Three Reasons The NFL Needs To End These Mini Mega Concerts
Adam Levine’s ripping off his shirt thrilled the ladies watching the Super Bowl LIII halftime show but it reminded me of Justin Timberlake’s “look at me” move that became infamously known as the “wardrobe malfunction” incident.
The rest of Levine’s show, part Maroon 5’s performance, was entertaining only because of the pyrotechnics, which had Mercedes Benz Stadium lighting up like a KISS concert.
The overall dryness of the entire performance, the too-much pre-show hype and the fact that all this has nothing to do with a football championship are three reasons why it’s time to get rid of these mini mega-concerts at the Super Bowl.
It’s just not Levine but all the acts these days. I really enjoyed Lady Gaga a couple of years ago but most of them are a big buildup to a mediocre and disappointing display. These halftime shows have become like the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics: each one tries to out-do the previous one and what you get is a bunch of clutter.
I wonder why the NFL began these big halftime shows in the first place. It’s not like they need to attract a bigger audience. Everyone is going to watch the Super Bowl anyway. Maybe there’s a few crossover viewers – and prime targets for advertisers – but surely not enough to warrant such extravagant shows.
Instead, the league should so something more basic. Have marching bands with flag girls and majorettes doing some kind of salute to the country or to the game. Bring someone out to sing a couple songs with the marching band, but without all the staging and explosions.
Or how about this: have a flag football game involving past Super Bowl players and MVPs. Imagine the attention a vintage Steelers vs. Cowboys or (in a few years if they ever slow down) a game featuring the Patriots against several of the teams they have played in tight games – the Seahawks, Falcons and Giants, with David Tyree catching a ball on his head?
If you think this is a dumb idea, then guess what was the most talked about and favorite Super Bowl commercial this year? The one involving former NFL and Super Bowl players “playing” football in a ballroom.
Now that’s entertainment!
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