Maroon 5 is still going ahead with its Super Bowl Halftime Show, but the group has canceled its gaggle with reporters.
The NFL announced the cancellation earlier this morning amidst a growing level of protest. Instead of the usual press conference with the performers, the NFL will be using the time to show behind-the-scenes footage.
Maroon 5 will be joined by Big Boi and Travis Scott for the halftime performance this Sunday.
The group gave no reason for their decision to abandon the conference, but they are facing a growing backlash for supporting the NFL. A Change.org petition asking Maroon 5 to cancel their appearance has garnered more than 112,000 signatures ahead of the appearance.
The whole saga around finding a halftime performance has been an undertaking. Maroon 5 was quietly confirmed as the lead performance last year. However, rumors surfaced that frontman Adam Levine was having trouble finding performers to appear alongside Maroon 5.
Several performers were rumored to have been approached but turned down opportunities to appear. Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, and Beyonce were all said to have turned down the opportunity. Jay-Z let his feelings be known in the song ‘Apeshit’ rapping,
‘I said no to the Super Bowl
you need me I don’t need you.‘
A rumor stated that Jay-Z attempted to talk Travis Scott out of his appearance, but Jay-Z later denied having that conversation.
With so much controversy surrounding the performance, it’s a no-brainer why NFL and Levine decided against speaking to reporters. Sounds like the artists are putting their nose to the grindstone and getting the show done so it can be forgotten about.
Maroon 5, Big Boi, and Travis Scott will perform at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Gladys Knight will perform the national anthem.
Much respect to Maroon 5.
What is going on in US these days, absolutely lunacy.
It seems this kind of thing has to get worse before it gets better.