Brazil is looking to roll out the red carpet for the first NFL game to take place on its shores.
To do so, they're calling in the big guns. Not only will the contest take place in Corinthians Arena, a harrowing colosseum that has become one of the country's most iconic, but organizers have also secured the services of one of Latin America's most well-known voices to adorn the event with all the flourish one would expect from a game sponsored by The Shield.
Brazilian supernova Anitta is slated to unleash a dizzying musical showcase during the Packers and Eagles' halftime intermission. She'll join the likes of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Prince, and, most recently, Usher, as performers to have basked in the glow during a high-profile NFL halftime showcase.
With that, here's what you need to know about the star of Friday's halftime offering, Brazilian pop star Anitta.
Who is Anitta?
Anitta, real name Larissa de Macedo Machado, is a 31-year-old singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and occasional host from Rio de Janeiro.
She's enjoyed a steady rise up the ranks, becoming one of the world's biggest musical acts.
Born and raised in Honorio Gurgel, a working-class neighborhood in the North Zone of Rio, Anitta's singing career started in earnest when she was just 8, lending her vocal chops to the choir at her grandmother's local parish.
Anitta initially had hopes for a career in education. However, she opted to pursue work in the arts shortly after her graduation. She was quickly vindicated for her decision, as Anitta captured Associação Paulista de Críticos de Arte's prestigious "Best New Artist" award.
Anitta has gone from strength to strength since making her musical debut. She's garnered eight Latin Grammy nominations, establishing herself as a force, not only on Portuguese airwaves but also among Spanish and English listeners, too. Some of her biggest hits include 'Downtown' and 'Envolver,' with the latter making Anitta the first Latin artist to have a leading song in the Spotify ranking.
In addition to her glimmering musical career, Anitta has also transitioned successfully into the worlds of acting and hosting.
Nevertheless, her heart remains in music. She served up impressive performances at the 2016 Olympics, 2019 Copa Libretadores, and, most recently, the 2023 Champions League Final. To that end, Friday's showcase should be too jarring, even if it is while crooning to an amalgam of NFL Stans and Corinthians supporters.
"Growing up in Brazil has completely shaped my journey as an artist and of course, as a person," Anitta said. "It means everything to be able to perform in São Paulo at the NFL's first game in Brazil, where I can bring fans around the world the excitement and joy of our amazing culture. It's really a dream come true to be a part of this moment."
Anitta real name
Despite repping the moniker, Anitta, wherever she goes, that's not the Brazilian supernova's birth name. Rather, it's Larissa de Macedo Machado.
Anitta age
Anitta is 30, having been born on March 39, 1993.
