On February 7, 2021; Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show took place with Stephanie Fierce as headliner. This would be the second time Fierce headlined the show, the first being in 2013 when she headlined the show as a solo act. The performance drew over 130.8 Million viewers and featured moments from Helle Johnson, Johnny Johnson, Daniel The Freenerd, The Nimrods, The Rockers & many more.
PART 2/2After Daniel The Freenerd's guest appearance is complete with "Psycho Love"; the stage is transformed into a more intimate setting with less props and no backup dancers in sight. The main focal point is now on the Stephanie Fierce hologram and the band behind her (who's toured with her since 2007) Pyros begin to go off as Fierce's hologram is seen rising from the ground on to the stage.
As the pyros go off with Fierce's hologram rising from beneath the stage a mix of
"The Bitch/Get Like Stephy Fierce" begins to play. The mix pays homage to Fierce's urban roots and angrier era which was often lead by Stephanie Fierce's alter ego "Stephy". This era represented a dark and angry side from Stephanie Fierce which often got her into a streak of controversies and beefs with other pop singers and powerful label executives.
Outfit #4/5: Stephanie Fierce is seen wearing a black sparkling dress.
"Men are not punished for their sins, but by them.” a quote by Elbert Hubbard is heard as Fierce is now front and center of stage with her full band backing her behind her.
"I never liked metal until you decided to play with my heart, motherfucker" Stephanie Fierce is heard saying over the mic as the word "motherfucker" is bleeped out to avoid fines from the network.
Stephanie Fierce and her band begin to play a rock mix of
"Destruction/Back To Fierce" with vocal offerings from legendary metal band
"The Nimrods". While the band is not present on stage due to space restriction, 3D visual representations of the band are projected upon to the sky of the stage as they begin the performance of the song. The song which was a personal offering from Stephanie Fierce's self titled third studio album was at the time a song that spoke about Fierce's and Johnson's rumored road to divorce. The song was the first to introduce Fierce's angrier and more bossy alter ego "Stephy" in song form. "Back To Fierce" on the other hand contains a similar concept but the song is only present in certain sections of the performance.
At this point of the performance it was evident that this part of the entire Superbowl performance was focused more on the singing/musicianship/ and personal lyrics versus the more theatrical, choreographed and vibrant first 7 minutes of the performance. This progression in the performance is also a reflection of Fierce's journey as a serious artist and musician and was done intentionally to showcase that.
As Stephanie Fierce continues singing "Destruction/Back To Fierce"; the main band is often shown playing their respective instruments as they share the spotlight with Stephanie Fierce something not seen often in the first 7 minutes of the performance. Fierce is seen also doing head bangs as she moves across the stage; appeasing the more rockier vibe this set would have. The headbanging continues to grow angrier as the song progresses to the guitar solo performer by The Nimrods on the original record as the live version in the show was performed by Fierce's band.
The guitar solo is met on stage with pyros and sparks falling like a waterfall from behind the band on stage. Due to time restrictions the guitar solo section is cut to just 35 seconds long vs the original 2 minutes on the original song. During this stage, Fierce and her band begin to destroy all of the instruments on stage as they normally would on tour whenever this song was performed. The band behind her is seen breaking all of the instruments on stage as Fierce's hologram is seen doing a wild headbang from the edge of the stage. As the performance of the song comes to an end; the stage is met with more pyros going off into the air. These were the biggest the audience had seen all night making a dramatic finish to the song.
"Thank you The Nimrods for allowing me into your world" Fierce says while taking a bow paying homage and respect to the legendary metal band.
Fire surrounding the stage remains lit; as the band begins to play a dramatic transition where Fierce would be quoting audio taken from her fifth studio album "Free".
"Women are often written off in the airwaves, while men becomes rock stars and veterans. Becoming a mother meant that I would no longer be young, hot, sexy, or fierce. Well little did they know I was only getting started. The old me was Dying in the Airwaves but the new me was just getting her start. To Die in the airwaves; was die to become newborn. A more powerful and wiser version of me." The Stephanie Fierce band begins the melody to
"Newborn" which in contrast to the previous song is more melodic and experimental. As Fierce begins to sing; the camera is mainly focused on her face area as this song would be more personal and focused on the vocals themselves versus the instrumentation and what's going on with the stage. Fierce begins to sing the emotional lyrics to a song that in the time released changed Fierce's outlook for her career and personal life. The emotion heard in Fierce's voice is somewhat sadistic but filled with brightness. This contradictory feeling is what made the song so unique and emotional to listen to. The pace of the song continues to grow stronger and more emotional as it leads to the signature belting the song has towards end. As Fierce hits this high note in the song, a rain machine from above the stage begins pouring rain down over her holographic body. The water also puts out the fire that was still lit on the stage from the previous performance.
