Toronto’s ‘The Weeknd’ headlines Super Bowl LV halftime show

By sportsnet staff

Posted February 8, 2021 6:25 am.

Last Updated February 8, 2021 6:34 am.

In keeping with a year unlike any other in memory, the NFL’s Super Bowl half-time show was a little different in its 2021 iteration — but no less of a spectacle.

The show, headlined by Canadian pop star The Weeknd, was adjusted because of the COVID-19 pandemic and marked the second half-time show produced in part by Jay-Z and Roc Nation.

Traditionally, artists perform at Super Bowls from a stage positioned in the middle of the field, swarmed by fans. Instead, The Weeknd, who said he spent $7 million of his own money to enhance the performance, sang his chart-topping hits from a stage in the stands.

Here are the must-see moments — and reactions to them — from Super Bowl LV’s half-time show.

#TheWeeknd always knows how to make an entrance. #PepsiHalftime pic.twitter.com/ZB6SWFkJPX

— NFL Canada (@NFLCanada) February 8, 2021

The non-football festivities of the Super Bowl were remarkable before half-time, too.

Amanda Gorman, the youth poet laureate who recited a poem during the inauguration of president Joe Biden, read a new poem called “Chorus of the Captains,” honouring community heroes everywhere.

"Chorus of the Captains," a poem by @TheAmandaGorman to honor James Martin, Trimaine Davis, Suzie Dorner and community heroes everywhere. #SBLV pic.twitter.com/ya5dwnYWMD

— NFL (@NFL) February 7, 2021

What a moment. @TheAmandaGorman #SBLV pic.twitter.com/v8VM9uhPww

— NFL (@NFL) February 7, 2021

R&B singer H.E.R., whose real name is Gabriella Wilson, donned a bedazzled jacket and performed an electric rendition of “America the Beautiful” alongside deaf D.C. rapper Warren “WAWA” Snipe. The song was first published in 1910 and grew to be among the most famous, and popular, of the United States patriotic songs.