Maroon 5 is struggling to find superstar guests to perform with the band during the Super Bowl halftime show, according to a report.
Variety said Friday the controversy over the NFL’s policy on players’ right to protest is keeping many artists away from one of the most-watched shows of the year.
It cited sources as saying Maroon 5 (which hasn’t been officially announced as the halftime act) has reached out to more than six stars without success.
“Because the 2019 Super Bowl is being staged in Atlanta — arguably the capital of black music in the U.S. — Maroon 5’s team has been working to find a local act who will perform with them,” Variety reported.
Some of the acts scheduled to be performing at events in the city leading up to, and during, Super Bowl weekend include Migos, Lil Yachty, Cardi B, Post Malone, Ludacris, Lil Jon and Bruno Mars.
The report also said it will likely be a challenge to find an A-list artist to sing the national anthem before the game.
Reps for the NFL and Maroon 5 did not comment to Variety.
In September, reports that Maroon 5 was chosen to perform the halftime show sparked criticism on social media. On Ellen last month, frontman Adam Levine played coy when asked about the rumour. "I can neither confirm or deny the truth of this rumour. It's definitely a rumour," he said. "And the rumour seems to be a rumour that everyone seems to be discussing."
Levine added: "It's the Super Bowl. It's a great event and there's gonna be a band performing, or an artist of some kind performing at halftime. And it's gonna be great regardless of who it is. Whoever is lucky enough to get that gig probably is gonna crush it.
"If it were me, I'd be excited, I'd be nervous. If I were doing it, which I can't confirm or deny I am, I would be excited."