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It’s the First New York-Area Super Bowl, But an Out-of-Towner Gets Coveted Halftime Gig

Sep 9, 2013  •  Post A Comment

The New York Daily News reports that the NFL, “stiff-arming local superstars like Bon Jovi, Billy Joel and Jay Z,” has “drafted out-of-towner Bruno Mars” to headline the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVIII Halftime Show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014 — the first New York-area Super Bowl.

Not all New Yorkers were thrilled about the pick, according to the story. “Yuck,” said Joe Dowbenko, 21, of Brooklyn, while knocking back buffalo wings on a football Saturday. “I just don’t affiliate Bruno Mars with football. He’s too sensitive.”

The report adds: “While the hit-making Hawaiian’s singing is not at question, local fans blitzed NFL officials for ignoring the deep roster of New York and New Jersey talent."

“If the options are like Springsteen, Bon Jovi or Bruno Mars — I mean, Bruno Mars doesn’t have anything to do with New York,” said football fan Sandy Shelton, 26, of Hell’s Kitchen.

Superstar Beyonce performed at last year’s Super Bowl in New Orleans. Other recent performers include Madonna, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, The Who, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Paul McCartney.

Not everybody thought picking platinum-selling Mars — known for “Unorthodox Jukebox” — was a fumble, the story adds.

“I have no problem with it,” said Eric Bishop, 30, of the upper West Side. “He’s at the top of the charts. He’s very good.”

BrunoMarssongPics1UjEywkLCp66EnM.jpgBruno Mars

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