🎙️ Voice is AI-generated. Inconsistencies may occur.
Post Malone's Super Bowl performance may have split opinions online, but the gig has also landed the rapper a bunch of new fans on social media.
The 28-year-old took to the field at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday, ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers game. Strumming on an acoustic guitar, Malone—real name Austin Richard Post—eschewed his usual genre-blending rap to sing "America the Beautiful."
The Grammy winner also ditched his trademark colorful threads for the show, looking every inch the country star in a brown corduroy jacket, blue jeans, white shirt and bolo tie.
Malone's take on the hymn, combined with his vastly different look, divided viewers. Many loved seeing a different side of Malone, describing his rendition as "beautiful" and "impressive."
However, others were less keen, calling Malone's version "garbage" and comparing his garb to a "youth minister."
Malone's performance may have been divisive, but it won the singer-songwriter a ton of new followers on social media.
Social Blade analytics website said that Malone has gained over 65,000 followers on Instagram since Sunday, along with more than 5,500 on X, the social network formerly known as Twitter. Newsweek has reached out to Post Malone for comment via email.
Malone wasn't the only Super Bowl performer to receive a mixed reaction.
The rapper was followed by country music icon Reba McEntire. The 68-year-old's stunning version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" left Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones in tears, but some viewers were reeling.
According to X account @br_betting, McEntire's song lasted 90.5 seconds, thanks to an unusually long final note. With the length of the Super Bowl national anthem performance a popular betting choice, this left a lot of gamblers unhappy.
Usher's half-time show also split the audience. Many praised the jam-packed 15-minute performance, which included guest appearances from will.i.am. Lil Jon, Ludacris, H.E.R., Alicia Keys and Jermaine Dupri.
The 45-year-old performed some of his biggest hits including "Burn," "My Boo" and "Caught Up," before ending the show with "Yeah."
However, some fans were disappointed that singer Justin Bieber wasn't featured. Usher signed the Canadian to his label into 2009. The R&B star acted as a mentor to the former teen idol, with the duo collaborating on several occasions.
Bieber was rumored to be making a half-time appearance, and although he did attend the game, he stayed offstage.
Others compared Usher's show to Rihanna's Super Bowl performance last year. Fans of the singer said nothing can top her 2023 set, which involved a series of moving platforms and required 800s crew members to bring to life.
About the writer
Sophie is a Newsweek Pop Culture and Entertainment Reporter based in Lincoln, UK. Her focus is reporting on film and ... Read more