2017 Super Bowl halftime show: what to expect from Lady Gaga’s performance

Look alive, people, we have made it to Super Bowl 51, one of the biggest music events of the year that happens to come with a side of football.

Sports fans may take issue with that description, but I’d bet your biggest memory of last year’s game has more to do with Beyoncé’s politically charged halftime performance than with the final score (unless, of course, you’re a Panthers or Broncos superfan).

The 2017 Super Bowl halftime show has just as much potential to make a political statement. The headliner is the one and only Lady Gaga, a singer with a reputation for spectacle and some of the most undeniable pop hits — “Poker Face,” “Paparazzi,” “Bad Romance” — of this young century.

Gaga hasn’t told anyone what songs she’ll be playing or how political her performance might be. However, she has hinted that she won’t shy away from themes of diversity and inclusivity — a constant throughline in her career.

“The only statements that I’ll be making during the halftime show are the ones that I’ve been consistently making throughout my career,” she told the New York Times. “I believe in a passion for inclusion. I believe in the spirit of equality, and that the spirit of this country is one of love and compassion and kindness. My performance will uphold those philosophies.”

Whether Gaga sticks to playing songs from her latest album, Joanne, or brings out some of her more well-known hits remains to be seen. Joanne tilts more toward rock and country than dance pop, and Gaga performed three of its songs — “Million Reasons,” “A-Yo,” and “John Wayne” — at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show in December.

As for possible special guests, CBS is reporting that crooner and past Gaga collaborator Tony Bennett will introduce her. However, it’s unclear whether there will be any surprise guests, despite rumors that Beyoncé might appear (signs so far point toward no). We’ll have to tune in and find out. Here’s how:

How to watch:

When: Sunday, February 5, at 6:30 pm EST

Where: NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas

“America the Beautiful” (preshow): Hamilton’s Schuyler sisters (Phillipa Soo, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and Jasmine Cephas Jones)

National anthem: Luke Bryan

Halftime performer: Lady Gaga

On TV: Fox

Live stream: Fox Sports Go

Watch: Lady Gaga’s halftime performance

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