Adam Levine Defends Maroon 5’s Decision to Play Super Bowl Halftime Show
Adam Levine is speaking out amid controversy over Maroon 5's decision to perform at the Super Bowl.
The singer defended the band's decision, telling ET Online they expected backlash over the performance. He added that he can "handle a little bit of controversy," telling the publication it didn't sway his feelings on performing one bit.
"I'm not in the right profession if I can't handle a little bit of controversy. It's what it is. We expected it. We'd like to move on from it and speak through the music," Levine said, revealing that he consulted with several other people before he accepted the gig. "I silenced all the noise and listened to myself and made my decision based upon how I felt."
Maroon 5 won't be alone during their performance. Travis Scott and Big Boi will join them on stage. Scott, 26, agreed to perform with the pop band after the NFL agreed to donate $500,000 to Dream Corps, a charity that fights for prison reform and social justice in the United States. Maroon 5 also donated $500,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
A petition circulated the Internet, calling for Maroon 5 to pull out of the performance. The document gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures, but failed to change Levine and his bandmates' decision.
The ET interview was the only one Levine had planned ahead of the big game. The NFL previously announced that the pre-game press conference with the halftime performers had been canceled. The league said, "the artists will let their show do the talking." Many believe the presser was cut due to controversy.
While Maroon 5 didn't shy away from the drama, many other performers did. According to an NBC News report, both Rihanna and Cardi B declined to perform at halftime. Their decisions were made in support of Colin Kaepernick, who has not played in the NFL since 2016 due to his decision to kneel in protest of police brutality during the National Anthem.