When it was announced that Beyoncé would perform during halftime of the Ravens-Texans Christmas game, the good folks here at The Banner knew who to turn to for a “relentlessly interesting” reaction: me, the Banner’s unofficial Beyoncé correspondent and, of course, a card-carrying member of the notorious BeyHive.

Now, while they didn’t send me to the Ho-Ho-Hoedown in Houston (which is crazy), I was still able to attend ... well, in spirit at least.

Anyway, I grabbed my holiday cowboy hat and my boots, and I left my family holiday festivities for the 2024 Beyoncé Bowl. The queen did not disappoint. From her literally starting the performance by riding into the stadium on a white horse to her floating away into the air, it was a sight to see.

Here are key takeaways.

Yee-haw, it’s “Cowboy Carter”!

This is the first time we got to see Beyoncé perform songs from her eighth solo release, “Cowboy Carter,” which was released this year — hence all the country references. During the Beyoncé Bowl, she performed hits from the album such as “16 Carriages,” the covers “Blackbird” and “Jolene,” “Texas Hold ’Em” and more.

We also got to see artists Tiera Kennedy, Tanner Adell, Reyna Roberts, Shaboozey, Post Malone, who are also featured on the album, including Baltimore’s own Brittney Spencer.

In an interview with GQ this summer, Beyoncé explained the album’s name.

“The cowboy is a symbol of strength and aspiration in America. The cowboy was named after slaves who handled the cows. The word ‘cowboy’ comes from those who were called boys, never given the respect they deserved,” she said.

The album earned her 11 Grammy nominations.

Blue Ivy Carter

Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé’s oldest daughter (who fans often joke is her manager), joined the halftime performance and stole the show! You could see her in the middle of the stands during the “My House” set and toward the end of the show.

Following the Renaissance World Tour, when Blue Ivy made several appearances and performed, it’s clear she’s going to continue to take the stage whenever she can and shine.

Yo, was that a truck or jruck?

During the show, Beyoncé was joined by (singer/rapper?) Post Malone and together they performed “Levii’s Jeans” from “Cowboy Carter.” Now what stood out was the pickup truck decked out in patchwork denim. Yes, the whole truck! Like how they do that? Where can I buy one?

Beyoncé levitated

Beyoncé can fly. You saw it. I saw it.

But for the literal folks out there who don’t believe in Beyoncé’s powers, at the end of her performance, she was lifted onto a platform high into the air, then a banner fell beneath her that read “Bang.” Nothing else needs to be said.

1. 14. 25

And, in typical Beyoncé fashion, she dropped a teaser video right after her performance on social media captioned, “Look at that horse.”

In the 15-second video, she’s seen on a white horse, twirling the American flag before looking right into the camera. Then, boom, the video ends with “1. 14. 25” popping up in red.

Besides being the day before my birthday (yeah, Beyoncé knows), what does this date mean? Is Beyoncé dropping new music? Is this the long-speculated ACT III? Is she announcing a tour? Could it be all three in one? Either way, I’ll be ready with my credit card in hand just in case money is involved. But, Beyoncé, have mercy, sis. We are poor.

Anyway, Beyoncé gave us a great performance and reminded everyone why she’s the greatest entertainer today. It’s the pageantry, the talent, the Black excellence and the showmanship that go into all her performances. When you watch a Beyoncé performance, it’s an experience and you’re immediately left wondering, “Well, how the hell is she going to outdo this one?”

If you don’t believe me, you can watch the video below and judge for yourself.

P.S. The Ravens are now 2-0 when Beyoncé performs at a halftime show where they are playing. Coincidence? I think not.