The NFL and Pepsi are "denying that an official offer was ever put on the table" for Adele to sing at halftime of Super Bowl LI in February, according to Ashley Iasimone of BILLBOARD. The NFL and halftime sponsor Pepsi yesterday in a statement said, "The NFL and Pepsi are big fans of Adele. We have had conversations with several artists about the Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show. However, we have not at this point extended a formal offer to Adele or anyone else. We are focused on putting together a fantastic show for Houston and we look forward to revealing that in good time" (BILLBOARD.com, 8/14). VARIETY's Alex Stedman noted Adele told the crowd at her L.A. concert on Saturday night that she was "offered the opportunity" to perform at halftime of Super Bowl LI, "but declined." She said, "First of all, I’m not doing the Super Bowl. I mean, come on, that show is not about music. And I don’t really -- I can’t dance or anything like that. They were very kind, they did ask me, but I said no" (VARIETY.com, 8/14). PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Mike Florio noted Adele "didn't mention the possibility that she said 'no' because the NFL wanted her to say 'yes' to coughing up some cash." However, if that is what the NFL is doing, the league should "look for the best options to decline and only those acts that are desperate to seize upon the boost that comes from the Super Bowl stage" will accept an offer (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 8/14).
WASN'T A GOOD FIT ANYWAYS: ABC contributor Howard Bragman said Adele "has a very good sense of self," because the halftime show is a "spectacle and Adele is about intimacy." Bragman: "Even in a big arena she’s about her voice, about intimacy. It’s not about dancing, it’s not fireworks and it’s probably the right decision for her.” Bragman added, "It’s the largest musical venue in the world, but she knows herself, and that’s why you’ve got to respect her so much” (“GMA,” ABC, 8/15). NBC’s Wilfred Frost said Adele is “not like that upbeat halftime party atmosphere-type of music" and she "doesn’t really fit" ("Squawk Box," CNBC, 8/15).
TWITTER REAX: ESPN's Linda Cohn: "The NFL can't handle rejection. Now denying it even asked Adele to perform halftime of SB. She says no. NFL backtracks. Why would she lie? ... Glad Adele turned down SB. Music doesn't fit spectacle. Don't care who else is on stage with her. Just wouldn't work." Fox Sports' Jimmy Traina: "You're the biggest sports league by about a billion & you practically run the country. Do you have to be such babies? ... How on earth is the NFL gonna try to convince people shes lying?" The Big Lead's Jason McIntyre: "Is it OK to like Adele and be happy she's not doing the Super Bowl halftime?" Comedian Michael Ian Black: "Just became an Adele fan." The Sklar Brothers: "Adele turns down the Super Bowl halftime show leaving the door now open for our 1st choice all along: @alyankovic #100%serious."
