It may not be a popular opinion, but I stand by it. I thought Coldplay did an amazing job at the Super Bowl halftime show last night. The performance was colourful, cheerful, uplifting and powerful. I loved the songs they played and I loved their energy.
I was sad to see that instead of being applauded and acknowledged for a great performance, Coldplay, and particularly lead singer Chris Martin instead were the butt of many jokes and memes.
My social media feeds were overflowing with snark this morning. Many mocked Martin for apparently being sidelined during the Super Bowl halftime show.
The overwhelming sentiment was that Coldplay (the headliners), was overshadowed by Queen Bey and Bruno Mars. Twitter users were asking "Why was Coldplay even there again?" Headlines boasted "Beyonce easily steals the show..." and BuzzFeed even claimed "everyone thinks Chris Martin is this year's Left Shark." Seriously, the Left Shark? Give him more credit than that.
Chris Martin was the Left Shark of this year's halftime show pic.twitter.com/MWV9B0VkcK
— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) February 8, 2016
Maybe it is because it is Monday morning and I am just in a grumpy mood, but it really irritates me to see their performance mocked and ridiculed. Instead of embracing the positive light the show cast, people instead felt the need to tear Coldplay down.
They did a great job, and entertained and inspired more than 100 million viewers, which is no small feat. They made us feel good and spread a good vibe at Levi's Stadium and around the globe. They didn't take themselves too seriously; they were just having fun and playing great music. For those who complained about the songs they performed, what did you expect!? They are Coldplay, that is their music and their set reflected that.
I don't think it is right to applaud them and take Coldplay down in the process. There is no need to diminish Coldplay's performance. You don't need to tear down some performers, in order to elevate others.
While I am a big Coldplay fan, I also adore Beyonce and Bruno Mars. I agree that Beyonce and Bruno Mars both gave incredible and energetic performances last night -- and their fierce dance off was AMAZING!
However, I don't think it is right to applaud them and take Coldplay down in the process. There is no need to diminish Coldplay's performance. You don't need to tear down some performers, in order to elevate others. We all know Beyonce is the Queen. That is a given. But last night she shared the stage, and it was electrifying and beautiful.
In my opinion, they all rocked. The entire halftime show rocked. It was a team effort all around.
The halftime show ended with the singers together on stage as spectators in the stands held up colourful cutouts that read "BELIEVE IN LOVE." The finale was inspiring, uplifting, and spread love. That is what it was all about. For those that missed that, and who only jumped to the negative and to diminish Coldplay, shame on you.
It was a perfect ending to an incredible halftime show. I felt warm and fuzzy when I watched it, and I know many others did too.
That was the point, to spread love and light. So it a shame that so many people missed the message.
What the world needs now is more love, not more snark.
Congrats Coldplay, Bruno Mars and Beyonce for the incredible show. You all rose to the occasion and delivered flawless performances. We love you. And we "believe in love".
Lastly, here is Coldplay spreading more love after the show. Classy.
Also on HuffPost:
