Super Bowl viewership isn't faltering in the same way broadcast, cable and awards shows are. But do we really need mass consumption of the same cultural work? Or just smart and connected consumption?
On Sunday night in Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium, Usher hurried through a medley of many of his biggest hits and proved yet again why he's the current King of R&B.
Americans are poised to bet a record amount on Sunday's big game. Missouri and California are among the states that haven't yet legalized sports betting since the national ban was lifted in 2018.
In the post-pandemic market for maximalist entertainment, America's "capital of entertainment" has found itself at the center of a cultural revival with A-list residencies at its core.
This year's Super Bowl halftime star is a rare species in pop: More entertainer than celebrity, his enduring stage presence has eclipsed his melodramas, and perhaps even his music.
Of course, leave it to the gigantic nerds at NPR to throw a literary tailgate ... but to thine own self be true, even if it means getting stuffed into your locker later this afternoon.
