Why This Year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Is Going to Be Extremely Political

Kat Armstrong
Feb 03, 2017

Whether you love football or not, the Super Bowl is an American institution. While some folks can get really riled up watching the actual game, some of us are just here for the commercials and history-making halftime show. This year’s show is being put on by Lady Gaga (who’s also starring in a Tiffany & Co. commercial this year), and while she’s not given too much away, we’re pretty sure that we can expect some very political moments from the singer.

Pepsi Zero Sugar Super Bowl LI Halftime Show Press Conference

While the actual show is always under tight wraps until it goes live, last year’s National Anthem singer has dropped some hints, and we’re sure that she wants everyone to know what her political thoughts are. While talking to People Magazine, the singer said, “I believe in a passion for inclusion. I believe in the spirit of equality and the spirit of this country as one of love and compassion and kindness. My performance will uphold those philosophies.” Yes, Gaga!

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Although she’s been planning her performance for more than two months, we’re sure that in light of what’s been happening across the country, we can expect Gaga to speak out and for the rights of people across the country. Her entire “Little Monsters” MO is about her fans being outliers: different people who feel like they don’t fit in and who will always have her support.

Regardless of what songs she sings, we know that Gaga will have a few ad-libbed tricks up her sleeve and we’ll be waiting with baited breath to see exactly what she does for us all on Super Bowl Sunday.

Who was your favorite Half Time Show performer? Tell us @BritandCo!

(Photos via Kevin Mazur, Icon Sportswire/Getty)

Adam Brody Just Gave A Surprising Update On 'Nobody Wants This' Season 2

You've seen Adam Brody in The O.C. You've seen Adam Brody in Nobody Wants This. But you've never seen him like this. In his new Super Bowl commercial with Pringles, the actor and all-around heartthrob recruits the most unlikely of suspects to help replenish his Big Game snacks: mustaches. Yep, you read that right so I'll let it hang in the air for a moment longer. We talked to the actor about his favorite Super Bowl snacks and the one thing he's excited for in Nobody Wants This season 2.

Here's what Adam Brody had to say about Pringles and Nobody Wants This (two of the most important things in my life, TBH).

Of course, the most pressing question I have after watching this ad is whether we'll see Adam grow a mustache? "Yes," he tells Brit + Co over email. "When time permits, a mustache will be grown." Victory!

Now while the Pringles logo is incredibly recognizable, nothing's as tasty as their variety of flavors (while I'm a sour cream and onion gal, Adam prefers the original flavor), nor as fun as putting two chips in your mouth to make a duck beak. And considering Adam also adds his favorite Super Bowl snack is "fistfuls of guacamole," now I'm also craving a Pringles and guac combo. What can I say? I'm feeling adventurous.

Pringles

While Adam Brody's Pringles ad has instantly become an iconic Super Bowl commercial, fans everywhere are excited to see him onscreen again as Noah in Nobody Wants This season 2. And even though he "can’t say" what he's excited about in the upcoming episodes "because I literally don’t know," the actor does admit he's most excited for "the high jinks that I am sure will ensue."

Until then, I'll just be rewatching season 1 and continuing my first-watch of The O.C. — and maybe just maybe daydreaming about what Noah and Seth Cohen might do if they ever met? Unfortunately, this is a reunion Adam's not too sure about: "That’s too much Adam Brody for my taste."

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This post has been updated.

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Well, Ryan Reynolds' 'SNL50' Joke Remains Another Mystery In 'It Ends With Us' Legal Saga

Saturday Night Live just had a 50th anniversary celebration to remember, but despite some iconic callbacks and celebrity cameos, one moment everyone's talking about didn't really have to do with the sketches at all: Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's appearance.

During a Q&A with Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, Ryan Reynolds stood up to ask a question, with Blake Lively sitting right beside him. After the SNL icons asked him how he was, the Deadpool actor joked, "Great. Why, what have you heard?" And while the audience laughed at the inferred reference to the ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni, sources are saying others aren't so happy with the couple's appearance.