"YOU ARE NEWBORN DAMIT, OH YEAH! Fierce belts as water is pouring over her face; showing off her more matured and skilled vocals. The performance of the song comes to a dramatic finish as a haunting piano begins to play. Fierce's hologram is no longer on the stage as it disappeared with the rain.
"In moments of darkness. In moments when you are alone. You have to find your light. Shine bright" an emotional Stephanie says as she begins to sing
"Dying in the Airwaves". A song that talks about Fierce's challenges she faced in an evolving industry that was against women in pop music who were written off or considered "peaked".
The camera then pans to the back up vocalist who are also seen dressed in black.
Back Up Vocalist: LONG LIFE GONE....
The background singers sing emotionally as drums begin to play giving the song a more tribal kind of feel. Fierce's voice very soft but somewhat shaky begins to sing pouring her soul into each lyric of the song.
"They play me.
They.... hate you, they hate me too
You tamed the noises, they're all clam now
Who these people hunting me now?...They like to listen....
They will slay me, searching for those lost emotions
But how could she not die? How could I not die?
No need to run now, just wake to defeat......"
Fierce's voice grows stronger and more confident as she continues to sing.
"Life Long Gone; (we are dying in the airwaves)
They forgot to listen; (we are dying in the airwaves)
Long Life gone; (it’s been long now, its been long)
Only you will listen, In this industry
Ghost of your voice, acidic spit from your lips,
They could foster me
Life Long Gone; (we are dying in the airwaves)
They will hate me; (we are dying in the airwaves)
They will listen; (we are dying in the airwaves)
but they will listen
So...F*ck the radio, f*ck the charts
This shit right here comes from the heart
Rock star pop star, same fucking star
You made me the star
You tore me apart.....
but I'm just a lyrical beast, from the mouth to the sheets
pop music contradictory, searching for radio hits
and I'm also a industry priest, not living life as if diseased
Some hooker whore look a like, I hear this all the damn time!
But they don't know I was doomed
born in a equivocacy womb
raised in miracle tomb
and lost my fucking damn mind
Never will be a thing of the past,
is that a forgivable crime?"
As the bridge of the song comes to a finish; she is now joined by her back up vocalists who sing emotionally with her.
"Life Long Gone; (we are dying in the airwaves)
They will hate me; (we are dying in the airwaves)
They will listen; (we are dying in the airwaves)
but they will still listen
Now I'm done.
Long life.....GONE
in the airwaves......the airwaves
Long life.....GONE
we are dying in the airwaves
Long life.....GONE
we are dying in the airwaves
Dying in the airwaves
Oh oh, oh oh.
"They play me.
They.... hate you, they hate me too"
The music comes to a dramatic stop as Stephanie Fierce's hologram looks up to the sky. The audience is heard cheering as the died down music then continues in an emotional pace.
"We're now in the airwaves all around you." Stephanie Fierce says as the camera blurs out on the screen of the viewers; eventually leaving Fierce and her band out of the frame.
The emotions in the area are high as the setlist kept progressing to a more emotional and sad direction and this section of the performance would probably be one of the most emotional from an audience stand point as well. The camera pans out of view now showing the entire audience surrounding the stage. Everyone is seen either holding candles lit up and lanterns that would fly up into the air later in the performance. The Stephanie Fierce band is shown teary eyed as they begin to play an interlude of
"Spirits". Ironically the last song Stephanie Fierce would perform before her passing. The song is the only song were Stephanie Fierce addresses the idea of her actually dying. A personal song that she chose to perform to signal to her fans that her time was coming.
Spirits. Dancing in your room.
Spirits. Dancing. In your. Room.
Ashes fall. Spirits. Dancing in your room
Ashes fall.
[Vocalizing break and band grow stronger in sound]
Spirits. Ashes Fall.
