Let's begin by acknowledging the fact that there are way too many television hours spent in pre-game nonsense with predictions, imagined play calling by over enthusiastic ex-players, and hype that only rivals the second coming of our Lord! In short, this Super Bowl, like the other previous 46, never lived up to the build-up and hysteria created by the media.
The show began with almost a "thump' as the two teams simply ran out onto the field. Where were the player introductions? The ‘rah-rah”? Why weren't the offensive players of one team and the defensive starters of the other announced so that the fans could cheer for their favorite player and boo for the opposition? I thought that was a missed opportunity right out of the gate.
While I enjoyed Jennifer Hudson's emotional singing of America the Beautiful, (I might be in the minority on this), I thought having the Sandy Hook Elementary kids was exploiting a national tragedy for ratings. Yes, those young boys and girls sang admirably and looked terrific. But, there was no moment of silence to remember the dead and mourn with those who still weep.
Apparently Alicia Keys is taking heat from many folks who did not enjoy her rendition of the National Anthem, specifically for her being seated at the piano. Question: how else does one play the piano? Personally, I thought she did a nice job, if a bit labored. "Alicia is a proud American and was honored to perform at the event," says a publicist who worked with Keys. "Her slow version of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' was her own arrangement, accompanying herself on the piano, adding 'living in the home of the brave' at the end of the song. It's silly to see how that was being disrespectful." However, the NFL said today that the performance has been removed from sites like Youtube on copyright grounds. Are you kidding me?! "The Star-Spangled Banner" is in the public domain, as it was written before copyright laws existed. There is much more to that story.
Then we come to the Pepsi Half-time Show. Or has half-time at the Super Bowl now become its own creature, or event, of gigantic proportions? This year, Beyoncé, fresh off her Inauguration Day triumph, was the featured performer. I like Beyoncé. I think she has a tremendous and dynamic voice. She began her show solo, kicking things off with an a cappella version of her single "Love on Top." Clad in black stiletto boots and a leather minidress, the 31-year-old strutted to the tune of "Crazy in Love," stripping down to little more than a leotard as she performed familiar dance moves with a large ensemble of young dancers.
I was glad that Beyonce invited Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, part of the Destiny's Child trio, to perform. The two artists literally "popped" onto the stage. "Bootylicious", "Independent Women, Part One", and "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) made up the short but lively set. Beyoncé took over again and finished with a performance of "Halo".
Now, here is the real question for conversations in the days ahead. Was Beyoncé’s performance at this year’s Super Bowl more about power or sex? One commentator said that her show was one of the most compelling, embodied and prophetic statements of female power that he had ever seen on mainstream television. See more of David Hensen’s interesting essay here.
In order to help with the discussion, here is Beyonce's performance one more time. (Okay, I am a fan!)
And now to the most important question following the Super Bowl.... Who is responsible, you ask, for the power going out in the Super Dome lasting for 34 minutes? I know the answer…. PBS, of course. It was perfectly planned. The lights went out just before 9:00 pm on the East Coast. I was able to watch the entire episode of my favorite British drama and then returned to view most of the fourth quarter. Lord Grantham, I have been told, was quite pleased (and it should be observed that he had a pretty rough Sunday night!).
The most rewarding part of this year’s Super Bowl were the commercials. My top three are as follows…
Tied for Third Place (Dorito's and Audi)
Second Place (Best Buy)
Winner – Best Commercial (Dodge Ram)
Love One Another - Brian
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