Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, and Shakira delivered a medley of their popular songs during the World Cup halftime show. The performance, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, aimed to infuse Super Bowl energy into the World Cup setting. The star-studded show lasted 11 minutes and featured a lineup of diverse musical acts, including Burna Boy, Ted Lasso, and the beloved Muppets.
Madonna kicked off the show with her hit track “Music,” accompanied by legendary Brazilian soccer players Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. The performance began with a pre-recorded segment at a roller rink before Madonna made a grand entrance into the stadium on a dune buggy, singing the iconic lyrics, “Music makes the people come together.”
Conductor Gustavo Dudamel led an orchestra through a rendition of The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” while the Muppets entertained in the background. K-pop sensations BTS followed with a vibrant performance of “Dynamite,” incorporating elements of Norwegian Viking culture.
Justin Bieber took the stage next, supported by Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt from “Ted Lasso.” Bieber performed “Everything Hallelujah” with an acoustic guitar, exuding a relaxed vibe. Shakira and Burna Boy closed the show with their World Cup anthem “Dai Dai,” featuring a colorful performance with a group of dancers and children.
The halftime show concluded with a heartwarming performance by the PS22 Chorus, a group of elementary school students from Staten Island, backed by Dudamel and joined by artists like Chris Martin and numerous Muppets and “Sesame Street” characters. The show combined live performances with pre-recorded music, creating a memorable spectacle for fans worldwide.
In the closing ceremony, Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams, and others delivered powerful anthems, while Post Malone debuted a new song alongside a classic hit. Tom Cruise delivered a heartfelt speech, emphasizing the unity brought by the tournament. The ceremony featured a mix of live performances and recorded music, showcasing a diverse range of musical talents in a celebration of global sportsmanship.