Spirits. Ashes Fall.
[Fans in the audience begin to release their lanterns into the sky; some of them breaking out into tears]
Spirits. Ashes Fall.
Spirits. Ashes Fall.
Spirits. Ashes Fall.
Spirits. Ashes Fall.
Spirits. Ashes Fall.
Spirits. Ashes Fall.
Spirits. Ashes Fall. The camera shows the whole arena lit up with the flying lanterns and candles. Stephanie Fierce's lead guitarist who's toured with Steph for over 15 years is shown tears coming down her cheek; as she tries to maintain her composure. As the band and the singers continue playing/vocalizing the last part of the song; audience members are shown wiping away tears from the face. Applause is heard from the arena as they all hold the performance for a few seconds in silence.
LADIES AND GENTLEMENT; JOHNNY JOHNSON. The lead guitarist is heard saying as she introduces Johnny Johnson as guest.
Johnny Johnson: Stephanie was more than a wife to me. She was my best friend. When no one was by her side or mine we were both there for one another. So to my best friend for eternity, Thank you for blessing me by coming into my life. Here's Bless me".
The band follow along with Johnny Johnson begin to play a duet version of
"Bless Me" by Stephanie Fierce. The audience is heard cheering as he he begins the first verse.
Johnny Johnson: "Love drunk again, overdose accident
no I'm not saint, no I'm not a saint
I think I should be a little more embarrassed,
in myself, in my sins
Bless Me, Bless Me
Oh oh, oh oh
Bless Me Bless Me
Oh oh, oh oh Johnson is heard singing the first verse of the song in a strong and courageous manner as he is joined by Fierce's hologram from across the stage from him. The camera shows them side by side as they continue to sing the song.
Stephanie Fierce: Cause I don't stand a chance in heaven
even the devil don't recognize me anymore
a desperate girl shouldn't be given another night
but I thought you might
Bless Me, Bless Me
Oh oh, oh oh
Bless Me Bless Me
Oh oh, oh oh
Oh Fierce is heard singing the second verse of the song. The camera shows Johnny smiling as he begins to reminiscent the times he and her had while performing together. Despite the sadness in the atmosphere, he was enjoying getting to perform with her one last time; even if it meant a hologram. As Fierce finishes her verse, they both begin to sing together in harmony to the song. The band growing louder with their instrumentation building momentum of the song.
Stephanie Fierce & Johnny Johnson: The night is growing close
my hands round' my throat
I can't say a word,
and I bet he knows
and I'm hardly wake
Since the night he left.
His body always kept,
Mine inside of it.
keep the demons out,
Give me mouth to mouth.
I can't live without ya,
Take me to your house.
Bless me, Bless me, oh.
Bless me, Bless me, oh. (Bless, bless, bless, bless...)
Bless me, Bless me, oh. (Me, me, me, me...)
Bless me, Bless me, oh. (Bless, Bless, Bless...)
But I thought you might...
Bless Me, Bless Me
Oh oh, oh oh
Bless Me Bless Me
Oh oh, oh ohThe performance of "Bless Me" comes to a finish which is met with positive loud reactions from fans and attendees in the audience. Johnson is seen blowing off a kiss to the audience. Does a quick bow and exits to the side of the stage. Before he exits he says one last thing:
Johnny Johnson: We will always love you Stephanie Fierce! You are eternal!
The stage is joined by The Black Doves and The Rockers; Johnny Johnson's long time band. To prepare for the last piece of the performance which would involve a new song and tribute to Stephanie Fierce. After Johnny clears the stage to make room for
"The Black Doves"; he heads over to the second stage that is placed to the right of the main stage; followed by The Rockers band who begin to tune up their equipment and make sure everything is properly placed. As 20 seconds are only allotted to make all of this happen; tension and pressure is up in the air for the band who hasn't played together in over 5 years. On top of it all; they were about to perform a song that is not only considered "political" but has caused one of the biggest divisions in modern America. Fierce was heavily involved in the decision of doing a new song called "This is America (Black Lives Matter)"; which was originally intented to be released in the summer of 2020 but she decided to keep the song from being released for a stronger impact. Fierce was also involced with including a segment that would at the very least honor Breonna Taylor and other black lives killed by police. When doing negotiations with NFL; the decision wasn't easy one to make due to the country's political history in the last 4 years and also due to their controversial past with football player Colin Kaepernick; the only trade off Fierce was willing to make otherwise she would not agree to the performance was for them to include this segment in which they eventually agreed at the cost that Fierce's team would pay for it.
