Netflix NFL viewers slam Kelly Clarkson’s Christmas performance over heavy CGI
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Netflix’s Christmas Day NFL broadcast opened with a festive performance by Kelly Clarkson, but the heavy use of CGI quickly became the focus of online backlash. While the singer delivered her holiday hit 'Underneath the Tree,' many viewers said the digitally enhanced visuals distracted from the moment and made the opening feel overproduced.
The performance aired ahead of the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders matchup, followed later by the Detroit Lions facing the Minnesota Vikings. Though Clarkson’s vocals were widely praised, the stylized presentation left many viewers confused and frustrated.
Kelly Clarkson Christmas performance with heavy CGI effects
Clarkson’s performance featured a glossy, animated setup that placed her inside a Netflix-branded snow globe, complete with a Christmas tree, wrapped gifts, and falling snow. She appeared to glide in on a CGI sleigh while singing, with animated football sequences woven throughout the segment.
At various moments, football players were shown emerging from oversized gift boxes, tossing footballs midair, and even tackling one another while holding presents. The visuals leaned heavily on computer-generated effects, creating a surreal mix of holiday imagery and NFL-themed animation.
While the performance was brief and aired before both games, it sparked immediate conversation online. Many viewers felt the heavy editing distracted from the music and questioned the creative direction behind the opening.
Several fans pointed out that Clarkson herself wasn’t the issue, noting that her live vocals remained strong. Instead, frustration centered on what viewers described as unnecessary CGI and artificial polish.
Netflix NFL viewers react to Kelly Clarkson pre-recorded performance
Social media quickly filled with reactions as viewers shared their thoughts on the pre-recorded segment.
“This Netflix open with Kelly Clarkson is literally the worst. Seriously, what is this trash?” one viewer wrote. Another added, “Because nothing says football like Christmas carols and streaming delays.”
Some viewers criticized the reuse of footage, with one post reading, “Bruh Netflix makes all that money just to reuse Kelly Clarkson video twice.”
Others focused on the digital effects, writing, “What the AI was that Kelly Clarkson performance?!?” and “What is this Kelly Clarkson CGI thing?”
One viewer summed up the frustration by saying, “Nothing says Christmas like Kelly Clarkson on a floating AI-generated sleigh over an AI-generated stadium full of AI-generated fans.”
Still, not all reactions were negative. One fan defended the singer, writing, “I don’t wanna hear any haters on this either. It’s 2025, there is gonna be some CG, but I guarantee Kelly and her band are authentic. Kelly never lip-syncs.”
Another viewer, however, pushed back, saying, “I just hate the inauthenticity from her. This show is not it.”
Snoop Dogg hosts NFL Christmas Day halftime show
Snoop Dogg served as the host and halftime performer during the Christmas Day broadcast, taking the stage between the second and third quarters at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
Last year, Beyoncé headlined the Christmas Day halftime show with a performance of tracks from her country album 'Cowboy Carter.' The event, streamed by Netflix, was widely referred to as the “Beyoncé Bowl.”
