BY: CHRISTY CAP
Ladies and Gents – It’s that time of year, the most anticipated sports event and halftime performance across the globe. It’s Superbowl time.
Three-time Grammy award winner (although he was snubbed by the Grammys this past year), The Weeknd will be headlining the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show on Sunday, Feb 7. His wide-range of music attracts listeners from all over the musical scale— from upbeat pop to mellow R&B hits. Abel became the first male artist to hold the top three spots on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart. He’s collaborated with Ariana Grande on “Love Me Harder,” Kendrick Lamar, Daft Punk, and is featured on French Montana’s “A Lie.” He was No. 3 on Billboard HOT 100 for “Earned It,” from the Fifty Shades of Gray soundtrack. The Weeknd has such an influence on contemporary music.
Now there has been some talk that guest stars will join the Weeknd. So, the question is… who will be joining him on stage?? Hmmm…. It’s also been released that Abel will be utilizing the whole stadium for his performance, and I’m already wondering if he’ll be jumping off the stadium like Lady Gaga. But I already know this man can put on a show, especially during a pandemic. I mean, let’s not forget his performance for the 2020 MTV VMAs— the man literally sang in the sky… on top of a 100-story-high sky deck… on one of Manhattan’s skyscrapers. And for the 2020 American Music Awards, he performed on a deserted LA bridge alongside Kenny G. I’ll pause and let that sit. There’s no doubt in my mind that he won’t come through, and I am so excited to see what he has in store.
But the bigger question that’s on everyone’s mind is what will he perform? Below lists some of the best prop bets for the Super Bowl halftime show, from OddsShark, available to wager on:
- How Many Songs Will Be Played During The Super Bowl LV Halftime Show?
OVER 8 -220
UNDER 8 +155
My bet: OVER 8
- What Will Be The First Song Played During The Super Bowl LV Halftime Show?
Starboy +350
Blinding Lights +400
Can’t Feel My Face +425
In Your Eyes +450
Save Your Tears +500
The Hills +850
Heartless +1000
Too Late +1200
I Feel It Coming +2000
In The Night +4500
My bet: The Hills – side note, he always opens up with Starboy for his concert setlist. But I’m trying to envision him starting with older album songs first and then most recent. Who knows, I ain’t no expert.
- Will Kenny G Be On Stage During The Super Bowl LV Halftime Show?
Yes +325
No -550
My bet: YES
- What Will Be The Last Song Played During The Super Bowl LV Halftime Show?
Blinding Lights -240
Save Your Tears +675
In Your Eyes +1000
Starboy +1400
Heartless +1400
Too Late +1600
Can’t Feel My Face +1600
The Hills +1800
I Feel It Coming +2500
In The Night +3000
My bet: In Your Eyes
So, here’s a list of some songs that I think The Weeknd will perform for the 12-13 minute halftime show:
- Beauty Behind the Madness, second studio album – “The Hills,” “Can’t Feel My Face,” and “In the Night” – There are some great song choices from his second album but I’d have to say that “Can’t Feel My Face” definitely is a crowd pleaser. This album was reported to be the most streamed album throughout 2015. And at one point, “The Hills” ruled the world with its badass vibe.
- Starboy, The Weeknd’s third studio album – “I Feel It Coming,” “Starboy,” “Party Monster”– Daft Punk produced “Starboy” and is featured on “I Feel It Coming.” These two songs were played on the radio so many times back in 2016. I think I played both songs more than 200 times (I’m sure my Spotify account can confirm). And “I Feel It Coming” recently hit 1 billion streams on Spotify in December 2020. My hope is that Daft Punk will make an appearance, especially since they haven’t performed live in years.
- “Pray for Me” The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar – Coming off the soundtrack for Black Panther, the song went double-platinum in the US. This song is truly a great collaboration and such a foundation for the Marvel movie. Many fans were devasted when Chadwick Boseman passed away, as was I, so I think this would be a monumental performance and great tribute. The movie Black Panther has become culturally important and an impactful role for Boseman. Plus, a guest appearance of Kendrick would be one for the books.
- After Hours album – There are some great songs that came off his fourth studio album. “Heartless” and “Blinding Lights” are his first pair of singles that blew up before his official album release. Degenerate Al definitely has “Blinding Lights” on repeat… who wouldn’t?! “Heartless” should be the anthem for a single Vegas trip and when that beat drops hard, turn that bass uppp. “Save Your Tears” is one of the more pop-driven songs since it mixes some of his old content with some newer vibes, producing a great sound. It’s the type of song that gives you an 80’s vibe, driving with the top down. And “In Your Eyes” has a great sax-solo that gives it a true R&B feel. And any performance with Kenny G is legendary. Honestly, his whole album feels like you went back in time, even though you’re in the present, mixed with futuristic vibes. Mind-blown.
All his songs are like wine… the older it gets, the better it becomes. As for the song opener, it’s anybody’s guess but this show will definitely go down in history. So, cheers to the Weeknd! Good luck Brady and Mahomes, may the best man win. Get us to Superbowl LV!
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