Celine Dion Officially Added To Super Bowl Lineup

http://www.billboard.com/billboard/daily/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1792640

The National Football League (NFL) has confirmed that Celine Dion will be on hand Jan. 26 in San Diego to perform “God Bless America” prior to the kickoff of Super Bowl XXXVII. It won’t be the first time Dion has performed the Irving Berlin standard, as she delivered an impassioned performance of it during the post-Sept. 11 fundraising telethon “America: A Tribute to Heroes.”

“I’m honored to be asked to sing this meaningful song at the Super Bowl,” Dion said in a statement. “I hope that this New Year brings peace to the world.” She’s expected to perform a David Foster arrangement of the song, as she did for the “Heroes” telecast.

As previously reported, the Dixie Chicks will perform the National Anthem before the big game. Santana is also expected to be part of the pre-game show, which will be executive produced for the 19th time by Bob Best, who will be assisted by consulting producer Roddy White.

Shania Twain and No Doubt have signed on to perform during the AT&T Wireless-sponsored halftime show. Announcements of additional artists for both pre-game and halftime are expected in the coming weeks.

Top artists won’t only be found on the field during the Super Bowl, but also in the much-anticipated commercials during the telecast that annually draws the largest U.S. viewing audience of approximately 150 million. Look for country star Tim McGraw to star in a 30-second Anheuser-Busch commercial serving as the designated driver to get his friends home safely.

Willie Nelson, whose past troubles with the IRS are legendary, will star in a spot for tax preparation company H&R Block. The Osbournes will reportedly appear in a PepsiCo ad for one of its soft drinks, and Beyonce Knowles may make her debut as a Pepsi-Cola pitchwoman, although neither has been confirmed by the company.

According to reports, 30-second spots during the 2003 Super Bowl are going for $2.2 million.

— Barry A. Jeckell, N.Y.