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The Weeknd is setting a new standard for Super Bowl halftime shows

It doesn’t appear that are going to get the same old song and dance for the 2021 Super Bowl halftime show. We break down some of what to expect from the Weeknd’s performance.

In this screengrab released on November 22, The Weeknd performs for the 2020 American Music Awards on November 22, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by AMA2020/Getty Images via Getty Images

The 2021 Super Bowl is set to kick off Sunday, February 7 at 6:30 p.m. ET. The Tampa Buccaneers will host their own Super Bowl game for the first time in NFL History, facing 2020’s Super Bowl Champion, the Kansas City Chiefs.

Even if you’re not a football fan, there still may be a reason to watch Sunday’s festivities. Three-time Grammy winner, R&B artist The Weeknd, will be leading the Pepsi Super Bowl halftime show, and it’s going to look a bit different year.

Rather than a standard halftime performance on the field, the Weeknd will be taking to the stands to provide fans a “cinematic experience.” NBC Sports reported an expected audience of 25,000 people at the event, which does give them some space to move through the stands.

Super Bowl halftime show performers have historically gone unpaid, but The Weeknd has taken it to the next level. He’s put forth $7 million of his own cash towards the performance, ensuring that money will be no object when it comes to pulling out all the stops.

The Weeknd has been coy regarding the details, but it gives us all the more reason to tune in on Sunday.