The biggest day in the NFL is rapidly approaching.
As the Kansas City Chiefs go head-to-head with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, many will be more focused on the illustrious 2021 Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show as well as the handful of performances that come to capitalize on the major TV event.
While the NFL promises to drop a few surprises from celebrities and artists during the broadcast, global names like The Weeknd and Miley Cyrus have already been announced to perform for the 7,500 vaccinated health care workers that will be in attendance.
NFL Announces The Weeknd’s Performance
The first person announced to rock the stage at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. was “Blinding Lights” artist The Weeknd.
The artist, whose real name is Abel Tesfae, was confirmed in November as this year’s Halftime Show performer. The three-time Grammy-winning artist will do his best to fill the big shoes left behind after Jennifer Lopez and Shakira took the stage in 2020.
“The Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show is one of the most anticipated performances of the year and we are thrilled to welcome The Weeknd to the stage,” said Todd Kaplan, VP of marketing, Pepsi, in a press release obtained by Fox News.
“Pepsi has worked with some of music’s biggest artists over the years – from Prince to Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars and most recently Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. After a year that’s largely been void of live music, we can’t wait to watch The Weeknd transform the world’s biggest stage with his limitless talent and creativity, delivering what will most certainly be an unforgettable performance that will be remembered for years to come,” he added.
“The Weeknd has introduced a sound all his own. His soulful uniqueness has defined a new generation of greatness in music and artistry,” said Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter, who runs Roc Nation, which co-executive producing the show for the second time.
“This is an extraordinary moment in time and the Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show is going to be an extraordinary experience with an extraordinary performer,” he added.
Although The Weeknd has not announced which songs he’ll perform, he most recently released the album “After Hours” in 2020.
Weeknd’s Tweet Reg His Upcoming Performance
The NFL announced on Monday that Miley Cyrus will headline the NFL TikTok Tailgate pregame show. Fans will be able to watch the virtual tailgate at 2:30 p.m. that day on TikTok and on 10 Tampa Bay.
“I’ll be there for TIKTOK TAILGATE! I can’t wait to put on a show for the NFL’s honored guests before the game… Health care workers from Tampa and around the country!” the star wrote on Instagram to announce the news.
Miley Cyrus’s IG Post
Portions of Cyrus’ performance will be televised on the game’s main broadcast on CBS ahead of the big game. The entire show can be viewed on the popular video-sharing app. In addition, the organization promises the TikTok Tailgate show will offer special surprise NFL, TikTok celebrity and musical performance guests joining the singer.
Like The Weeknd, Cyrus released her latest album “Plastic Hearts” in 2020. However, it’s unclear which of her many career hits she’s planning to play at the event.
R&B star Jazmine Sullivan and country artist Eric Church will team up for the national anthem, and Grammy-winning singer H.E.R. will perform “America the Beautiful.”
Kickoff will be at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 7. You can watch nationally on CBS and locally on 10 Tampa Bay. Don’t forget to download the Tampa Bay 55 podcast for a behind-the-scenes look at preparations for the historic game.