Beyoncé’s highly-lauded “Cowboy Carter”-inspired NFL Christmas halftime show earned four Emmy nods. Since the superstar included Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul Marching Band, that means the HBCU has also been honored.
The National Battle of the Bands congratulated TSU and Beyoncé on social media.
The much-ballyhooed “Beyoncé Bowl” garnered recognition in the Outstanding Variety Special (Live), Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special, Outstanding Choreography (Variety/Reality,) and Outstanding Production Design for a Variety Special categories.
The Ocean of Soul marching band played a major role in the televised halftime show, which took place Christmas Day during the Texans vs. Ravens game in Houston’s NRG stadium. Aired on Netflix, the show attracted 27 million viewers, a record, according to Atlanta Daily World.
Now, Beyoncé and TSU
could add “Emmy winners” to their long list of accolades. The decorated singer and actress now has 10 Emmy nominations. She previously received nominations for her other Netflix special, Homecoming, which showcased her 2018 Coachella performance that paid homage to HBCU marching bands.TSU’s Ocean of Soul also has a tremendous reputation in HBCU marching band history, performing at Super Bowl halftime shows and award ceremonies. The Ocean of Soul will return to NRG stadium on Aug. 23 for the National Battle of the Bands showcase.
Beyoncé and Ocean of Soul’s nominations also keep the spotlight on the HBCU tradition. Previously, Beyoncé gave a $100,000 grant to the band. The funding will aid the marching band’s artistic talents through scholarships and upgraded resources.
As for whether the band and Beyoncé become Emmy winners, fans of both will have to wait until the Sept. 14 ceremony.
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