Mary J. Blige, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar – the lineup of the halftime show at the Super Bowl has it all this year. But the NFL also shows courage with the choice, finds ran writer Tim Brack.

Munich – They say there were times when toilet flushes determined the sound of the Super Bowl halftime. In that dark era, the intermission until the restart was not reserved for bombastic shows, but almost exclusively for football fans going to the bathroom.

But the marketing and entertainment potential was then quickly recognized. Since then, the halftime show has been a sweet vice for many, providing access to the sport even for those less interested in football.

Of course, in the long history of the halftime spectacle, there have been the odd performance that was – well – something for the loo (you’re meant Maroon 5), but memorable moments have also been created. Mostly thanks to Prince, U2 and Beyonce.

Five number one picks on stage at the Super Bowl

Just a few minutes are all it takes for such an appearance, but the headlights of this gigantic sporting event reliably separate the starlets from the big global stars in such a short time. Because the stage of the Super Bowl does not forgive mistakes. Neither does the public, which judges what is presented as sharply and mercilessly as a head coach before the roster cut. No one knows that as surely as Janet Jackson.

For the Super Bowl LVI halftime show, the NFL is sending five number-one picks to the stage this time: Mary J. Blige, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar. The five have already won 44 Grammys between them – Eminem contributes the most of the coveted music awards with 15. Kendrick Lamar also has a Pulitzer Prize to his name. The enthusiasm of the fans is all too understandable in view of this musical elite!

Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Dr. Dre – a very apt choice

The NFL can only be congratulated on this coup, they outdid themselves. Because there probably hasn’t been such a potent hip-hop collaboration since the legendary “Up in Smoke” tour, and even fans who aren’t aficionados of the genre are likely to bob their heads in approval at the greatness of these five musicians.

The choice is also apt because in Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar, three of the artists will have home turf when they take the stage at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Feb. 13. They are all California natives.

NFL proves courage

It will be exciting to see how socially conscious the performance becomes. Because that he will is almost as certain as the cheers after a touchdown: Dr. Dre has shown solidarity with the fired Colin Kaepernick. Mary J. Blige and Snoop Dogg support Black Lives Matter, just as Eminem has been vocal in his support for the movement. And Kendrick Lamar has been one of the most forceful voices documenting the struggles and difficulties of black people in the United States.

Dr. Dre already announced their performance will be an “unforgettable cultural moment.” The NFL, which is not exactly a pioneer in the pressing issues of social justice, is even showing courage with the choice.