital roles in the festive season.
What to Expect from the Halftime Show
While Netflix has yet to announce this year's halftime show performer, fans are still buzzing about last year's unexpected surprise. Beyoncé managed to steal the spotlight, turning the event into an extraordinary showcase of her talents. As we await updates on this year's halftime talent, Clarkson's kickoff performance undoubtedly raises the stakes for entertainment this holiday.
A Personal Journey
Kelly Clarkson's own journey has recently been filled with both triumph and anguish. In November, she made her much-anticipated return to the stage for the first time since the tragic passing of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, who was battling melanoma. As she balances her professional and personal life, Clarkson aims to provide solace and joy to her fans through her music.
Her next performance follows her emotional return earlier in the month, and it underscores her resilience and determination. As fans, we are reminded that the holidays are not just about celebration; they are also about recognition, healing, and familial support.
Looking Ahead
Ahead of the big day, the NFL and Kelly Clarkson are set to ignite spirits with combined traditions, and it gives us all a sense of community—even if only virtually. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or a Christmas enthusiast, the experience promises to leave an imprint, demonstrating the power of music, sports, and the festive spirit.
As we gear up for NFL Christmas Gameday, let's treasure these moments that allow us to connect, reflect, and perhaps even discover new favorites in the realm of music-house holiday special. After all, isn't that what the season is all about?
Source reference: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-nfl-christmas-gameday-opener-1235482697/



