local
Shakira, Madonna and many Muppets take the World Cup stage, along with BTS and Bieber
By ANDREW DALTON , Associated Press at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 19, 2026
· 4 min read
(AP) - Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS and Shakira each brought a bit of one of their hits to the World Cup’s first halftime show in a whirlwind performance Sunday that also squeezed in Burna Boy, Ted Lasso and many Muppets.The show at what’s otherwise known as MetLife Stadium, outside New York, was ...
Key takeaway Madonna opened the show with her 2000 dance-pop hit “Music,” joined by star Brazilian soccer players of yesteryear, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
Why this matters in The Nashville
Nashville 's own music scene, known for its vibrant energy and eclectic mix of genres, might take note of the World Cup halftime show's successful blend of international acts and styles. The inclusion of K-pop sensations BTS, who have drawn large crowds in the city, suggests a growing appetite for global music in Nashville. Meanwhile, the show's use of a diverse range of performers, from Madonna to Shakira, could inspire local event organizers to think creatively about showcasing the city's own musical diversity. As Nashville continues to grow and attract new residents from around the world, events like the World Cup halftime show could provide a model for celebrating the city's increasingly global cultural landscape. The success of such events could also have implications for the city's tourism and economic development efforts, as Nashville seeks to establish itself as a premier destination for music lovers from around the globe.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 19, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (AP) - Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS and Shakira each brought a bit of one of their hits to the World Cup’s first halftime show in a whirlwind performance Sunday that also squeezed in Burna Boy, Ted Lasso and many Muppets.The show at what’s otherwise known as MetLife Stadium, outside New York, was ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by ANDREW DALTON , Associated Press at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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