Inside Jazz at Lincoln Center Thursday press had the opportunity to talk to Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show performer Bruno Mars about his performance, background, favorite NFL team and more.
The Hawaii native was lighthearted, with the first thing out of his mouth being the question “Do I get a box or something?”as the notoriously short singer approached the podium.
He also joked with reporters as questions like “who are you rooting for?” prompted the answer “Now you’re trying to get me in trouble, sit down!”
When asked if the Super Bowl audience can expect anything crazy, he cited the cold and said he wouldn’t be doing anything out of the ordinary. He’s also not too worried about messing up his hair, “I have three bottles of hairspray in here.”
Mars said he isn’t scared of the Super Bowl pressure, he just hopes to get people dancing and smiling with his performance.
Growing up in Hawaii, Mars performed outside Pro Bowls when he was younger, but that’s about as much of the NFL he pays much attention to. He joked that in Hawaii since they don’t have a team, they just root for whoever has the most Polynesians on their team.
When asked about his fellow Halftime Show performers The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mars said the NFL approached him and asked if there was anyone he’d like to perform with. The Chili Peppers were the first to come to mind, being one of his personal favorite bands. After meeting with guitarist Flea it only solidified that he wanted to work with the band for the Super Bowl.
The press conference also featured national anthem singer Renee Fleming, who will be the first opera singer to perform at the Super Bowl. She assured that the performance would be touching and lavish being joined by several service members and donning an outfit designed by Vera Wang.
