'N Sync, Aerosmith To Rock Super Bowl XXXV

http://www.billboard.com:80/daily/2000/1219_01.asp

Edited by Jonathan Cohen

A musical clash of the titans will provide a break from the gridiron battle of Super Bowl XXXV next month with pop superstars ‘N Sync and rock stalwarts Aerosmith performing during the annual contest’s halftime show. Sponsored by E*Trade and produced by MTV, the spectacle will take place Jan. 28 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., and will be broadcast on CBS television.

The production is an example of corporate synergy within Viacom, which owns both MTV and CBS. The broadcast is expected to reach 130 million viewers in the U.S. and 750 million viewers worldwide.

“We are pleased to bring MTV and the NFL together to showcase two of the biggest attractions in the music world,” Sean McManus, president, CBS Sports, said in a statement. “In all, CBS will be providing nearly 19 hours of Super Bowl programming, appealing to all demographics.”

As reported yesterday (Dec. 18), Aerosmith is working on a new new studio album, due out in the spring via Columbia. The band is writing and producing with the team of Mark Hudson and Marti Frederiksen at guitarist Joe Perry’s Boneyard studio outside of Boston.

Billboard Music Awards co-hosts ‘N Sync are riding the wave of success created by the group’s Jive release “No Strings Attached.” Since debuting at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 with record first week sales of 2.4 million copies in March, the album has been certified nine times platinum by the Recording Industry Association Of America for U.S. sales of 9 million copies. The group is expected to begin working on a new album in January.

‘N Sync and Aerosmith won’t be the only musical talent at the Super Bowl. As previously reported, the legendary Ray Charles will deliver his rendition of “America The Beautiful” before the game, followed by the National Anthem, which will be performed by the Backstreet Boys.

— Barry A. Jeckell, N.Y.