HOUSTON: Standing atop the roof of Houston’s NRG Stadium with drones illuminating an American flag in the night sky behind her, Lady Gaga kicked off her Super Bowl halftime by singing “God Bless America” as a subtle message of inclusion and unity in a deeply divided United States.
As many speculated about whether the outspoken singer would use her spotlight to address women’s rights, immigration or President Donald Trump, Gaga recited part of the American Pledge of Allegiance, “one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all,” in her opening song.
Performing at American football’s title match — generally the most watched US television event of the year — the pop diva electrified NRG Stadium in Houston with a pulsating medley of her greatest hits.
Even with Vice President Mike Pence in attendance, Gaga — a sworn foe of Trump — kept with the game’s guidelines to steer clear of overt politics.
Instead the singer, known for her audacious outfits, delivered what seemed to be a more subtle message.
“How are you doing tonight, Texas? How are you doing tonight, America?” Gaga asked.
“We’re here to make you feel good,” she said.
She opened with “This Land is Your Land,” the anthem by leftist folk legend Woody Guthrie that has come to be seen as an alternative national anthem for the United States.
Gaga then mixed up her biggest songs — from “Let’s Dance” and “Poker Face” to “Born This Way” — an anthem of inclusion in which she speaks of acceptance of people regardless of ethnicity.
She was backed up by an upbeat, ethnically diverse cast of dancers, who at one point joined in a group hug.
“Whether life’s disabilities left you outcast, bullied or teased / Rejoice and love yourself today!” she sang.