The Weeknd’s Super Bowl half-time show: mood-lifting pandemic party music

An understandably censored yet slickly realized medley of hits from the R&B pop star made for a successful escape during an unusual night

Headlining the Super Bowl half-time show has always been a tall order, a challenge not only of slinging a medley of hits but of charisma, choreography, and a nearly too-broad appeal. Most stars recruit extra help – Katy Perry brought in Missy Elliott, Coldplay essentially (and wisely) ceded their 2016 show to Beyoncé and Bruno Mars, last year’s headliner Jennifer Lopez pulled a two-hander with fellow Latina superstar Shakira, and Maroon 5 got assists from Travis Scott and Big Boi in 2019.

Related: Super Bowl ads and half-time show: The Weeknd creates energy without a huge crowd – live

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