Convenience Big Store: Does Houston Rodeo's lineup reflect the city's diversity?

January 11, 2025

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Past RodeoHouston performers Beyonce, Cardi B, Selena and Los Tigres del Norte.

Photo by: (Chronicle file)

Does the Rodeo concert lineup represent Houston diversity? Shows include few women, artists of color

The lowdown: Few things spark as much conversation in Houston as the RodeoHouston lineup. This year, many have expressed disappointment with the lineup, particularly with the longtime absence of women and the lack of diversity, musical or otherwise.

By the numbers: This year's lineup includes just three nonwhite performers: Bun B, Carin León and Grupo Frontera. And of this year's 20 Rodeo performers, 65% are country and 35% are noncountry. As for women, there are only two on the lineup: Reba McEntire and Lauren Daigle.

Analysis: While the country aspect makes sense on the surface because rodeos are associated with country music, six of last year's most-attended shows were noncountry performers. Plus, Houston is much more diverse in its listening habits, based on the city's 2024 Spotify Wrapped results.

Read Joey Guerra's full story here for more on the lineup vs. Houston's demographics. Plus, find out how you can save money at the Rodeo here.

📰 Need to Know

WHEN IT COULD GET WARM AGAIN: Southeast Texas remains chilly this weekend, with only a modest warming trend this week. Here's an early forecast for next weekend's Houston Marathon.
A PIECE OF HOUSTON HISTORY ERASED: Historic Houston's Salvage Warehouse is closing after 20 years, leaving a void in the market for vintage supply. Take a look inside.
NYE ARRESTS: Houston police arrested nine people in connection with firing guns on New Year's Eve and responded to nearly 300 gunfire calls. In other crime news, the Harris County Sheriff's Office saw declines in most violent crimes in 2024, improving on 2023's drops.
GENERATORS REQUIRED: An amendment to the Harris County Fire Code requiring nursing homes and assisted living facilities to have backup power systems went into effect Jan. 1.
GALVESTON RESTAURANT WEEK IS HERE: Galveston Restaurant Week began Jan. 6 and will continue through Feb. 2, inviting diners to explore the city's popular restaurants, offering brunch, lunch and dinner courses at special price points.

🏈 Things to do this Weekend

CHECK OUT GUCCI'S NEW SPACE: Gucci has kicked off 2025 with a Texas-sized footprint in Houston. On Wednesday, the Florence-based luxury brand unveiled an 11,000-square foot boutique with a VIP lounge in the Galleria.
TRY A THC DRINK: Dry January contributes to a tough month for restaurants, but this year they're turning more to THC drinks than ever before.
HIT A LOCAL EVENT: Today's local events include Bumper Cars on Ice, Ishida Dance Company: "as long as there is in me" and a Texans game.

🧠 Point of View

We urge Whitmire to change the threshold for warming centers and ensure they're accessible to the vulnerable people who need them. Other Texas cities pull it off. Houston can, too.

Photo by: Yasmeen Khalifa

One homeless woman was willing to be handcuffed to get a ride to a warming center. Houston needs a policy as compassionate as those in Dallas and Austin, writes the Houston Chronicle Editorial Board.

Events at the Chronicle

Photo by: Houston Chronicle Staff

EVENT: Meet the new Harris County DA Sean Teare

Chronicle readers are invited to a private Zoom with Sean Teare, Harris County's District Attorney, as he enters his first month in office.

☝️ One More Thing

Houstonians love Astros reporter Julia Morales. They ride hard for her.

Usually, she's praised for reporting. But yesterday, she was on the field for a totally different reason: She performed with the Kilgore Rangerettes at the Cotton Bowl.

Moraled said it was "extremely overwhelming in the best way possible." We love a multitalented icon.

— Yasmeen Khalifa