The Super Bowl halftime performance by Jennifer Lopez and Shakira sparked widespread debate, with many viewers claiming their performance was too provocative and unsuitable for family television. According to Deadline, rock musician Dee Snider, the lead singer of the band Twisted Sister, voiced his strong disapproval on his personal page. He wrote, “It starts with pole dancing and ends with butt-slapping solos and shakes. If that’s a requirement to perform at the Super Bowl, there’s no rock. The band I know could play there.” Snider’s comments reflected his disappointment with the direction of the halftime shows, particularly in relation to rock music.
Snider’s criticism wasn’t new, as in September 2019, he had already expressed his discontent upon hearing that Jennifer Lopez and Shakira were chosen to perform at the iconic event. He pointed out that rock music, which he believes brings energy and excitement to stadiums, was being overlooked, and joked, “I guess we don’t shake our butts enough on stage to get invited.” He also mentioned his frustration with the absence of major rock bands like Metallica, adding that he wasn’t intending to insult the two singers but was merely expressing his opinion on the matter.
Many viewers, particularly parents, took to social media to voice their concerns. Some even contacted Fox, the network broadcasting the event, claiming that the performance was inappropriate for children. One Twitter user commented, “The most vulgar Super Bowl performance.” The halftime show, which is typically a family-friendly event that draws in audiences with its blend of sports, entertainment, music, and iconic commercials, was, for many, a controversial moment.
The performance by Lopez and Shakira featured provocative dance moves that left some parents feeling embarrassed watching the show with their kids. While the performance did receive some criticism, it was also celebrated by others for its celebration of diversity. According to CNN, the decision to feature Latin artists was hailed as a positive step in recognizing ethnic diversity and the contributions of women in the entertainment industry. Alongside Lopez and Shakira, the halftime show featured other prominent Latin performers, including Demi Lovato (of Mexican descent), the Mexican band Los Tigres Del Norte, and Latin rappers Bad Bunny and J Balvin, who performed in Spanish, further emphasizing the inclusivity of the event.
Jennifer Lopez, in particular, captured attention with a powerful visual statement. During her performance, she displayed two flags: the Puerto Rican flag (representing her parents’ homeland) and the American flag (representing her own upbringing in the United States). This symbolic gesture resonated with many viewers, as it highlighted the pride in both her cultural heritage and her American roots.
Despite the mixed reactions, the performance undoubtedly left a lasting impact. According to reports, the streaming numbers for both Shakira and Lopez skyrocketed following the Super Bowl show. Shakira’s streams on Spotify surged by 230%, while Lopez saw a 335% increase. These significant jumps in streams demonstrate the immense popularity of the performance, with both artists benefiting from the exposure.
The NY Post also highlighted that both singers earned millions of dollars from pre-Super Bowl performances, particularly from shows at the Hard Rock Hotel, where many event-goers stayed ahead of the big game. This further illustrates the commercial success of the halftime show, which, despite the controversy, boosted the careers and earnings of both Lopez and Shakira.
The Super Bowl, organized by the American Football Federation since 1967, is widely regarded as the most-watched television event in the United States. For many years, the halftime show has featured a range of iconic performances by some of the world’s most renowned artists, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Whitney Houston, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga, among others. Despite the criticisms surrounding the 2020 performance, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira’s show added to the legacy of memorable halftime moments that continue to captivate millions of viewers every year.
