Netflix is bringing holiday cheer to football fans this December with a star-powered opening, as Grammy-winning artist Kelly Clarkson is set to headline its NFL Christmas Day broadcast. The multi-talented singer, songwriter, and talk show host will warm up the festivities by performing her beloved holiday track, Underneath the Tree, before the Christmas Day kickoff.
The announcement was made on Thursday, December 11, revealing that Clarkson will open Netflix’s special NFL Christmas Gameday coverage on December 25. The performance promises something “special,” and fans can expect the signature powerhouse vocals that made the song one of Clarkson’s most celebrated seasonal hits. Underneath the Tree originally appeared on her first Christmas album, Wrapped in Red. Clarkson later released When Christmas Comes Around in 2021, further cementing her place as a modern holiday music icon.
In a video message shared by Netflix, Clarkson expressed her excitement: “Two great football games on Christmas Day? That’s a present we can all enjoy.” A devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, Clarkson will perform ahead of the highly anticipated NFC East clash between the Cowboys and the Washington Commanders. The matchup takes place at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. EST.
Following that game, fans can look forward to another tense showdown as the Detroit Lions host the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. This game kicks off at 4:30 p.m. EST, rounding out a day of festive football entertainment for viewers across the country.
Netflix is entering its second year of airing NFL games on Christmas Day. In 2024, the holiday lineup featured the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, followed by the Baltimore Ravens taking on the Houston Texans. That broadcast also included a memorable halftime performance from Beyoncé, debuting songs from her Cowboy Carter album alongside Shaboozey, Blue Ivy Carter, and Post Malone.
This year’s broadcast is stacked with sports and entertainment personalities. Host Kay Adams returns, joined by Drew Brees, Manti Te’o, and Nate Burleson. New faces include Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, NFL star Austin Ekeler, and WWE Champion Seth Rollins, an avid Chicago Bears supporter. More celebrity appearances are expected to be announced, adding extra star power to the holiday celebration.
With Clarkson’s opening performance, two high-energy NFL games, and a lineup of familiar and fresh talent, Netflix is set to deliver a Christmas Day experience that blends music, sports, and festive spirit — a true gift for fans tuning in from home.
