VIDEO : Is Mariah’s reign over? Fans are crowning Kelly Clarkson the new Christmas Queen after her Netflix performance of ‘Underneath the Tree,’ yet Kelly’s respectful reaction toward Mariah speaks volumes
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The holiday landscape shifted on December 25, 2025, when Kelly Clarkson took to the skies for the NFL Christmas Gameday on Netflix. In a performance that can only be described as a visual masterclass, Clarkson performed her hit “Underneath the Tree” while flying on a sleigh and eventually landing atop a massive, sparkling Christmas tree.
It was a moment designed for the history books, but it triggered an explosive debate: Is Mariah Carey’s long-standing reign as the “Queen of Christmas” finally coming to an end?
A Performance for the Digital Age
Kelly Clarkson didn’t just sing yesterday; she created a core memory for millions of viewers. As she soared through the stadium, her powerhouse vocals proved that she is in a league of her own. While the night featured a massive halftime show by Snoop Dogg and Lainey Wilson, it was Kelly’s gravity-defying opening that set the gold standard for the broadcast.
Fans immediately took to social media, claiming that Kelly’s live vocal ability and the sheer scale of the Netflix production officially outshined the traditional holiday classics.
The Crowning of a New Queen
For decades, Mariah Carey has held an iron grip on the holiday season. However, the “Underneath the Tree” performance has changed the narrative. Critics and fans alike are pointing to Kelly’s consistency and her ability to deliver flawless live performances as reasons why she should inherit the throne.
The internet was flooded with comments like, “Mariah has the record, but Kelly has the crown”. The momentum behind Kelly as the new “Christmas Queen” reached a fever pitch following the Netflix live stream.
Kelly Clarkson’s Respectful Reaction
What has truly touched the hearts of fans, however, is how Kelly Clarkson handled the comparison. Despite the overwhelming support to name her the new queen, Kelly’s reaction toward Mariah Carey has been nothing but respectful.
Kelly has made it clear through her actions and words that she views herself as a contemporary of the legends, not a replacement. By refusing to engage in a “diva war” and instead showing deep admiration for the path Mariah paved, Kelly’s humility “speaks volumes”. She isn’t looking to dethrone anyone; she is simply looking to spread joy.
A Lesson in Grace and Talent
https://youtu.be/f2Jxc4WeSgw?si=7L1RGGnLCAc2FiX8
This moment is inspiring for fans because it showcases the best of the industry. Kelly Clarkson is proving that you can be at the absolute top of your game—flying on sleighs and dominating global streaming platforms—while still remaining grounded and respectful of those who came before you.
Her performance wasn’t just about high notes and special effects; it was a demonstration of a woman who has worked for decades to reach this level of mastery.
Why You Can’t Miss This Story
Whether you side with the traditional reign of Mariah or the modern brilliance of Kelly, the “Ultimate Holiday War” has given us the greatest gift of all: world-class entertainment. The Netflix NFL Christmas Gameday proved that live music is still the heart of the holidays.
As the debate rages on, Kelly Clarkson continues to do what she does best—singing her heart out and treating her fellow artists with the kind of grace that makes her a true queen, regardless of any official title.
