His title is The Weeknd however his Tremendous Bowl efficiency felt like a dreary Monday morning.
The pop star headlined the Tremendous Bowl halftime present, working by way of his many hits like an Olympic relay observe group aiming for the gold. However he wasn’t victorious Sunday night time — no silver or bronze medals shall be handed out right here.
The Weeknd kicked off his 14-minute set in his signature purple blazer and sun shades, directing his robotic ensemble and singing “Name Out My Title.” His nasally, semi-Michael Jackson-esque vocals shined — particularly throughout “The Hills” and “Earned It” — however the efficiency felt prefer it was designed for a typical awards present within the vein of the Billboard Awards or MTV VMAs — not the Tremendous Bowl stage.
The Weeknd performs through the halftime present of the NFL Tremendous Bowl 55 soccer recreation in Tampa, Fla. (AP Picture/David J. Phillip)
Possibly he had restrictions — both creatively, or COVID-ly? Who is aware of, however general his efficiency felt restricted and insufficient. Particular company ought to have been a non-negotiable.
The Weeknd lastly got here to life — 10 minutes to the efficiency — when he and dozens of his dancers hit the sector to carry out the explosive hit “Blinding Lights,” giving off flash mob vibes.
He was lastly heart stage, the place he wanted to be all night time. Nevertheless it was too late to save lots of the present —a lot of the singing was carried out on the sidelines, as if it was an afterthought. Possibly as a result of it was.
Eric Church and Jazmine Sullivan carry out the nationwide anthem earlier than the NFL Tremendous Bowl 55 soccer recreation. (AP Picture/David J. Phillip)
Who did impress the world on the Tremendous Bowl? Jazmine Sullivan and Eric Church.
The odd couple proved why they’re a number of Grammy-nominated stars in their very own proper, mixing their vocals superbly to create a memorable, gratifying rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” on Sunday.
Church kicked off the efficiency, strumming his guitar and giving all of the feels along with his raspy vocals. Sullivan later joined in, her voice additionally raspy however heavy and wealthy, belting the lyrics like a veteran singer. They each gained new followers Sunday night time.
They completed the tune singing collectively — Church letting Sullivan stand entrance and heart along with her beaming vocals and him proper behind her, melding in epically like an ideal teammate.
H.E.R. performs “America the Stunning” earlier than the NFL Tremendous Bowl 55 soccer recreation. (AP Picture/Gregory Bull)
Earlier than that efficiency, Grammy-winning guitar slayer H.E.R. proved her rock star standing along with her rendition of “America the Stunning.” Her vocals have been gentle and powerful, as she strummed her guitar like a real star.
Sullivan, Church and H.E.R. carried out in Tampa on the Raymond James Stadium earlier than Tampa Bay Buccaneers took on the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs.
