Super Bowl Sunday this year was hard to escape. But despite the original draw of the event being the playoff championship game of the NFL, in recent years, the event has superseded its sports origins to become a full-on cultural moment. This is thanks to, in part, the halftime show, in which the world’s biggest artists deliver an often career-defining concert.
With this year’s halftime show seeing Eminem, Dr.Dre, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg AND Kendrick Lamar take to the stage, most of Hollywood turned up and out to see the show. And, with this, we were treated to some share-worthy fits and unexpected link ups. Kanye made headlines on the front row of the stalls, as well as by featuring in the McDonald’s Super Bowl-specific ad (yes, this is a thing), and the event saw the performers’ net-worths skyrocket. Let’s get into it.
SUPER BOWL STYLE
With headliner Kendrick Lamar setting the tone in an Abloh-designed Louis Vuitton suit and GENTLEMONSTER shades, fashion at the Super Bowl had a serious moment. Mary J. Blige wore a sequinned, leopard print look by Dundas, and Jhene Aiko performed the national anthem in a glittering David Koma gown.
From the sidelines, the Biebers kept things casual in complimentary monochrome looks, The Rock sported an all-burgundy ensemble, and LeBron James was spotted in a colour-blocked shirt and shades.
WAKE UP MR WEST
In the front row, Kanye brought kids North and Saint to the event, but it was hard to tell if he caught any of the unfolding action, thanks to a black balaclava which covered his face, save for a few breathing holes. He completed his fit with a black oversized hoodie, black jeans and black gloves, a look we’ve come accustomed to seeing on Ye in recent months thanks to his ongoing relationship with Balenciaga’s Demna.
In other Ye-related Super Bowl news, we saw the musician make a cameo in McDonald’s Super Bowl specific halftime ad, where he pulled up to the Drive Thru in a monster truck (all black, duh) and pondered what to order. He also trended over the Super Bowl itself, for his rants which is a story for another article. No big deal.
CELEBS IN ATTENDANCE
As mentioned, the Super Bowl drew an A-list crowd yesterday. As well as the aforementioned celebs, Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker were in attendance, alongside Drake, Will Ferrell, Tyga, Doja Cat, Prince Harry, Guy Fieri and Martha Stewart – we could go on. Interesting mix, nightmare blunt rotation.
THE SHOW
For the rest of the non-American-Football-watching world, all eyes were on Kendrick, Dre, Snoop, 50 Cent, Eminem and Mary J. Blige, who stepped up to the stage at half time to deliver an iconic show in tribute to Hip Hop. With each musician performing some of their most popular tracks, the show was hailed as one of the best in history – and considering the state of some of the previous shows, we’d have to agree. No shade.
NET WORTH
With the veterans of LA Hip Hop showing up and out at halftime, lots of age, power, and ultimately lots of money was involved. Although the Super Bowl covers expenses, the performers aren’t paid more for their stage appearance. Drawing an average audience of over 100 million, it’s easy to see why. The honour of staging a Super Bowl halftime show is worth far more in promotion than a paid performance could ever be.
Reports suggest that The Weeknd put in $7 million of his own coin to make his show amazing last year, a fact indicative of the notion that performers are asked as an honour. And whilst they may not be paid directly for the show, their appearance all but guarantees a spike in their net worth. Just ask Mary J. Blige, who’s net worth is expected to skyrocket after her performance last night.
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