The Super Bowl performer revealed little of her plans for the half-time concert but hinted it would include support for the principles of equality and tolerance
Amid inquiries about costume changes, special guests and her setlist during a press conference on Thursday, Lady Gaga was posed a question that has intrigued elements of the media before Super Bowl 51 almost as much as the game itself: whether her half-time concert on Sunday will feature a critique of Donald Trump.
The singer revealed little of her plans for the 13-minute concert but indicated that it would include support for the principles of equality and tolerance, rather than barbs directly targeting the occupant of the White House.
The only statements that Ill be making during the half-time show are the ones that I have been consistently making during my career. I believe in a passion for inclusion, I believe in the spirit of equality, Gaga said, adding that she feels that Americas essence is love and kindness and my performance will uphold those philosophies.
Gaga was a vocal supporter of Hillary Clinton during the campaign, speaking and singing at the Democratic candidates final rally on the eve of the election. In the hours after Trumps victory she was pictured standing on a sanitation truck outside Trump Tower in New York holding a sign that read Love trumps hate.
In January the NFL denied that it would gag Gaga from making political statements during her show. There is speculation that Beyonc, who was born in Houston, will make a guest appearance. At last years Super Bowl she performed Formation, a song with a video that critiques police brutality, and her dancers wore Black Panther-esque berets and posed with raised fists. Also last year, during the half-time show at Levis Stadium near San Francisco, Coldplays set paid tribute to marriage equality.
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/02/lady-gaga-super-bowl-halftime-show-trump