In 1993, there was a moment when Garth Brooks almost backed out of singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl. This incident ended up causing a change in the guidelines for Super Bowl performers.
Other country artists like Charley Pride, Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Kelly Clarkson, and Carrie Underwood have also been chosen to sing the anthem in the past. However, when Brooks decided to boycott the show at the last minute, it led to a change in policy that has now become a standard part of the institution.
Don Weiss, a former NFL Executive Director, reveals in his book, The Making of the Super Bowl: The Inside Story of the World's Greatest Sporting Event, that Garth Brooks had the intention of premiering his music video for "We Shall Be Free" during the broadcast on January 31, 1993. This song was written as a response to the riots that took place in Los Angeles after the Rodney King verdict in 1992. The video contained scenes depicting the KKK, riots, wars, as well as the burning of crosses and flags. However, the network considered the content of the video too controversial and as a result, Brooks reportedly left the stadium just 45 minutes before the game was scheduled to start.
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Brooks refused to pre-record his performance for the network, causing producers to hastily find a replacement. Jon Bon Jovi happened to be present at the game and was kept on standby while the producers negotiated with Brooks. Eventually, Brooks was successful in his request, resulting in the delay of the biggest sports event in America for the first time ever. Brooks, sporting a mullet and a complete mustache and beard reminiscent of Cyrus, then proceeded to perform on the field. This performance was accompanied by sign language interpretation provided by Marlee Matlin, an Academy Award-winning actress who is deaf.
After Brooks's departure, the NFL has implemented a rule that mandates all renditions of the national anthem during the Super Bowl to be prerecorded, as stated by Ricky Minor, former Super Bowl Music Director.
He states that doing it that way is correct. There are numerous factors to consider before going live. He advises against any artist going live because even the smallest issue could have a devastating impact on the performance.
Here are 15 country artists who are well-prepared to take on the role of headlining a Super Bowl halftime show. This gallery is
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