The Weeknd claims he'll perform the Super Bowl halftime show entirely solo

Though the average Boomer is likely still unclear if "The Weeknd" is a band or a person, the Canadian singer is set to become only the 10th performer in Super Bowl history to headline the halftime show solo — or so he claims.
Speaking to the NFL Network on Thursday, the "Blinding Lights" singer was asked if fans should expect anyone (oh, you know, like Daft Punk or Kendrick Lamar or a projection of a beloved dead rock star) to show up with him on stage on Sunday. "I've been reading a lot of rumors," The Weeknd said, "and I wouldn't bet on it." Which is a strange way of saying "no," but he went on to confirm more firmly that "there wasn't any room to fit it in the narrative and the story I was telling in the performance. So, there's no special guests, no."
That news might be disappointing for some of the NFL's average fans, who are not exactly The Weeknd's core demographic of millennials and Gen Zers. But let's not lose sight of the real reason why it's good to invite special guests to the show: who else will entertain the audience during your costume changes? Jeva Lange
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Editor's note: After previously reporting the halftime show would be longer than usual, a Billboard correction indicates it will in fact be the same length as previous years. This story has been updated.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
-
The Arab League's plan for Gaza
The Explainer Arab leaders reject Donald Trump's proposals to move Palestinians out of Gaza to create 'Middle East Riviera'
By Elizabeth Carr-Ellis, The Week UK Published
-
Thrilling must-see operas for 2025
The Week Recommends From Carmen to Peter Grimes, these are the UK's top productions
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
There is a 'third state' between life and death
Under the radar Cells can develop new abilities after their source organism dies
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Canada beats US in charged 4 Nations hockey final
Speed Read 'You can't take our country — and you can't take our game,' Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted after the game
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Eagles trounce Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX
speed read The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Indian teen is youngest world chess champion
Speed Read Gukesh Dommaraju, 18, unseated China's Ding Liren
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Europe roiled by attacks on Israeli soccer fans
Speed Read Israeli fans supporting the Maccabi Tel Aviv team clashed with pro-Palestinian protesters in 'antisemitic attacks,' Dutch authorities said
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
New York wins WNBA title, nearly nabs World Series
Speed Read The Yankees with face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the upcoming Fall Classic
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Caitlin Clark the No. 1 pick in bullish WNBA Draft
Speed Read As expected, she went to the Indiana Fever
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
South Carolina ends perfect season with NCAA title
Speed Read The women's basketball team won a victory over superstar Caitlin Clark's Iowa Hawkeyes
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Iowa's Caitlin Clark breaks NCAA scoring record
speed read College basketball star Caitlin Clark set the new record in Iowa's defeat of Ohio State
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published