VIDEO : “The ultimate holiday war!” Kelly Clarkson soared on a sleigh for Netflix, earning Mariah’s golden approval, yet Beyoncé’s cold reaction suggests she isn’t ready to share the crown

The 2025 holiday season officially has its most iconic moment. During the NFL Christmas GameDay on Netflix this past Wednesday, global superstar Kelly Clarkson delivered a visual masterpiece that felt like a total holiday dream. Forget just walking onto a stage—Clarkson literally soared on a sleigh through the stadium, eventually landing atop a massive, sparkling Christmas tree to perform her anthem, “Underneath the Tree”.

While the crowd in Minnesota was breathless, the real drama began blowing up online. In a rare move, the “Queen of Christmas” herself, Mariah Carey, gave her golden seal of approval. But as fans celebrated, a noticeable chill came from Beyoncé’s camp, igniting a “Holiday War” that has the entire internet picking sides.

A Sleigh Ride for the History Books

Kelly Clarkson didn’t just sing; she performed a feat of engineering and pure artistry. Clad in a stunning silver gown, she appeared to fly above the stadium, her voice ringing out with flawless precision. It was a high-stakes opening for the Netflix broadcast, setting the stage for a massive night that included a heavy-hitting halftime show by Snoop Dogg and Lainey Wilson.

For many, this was the moment Kelly transitioned from a daytime TV host back to her rightful place as a vocal titan. The sheer scale of the “Sleigh-on-Netflix” moment was designed to be the definitive holiday image of 2025.

Mariah’s Blessing: Passing the Torch?

https://youtu.be/f2Jxc4WeSgw?si=moBsJC2zhO48-TQn

In the world of Christmas music, Mariah Carey is the ultimate authority. For her to acknowledge another artist’s holiday performance is nearly unheard of. However, following the broadcast, reports surfaced of Mariah praising Kelly’s vocal stamina and the “magical” production value of the sleigh ride.

Fans were quick to call it a “passing of the torch.” After decades of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” dominating the charts, Mariah’s nod to Kelly’s “Underneath the Tree” suggested that there is finally enough room in the North Pole for two queens.

The “Icy” Silence of Queen Bey

However, not everyone was ready to join the celebration. As the “BeyHive” waited for Beyoncé—who was also a major part of the Christmas Day hype—to comment on the spectacle, they were met with a resounding silence.

Insiders suggest that Beyoncé’s camp viewed the over-the-top sleigh production as a distraction from the raw musicality of the night. While Kelly was flying, Beyoncé was focused on her own legendary status, and the lack of a shout-out to Kelly has been interpreted as a “cold reaction.” In the high-stakes world of music royalty, silence is often the loudest statement of all.

Why Fans are Obsessed with the Controversy

This isn’t just about three women singing; it’s about the “Ultimate Holiday War” for cultural dominance.

• Kelly Clarkson represents the joyful, “everywoman” spirit of Christmas.

• Mariah Carey represents the glamour and the long-standing tradition.

• Beyoncé represents the untouchable, elite artistry.

When these three worlds collide on a massive platform like Netflix, the sparks are inevitable. Fans are now debating: Does flying on a sleigh make you the new queen, or does the crown stay with the one who refuses to acknowledge the competition?

A Masterclass in Performance

Regardless of the diva drama, Kelly Clarkson’s performance was a triumph of live entertainment. Standing atop that giant tree, she reminded the world that her voice is a natural wonder. She handled the complexity of a massive live broadcast with the grace of a veteran, proving that she can go toe-to-toe with any legend—even if they aren’t ready to share the throne yet.

The Final Verdict: Who Owns Christmas?

As the holiday games concluded and the “Holiday War” trended on X, one thing became clear: Kelly Clarkson is no longer just an “Idol.” She is a holiday institution.

Mariah may have given her approval, and Beyoncé may have kept her distance, but the fans have already made their choice. That sleigh ride wasn’t just a stunt; it was a victory lap.