Following the announcement, social media users are quick to express their disappointment in the Empress of Soul, with one saying that she 'is now against Colin Kaepernick.'
- January 18, 2019
AceShowbiz - Amidst the controversy surrounding the headliners for Super Bowl LIII halftime show, NFL announced on Thursday, January 17 that Gladys Knight would be singing the national anthem at the upcoming game. Unsurprisingly enough, people were less than happy about it.
The Empress of Soul confirmed her participation through her social media accounts as well as a short statement. "I am proud to use my voice to unite and represent our country in my hometown of Atlanta," she said. "The NFL recently announced their new social justice platform Inspire Change, and I am honored to be a part of its inaugural year."
Atlanta, I’m coming home! #NFL #SBLIII pic.twitter.com/8rH0O5OAAo
— Gladys Knight (@MsGladysKnight) January 17, 2019
Social media user were quick to express their disappointment following the announcement, with many declaring that they had "canceled" Knight for accepting the gig. "never thought i'd see the day where we had to cancel gladys lmao smh," one Twitter user wrote as another tweet read, "Gladys Knight is singing the national anthem at the Super [Bowl]. Shame we gotta cancel her too!"
never thought i’d see the day where we had to cancel gladys knight lmao smh
— kelis teas (@majorly_) January 17, 2019
Gladys Knight is singing the national anthem at the Super Bowel. Shame we gotta cancel her too!
— ɹÇʇÉH ÇÇÉŸÉŸoƆ pÇÉ”I (@MannyBuckley) January 17, 2019
People on Instagram were just as disappointed in the "Neither One of Us" singer as one commented, "You cancelled for being a sellout. Smfh bye you lost my respect period." One other said, "Shame on you. I never thought I'd see the day I'd have to cancel an elder. Please reconsider because you will absolutely tarnish your legacy. Is the check worth it????"
There was also one Twitter user who said that Knight "is now against Colin Kaepernick," referring to the time when the athlete refused to stand during the national anthem in protest of police brutality. He has been blackballed by NFL due to his actions.
Gladys Knight is now against Colin Kaepernick.
— Sarcastically Correct (@dantedidWHAT) January 17, 2019
Knight has yet to respond to the backlash.
Super Bowl LIII will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on February 3. Maroon 5, Travis Scott (II) and Big Boi are tapped to headline the halftime show.
