Jay-Z reportedly discouraging Travis Scott from performing at Super Bowl
Travis Scott is said to be in talks to play with Maroon 5 at the Super Bowl halftime show in Atlanta, but Variety reports that Jay-Z is trying to talk him out of it. A person familiar with the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to speak about the topic publicly, told The Associated Press that Scott is close to signing on to perform at Super Bowl 53 on Feb. 3 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The person confirmed that Scott will headline Pepsi's pre-Super Bowl concert on Feb. 1 in Atlanta, two days before the Super Bowl. But two sources told Variety that Jay-Z, who has been openly critical of the NFL, is discouraging the "Astroworld" rapper from performing.
Controversy has surrounded the halftime show ever since NFL player Colin Kaepernick said he would not stand for the national anthem in protest of racial discrimination against blacks in the United States two years ago. Some musicians have reconsidered performing at the Super Bowl as a result, and Rihanna and Jay-Z were among the stars who reportedly said no to performing at the halftime show.
AP's source said Pepsi, which sponsors the halftime show, brought Scott to the NFL, which is in talks with the rapper. Scott, 26, has had an super-successful year with his latest album "Astroworld," one of the year's top releases. It features the No. 1 hit, "Sicko Mode," and recently earned Scott three Grammy nominations.
Maroon 5 has been rumored to headline the halftime show, though their representatives and the NFL have not officially confirmed the news.
Representatives for Scott and the NFL didn't immediately return emails seeking comment.
