The halftime show at the World Cup was a spectacular event, featuring some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, and Shakira each performed snippets of their iconic hits, creating a whirlwind of energy and excitement. The show took place at MetLife Stadium, just outside New York City, and aimed to capture the thrilling vibe of the Super Bowl, but in an even more condensed format.
Unlike the typical halftime shows that feature one main act, this 11-minute performance was packed with several stars, each given about two minutes to shine. Madonna kicked things off with her hit “Music,” and she didn’t just sing; she made a grand entrance riding a dune buggy into the stadium, flanked by legendary Brazilian soccer stars Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
Following Madonna, the Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel led an orchestra in a powerful rendition of the White Stripes’ anthem “Seven Nation Army,” while the Muppets’ house band added a fun twist with their furry antics in the background.
K-pop sensations BTS then lit up the stage, performing “Dynamite” in vibrant red and black outfits, capturing the crowd’s attention with their catchy tune and energetic choreography.
Adding to the excitement, Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, stars of the hit series “Ted Lasso,” appeared to pump up Justin Bieber. Bieber took the stage next with a laid-back performance of “Everything Hallelujah,” showcasing his acoustic style.
Shakira and Burna Boy followed with their World Cup anthem “Dai Dai,” which has been played throughout the tournament. Shakira, known for her vibrant performances, was barefoot and donned a stunning dress of yellow and pink feathers, surrounded by dancers, including children, all dressed in colorful attire.
The show concluded with a heartwarming performance by the PS22 Chorus, a group of elementary school students from Staten Island, who sang alongside Dudamel, Chris Martin from Coldplay, and various Muppets, creating a delightful and memorable moment for the audience.
In the stands, celebrated actor Javier Bardem was seen dancing and celebrating Spain’s victory, adding to the festive atmosphere of the event. Other celebrities, including Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Timothée Chalamet, and Matt Damon, also attended, making it a star-studded occasion.
Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams, and others contributed to the closing ceremony with powerful performances, while Tom Cruise delivered an enthusiastic speech, rallying the crowd for the final match between Spain and Argentina.
Overall, the halftime show at the World Cup was a vibrant celebration of music and sports, showcasing a blend of cultures and talents from around the world, leaving a lasting impression on fans everywhere.
See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here
