The NFL‘s debut on Netflix is slated to be a major must-see affair. With a special Wednesday slate of games scheduled for Christmas, it was always going to be a highly anticipated event. But with all four teams a lock to finish within the top five of the AFC, these matchups get even more exciting.
However, the league isn’t just relying on the games themselves to build up interest. Instead, a Super Bowl-esque halftime show will occur when the Houston Texans take on the Baltimore Ravens. But before Beyoncé lights up her hometown on fire, the proceedings will begin with a special rendition of the national anthem.
Here’s what Netflix and the NFL have in store for a red-hot Houston crowd.
Texans vs. Ravens National Anthem
After the showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers, all eyes will turn to NRG Stadium for a 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff between the Texans and the Ravens. But before the two teams take up positions, Pentatonix will conduct a special performance of the national anthem.
Announcing the national anthem performers for NFL Christmas Gameday!
Voices of Service will perform at the Chiefs vs. Steelers game. Pentatonix will perform at the Ravens vs. Texans game.
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NFL Christmas Gameday LIVE on Netflix 1 PM ET & 4:30 PM ET #NFLonNetflix pic.twitter.com/Ijnt9Q91jU— Netflix (@netflix) December 19, 2024
Originating from Arlington, Texas, the group should feel right at home, coming back to the place where their story began over a decade ago. An acapella group, Pentatonix is most renowned for its pop spin on Christmas songs alongside its original material.
It was the third season of “The Sing-Off” where the crew really took off, winning the entire show and earning a recording contract with Sony Music. Soon after, Pentatonix began its own YouTube channel, while distributing its work through Madison Gate Records.
A year after their formation, the five-person crew released PTX, Volume 1. Soon after, PTXmas came out, and since then, there’s been no looking back. Pentatonix’s third release — PTX, Vol. II — debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Independent Albums.
After signing with the Recording Industry Association of America, Pentatonix continued climbing the ladder of success, one at a time. Two full-length studio albums were followed by another holiday release. “That’s Christmas to Me” would eventually go on to become double platinum while becoming the highest-charting holiday album in over 50 years.
The next step on their path was original content, which came through in the form of Pentatonix before a third Christmas album came out in 2016.
In September 2017, the group had a bit of reshuffling in their lineup. Starting off with Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Avi Kaplan, and Kevin Olusola, Kaplan’s departure paved the way for Matt Sallee to take his spot.
Pentatonix has also been a critical success in their career, winning three Grammy Awards. Last year, on Feb. 21, 2023, they even received their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.