The World Cup final's half-time show was a bizarre and polarizing affair, to say the least. It was a 27-minute-long spectacle that featured a bizarre mix of pop stars, athletes, and even a Hollywood actor, all attempting to entertain a global audience. While some found it entertaining, others, like Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, called it a 'bad trip'.
The performance began with Madonna singing her hit 'Music' from an underground roller-skating rink, with Brazilian legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo driving the car. This set the tone for the rest of the show, which was a chaotic mix of unexpected transitions and collaborations. The Muppets then took center stage, with Gustavo Dudamel performing the White Stripes' iconic 'Seven Nation Army'. This unexpected twist had fans and critics alike scratching their heads.
The K-pop group BTS followed, performing their hit 'Dynamite', but their performance was soon interrupted by Ted Lasso stars Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, who introduced Justin Bieber and his acoustic guitar. The change in mood was jarring, as Bieber's 'Everything Hallelujah' failed to match the energy of the previous performances.
Colombian star Shakira brought some much-needed World Cup energy with her performance of the tournament's anthem, 'Dai Dai' with Burna Boy. However, the show's climax was arguably the most bizarre moment. Post Malone, dressed in a tight Canadian tuxedo, performed his new song 'Chrome Heartbreaker', followed by Swae Lee's 'Sunflowers' from the Spiderverse. It was a confusing and disjointed sequence that left many viewers perplexed.
The half-time show was a stark contrast to the serious and intense nature of the football match itself. While some may have found it entertaining, others, like Wayne Rooney and Liam Gallagher, were clearly not fans. The show's length and lack of coherence raised questions about its purpose and whether it was worth the time and effort. It remains to be seen if such a spectacle will ever be repeated, but one thing is certain: it will be a hard act to follow.
In my opinion, the half-time show was a missed opportunity to showcase the beauty and passion of football. Instead, it felt like a chaotic and confusing attempt to entertain, with little regard for the sport's rich history and culture. Perhaps in the future, FIFA could consider a more traditional and respectful approach to entertainment during such important matches.
