Adam Levine-led pop band Maroon 5 could be set to headline the halftime show at next February’s Superbowl LIII in Atlanta.
The news has not yet been officially confirmed by Maroon 5 or the NFL, but the initial scoop was provided by multiple sources to industry publication Variety on Wednesday morning.
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Like many former halftime performers, the seven-piece band is expected to bring along a cast of all-star musicians to maximize their show (if, in fact, they’re the halftime performers).
Red Pill Blues, the band’s sixth studio album, was released last year and featured an array of guest musicians, from Sza to Kendrick Lamar.
Fans have been speculating over Twitter which artists could possibly join Maroon 5 on stage for the annually anticipated performance.
Halftime shows are commonly comprised of medleys and additional performers. In the past, Canadian country star Shania Twain played with Sting and No Doubt. The 2012 show saw Madonna invite an onslaught of Billboard singers, from Cee Lo Green to Nicki Minaj (and many more). Bruno Mars pulled the same stunt in 2014 by inviting the Red Hot Chili Peppers onstage.
It’s likely we’ll see at least one special guest join Maroon 5 for Superbowl 2019, given their collaborative background.
Cardi B. is a likely candidate to make an appearance since Girls Like You is one of the band’s biggest hits. Lamar might show up for Don’t Wanna Know?, or Atlanta-born rapper, Future, could possibly hit the stage for Cold.
WATCH BELOW: Maroon 5 ft. Future – Cold
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Unfortunately for the Maroon 5 lads, it appears that many Atlanta residents are furious over the announcement; people are upset that Maroon 5 is a California band. There’s already a diverse catalogue of musicians hailing from Georgia who could be a better fit for the Super Bowl, some attest.
Outraged and disappointed NFL supporters took to Twitter with their feelings on the matter.
Even rapper Waka Flocka had something to say about it. TMZ shared a video rant Flocka had recorded Thursday morning.
“I think for the Super Bowl, you should have someone from Atlanta representin’ Atlanta. Just cause the Super Bowl here we can give them that spice. I think they should have someone like Migos, Future, or somebody. I could come play Hard in da Paint. They need somebody from Atlanta in it, it’s only right. It’s not fair, but it’s the NFL we’re talking about. They’re not fair. They’re insensitive to people with feelings.”
He showed no dismay towards Maroon 5 but blamed the NFL for lack of Atlantan representation.
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In a statement, an NFL rep told Variety, “It’s a Super Bowl tradition to speculate about the performers for the Pepsi Halftime Show. We are continuing to work with Pepsi on our plans but do not have any announcements to make on what will be another epic show.”
Maroon 5’s publicist has not made further comment.
The 53rd annual Super Bowl airs on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019.
adam.wallis@globalnews.ca