Jennifer Lopez expressed frustration over having to share the spotlight with Shakira during their joint Super Bowl halftime performance in 2021, labeling it as the ‘most terrible idea ever’ in her latest documentary. Titled ‘Halftime’, the renowned 52-year-old actress’ documentary debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City, offering audiences a peek into JLo’s experiences both on and off stage as she navigates her 50s.
Unveiled: Jennifer Lopez expressed frustration over having to share her Super Bowl halftime performance with Shakira in 2021, citing it as the ‘most terrible idea ever’ in her latest documentary.
Initially, fans were unaware that JLo was displeased about co-headlining the halftime show with Shakira at the 2020 Super Bowl in Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
In the documentary Halftime, a passionate Jenny from the Block confronts NFL executives on their decision to feature two women in a role typically designated for a single artist.
“We only have six minutes. If we use 30 seconds for one song, and a minute for another, we are left with only five minutes. We must include certain songs that showcase our vocals. It can’t just be a dance show. Our message needs to come through,” Lopez shares with her music director during a heated discussion.
She goes on to express, “Having two artists perform at the Super Bowl is the most awful idea. It’s the worst idea in the world.”
It was her moment to dazzle: At halftime, the much-anticipated documentary featuring the renowned 52-year-old celebrity made its debut on Wednesday evening in New York City as part of the Tribeca Film Festival.
Later, she expressed her excitement about achieving something she had been striving for and dreaming of for years.
According to JLo’s manager Benny Medina, usually, there is only one headliner at the Super Bowl, who puts together the show. He felt that it was disrespectful to suggest that two Latinas were needed to do the job done historically by one artist.
Despite initial tensions, Lopez and Shakira managed to collaborate professionally. They were observed discussing the show’s sequence, with Shakira mentioning that the Super Bowl organizers wanted them to be integrated throughout the performance, but she was unsure about her allotted time.
Lopez clarified that they were allocated 12 minutes but might have a few extra minutes, totaling around 13 to 14 minutes. She proposed that they split the time equally, showing her diplomatic approach to the situation.
Jennifer expressed her frustration by stating, “I can’t believe we agreed to this terrible idea.” She later emphasized, “This is a dream I’ve been chasing for years.”
Her disappointment was evident as she remarked, “If they wanted a double-headliner, they should have given us a proper 20-minute slot. That would have been the right thing to do.”
It is worth mentioning that the NFL chose to have multiple artists headlining the 2022 halftime show, including Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and a surprise appearance by 50 Cent.
In addition to the issue of co-headliners, Lopez was also displeased with the NFL for other reasons.
During that time, the immigration crisis, particularly the situation of migrant children being held in cages at ICE detention centers during the Trump administration, caused widespread outrage in the United States.
Angry: During halftime, Jenny from the Block confronts NFL executives, questioning their decision to have two women perform a job typically assigned to a single artist.
Lopez incorporated children in cages into her performance to make a powerful political statement, but faced backlash from the National Football League. Her manager, Benny Medina, revealed in a documentary that the NFL was hesitant about the idea.
After a rehearsal where everyone seemed worried, Benny informed Lopez that the NFL wanted to remove the cages from her show. The league officials saw the performance plan and insisted on not making a political statement about immigration.
Despite the NFL’s objections, Lopez stood firm in her beliefs. She insisted that the issue was not about politics but about human rights. She faced a difficult decision – whether to remove the cages and perform at the world’s biggest stage or to stick to her principles and risk not being able to perform at all.
Despite some initial challenges, Lopez and Colombian sensation Shakira managed to collaborate together successfully, although their working relationship was formal rather than friendly.
A part of me became very peaceful and I told Benny that there was no way we were changing the show for the Super Bowl the next day, no matter what. About 50% of the documentary ‘Halftime’ gives a sneak peek into the rehearsals for the big game.
In addition to showcasing behind-the-scenes preparation for the halftime show, the documentary Halftime will also explore Jennifer’s personal life, including her relationship with her 14-year-old twins, Max and Emme, as well as her career, as stated in a press release.
Directed by Amanda Micheli, known for her work on Vegas Baby, a film following participants in a YouTube contest with a free IVF treatment in Las Vegas as the prize, the new documentary featuring Jennifer Lopez will be available for streaming on Netflix starting next Tuesday.
At the premiere of the documentary, A-list stars such as Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ryan Seacrest, and others were spotted eagerly waiting to watch the film for the first time.
In an exclusive look backstage, Lopez incorporated children in cages into her performance as a way to make a strong political statement. According to her longtime manager, Benny Medina, the National Football League had reservations about the decision.