This Is Where The Weeknd's Super Bowl Halftime Show Actually Will Take Place
The Weeknd fans who were waiting to see the R&B star stand center stage in the middle of the Super Bowl football field, surrounded by backup dancers, may have to wait. This time around, the halftime show might look pretty different than it usually does.
According to Page Six, this year's show will unfold in the stadium's stands as a way to comply with COVID-19 protocol. Apparently, the bleachers will be the main place that the show takes place. There are rumors that The Weeknd himself will be the only one of the crew to step on the turf, but we'll have to wait and see what surprises lie in store. With so many people involved in the show, it's hard to imagine how they'll manage to pull it off in such a small space, but a source tells the outlet that, "It's beautifully done. It's different and it's historic."
Traditionally, the performance lasts around 13 minutes and employs nearly 5,000 people between the stage, lights, and dancers, the outlet explains. For this Super Bowl, the number of people in the crew will be almost a fifth of the size. Jay-Z's Roc Nation is producing the show, and The Weeknd himself has spent $7 million to make it the show that he's always dreamed of. "We've been really focusing on dialing in on the fans at home and making performances a cinematic experience, and we want to do that with the Super Bowl," he said (via USA Today).
The Super Bowl halftime show will be less edgy than The Weeknd's other performances
Blood, violence, and sexual innuendos are par for the course when it comes to The Weeknd's music videos and content. But, for Sunday's game, the crooner is limiting the content to a PG rating. According to the Chicago Sun Times, The Weeknd said that he would be "respectful to the viewers" with his show that is likely to take place mostly in the stands and use "a little bit" of the famous Buccaneers pirate ship.
However, his bandaged face and corresponding music videos surrounding his look will still have some impact on the show. "I will still incorporate some of the storyline. It's a very cohesive story I've been telling throughout this era and throughout this year," The Weeknd explained. "The story will continue, but definitely will keep it PG for the families" (via Reuters).
When it comes to inspiration for his performance, The Weeknd looks to the legendary Diana Ross. The outlet reports that the Supremes icon had three wardrobe changes, dancers that spelled her name on the field, a massive stage surrounded by sparklers, and a helicopter-lifted exit during her time headlining the halftime show in 1996. Even as a three-time Grammy winner himself, the singer noted, "The show just makes me smile." While The Weeknd aims to keep most of his show a surprise, we have no doubt that fans of all ages will have fun singing along.