Superbowl 2021 has announced that The Weeknd will be its half-time performer at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL on February 7. 

“We all grow up watching the world’s biggest acts playing the Super Bowl, and one can only dream of being in that position.  I’m humbled, honored, and ecstatic to be the center of that infamous stage this year.”

– The Weeknd on the Superbowl 2021 performance

Superbowl 2021 marks the second halftime show produced in part by Jay-Z and Roc Nation.  The N.F.L. has asked Jay-Z to take on the role of orchestrating the musical performances at games after artists across the music industry said they would not work with the league to show solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, a former San Francisco 49ers quarterback. Kaepernick began kneeling during the playing of the national anthem before games to protest police brutality and racial injustice and has not found work in the league since 2016.

“The Weeknd has introduced a sound all his own.  His soulful uniqueness has defined a new generation of greatness in music and artistry.”

Jay-Z

The performance could present a number of challenges due to COVID-19 concerns.  The N.F.L. has scaled back its plans because of the pandemic. The N.F.L has said that it is likely that only about 20 percent of the seats at the stadium would be filled.

Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, more commonly known by his artistic name The Weeknd, is a Grammy-Award winning Diamond certified singer/songwriter, actor, and music producer.  The artist has amassed five number-one hits and has sold more than 75 million records globally. For additional information on The Weeknd, please visit his official website.

Written by Natalie Wicks Events, News