This football season is already off to an interesting start for the NFL teams as well as their fans. However, the real hype doesn’t arrive until the Super Bowl. Although the event is centered around star-studded football teams, the real eye-catcher for some is the halftime performance. The privilege of performing at Super Bowl LIII was awarded to Maroon 5.
“I’m not the biggest fan of Maroon 5, especially their songs in the last few years, but they are recognizable, have decent hits and have amazing albums that everybody can enjoy. It’s not the best choice, but it’s a safe choice,” said Michael Day, an atmospheric science senior.
With speculations about who will be featured in the show along with the headlining group, some viewers have found flaws with the choice of performer. Rappers Cardi B. and Travis Scott are rumored to be at the top of the list of options for featured artists.
However, Atlanta-based artists like Usher, Ciara and Sugarland were not among the top choices for the lineup. After the speculation reached social media sites such as Twitter and Instagram, many were displeased and had questions for the people in charge.
Toni Corso, a political science junior, would rather have BTS, an international band, perform during the halftime. BTS is a Korean band, who won the “Top Social Artists Award” at the Billboard Awards for both 2017 and 2018.
“Realistically speaking, I do not think America has an open mind enough to accept such a different form of cultural music, but BTS are the greatest performers I have ever seen. They would be so much more energetic and every song they do has strategic choreography and raw talent that many American artists lack,” said Corso, a political science junior.
In a 2015 interview with Howard Stern, Adam Levine, lead vocalist of Maroon 5, stated that it was a “long time dream” of the band’s to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. He also emphasized that the band “very actively wants to play the Super Bowl.”
There are no signs of the show stopping for anybody as both Pepsi and the NFL have released statements that clarify that Maroon 5 will be the headlining band for Super Bowl LIII. Let there be lights, cameras, and action on the stage of the year’s most anticipated show.