NFL Fans Outraged as NBC Skips Lindsey Stirling’s Thanksgiving Halftime Show
Football enthusiasts were left fuming on Thanksgiving night as NBC controversially decided to skip Lindsey Stirling’s highly anticipated halftime performance during the Miami Dolphins vs. Green Bay Packers game. The incident sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with fans expressing their disappointment and frustration with the network.
The Missed Performance
Lindsey Stirling, the renowned violinist known for her unique blend of electronic music and choreographed performances, was set to headline the halftime show at Lambeau Field. While those in attendance at the stadium were treated to a spectacular display, millions of viewers at home were left wanting.
Stirling had earlier expressed her excitement about the performance on social media, tweeting:
“Go Packers! I’m performing my first NFL halftime show tonight! What a way to spend Thanksgiving!! You can catch me during the halftime show of the Packers vs. Miami Dolphins game tonight! The game starts at 8:20 PM ET.”
Fan Backlash
The decision to skip the halftime show led to an immediate backlash from viewers. Many took to social media to voice their displeasure:
- One fan wrote, “NBC, Shame on you for not showing Lindsey Stirling’s performance during halftime. That was the only reason I watched this evening! So disappointing!”
- Another angry viewer tweeted, “NBC, are you flipping kidding me?? Do you all show 3 seconds of the Lindsey Stirling halftime show?? Both other games showed the entire thing. What a damn joke you are!!!”
Some fans even called for action against NBC, with one stating, “Whoever is running things over there at NBC needs to be fired.”
Thanksgiving NFL Performances
The Thanksgiving NFL lineup featured three games, each with its halftime performance:
- Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears: Shaboozey performed at 12:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on CBS.
- Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants: Lainey Wilson took the stage at 4:30 p.m. ET, and the game aired on Fox.
- Green Bay Packers vs. Miami Dolphins: Lindsey Stirling’s performance at 8:20 p.m. ET will be broadcast on NBC.
Unlike the earlier games where Shaboozey and Lainey Wilson’s performances were televised, Stirling’s show was largely omitted from the broadcast.
Lindsey Stirling: A Rising Star
Lindsey Stirling’s journey to stardom is a testament to her perseverance and unique talent. Despite being eliminated in the quarterfinals of America’s Got Talent in 2010, she has gone on to achieve remarkable success:
- Amassed 14.2 million YouTube subscribers with over 4.1 billion views
- Released seven albums and embarked on multiple world tours
- Named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for music in 2015
- Won the Billboard Music Award for Top Dance/Electronic Album in 2015
Stirling’s innovative approach to music, combining violin playing with electronic music and dance, has earned her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
The Aftermath
As the controversy unfolds, many fans are left wondering why NBC skipped such a highly anticipated performance. The incident has disappointed Stirling’s fans and raised questions about the network’s decision-making process for live event coverage.
While NBC has yet to comment on the situation, the backlash serves as a reminder of the importance of meeting viewer expectations, especially during high-profile events like Thanksgiving NFL games. As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact future halftime show broadcasts and NBC’s relationship with its audience.