Do you recall the time when Garth Brooks almost refused to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl? It is said that in 1993, Garth Brooks came close to walking away from his performance, and as a result, changed the expectations for future Super Bowl performers.
Brooks is not the sole country music artist who has had the opportunity to perform the national anthem. Other notable stars like Charley Pride, Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Kelly Clarkson, and Carrie Underwood have also been given the honor in previous years. However, when Brooks allegedly decided to boycott the show at the last minute, it led to a significant change in policy that has now become a fundamental part of the institution.
In Don Weiss' book, The Making of the Super Bowl: The Inside Story of the World's Greatest Sporting Event, it is mentioned 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 occurred in Los Angeles following the Rodney King verdict in 1992. The music video included footage of the KKK, riots, wars, and incidents of burning crosses and flags. However, the network considered the content of the video too controversial, so Brooks supposedly left the stadium just 45 minutes before the kickoff.
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Brooks refused the network's demand to pre-record his performance, causing producers to search for a replacement at the last minute. Jon Bon Jovi was present at the game and was kept on standby as the producers negotiated with Brooks. Eventually, Brooks prevailed, resulting in the biggest sports event in America being delayed for the first time ever to showcase his video. Brooks, sporting a mullet and a full mustache and beard reminiscent of Cyrus, then went onto the field to perform. He was accompanied by Marlee Matlin, an Academy Award-winning actress who is hearing impaired, providing a sign language interpretation.
After Brooks left the stage, the NFL decided that all future performances of the national anthem at the Super Bowl should be pre-recorded. This requirement was implemented by Ricky Minor, the former Super Bowl Music Director.
"He is suggesting that this is the correct approach," he states. "There are numerous factors that could complicate a live performance. I would strongly advise against any artist going live, as even the smallest technical issue could have a catastrophic impact on the performance."
Here are 15 country artists who are ready to take the stage as the main act for a Super Bowl halftime show. This list has been
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