Just hours ago, the NFL revealed that the Super Bowl LIV halftime show will be headlined by Jennifer Lopez and Shakira.
The deal was apparently facilitated by Jay-Z, who recently joined the NFL to serve as a Live Music Entertainment Strategist; Roc Nation was also involved in Jay-Z’s joining the football league. Beforehand, Jay-Z had been a prominent critic of the NFL.
As Live Music Entertainment Strategist, Jay-Z is tasked with coordinating the NFL’s music and live performances while also reaching out to charities on the NFL’s behalf. Earlier this month, Jay-Z arranged for the NFL and Roc Nation to donate $400,000 to two Chicago-based charities that assist at-risk youth.
The halftime decision is almost entirely non-controversial. Both performers are mostly apolitical and non-controversial, which is exactly what the NFL craves at this moment. They’re also unlikely to spring any surprises before, during, or after the game.
Super Bowl LIV is scheduled to take place on February 20th, 2020.
The game will be held in Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium and will air on Fox. Superbowl LIII’s halftime show featured Maroon 5, Big Boi, and Travis Scott.
J-Lo recently wrapped up her “It’s My Party” concert series, which consisted of 30 shows, including stops in the United States, Canada, Israel, Russia, Turkey, Spain, and Egypt. Earlier this year, the 50-year-old musician and businesswoman announced her engagement with New York Yankees legend Alex Rodriguez.
Shakira, whose full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, concluded a tour for her 2017 album, El Dorado, last year. The Colombia native made 54 stops on the tour, which was considered to be a major commercial success. Since then, she’s been working on her next album; more information is expected to be released in the near future.
Jay-Z, for his part, has kept busy with his musical career and his position at the NFL. Additionally, the 49-year-old served as an executive producer on 2018’s Rest in Power: The Treyvon Martin Story, which aired on the Paramount Network.
At the time of writing, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira hadn’t publicly commented on the Super Bowl LIV halftime pick.
Sounds like a good time to get up, hit the head and grab some snacks. Thanks Jay-Z