Here's what people are saying about Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's appearance on the SNL50 special.

Ryan Reynolds & Blake Lively "have no regrets" about their SNL50 special appearance.

Following the special, SNL's cue card guy Wally Feresten told Fifi, Fev and Nick that Ryan “had a different line in rehearsal and he pitched that to replace it. That was his idea."

"We wouldn’t want to do anything too controversial unless they were in on it.”

But according to a Page Six source, Ryan didn't actually come up with that joke. “The opening joke was pitched by SNL and never changed,” they said. “The follow-up joke was rewritten in rehearsal.” So who's really behind the joke? For now, no one (except Ryan) knows.

While the moment with Ryan Reynolds got some laughs, another insider reveals that, "People in Hollywood think Blake and Ryan attending the SNL 50th anniversary show was not a good look," and that it might have been a good idea for the couple to "have sat this one out.”

But even though the appearance got some mixed reviews, another source promises they "have no regrets about making an appearance at the show,” and that they “were two of the last people to leave Studio 8H."

"Blake was initially hesitant to attend the SNL 50th anniversary show but ultimately she’s glad she attended and had a really nice time,” the second source continues. “They’re glad they showed up because they have nothing to hide and no reason not to.”

The SNL50 special, and the brief look at Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, came after Blake and Justin Baldoni filed lawsuits against one another — Blake against Justin for alleged sexual harassment and Justin against Blake, Ryan, and the New York Times for defamation.

"It’s very plausible that Justin’s legal team will use this public outing to defend him,” according to the Page Six source. “Justin is taking this lawsuit in all seriousness and isn’t making a public mockery out of it."

Recently, Justin Baldoni published a website with an Amended Complaint and It Ends With Us timeline, but according to First Amendment lawyer Kevin Goldberg, the website is "unnecessary."

"I think it's unusual and I'm not sure it's appropriate once you have already filed a defamation lawsuit," he tells Forbes. "Legally speaking, it's not going to be, itself, relevant as evidence. It could be introduced in evidence but there's no need for it."

"The reason we have very strict standards for anyone who is trying to win a defamation lawsuit — and in particular, a celebrity who is trying to win a defamation lawsuit is they can do things like this," Kevin continues. "Use a website and PR team to restore their reputation, they don't need to use the courts to restore their reputation. So why did he do both is my big question. It seems like his real goal is not to win the lawsuit but restore his good name, just, generally in the public view."

What did you think about Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds' appearance on the SNL50 special? Read up on 10 Weird Moments You Missed From Viral Justin Baldoni & Blake Lively Set Video for more.

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The 10 Best Super Bowl Commercials For 2025

Let’s be honest, one of the best parts of the Super Bowl is the commercials, and whether you’re rooting for the Chiefs or Eagles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while watching. Every year, there are ones that stand out because of how hilarious, absolutely ridiculous, or celebrity-filled they are. Super Bowl commercials are also the perfect time for co-star reunions, random collaborations no one saw coming, and interesting twists on a beloved concept. Long after the big game is over, these ads will continue to be talked about, for both good or bad reasons.

Here are our picks for the 10 best new Super Bowl commercials for 2025!

10. Knock, Knock

Who’s there? Well, who wouldn’t answer the door for Post Malone and Shane Gillis, especially when they come bearing Bud Light.

​9. Who Let the Dogs Out?

Spruce is unleashing all the dogs to promote their new pet-safe weed killer. Baha Men even re-recorded their hit “Who Let the Dogs Out” for the party!

​8. Your Attention Please

Hailee Steinfeld is demanding that we “give breasts the attention they deserve” in this team up with Wanda Sykes for Novartis and breast cancer awareness. It’s time for women to put our health front and center.