The Black Doves are all seen wearing black robes with gold outlining to represent Fierce's favorite color.
As the Black Doves are all situated in their respective spots on stage. The entire stadium is drown out with darkness with very few lights shining throughout the stage. Trumpets are heard as stage lights now highlight "The Black Doves" choir which consist of 35 vocalists. The Black Doves begin singing and vocalizing the introductory verses to
"This is America (Black Lives Matter)".
The Following is then quickly displayed on the screen as they sing the introduction: "BLACK LIVES MATTER" Drumming and trumpets are heard from The Rockers and other musicians as The Black Doves vocalize.
"BLACK.LIVES.MATTER". The Black Doves sing as more trumpets go off in sound.
"ALL LIVES DON'T MATTER UNTIL BLACK LIVES MATTER.".
They finalize their chorus as the faces of many black lives lost are projected into the sky. During this projection we see the faces of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and many more.
As the introduction comes to an end, Fierce's hologram is reintroduced. Fierce is seen wearing a black dress with a pear/diamon necklace.
Stephanie Fierce: I wrote this song in a time when our country needed the most healing. This song gave me the courage to love myself and to remind others that we matter. Our lives are worth it. I'm going to have The Rockers help me out with this one.
A nervous yet confident Johnny Johnson steps up to the mic and starts singing the first verse of "This is America (Black Lives Matter)". As he sings; his eyes close shut as he focuses on his raspy vocals. He manages to deliver the verse the way it was intended and then looks over to the Stephanie Fierce hologram.
Johnny Johnson: "Terror in the eyes of a child who walks the streets
everywhere he shops they check his receipts
always being questioned,
always being told to leave
but all he wants is peace,
not be scared of the police
and all he wants is equality
not living life like an apology
But does he matter?
he doesn't they say
But what more of a price do we have to pay
before another innocent life gets taken away
The Stepahanie Fierce hologram is heard singing the pre-chorus and another verse. Due to the shortened version of the song; the song is sung in a faster pace. As she continues to sing lights move around the stage for a dramatic effect. Her raw pre-recorded vocals sound genuine and authentic, almost like she's actually there herself singing.
Stephanie Fierce: So I lift my voice to all
don't let them fool us all
Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter,
oh yes they do
and so I lift my voice
I lift my voice to you
Black Lives Matter,
oh yes they do
Young black woman...sanitized by all of the pain
constantly told that there's nothing to gain
her health watered down by fabricated bias
every time she's in pain, they walk right by her
if only she would have the privilege of a white man
to receive care, what we have to bear
After Fierce finishes her verses; The Black Doves step in to add on their layered vocals which bring out the emotional and cinematic feel the song has. The Rockers continue to also play behind them to keep the song going.
The Black Doves: This is America
land of the deceased
land of innocent convicted
land were we fear police
land of the evicted
This is America
This is America
and not what is should be
As The Black Doves finish their part, Fierce is now shown on camera as she sings emotionally into the camera. Her face looks sad as she sings. Johnny on the other side looks to the ground as he almost forgets its a hologram up there performing instead of his ex wife.
Stephanie Fierce: tears from faceless criminals
shackles disguised as bracelets
that's not who we are meant to be
Rise up like a king
you just have to believe
Black man can't be bold without being labeled aggressive
Black man can't be a king without being labeled possessive
but no matter what you're told
your skin is made of gold
more beautiful as it gets old
and no matter what you're told
never let them see you fold
As Fierce finishes the last verse; The Black Doves join with her serving as back up vocalists. Johnny joins the Rocker's lead guitarist to provide high adrenaline instrumentation.
Stephanie Fierce & The Black Doves:This is America
This is America
land of the deceased
land of innocent convicted
land were we fear police
land of the evicted
This is America, This is America, This America
Stephanie Fierce: Can you feel my pain?
Johnny Johnson & Stephanie Fierce: Cause, have you ever seen a black man get shot down?
Johnny Johnsons looks down as tears roll down his face. The audience begins to cheer him on as a way you cheer him up. He looks up wiping down his tear.
