Anitta to Perform at NFL's First-Ever Game in Brazil: 'Dream Come True'

Mar. 15, 2025

Anitta in New York City in May 2024.Photo:Mike Coppola/Getty

Mike Coppola/Getty

Anittais celebrating a big milestone with her home country.

On Tuesday, Aug. 20, the NFL announced that the Brazilian pop star will headline the halftime performance at the league’s first-ever game in South America. At the game, the Green Bay Packers will take on the Philadelphia Eagles.

The NFL’s inaugural game will take place at São Paulo’s Corinthians Arena on Sept. 6 — and Anitta is expected to perform some of her greatest hits on the historic weekend.

“Growing up in Brazil has completely shaped my journey as an artist and of course, as a person,” Anitta, 31, said in a press release.

She added, “It means everything to be able to perform in São Paulo at the NFL’s first game in Brazil, where I can bring fans around the world the excitement and joy of our amazing culture. It’s really a dream come true to be a part of this moment.”

The halftime show will air on the NFL’s world feed and local Brazilian game broadcasts. Fans can also catch highlights of the halftime show on NBC Peacock, with the full performance on NFL YouTube following the game.

“With the excitement of the NFL’s inaugural game in Brazil, we felt it was essential to tap into the rhythm of São Paulo’s dynamic music scene," Tim Tubito, Director of Event and Game Presentation at the NFL said in a release. “We’re thrilled to welcome global sensation Anitta and a lineup of Brazil’s finest artists to this landmark event, promising fans and viewers around the globe an unforgettable celebration of culture and performance.”

Anitta performs in London in July 2024.Jo Hale/Redferns/Getty

Jo Hale/Redferns/Getty

To kick off the game, Brazilian electronic music artist CAROLA will perform at the pregame show and Brazilian pop star Luísa Sonza will perform the country’s National Anthem Hino Nacional Brasileiro. American-Brazilian singer Zeeba will perform the U.S. National Anthem.

Anitta’s performance at the NFL game comes after she released her latest studio albumFunk Generationin April. In a cover story interview withVarietypublished on May 1, the “Envolver” singer opened up about getting ill and taking a break from music to focus on her health.

“Now I appreciate death so much,” she told the outlet.

Her priorities shifted after this experience andFunk Generationis the product of that.

“For a long time, the numbers have decided whether I won or failed, and that will push you to do something unoriginal,” she said. “I want to be very clear: That doesn’t mean I don’t love my old songs."

source: people.com