​7. We’re Here

Instacart has a super fun spot for their Super Bowl debut, which includes iconic brand mascots such as Chester Cheetah, the Kool-Aid Man, the Energizer Bunny, Mr. Clean, Pillsbury Doughboy, the Green Giant, and many more. Just don’t forget to order the milk!

​6. Photobomb feat. Doja Cat

Taco Bell is ready to give fans the spotlight in their ad this year, but Doja Cat has other plans. She’s determined to break the no-celebrity rule at all costs.

​5. True to Texas

Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson want to change the tune and bring film and television productions back home to Texas. As if this True Detective reunion wasn’t enough, the commercial also includes Dennis Quaid, Woody Harrelson, Billy Bob Thornton, and Renée Zellweger.

​4. First Delivery

So a horse walks into a bar to prove you’re never too little to save the day. While Budweiser might lean more into emotion rather than humor with this ad, it’s just as effective thanks to the Clydesdales.

​3. We Listen & We Don’t Judge with Charli XCX & Martha Stewart

Uber Eats is bringing Charli XCX and Martha Stewart together to try the “We Listen and Don't Judge Challenge” TikTok trend. However, something tells us that there will be plenty of judging by the audience and each other with these confessions.

​2. When Sally Met Hellmann’s

It’s time for a When Harry Met Sally reunion with Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, courtesy of Hellmann’s. The two are seated at NYC's Katz's Deli and give those eating around them, including Sydney Sweeney, “lunch and a show.” Sign us up!

1. The ULTRA Hustle

Michelob ULTRA is giving us the duo we never knew we needed with Willem Dafoe and Catherine O'Hara as pickleball hustlers taking on professional athletes. Do we need to say more?

Check out Taylor Swift's Reaction To Getting Booed At The Super Bowl. (Yikes).

This post has been updated.

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Tom Brady & Irina Shayk May Be Dating...Again

You read that correctly: Tom Brady and Irina Shayk (yes, Bradley Cooper's ex-wife) may be back together. Despite the fact we thought the former pro-football player and Gisele Bündchen were endgame, we discovered some good things don't last forever. But the heartbreak didn't seem to matter once Tom found model Irina Shayk — at least until they broke up for a while.

Imagine everyone's surprise now that the two are allegedly dating again. It's like the tale of the two exes who can't leave each other alone no matter how hard they try. Whether this is good or bad is TBD, but we're intrigued either way!

Here's what to know about Tom Brady & Irina Shayk's potentially rekindled relationship!

Victor Boyko/Getty Images

Page Sixreported Tom Brady and Irina Shayk are rumored to be dating again, per a source. The anonymous person said, "Tom and Irina have started dating each other again and are open to see where things go" which seems extremely vague.

Adding more ambiguity to the will-they-won't-they rumor mill? A second source revealedthat the former couple had "been talking on the phone" around the New Year — and were allegedly planning a trip together — according to Page Six. "Neither one is in a serious relationship right now, so why not take a trip.”

Jane Gershovich/Getty Images

Prior to this, Tom Brady and Irina Shayk only dated for a short time before closing their door on their relationship. TMZ exclusively reported they'd chosen to amicably break up because things simply "fizzled out." According to an earlier Page Six article, the sexy couple were no longer spotted together at different events which raised eyebrows about their dating status.

It's safe to say that Tom Brady & Irina Shayk's "relationship" may have been more of a "situationship" because they were first linked after paparazzi spotted the latter being picked up from Hotel Bel-Air by Brady last summer (via Page Six). The eager photographers must've camped out at Tom's house overnight because they also spotted the two leaving his home the next morning. One can only assumed what happened, but it seems like they reportedly had a date shortly after that (via Page Six).

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The former couple have yet to make public comments about if they're dating or not — they could just be having fun! If either way is the case, we wish them all the luck in the world!

