In case you weren’t already thrilled about the array of music talent performing at the Super Bowl 2022 halftime show, 50 Cent made a very surprise appearance alongside his fellow music icons.
It was already confirmed that Dr Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J Blige, Snoop Dogg and Eminem would be joining forces in the coveted spot for a joint performance.
Dre kicked off the eagerly-anticipated set with Snoop, as they blessed us with performances of The Next Episode and California Love on top of a huge stage in the middle of the field at the SoFi stadium, in LA, with home team the Los Angeles Rams taking on the Cincinnati Bengals.
It was then that the camera panned down to the 21 Questions star 50, who happened to be hanging upside down just below, giving us flashbacks to the In Da Club video.
As you do.
50 was joined by backing dancers as the surprise interlude continued, before Mary joined proceedings.
She passionately belted out Family Affair, effortlessly stealing the limelight from her pals and giving us life at the same time.
It wasn’t long before Eminem was introduced to the fold, and blessed us all with an energetic performance of his timeless hit, Lose Yourself, with Anderson .Paak on drums.
The Slim Shady star ended his track by taking the knee in a powerful moment, as he kept his head in his hands on stage, while the show continued around him.
It was widely reported that NFL bosses had warned Eminem and his fellow performers not to make a stance during the show.
However, according to the New York Post, NFL reps said that this was untrue.
Fans fled to Twitter to praise Slim Shady for the stand, with one musing: ‘Eminem kneels after NFL asked him not to. Don’t tell a goat how to behave.’
Kendrick was the last of the confirmed performers on stage, and shared a poignant rendition of Alright, to a screaming crowd.
Fans watching on from home enjoyed every single second, and flocked to Twitter to rave about the performance.
Lady Gaga – who performed the 2017 halftime show – led the praise, penning: ‘THAT WAS A BOMB OF RADICAL LOVE THANK YOU #SuperBowl HALFTIME SHOW!! Incredible!! That’s what it’s all about!!’
‘Best halftime lineup of all time. Legends. #SuperBowl #HalfTimeShow,’ an impressed viewer said.
‘That was one of the most legendary halftime performances of all time #HalfTimeShow #SuperBowl,’ another agreed.
‘One of the Greatest Halftime show ive seen. This is Legendary #SuperBowl #HalfTimeShow [sic],’ one commented.
As a Twitter user screamed: ’50 CENT AT THE HALFTIME SHOW AND HE DID THE UPSIDE DOWN IN DA CLUB INTRO 5TH GRADE ME IS THRIVING RIGHT NOW #SuperBowl.’
When it comes to the sports (yes, there was an NFL game going on around the halftime show), Bengals looked on course to win their first Super Bowl but the Rams, playing in their home stadium, rallied to snatch the title courtesy of a 23-20 win.
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