The Weeknd vows to tone it down for half-time show - Names Diana Ross’ 1996 performance as his favourite from Super Bowl

The Weeknd may be known for his graphic music videos and performances, featuring blood and violence, but the three-time Grammy winner says he will tone down his act during the Super Bowl half-time show.

The pop star said he will “keep it PG” during his headliner slot on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium as the reigning Super Bowl champions, Kansas City Chiefs, take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, Florida. He promised to be “respectful to the viewers”.

“I will still incorporate some of the storyline. It’s a very cohesive story I’ve been telling throughout this era and throughout this year,” he said. “The story will continue, but definitely will keep it PG for the families.”

The 2021 Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show will be different this year due to the pandemic, and The Weeknd said he will use different parts of the stadium, the field and a “little bit” of the famously massive pirate ship. But the singer would not be drawn into specifics of his show. “You have to watch on Sunday,” he said.

When asked for his favourite Super Bowl half-time show, The Weeknd cited Diana Ross’ 1996 performance. She was lowered to the stage by a crane of sparklers, hundreds of dancers spelled out her name on the field, she made three costume changes, and she left via helicopter.

“The show just makes me smile,” said The Weeknd.

The Weeknd broke though into mainstream with his smash hit Can’t Feel My Face that was featured on his second studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness, which topped the Billboard 200 in 2015 and won a Grammy. He’s had three other chart-topping albums, including his recent offering, After Hours, which was released in March.

Last year, The Weeknd’s hit single Blinding Lights became his fifth song to peak at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He’s also won Grammys for his album Starboy and the song Earned It ( Fifty Shades of Grey).”

Roc Nation and Emmy-nominated producer Jesse Collins will serve as co-executive producers of the half-time show. The game and half-time show will air live on CBS.

Collins said he wants to put on a live half-time show that is “unique and reflects the creativity all of us bring to the process to help translate The Weeknd’s unparalleled vision”.

The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, joins a list of celebrated musicians who have played during Super Bowl half-time shows, including Madonna, Beyoncé, Coldplay, Katy Perry, U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, and last year’s duo of Shakira and Jennifer Lopez.