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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 12:09 p.m., Thursday, February 5, 2004

Pro Bowl halftime show gets heave-ho

By Mike Gordon
Advertiser Staff Writer

The NFL this week dumped its Pro Bowl halftime show after weighing the lead singer’s suggestive lyrics against the brouhaha that erupted after Janet Jackson’s breast-baring antics during last Sunday’s Super Bowl.

Instead, an all-Hawaiian entertainment tribute to the Pro Bowl’s 25 years in Hawai'i will take to the field for the nationally televised half-time show, said NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy.

The original halftime show was to be headlined by JC Chasez, whose fellow ’N Sync bandmember Justin Timberlake ripped open Jackson’s clothing during the Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday.

The stunt gave television viewers more of Jackson than they counted on seeing.

"We felt that what JC wanted to perform was probably not in our best interests," McCarthy said. "He was to perform 'Blowing Me Away With Your Love.’ It was a little too suggestive for our tastes."

Chasez may sing the national anthem before the Pro Bowl, McCarthy said.

The decision was made Monday. NFL officials are now looking at all future entertainment plans to ensure they are appropriate for viewers, McCarthy said.

The new halftime show will feature 1,000 Hawaiian dancers, 200 hula dancers, conch shell blowers and the local singing duo Amy Hanaiali’i Gilliom and Willie K.

"We think ultimately it will be a great show for fans across the country," McCarthy said. "It is a tribute that is befitting of the Pro Bowl to celebrate its 25th anniversary in Hawai'i."

Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8012.