The Internet Reacts To The Weeknd’s Super Bowl Performance

As always, this year’s halftime show inspired plenty of controversy — and memes.

  • Author:

Following in the footsteps of legends like Beyonce, Prince, and Shakira, The Weeknd (née Abel Tesfaye) took to the stage — well, field — for the famed Super Bowl Halftime Show in Tampa, Florida. The Blinding Lights singer spent $7 million of his own funds for his set, which featured a compilation of his most noteworthy tracks with live vocals, masked dancers straight out of Jordan Peele’s US, and an incredibly memeable hall of mirrors moment.

Like most years prior — think Katy Perry’s left shark and Janet Jackson’s infamous nip slip — the Toronto native’s performance was rife with online controversy. Some blamed the audio quality for muffling his acclaimed voice, which one TikTok user explained was due to the performance’s entirely live band and vocals. Compare this to the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ 2014 appearance, where they didn’t even bother to plug in their instruments, or J. Lo and Shakira’s lauded performance which sparked lip-syncing rumors. It’s also worth noting that The Weeknd made history by having no special guests performing alongside him — truly embracing the spirit of social distancing.

Other complaints included critiques of the backup dancers’ performance, the nauseating camera work, and The Weeknd’s trademark red blazer.

However, one TikTok explained how Tesfaye’s dizzying performance tied into the artist’s larger storyline.

@waleezy

Breaking down @theweeknd ‘s #SuperBowl performance and all the bandages #halftimeshow #theweeknd

♬ original sound – Waleed

Love it or hate it, The Weeknd would probably tell haters to save their tears when critiquing his performance.

Discover More