The Academy’s inability to find an Oscars host has been a big deal in the showbiz world, but the NFL has been facing a similar issue with its inability to find any musical artists willing to take the stage with headliners Maroon 5 at the Super Bowl LIII halftime show. Unlike with the Oscars, though, the NFL’s problem comes from the fact that a bunch of artists have reportedly turned down offers out of solidarity with former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who has accused the league of blacklisting him after he started taking a knee during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice in America.
But now, according to Billboard, the NFL has found a couple of performers willing to hop onstage with Maroon 5: Travis Scott and Big Boi. Scott’s involvement has been rumored for some time, with other artists reportedly trying to convince him to back out, but Pitchfork says that Scott only agreed to perform if the NFL would make a $500,000 donation to the Dream Corps (an organization that backs social justice initiatives).
As for Big Boi, it doesn’t sound like he fought for any special arrangements, but if he was going to perform at the Super Bowl at all, then this is the time to do it. Not only is the game in Atlanta, but he’s coming off of a big year thanks to the success of his single “All Night” (which was co-produced by alleged sexual abuser Dr. Luke) and his hot new record deal with L.A. Reid (who was fired from Epic Records in 2017 over sexual harassment accusations).
The Super Bowl will be held on February 3. The halftime show will happen halfway through it.