Johnny Johnson: All lives don't matter until Black Lives Matter. Thank you NFL. Another life that mattered, was the life of Stephanie Fierce. Thank you for always being you and for always doing what you were destined to do. You were able to live your dreams and now your dreams live within ours. We love you Stephanie Fierce". He says trying to pick up his tears; as he has hard time speaking into the mic.
The performance of the song comes to an emotional end. The screen goes black and a one minute video of Stephanie Fierce begins to play; showing her life in pictures. An instrumental of
"Where I Belong" begins to play as the pictures are shown.
Sounds like:
REST IN PARADISE. STEPHANIE FIERCE. As the video comes to an emotional end. The Superbowl stage is shown. In contrast to the performance this time the atmosphere is colorful and vibrant. Multicolored statium and stage lights are at full force as Stephanie Fierce and 100 background dancers behind her start the performance of
"Eternal (Rest In Paradise Mix)". Fierce pauses as the audience goes wild in roaring cheers.
"No crying allowed tonight ok!" she says smiling
"Superbowl 55 YOU READY. BAND! LET'S GIVE IT TO EM!!"
Immediately with no hesitation the band, the back up dancers, orchestra and back up vocalist get to work as the hologram of Stephanie Fierce leads in command to the vibrant high adrenaline routine of "Eternal". This version of the song seemed even more lively and vibrant than the original; serving a dramatic and climatic finish to the entire half time performance. Fierce is also heard singing extra adlibs and adding more runs than the original has.
"Giving you reasons to express your sexuality
find your passion baby don't let it die
don't waste a single second take my wisdom baby
you have to go and live your life
happiness in the air you can almost cry
but go ahead and wipe your eyes
you know this life is your destiny
you can be my partner in crime
You're beautiful, eternal baby
So fierce, so fearless baby
do it your way, you're regenerating
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
It's in you, its your life, don't stop your life
it's your right to be free,
You're eternal baby
It's in you, its your life, don't stop your life (your life)
it's your right to be free,
You're eternal baby
You're beautiful, eternal baby
So fierce, so fearless baby
do it your way, you're regenerating
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
It's in you, its your life, don't stop your life
it's your right to be free,
You're eternal baby
It's in you, its your life, don't stop your life (your life)
it's your right to be free,
You're eternal baby
we can find a way to live forever
If we can find a way to live forever
Put that on our legacy for life
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I'm eternal baby
we can find a way to live forever
if we can find a way to live forever
Baby we can rest in paradise
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
So influential, will live for generations
it's elastic, it's worldwide, no limitations
so great, its always exceeding your expectations
the baddest in the nation
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
So influential, will live for generations
it's elastic, it's worldwide, no limitations
so great, its always exceeding your expectations
the baddest in the nation
You're beautiful, eternal baby (lets go)
So fierce, so fearless baby (Whoo!)
do it your way, you're regenerating
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Stephanie Fierce: STAY WITH ME! It's in you, its your life, don't stop your life
it's your right to be free,
You're eternal baby
It's in you, its your life, don't stop your life (your life)
it's your right to be free,
You're eternal baby
Stephanie Fierce: WHOOOOO! LIGHT UP THE SKY!
we can find a way to live forever
If we can find a way to live forever
Baby we can rest in paradise
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I'm Eternal baby (we can it right)
we can find a way to live forever
if we can find a way to live forever
Baby we can rest in paradise
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
It's in you, its your life, don't stop your life (your life baby yeah)
it's your right to be free, (ITS YOUR LIFE)
I'M ETERNAL BABY!
STEPHANIE FIERCE: SUPERBOWL! It's in you, its your life, don't stop your life (your life baby yeah)
it's your right to be free, (ITS YOUR LIFE)
I'M ETERNAL BABY! As the song is coming to an end with the final chorus; fireworks begin set off into the sky as confetti begins to blow across the arena. The backup dancers going their absolute hardest at delivering their dance moves. You can see the sweat from their body's as they try to keep up with the production and the hologram. Fans are seen screaming overwhelmed with emotion as the entire stage is lit up with fireworks. Drones begins to form a shape of Stephanie Fierce in the sky. All of the dancers point to the projection of Stephanie Fierce as the performance comes to an epic end.
Stephanie Fierce: GOD BLESS AMERICA!