- Las Vegas-based alternative rock band, The Killers, are favored to headline the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show at Allegiant Stadium.
- Lizzo was dropped from Super Bowl Halftime Show consideration amid reports of bullying and sexual harassment accusations from former backup dancers.
- U2, Taylor Swift, and the Foo Fighters are among the other top betting favorites to headline the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show.
According to oddsmakers at MyBookie, The Killers have the best odds to headline the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show in Las Vegas. Known for hit songs like “Mr. Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me”, The Killers originated out of Las Vegas in 2001. Currently, The Killers have -110 odds to hit the stage for the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show.
Super Bowl LVIII is their first-ever Super Bowl to be hosted in Las Vegas. Traditionally a hotspot for sports bettors on Super Bowl Weekend, the NFL is bringing the Big Game to the City of Sin. The Super Bowl Halftime Show has come a long way since the University of Arizona Symphonic Marching Band in 1967.
Last year, Rihanna headlined the Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show at State Farm Stadium in Arizona. It would be a change of pace for Super Bowl Halftime organizers to go from Rihanna to The Killers. However, if they want Las Vegas represented in the act, The Killers would make a logical choice.
Rock Returns To The Super Bowl Halftime Stage?
In any event, a similar band hasn’t headlined the Super Bowl since Coldplay in 2016. Maroon 5 was the entertainment for the 2019 Super Bowl Halftime Show, but they lean towards more pop than rock.
If we want to get specific, though, a true rock ‘n’ roll band hasn’t headlined the Super Bowl since 2010. Thirteen years ago, The Who were the headliners for Super Bowl XLIV at Sun Life Stadium.
From 2005 to 2010, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Prince, Tom Petty, and then The Who played on the Super Bowl stage. There was a sudden shift to modern pop stars in subsequent years.
Since The Who performed in 2010, there have been 12 pop or hip-hop artists on the Super Bowl Halftime stage. With this in mind, the trends are working against The Killers receiving the nod.
A big league dream come true. pic.twitter.com/enLEht6vfu
— The Killers (@thekillers) July 15, 2023
MyBookie oddsmakers are in disagreement, and believe that The Killers are the most likely choice. At -110 odds, The Killers have a slightly better than 50 percent chance of being selected to rock the stage at Allegiant Stadium. The implied probability of The Killers playing the Super Bowl stands at 52.4 percent.
Lizzo Booted From Super Bowl Halftime Show Consideration
If Super Bowl organizers wanted to maintain the status quo and went with a pop performer, Lizzo was likely on the shortlist. Lizzo is coming off a win at the Grammy Awards for the 2023 Record of the Year honor. Additionally, Lizzo has won three other Grammys since 2020.
In total, she has four Grammy Award wins and 13 nominations in her career. However, the “About Damn Time” singer will not be adding Super Bowl headliner to her list of accomplishments in the foreseeable future.
According to an NFL insider, Lizzo has been removed from the group of potential performers for the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show. The news comes after multiple former dancers for Lizzo have accused her of serious workplace violations, including weight-shaming and sexual harassment.
“Talks of Lizzo being a part of the Halftime festivities, or performing the National Anthem, are now dead that she is surrounded by scandal”, added the insider. Note, Lizzo has denied all the accusations levied against her.
As more people have come forward with lawsuits against Lizzo for sexual harassment, it has been difficult for fellow performers to associate with her. Jay-Z, who has been actively involved in producing the Super Bowl Halftime Show since 2019, canceled the Made In America music festival.
Lizzo was scheduled to be the main headliner of Made In America in 2023. There has been no official confirmation that it was canceled as a result of Lizzo, but many people are speculating that there is a link.
Taylor Swift Among Super Bowl Halftime Favorites
Taylor Swift does not have better odds than The Killers, but she ranks as one of the more likely choices, according to oddsmakers at MyBookie. Currently, Swift is tied with Imagine Dragons for the third-best odds to headline Super Bowl LVIII. They have +200 odds to be the Super Bowl Halftime entertainment in 2024.
There is one big issue with Swift performing at Super Bowl LVIII. The 2024 Super Bowl is set to take place on February 11. Swift is in Tokyo, Japan, from February 7 to February 10. Later that month, she is in Sydney, Australia for more shows.
So, are we led to believe that Swift will fly across the world from Japan to Las Vegas for a 15-minute performance at Super Bowl LVIII? Super Bowl performers are not paid a dollar or even a penny. It’s a volunteer gig, with the NFL covering production costs.
Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour
🗓 7, 8, 9 & 10 February 2024
📍Tokyo DomeThe Lawson Ticket Second Pre-sale in Japan has started today at 10:00 AM! You can now apply for all ticket types!
Details and registration, please visit the official website! 🎫https://t.co/8lb0qtBwvj pic.twitter.com/iupX2noAvH
— AEG Presents Asia (@aegpresentsasia) July 28, 2023
Generally, the Super Bowl Halftime Show can be used for marketing and publicity. Currently, on a multi-billion dollar tour, she does not need this spot at Super Bowl LVIII. In the future, we could see Swift do it to cross off a bucket-list item; however, it’s highly unlikely to occur in 2024.
U2 has the second-best odds to perform at the Halftime Show in 2024. It would be the second time that U2 has headlined the Super Bowl. In 2002, the band was the centerpiece of the Super Bowl XXXVI Halftime Show, which included a moving tribute to the victims of September 11, 2001.
The Irish hitmakers are planning on being in Las Vegas from September to December for their residency at the $2 billion Sphere. Perhaps, U2 will stick around a little longer for their second appearance at the Super Bowl.
Currently, you can bet on U2, at +150 odds, to headline Super Bowl LVIII. Following U2, Swift, and the Imagine Dragons, Dave Grohl’s Foo Fighters are in contention, with +225 odds.
