The Super Bowl is one of the most watched events of the year, and part of what elevates above just another football game is its spectacular half time show. Usually, the honor goes to one of pop’s biggest acts of the year, and it’s a coveted spot many true music legends have performed in. It’s also one of the most-watched musical events of the year, with Katy Perry’s 2015 stint reportedly holding the record for the most-watched musical performance ever.
This year, though, things went a little differently. Amid controversy surrounding the effective blackballing of Colin Kaepernick amid his Black Lives Matter protest, many artists turned down the half time show opportunity in solidarity with Kaepernick – with the literal goddess, Rihanna reported being among them.
And the controversy didn’t stop there. The half time show was performed by Maroon 5, and let’s just say there wasn’t an enthusiastic reception. Amid the online savagery, lead singer Adam Levine has spoken out.
For those who missed it, the 53rd Super Bowl happened on Sunday.
Because of issues with the NFL and their policy on race, many of the biggest artists of the year turned down the spot.
In the end, the performers chosen for the show were the prolific pop-rock artists, Maroon 5.
The LA based band formed in 1994, giving them a significant amount of history.
They’ve had a long and lucrative career, with big hits including This Love, Moves Like Jagger and She Will Be Loved.
Lead singer Adam Levine has also been a judge on The Voice.
The band headlined the Super Bowl LIII half time show this year.
Many thought the show was doomed to failure from the start, with artists including Jay Z and Cardi B reportedly turning down the gig.
Colin Kaepernick’s lawyer compared Maroon 5’s decision to perform to strikebreaking, saying it was a cop-out.
Maroon 5 weren’t alone onstage.
The band were joined by rap artists Big Boi, and Kylie Jenner’s beau, Travis Scott.
But even additional help from some super hot artists couldn’t save the performance.
Because critical reception of the performance was pretty rough.
The vast majority of the viewing public, alongside television and music critics, said the show was lackluster, dull, boring, uninspired and forgettable.
In combination with the controversy of accepting the offer to perform, it’s all pretty disastrous.
The apolitical nature of a performance already criticized for being bland and not standing for anything rendered it one of the least popular half time shows of all time.
The decision to go with Maroon 5 was questioned.
They’re a prolific rock band, sure, but are they on the same level of global super-stardom as other past acts?
Some found aspects of the performance pretty awkward.
There’s nothing worse than tuning in to see what should be a spectacular performance, and just wanting to cringe instead.
Even some celebs got in on the critique.
This harsh comment comes from singer and bassist for pop-punk band Blink 182, Mark Hoppus.
People weren’t keen on Adam Levine’s choice of outfit.
It’s true that his brown, ’70s-style sweater vest bore a striking resemblance to a surprising number of viewers’ home furnishings.
Although, things took a different turn.
Levine removed his shirt, perhaps anticipating the at-home dislike of the brown circular pattern. But that didn’t help things, either.
Some compared the gratuitous shirtlessness to this scene from The Office.
It did seem a little like Levine was grasping at anything to make the lackluster performance a little bit more interesting.
Although Levine’s toplessness got people speaking about a bigger issue
In 2004, Janet Jackson’s breast was exposed on stage during the Super Bowl half time show, which caused a national uproar. Jackson’s career never fully recovered from the incident.
Levine’s nipples, however, seem to be good clean family fun.
Regardless of superficial complaints, though, the half time show has been panned.
Many felt it was rough around the edges, seemed rushed and under-rehearsed, and was unenthusiastic and just plain dull.
The tedious showing may go down in history as one of the least popular ever.
Although, others have pointed out that there are past half time shows which have been similarly poorly received, noting Justin Timberlake in 2018, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2014.
Some pointed out an upside to the Maroon 5 performance.
In a country (and, indeed, a world) which often seem completely divided, it’s good to see we can all be brought together to agree on something.
Some have said the criticism of the half time show was part of a greater issue.
The actual Super Bowl game has been described as one of the most boring of all time, with record-breakingly low scores and an obvious win for the favourites.
In the midst of this, it’s likely people weren’t really in the mood to jam out to Maroon 5.
Others have bravely stood in support of Levine’s decision to go shirtless.
Many have said they enjoyed staring at his tatted bod.
The criticism over what’s now being referred to as “nipple-gate” is also thought to be problematic by some. If nipples aren’t a big deal, then how come we’re talking about Levine’s so much?
Others have said Maroon 5 was in a no-win situation.
The controversy surrounding their performance, plus the low-scoring and tedious football game provided a perfect storm in which Maroon 5 could only bomb.
On Monday, Levine made the decision to speak out.
In an emotional Instagram post, he responded to the harsh critiques he and his band have faced in the wake of the Super Bowl.
In it, he thanked the universe for the “historic opportunity.”
Levine also thanked the band’s fans, for “always making our dreams possible.”
He also got a little sassy with the haters.
Levine thanked “our critics” for “always pushing us to do better.”
Fans pointed out something else about the performance.
Far from “crossing the picket line,” Maroon 5 was actually being charitable activists by choosing to accept the offer of performing in the Super Bowl half time show.
Although, we’re still not convinced the shirt removal was totally necessary.
Super Bowl viewers have made some unfavorable comparisons between Levine and a Chipotle bag.
But, as Levine himself has said,
“Forgive
Laugh
Cry
Smile
Share”
… et cetera.
In all seriousness, though, maybe it’s time to leave Maroon 5 alone.
There are far worse crimes being committed than a slightly crappy half time performance at the Super Bowl, after all.
Plus, it leaves next year’s show with an easy act to follow!
In all seriousness, it takes a brave person to be this dignified in the face of international mockery. So for that, we have to say, well played.
