Calling all After Hours fans. The Weeknd has been announced as the 2021 Super Bowl halftime show performer. The three-time Grammy Award winner will grace the stage at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Feb. 7; the NFL, Pepsi and Roc Nation revealed on Thursday (Nov. 12).
“We all grow up watching the world’s biggest acts playing the Super Bowl and one can only dream of being in that position,” The Weeknd said in a statement. “I’m humbled, honored and ecstatic to be the center of that infamous stage.”
He added on Twitter, “performing on the iconic stage. See you 02/07/21.”
The Super Bowl LV performance will carry The Weeknd’s winning streak into next year. The artist has already enjoyed a record-breaking 2020, with major successes stemming from his fourth studio album, After Hours.
“We are thrilled to welcome The Weeknd to the stage,” Pepsi’s Vice President of Marketing Todd Kaplan said in the statement. “Pepsi has worked with some of music’s biggest artists over the years — from Prince to Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars and most recently Jennifer Lopez and Shakira.”
“After a year that’s largely been void of live music, we can’t wait to watch The Weeknd transform the world’s biggest stage with his limitless talent and creativity, delivering what will most certainly be an unforgettable performance that will be remembered for years to come,” he added.
Although the pandemic has plagued live sporting events this year, a limited number of fans are expected to be allowed inside the Tampa arena for the Super Bowl. ESPN previously reported that the league will allow a 20 percent capacity in the stadium, although a statement from the NFL said there is currently no “set capacity.”
“The safety of the public, attendees, players and personnel continues to be our foremost priority. We are working on a host of Super Bowl plans, including gameday, in conjunction with the host committee and the appropriate local and county public health and government officials,” the statement read.