Half Time Show Thoughts

 For the record, I ended up working yesterday, and only saw part of the 4th quarter of the Super Bowl.  I dis not see either halftime show so I have no opinions on the actual performances.  But I do have some broader thoughts.  

First, it seems like the alternate halftime show drew large enough numbers (despite being on harder to access media channels) that the NFL might have cause for concern.  It seems likely that there will be another one of these next year and with the "success" and more time, it seems possible that they will pull in some bigger draw performers. 

Second, I think that the failure of the NFL to use the halftime show as a means to showcase local performers is a mistake.   

Third,  I do not see why the NFL couldn't put on their own alternate halftime show(s).   There are likely thousands of people who would love to participate on some way in the Super Bowl experience and I suspect that  one or more half hour sets by local performers in other venues would draw significant crowds (For example, I suspect that thousands would have shown up to watch a 30 minute set by Metallica yesterday) to the venue.   Pick different genres than the main show for wider appeal.  Broadcast the alternate shows on other affiliated channels/You Tube and count the total number of views for advertising purposes.  Seems like a win for everyone.  

Fourth, I have no idea what Kid Rock's spiritual life is like but the framing of his performance as one of transformation and redemption seems like a cool idea.  

Fifth, the furor over decades old lyrics from a Kid Rock song while ignoring the equally vile lyrics of Bad Bunny seems like a contrived outrage.   Especially coming from those on the left.  

Sixth, likewise the contrived outrage over the profaning of the sacred TBN "airwaves" is ridiculous.  Considering the years of really bizarre theology that have been on TBN, it seems strange to complain about this.  Especially if the whole redemption narrative is True.   

Sixth,  after a conversation about the halftime performers I did some quick research.  From 2020-2026 every headliner has been from the rap/urban/R&B world.    From 2011-2020 the headliners have mostly been from the pop/rap/R&B/dance world.  2005-2010 was a string of some of the biggest rock bands (and Prince) on the planet.     It seems like the Country/Americana folks have gotten shut out completely for a long time, and the mash ups of artists of multiple genres haven't been seen since the early 2000s.  Maybe some diversity would be a good thing.