Without a doubt, for many, the halftime show is the main event of the Super Bowl, and as such, it’s always waited with high expectations. Throughout the years, we’ve seen a parade of great artists like Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, who still consider doing the Super Bowl as a milestone in their career. This year Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar, the gods of hip hop, are in charge of the main show, and people just can’t wait to see what five have been planning. But have you ever wondered why some artists have openly refused to perform make one of the biggest events in music?
1. Rihanna
For the LIII Super Bowl, Rihanna was the artist chosen for the halftime show, and although it would’ve been such an amazing performance, she decided to not participate. Rihanna declared that she refused in solidarity with the player Colin Kaepernick, a quarterback that the NFL vetoed for kneeling in protest during the National Anthem.
2. Cardi B
Just like Rihanna, in the LIII Edition, Cardi B refused to do the show also as a protest against racism in the United States. Miss Cardi B also went public to show her support to Colin Kaepernick.
3. Nicki Minaj
That same year, Nicki Minaj turned down the opportunity but not for the same reasons as Rihanna and Cardi B. Nicki just claimed she had a tight schedule.
4. Usher
As if finding a performer for the halftime show wasn’t as complex enough, the LIII Super Bowl seemed to be jinxed. Usher, also refused to do it because he had already other commitments. At the end of the day, it was Maroon 5 the one who did the show.
5. Adele
Queen Adele declared she considered the halftime show to be a not strictly musical event and that her style didn’t really fit with the dances and the performances that this event demands, so for the ‘Rolling In The Deep’ singer, it’s been an absolute no.
6. Metallica
On the same note, the iconic heavy metal band refused to perform. They considered that their style wasn’t what many viewers expected for the show mainly because their show doesn’t include dancers and choreographies.
7. Jay-Z
Jay-Z was invited with the condition of having special guests; to be specific, the organizers wanted Jay-Z to perform alongside Kanye West and Rihanna; he didn’t accept. “It’s not how you do it, telling someone to make a halftime show depending on who else he’s bringing.”
8. Kanye West
Last but not least, the polemic Kanye West was invited to the XLVIII Edition, but the self-called genius demanded a very high payment plus too many requirements organizers didn’t want to meet.
