When the NFL formally revealed Maroon 5 will be performing at the Super Bowl 53 halftime show, it invited ... less than favorable reviews.
The announcement came after months of speculation that the pop rock band would be headlining the show in 2019. But with Atlanta hosting this year's Super Bowl, many thought the league would select an artist who represents the area's deep roots in rap, hip hop and R&B.
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As a result, the decision to go with Maroon 5 garnered a polarizing response from the public. The NFL attempted to offset the criticism by inviting rappers Travis Scott and Big Boi, an Atlanta native, to perform alongside Adam Levine and Co., but both artists were facing pressure to decline in a show of solidarity with former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is involved in a high-profile collusion case against the league. Nonetheless, the show will go on.
The NFL's premier event has featured some of the biggest names in music overs the years, and Maroon 5 will join that exclusive club come Feb. 3, for better or worse.
Here's everything to know about Maroon 5 and why they were chosen for the halftime performance.
Who is Maroon 5?
Maroon 5 is a pop rock band that originated in Los Angeles. The group has released six studio albums, winning three Grammy Awards. Its most recognizable member is lead vocalist Adam Levine, who is also a judge on the NBC singing competition series "The Voice."
Some of Maroon 5's hit songs include "Moves Like Jagger," "Girls Like You (feat. Cardi B)" and "Sugar."
Other artists considered for the Super Bowl 53 halftime show
In October, Billboard reported that at least three artists declined invitations to perform at halftime of Super Bowl 53. Those who passed on the opportunity include Rihanna, Pink and Cardi B. Rihanna refused as a sign of support for Colin Kaepernick, whose protest of racial and social inequality has been a focal point of discussion in the NFL for more than two years.
While Cardi B is featured in one of Maroon 5's latest songs, the singer will reportedly not make an appearance. She, too, has voiced support for Kaepernick in the past, most recently at the 2017 MTV VMAs.
Pink sang the national anthem at the Super Bowl in 2018 and was in negotiations to perform at halftime of Super Bowl 53, but she ultimately dropped out due to reported contractual complications.
Who else is performing with Maroon 5?
Along with Maroon 5, the NFL announced Travis Scott and Big Boi would also be featured during the halftime performance. Scott released his third studio album "Astroworld" in August. Big Boi is best known for his time as a member of Outkast with fellow Atlanta-based artist André 3000.
When is the Super Bowl 53 halftime show?
Kickoff for Super Bowl 53 is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb 3, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Expect the game to actually start closer to 7 p.m. after the conclusion of the national anthem and the rest of the pregame program. That means halftime should arrive around 8:30-9 p.m., depending on pace of play.
Do performers get paid for the Super Bowl halftime show?
It's complicated, but the short answer is no. The NFL covers all "expenses and production costs" but does not pay artists a wage, league spokesperson Joanna Hunter explained to Forbes in 2016. Those expenses can vary year to year. Beyonce's show in 2013 cost a reported $600,000, per Forbes, but other reports have given much higher estimates for more recent shows, including $10 million for Katy Perry in 2015.
So the halftime show is basically one big, free concert to promote an upcoming album or tour, and the financial benefit for such exposure is unquantifiable. Most artists see a large spike in record sales and endorsements immediately following their performances.