Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, and Shakira were part of the star-studded halftime show at the World Cup, along with Burna Boy, Ted Lasso, and the Muppets. The performance, which aimed to infuse Super Bowl energy into the World Cup, took place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and was notably more jam-packed than traditional American football halftime shows.
Each main act had a brief two-minute performance slot. Madonna kickstarted the show with her iconic dance-pop hit “Music,” accompanied by former Brazilian soccer legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. The performance began at a roller rink before Madonna made a grand entrance into the stadium on a dune buggy, belting out the lyrics, “Music makes the people come together.”
Conductor Gustavo Dudamel led an orchestra through The White Stripes’ classic anthem “Seven Nation Army,” while the Muppets band added their lively presence in the background. K-pop sensations BTS followed suit with a vibrant rendition of “Dynamite,” incorporating nods to Norway’s Viking culture.
Promoting the upcoming season of “Ted Lasso,” Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, in character, hyped up Justin Bieber, who then performed “Everything Hallelujah” with an acoustic guitar, creating a laid-back atmosphere on stage.
Shakira and Burna Boy took the stage next, delivering their official World Cup anthem “Dai Dai.” Shakira, barefoot and adorned in a colorful dress, was joined by a group of dancers, including children, before Burna Boy joined her for an energetic performance.
The show concluded with the PS22 Chorus, comprising elementary school students from Staten Island, backed by Dudamel and a group of musicians. Chris Martin, the Coldplay frontman who curated the performance, also joined Shakira and numerous Muppets and “Sesame Street” characters on stage for a grand finale.
In the closing ceremony, Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams, and others presented a variety of anthems. Post Malone performed both an old hit and a new song, while Tom Cruise delivered a heartfelt speech in his casual attire.
Overall, the halftime show and closing ceremony were a vibrant celebration of music and entertainment, showcasing a diverse lineup of international artists and performers.