Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Coachella
Isn’t the World Cup just full of surprises? On Wednesday, we learned that Justin Bieber is joining an impressive World Cup Final halftime show lineup, co-headlining alongside Madonna, Shakira, and BTS. If you’re like me and several other Cut staff members, you’ve also just learned that the World Cup even had a halftime show, let alone one that includes so many heavy hitters.
This will be, in fact, the FIFA World Cup’s first-ever halftime show, taking place midway through the final match on July 19 at MetLife Stadium. The 11-minute slate of live performances will also feature Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and an elementary-school choir from Staten Island. The lineup was apparently curated by Chris Martin from Coldplay, though Coldplay is not listed as one of the actual performers.
Bieber is, by all accounts, stoked to be taking part. As he said in his official statement, per People, “The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can. I’m grateful to be part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world.”
On his Instagram, Bieber shared the announcement with a captionless video promoting the show, which includes a photo of Bieber holding his son (at least we hope it’s his son) upside-down behind his head with only the child’s chubby legs visible.
Now only a few questions remain, including: Will Bieber be reprising the YouTube karaoke he performed at Coachella? And: How are they going to fit that many performers into 11 minutes? And: Is the BBC regretting its decision not to air the halftime show yet?
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