I understand many years ago the NFL wanted this to be more than a game but an event and have succeeded. That being said, wish they did not have a long halftime show which is not good for the players and just remember it is supposed to be about football.
"Not sure who foots the bill, but I do know the artist is not paid for the gig."
The NFL cover's the artist expenses and production costs. I assume most artists think the publicity of performing before 100 million or so TV viewres is worth it, even someone as well known as Lady gaga.
The Super Bowl halftime show is always sponsored. They foot the bill for the production. Say it's being sponsored by Pepsi, then Pepsi foots the bill. However, over the past few years, it's a pay to play set up. Meaning that since Lady Gaga wanted to perform during the Super Bowl half time show, she has to pay for the ability to do so.
"You should probably tell that to the sponsors. For years, it has been about the commercials."
TV sports were always about the commercials, that is how they pay the bills. Halftime shows used to be a marching band and done in 15 minutes. Now it is over 20 minutes and a major production.
Islander_fan - My wife used to be season ticket holder many years ago when we both lived in NY, moved to NC in 1990. Her greatest sports memory was seeing the Islanders win the cup at the Nassau Coliseum. I forget the exact section of her seats but it was in the upper level behind the goal.
Love the yankeefan (let's go Mets) posts and Islander fan, Islander fan I feel your pain these days. Yes, let's keep it about football although we can't. Here's to hoping Gaga does something provocative tonight.
Had I thought about it, I would've assumed the flag in the sky was added in digitally, but no, apparently it was 300 drones flying in formation, albeit pre-recorded. Impressive. Link
Beyoncé is not an ally. Actions speak louder than words, Mrs. Carter. #Dubai #$$$
Wow, those were drones? That was amazing, and scary at the same time.
I think she was phenomenal, she just showed everyone that she is the Queen of Pop! The God Bless America at the beginning was aa great statement on how great the United States is especially in light of all the actors complaining on award shows, and Beyonces controversial performance last year. I think she must have read Broadway Concierges Civility and Respect Thread!! Her voice was spot on, and the dancers were amazing! No Left Shark here!
"God Bless America" is not a unifying song - it's just another reminder to some of us that atheists are a bit of an afterthought in American culture. Whenever I hear someone say "God bless America," I wonder why they just don't ask Tinker Bell to spread her pixie dust over America too, just for good measure.
^ huh? Where were you when she ended the set with a full version of Bad Romance? That was the highlight for me. And how about Born this Way? I think she did mostly old songs of hers.