There was a time when Garth Brooks was close to not performing the national anthem at the Super Bowl. This incident took place in 1993 and had a significant impact on the rules for future Super Bowl performers.
Brooks is not the sole country music artist who has been chosen to perform the national anthem. Other notable names such as Charley Pride, Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Kelly Clarkson, and Carrie Underwood have also been given this opportunity in the past. However, Brooks' unexpected decision to boycott the show at the last minute led to a change in policy that has now become a significant aspect of the institution.
Based on information from 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 after the Rodney King verdict in 1992. The music video included footage of the Ku Klux Klan, riots, wars, and the burning of crosses and flags. However, the network considered the video too controversial and as a result, Brooks allegedly left the stadium only 45 minutes before the kickoff.
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Brooks refused the network's plea to pre-record his performance, causing producers to frantically search for a substitute at the last minute. Jon Bon Jovi happened to be present at the game, and producers had him ready as they debated with Brooks. Eventually, Brooks emerged victorious, causing the biggest sports event in America to be postponed for the first time ever in order to broadcast Brooks' video. With a mullet and a complete mustache and beard resembling Cyrus, Brooks then appeared on the field for his performance, with Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin, who is deaf, providing a sign language interpretation.
After Brooks left the stage, the NFL has now decided that all Super Bowl performances of the national anthem must be pre-recorded. This information comes from Ricky Minor, a former Super Bowl Music Director.
He states that doing it in that manner is correct. He believes that there are too many factors to consider when going live. He would never suggest any artist to go live because even a small error could have a significant negative impact on the performance.
Here are 15 country artists who are ready to take the stage as the headliners of a Super Bowl halftime show. This gallery is
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