Singer The Weeknd faced special challenges when performing at the Super Bowl LV halftime show between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. As a precaution against the coronavirus, he performed alone, and fans were unable to surround him on the field, as in previous games. So, he launched some tricks and special effects performance that left some fans raving and others confused.
One of the singer’s biggest hits is Blinding Lights, and he really performed among some dazzling lights, in a setting that looked like a mirrored carnival hall.
“Weeknd seems to be broadcasting a haunted house live,” tweeted writer Kristin Chirico.
The singer has worn bandages and fake blood before as part of an established character, but for the game, he chose none of these accessories. His performance featured a field full of dancers wrapped in bandages almost like mummies, and dressed like The Weeknd in black pants and red jackets.
Mom mania
The bandaged dancers received mixed reviews. “I would admit that the Super Bowl halftime show with The Weeknd was very colorful and bright,” wrote a Twitter user. “With dancing mummies and less dancing than a stripper party like last year.”
But another wrote, “Ugh. No! The mummies were so stupid.”
Little dancers
Some people compared The Weeknd dancers to other familiar faces, including characters from Star Wars and Star-Lord from Guardians of the Galaxy.
I kind of love the helmets @the weekendthe choir was exhibiting at the beginning of #SuperBowl halftime show. It looked like a bunch of Ultrons
– James LaCombe (@JamesAtGalvNews) February 8, 2021
Angles of attack
Others commented on the swirling angles and striking ensembles that the musician covered on his way. A little bit of the performance showing The Weeknd looking almost lost on his own set generated a lot of jokes.
“Me trying to follow the hostess over to my table at the Cheesecake Factory,” said a Twitter user.
And another did a game comparison, writing, “The Weeknd making an impression of the Chiefs, slightly lost and confused.”
I am 7 years old and I look for my mother in the supermarket every time I get lost
– Mrs. Nugget (@msnugget__) February 8, 2021
Wondering where I can go without viruses !!!
– Susan (@sueyangel) February 8, 2021
Can you hear me now?
Sound appears to be a vital part of any million-dollar musical performance, but many viewers said they had trouble hearing the singer.
NBC anchor Maria Shriver tweeted, “I also can’t hear The Weeknd and my volume is up.”
Another tweet said, “The Weeknd decided to give the best performance it has ever had and the Super Bowl sound team said, ‘What if we do this so that no one can hear it?'”
Weeknd decided to give the best performance he has ever given and the Super Bowl sound team said, ‘What if we do it so that no one can hear him?
– SPORTbible (@sportbible) February 8, 2021
The NFL posted the total performance to the YouTube channel right after the broadcast, so viewers can watch again and judge for themselves.
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