Iconic performers such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, The Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen have been huge attractions over the years at the Super Bowl, the News Tribune reported.
After Beyonce played last year's halftime show, the NFL has decided to stick with a younger performer for the mid-game festivities and bring a classical niche to a pregame performance.
Accompanied by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bruno Mars will perform Sunday during the halftime show.
According to the News Tribune, the 28-year-old pop star from Hawaii offered a refreshing break from the week's structured NFL news conferences, joking and laughing with reporters on Thursday at the Rose Theater in New York.
Opening up about his appreciation for playing in front of one of the biggest TV audiences with one of his favorite bands, he also made fun of his height and hair.
"You got an apple box for me?" the 5-foot-5 singer said as he walked up to the podium.
Despite many attempts to coax him into sharing the details, Mars refused to hint at any big surprises planned for Sunday's show, the News Tribune reported.
He did, however, join the nation in commiserating about the cold weather for the game.
"It's cold. That's the surprise," he said of the rehearsals this week.
When the NFL asked if Mars would like to collaborate with another artist for the show, the Red Hot Chili Peppers was the first band he thought of. He said he was thrilled to be sharing the stage with them.
"I've been a fan a long time," he said. "It's an honor to be sharing the stage with them."
Mars remained neutral when asked for a prediction in Sunday's game. "You're trying to get me in trouble," he said.
Renee Fleming will warm up the crowd with patriotic opera before Mars takes the stage Sunday, the News Tribune reported.
Fleming, who on Thursday was referred to as the "Peyton Manning of the opera world," said she was pleasantly surprised that the NFL has incorporated her genre into the football sphere.
"If you asked me six months ago if I'd be doing this, I would have laughed," she said. "I applaud the NFL for ... doing something different."
Fleming also opted to pass on a prediction. "I'm just excited to be here," she said.
The Band Perry, Phillip Phillips and Queen Latifah are the other pregame performers for the mega event, the News Tribune reported.
