In 1993, there was a situation where Garth Brooks was very close to not singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl. This incident ended up changing the guidelines for future Super Bowl performers.
Other country artists such as Charley Pride, Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Kelly Clarkson, and Carrie Underwood have also been chosen to sing the national anthem in the past. However, when Brooks decided to boycott the performance at the last minute, it led to a change in policy that has since become a tradition within the institution.
In his book "The Making of the Super Bowl: The Inside Story of the World's Greatest Sporting Event," Don Weiss, a former NFL Executive Director, reveals that Garth Brooks had intended to premiere his music video for "We Shall Be Free" during the broadcast on January 31, 1993. The song was written as a response to the L.A. riots that occurred after the Rodney King verdict in 1992. The video incorporated footage of the KKK, riots, wars, and acts of burning crosses and flags. However, due to the controversial nature of the clip, the network decided not to air it. Consequently, Brooks allegedly left the stadium with only 45 minutes remaining until kickoff.
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The network had asked Brooks to pre-record his performance, but he refused. This caused producers to panic and search for a last-minute replacement. Jon Bon Jovi was present at the game and was ready to step in while the producers argued with Brooks. In the end, Brooks won the argument, causing the biggest sports event in America to be delayed for the first time ever in order to show his video. Brooks appeared on the field with a mullet and a full mustache and beard, resembling Cyrus. He was accompanied by sign language interpretation from Marlee Matlin, an Academy Award-winning actress who is hearing impaired.
After Brooks' departure, the NFL implemented a new rule mandating that all Super Bowl performances of the national anthem must be prerecorded, as stated by Ricky Minor, a former Music Director for the Super Bowl.
"He believes that is the correct approach," he states. "There are numerous factors to consider before going live. Personally, I would never advise any artist to go live, as even a minor glitch could have a disastrous impact on the performance."
15 country music artists who are ready to take the stage as the headline performers for a Super Bowl halftime show. The gallery credit goes to Jess
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