Maroon 5 has confirmed that they will headline the Super Bowl halftime show this February in Atlanta.
The group has reportedly struggled to find artists to appear alongside them after the NFL’s controversial stance on players’ rights. Travis Scott and former Outkast member Big Boi will join Maroon 5 for the show.
Several Hollywood critics and organizations like the NAACP have been vocal about the halftime show. The NFL’s treatment of Colin Kaepernick has sparked a boycott of the show after Kaepernick asked musicians to turn down offers.
A petition for Maroon 5 to back out of the performance began circulating online last year. It has gathered around 85,000 signatures at the time of writing. More signatures will probably appear as news of the band’s confirmation spreads.
Several artists were approached to perform this year but likely opted out. Names that were in consideration during our previous reporting include Cardi B, Outkast, Mary J. Blige, Usher, and Niki Minaj. Rihanna is also widely believed to have passed on an offer.
The artist confirmations are happening unusually late in the football season schedule.
Most halftime performers are announced in September or October.
We do know that one of the conditions of Travis Scott’s appearance is a donation from the NFL to a social justice charity. The NFL matched Scott’s contribution of $500k to Dream Corps.
Here’s what Scott stated.
“I back anyone who takes a stand for what they believe in. I know being an artist that it’s in my power to inspire. So before confirming the Super Bowl Halftime performance, I made sure to partner with the NFL on this important donation. I am proud to support Dream Corps and the work they do that will hopefully inspire and promote change.”
When Scott was first rumored to be appearing alongside Maroon 5, several prominent figures voiced concerns. Jay-Z was reportedly urging Scott to back out, a claim that he later denied.