Good news, ladies and gents! Maroon 5 has finally found an artist to accompany them onstage during their Super Bowl halftime show performance. Travis Scott has reportedly agreed to perform with the band, according to Variety.
ICYMI, Maroon 5 has received criticism for taking on the halftime show opportunity because it implies that they support the NFL’s stance toward Colin Kaepernick, who has been booted out of the league for “taking a knee” as a sign of protest during the National Anthem. Because of the criticism they received, the band has had a difficult time finding and landing another artist to perform onstage with them, according to Variety. Several artists, including Rihanna, turned down the offer to perform in a show of support for Kaepernick.
Maroon 5 and Scott are both affiliated with the Irving Azoff-helmed Full Stop Management, so the partnering up makes sense business-wise. Also, Scott’s album, ASTROWORLD, is one of the top-selling albums of the year. He’s is currently on his ASTROWORLD Tour, and so far, he’s having a very successful year, so for him to join the halftime show is a win for both him and Maroon 5.
Interestingly, the rapper recently performed on a track with Migos‘ Quavo called “Huncho Jack,” which references Kaepernick.
“Take a knee like the ‘Niners (Kaepernick) // Join the team, don’t divide us (join them),” is the specific lyric. Now that Scott’s joined the halftime show lineup, this can be easily seen as hypocritical to some.
There were also rumors that rapper Cardi B would join the quintet onstage, which would make sense since she features on their Billboard Hot 100 hit, “Girls Like You.” However, a rep for Cardi confirmed that she’s already performing at another Super Bowl event that weekend. The successful female rapper also reportedly felt conflicted about joining Maroon 5 due to her agreement with Kaepernick’s stance.
“There was never a firm offer to begin with for a performance,” a rep for Cardi said. “There [were] talks about it, but she was not particularly interested in participating because of how she feels about Colin Kaepernick and the whole movement… But again, there was never a solid offer for her to say yes or no to regarding the Super Bowl. She is already confirmed to do a set with Bruno Mars [at a separate Super Bowl week event] that weekend.” Well, there you have it, folks!
TMZ was first to report the news about Scott joining Maroon 5.
This story is still developing and neither artist has confirmed or denied the news. When we learn more, we will be sure to keep you updated. Until then, spend this time getting hyped for Super Bowl LIII. We know we are!
Featured Image: Instagram (@maroon5/@travisscott)
