Pink Reveals Why She Turned Down 2019 Super Bowl Halftime Show Offer

Pink had some valid reasons for why opted against performing at the Super Bowl.

The “Beautiful Trauma” singer gave an ovation-worthy presentation last year when she was asked to sing the National Anthem ahead of Super Bowl LLI. Following her outstanding performance, Pink was among the entertainers whispered to be courted as this year’s headliner, but ended up turning down the opportunity.

As the “So What” vocalist explained in an interview with Billboard, much like her fellow pop star Rihanna, Pink didn’t feel it was worth being “persecuted” in the press for playing the event in light of the NFL’s controversial treatment of Colin Kaepernick for his kneeling protests against police brutality. “I’d probably take a knee and get carried out,” she told the outlet, echoing the sentiments of artists like RiRi and Cardi B. (In the end, the gig was given to Maroon 5.)

At the time, Pink, who spoke with Billboard before Jennifer Lopez and Shakira were announced as next year’s headliners, told the outlet more women of color should be taking the Super Bowl stage. “They should give it to Janet Jackson. That’s who should be doing the Super Bowl. There’s rumblings around J. Lo, Rihanna — they all deserve it. They should only give it, because of the controversy, to African-American or Latina women for a while.”

Of course, the “What About Us” musician's idea came to fruition in September when the two Latin superstars were approached to headline the sports event together. “I feel incredibly honored and humbled to be, in a way, next to J.Lo, representing the Latino community that is such an important force in the United States,” the “Hips Don’t Lie” artist said in an interview of the upcoming show.

The Super Bowl LIV halftime show will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on February 2.

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