NFL Shuts Down Justin Bieber Melbourne Halftime Speculation
There’s no doubt we’re all itching for a Justin Bieber comeback Down Under, especially after the buzz surrounding his performance at the FIFA World Cup final in July. However, it looks like we’ll be waiting longer for JB’s return after the NFL shut down rumours of talks regarding a halftime performance at Melbourne’s San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams match.
Speaking to Pedestrian SPORT and SPORTbible Australia‘s James Emmanuel, an executive for the NFL shut down all talks regarding a potential performance from the “SPEED DEMON” singer, explaining that Bieber was never in talks for an NFL appearance.
“No, [we’re] not aware of any conversation with Justin Bieber for the halftime show of the Melbourne game,” they said.
Rumours of Bieber leading the NFL Melbourne half-time performance were first fuelled by ex-AFL player and ex-Big Brother Australia housemate Daniel Gorringe, who claimed he heard the star being name-dropped during discussions of the upcoming match.
“We heard a conversation from the people who, only I can assume, were connected to Scott Hanson and the NFL,” Gorringe began in the podcast snippet which was published back in May.
“Someone was asked, ‘Who would be your ideal, you know, halftime entertainment or pre-show entertainment for the NFL when they’re here in October?’ And that person said, ‘Oh, I’d like, you know, Bruce Springsteen or something like that, someone big.’ The NFL people go, ‘Oh, well, think bigger.’ Leant in and said, ‘What do you mean bigger?’ And we heard, and they said, ‘Justin Bieber.’”
Towards the end of the snippet, Gorringe referred to Bieber as “JB”, which could also hint at a possible miscommunication of who the actual half-time performers are, which has since been announced as fellow “JB” title sharers, the Jonas Brothers.
In early August, the NFL confirmed that Joe, Nick, and Kevin Jonas will be heading Down Under to lead the half-time performance alongside Aussie acts Peking Duk and Kita Alexander.
As someone who loves both JBs, I’m down with either. However, I am LONG overdue for a live performance of “Devotion” from Mr Bieber.
Image source: Getty Images.
