Buzz Bulletin: Super Bowl Halftime Show Divides Viewers (But We Loved It)

Conservative viewers are upset about Shakira and J. Lo’s “inappropriate” halftime show.

It’s been five days since the Super Bowl, and the nation’s pearl-clutching contingent still can’t stop talking about the halftime show.

Shakira and Jennifer Lopez put on a joyful celebration of fiery Latin spirit, complete with lively rhythms, vibrant costumes, and flashy dance moves. While many enjoyed the fun, vivacious performance, others took issue with what the perceived to be “hypersexualization” of the Latina duo.

Disgusting sexualization of halftime “show.” Hope your sons and daughters were not watching
— CalThomas (@CalThomas) February 3, 2020

For the record, their performance was a nuanced, multicultural act that included poignant political statements and shoutouts to the pair’s respective cultures of origin. J. Lo rocked a Puerto Rican flag while daughter Emme sang “Born in the U.S.A.”; Shakira (whose father is Lebanese) taught us about the Arabic zaghrouta, a tongue-trilling expression of joy.

The moral outrage turned into something of a meme in the days following the Super Bowl, and viewers who enjoyed the show have thoroughly jumped on the opportunity to roast those who remain up in arms.

Were people as upset over the “sexualization” of the NFL halftime show when Adam Levine took his shirt off last year?

…

No?

Okay, just checking.
— Lyndsey D'Arcangelo (@darcangel21) February 3, 2020

Here’s a sneak peak of next year’s Super Bowl halftime show for all you complainers 😂 pic.twitter.com/RGBtyBcsjX
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) February 4, 2020

In 2 short days, Shakira's and J-Lo's Halftime Show ruined my family. My oldest son became a pimp. He now runs an 8 girl crew on the street. My middle son can't stop sneaking into strip clubs. My youngest dropped out of 2nd grade to watch porn on his Kindle Fire. God help us all.
— The Girl Who Came to Stay (@Mom_Overboard) February 4, 2020

Unfortunately, the debate about empowerment versus objectification won’t be going away anytime soon. While we’re waiting for this iteration to die, we can join the more than 100 million people who have watched Shakira and J Lo shake their stuff on YouTube. Because Billy Eichner said it best.

All I know is, we were all MUCH happier during the Halftime show.
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) February 5, 2020

Possible Gronk Alert?

Is Rob Gronkowski on this season of The Masked Singer?

Fans of the singing competition are pretty sure he is. Watch the White Tiger performing “Ice Ice Baby” on this week’s episode, and see what you think.

Sure feels like Gronk vibes to me. He would choose Vanilla Ice.

Friendly Reminder: Girls Can Hoop

It is I, here to remind you that thirty years ago this weekend, Lisa Leslie scored 101 points in the first half of her high school basketball game. Leslie went on to tie the all-time of 105 points before the opposing team refused to continue the game. Check out this 1990 L.A. Times article on Leslie’s epic spanking — it’s worth it.

Worth Watching

Simone Biles is otherworldly. Check out her newest vault stunt, which some say is too risky for the Olympics. If anyone can pull it off when it matters, my money’s on Biles.