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The '1923' Season 2 Premiere, Explained — Including That Bombshell Alex & Spencer Reveal

1923 is back! After two years of wondering how Alex and Spencer would find each other after their separation, if Jacob and Cara would survive the attempt to steal their ranch, and if Teonna would make it to safety, the 1923 season 2 premiere is answering some of our biggest questions. Although actress Michelle Randolph told me we might have to wait until the end of the season to see whether the show "fills in some blanks" in the Dutton family tree, we're already getting plenty of info.

Here's everything you missed in the 1923 season 2 premiere, "The Killing Season."

In the '1923' season 2 premiere, Jacob & Cara Dutton are protecting their ranch.

Right at the beginning of the episode, we get a beautiful look at Montana and the Yellowstone ranch, with Cara Dutton revealing via narration they've sold everything except 4 bulls and 100 heifers to pay off some of the money they owe Whitfield — and that it's up to Spencer to rebuild everything they've lost.

Jacob and Jack leave the ranch for a hearing — and come face-to-face with a mountain lion on the porch. However, the lion races off before Jacob can kill it, and after Cara jokes it's comforting Jacob now has something to worry about, Jacob tells her he's "always worried, honey" and gives her a kiss. I am simply obsessed with them!! (I also need them both to make it to the end of the series, I'm so serious).

The mountain lion doesn't last for long, however, after it returns, almost attacks Elizabeth, and gets shot by Cara.

In town, Jacob (and us) learn Zane and Alice's marriage has been rendered void after they were attacked & arrested for miscegenation last season — and that Whitfield is behind everything...to literally no one's surprise.

Whitfield's still thinking about the Duttons himself, talking about how Jacob might be strong and mighty like a bear, but enough bee stings can lead to the bear's death ("Death by a Thousand Cuts" anyone?). He finds reassurance in the knowledge the trial is another metaphorical bee sting for Jacob Dutton to, well, bear.

Banner Creighton's also preparing for the trial, and tells his wife that after a lifetime of struggle, Whitfield's new provision means their son has a future. "I'll lay with the devil to give him that," he says. Chills me to my very core.

Teonna Rainwater is still on the run.

Father Renaud and his men are still on the hunt for Teonna. Unfortunately I do mean that very literally because they attack a Comanche village in their pursuit, but Teonna, thank goodness, is safe with her father and Pete, the latter of whom she finally starts a romantic relationship with.

But right when they're starting to get ~cozy~ (if you catch my drift), they notice a horseback rider — and learn from him that they're in Texas (don't worry, the horseback rider isn't Father Renaud).

And Spencer & Alex are fighting to get back to each other.

Spencer's latest sea voyage is a lot less relaxing than we saw at the end of season 1; he's working in the bottom of a ship, where he becomes friends with Luca after defending the younger man from a rapist and saving him from jumping into the ocean. And, okay, we're only one episode in and they've already formed a really sweet bond that I hope continues through the whole season — maybe Luca can come back to the ranch!

Our favorite Dutton hero now has two missions: get back to his family and find Alex. So, to get some money and get it quick, Spencer starts a couple of one-on-one fights while Luca collects bets. Of course, Spencer wins. (Duh).

Meanwhile, back in England, Alex is still mourning her separation from Spencer. And when Jennifer visits her, Alex reveals she's desperate to get to Montana is because she's actually pregnant with Spencer's child. WHAT! I need 5-7 business days to process this information! Who knows, maybe Alex and Spencer are ancestors of John Dutton? (Beth definitely shares Alex and Spencer's grit and spunk, hello). Alex ropes Jennifer into selling her jewelry to book passage to America...even if that passage ends up being in the thieves and beggars class.

Whew! I can't wait to tune in next week to see what the future has in store for the Duttons.

What time does 1923 air?

New episodes of 1923 season 2 airs on Paramount+ at 12 AM EST/9PM EST.

See our interview with Julia Schlaepfer for more — and read up on The 1923 Season 1 Ending, Deaths, & Betrayals, Explained for a refresher.

This post has been updated.

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