Booing Justin Bieber, Seriously?

Yesterday, Nov. 25, was the 100th anniversary of the Grey Cup game. It was a classic east meets west matchup with the Calgary Stampeders versus the Toronto Argonauts. As usual, the halftime show was all glitz and splendour featuring Canadian icon Gordon Lightfoot, newcomers Mariana's Trench, and pop stars Carly Rae Jeppson, and Justin Bieber. And as usual, the performers sang live while the backing tracks were synced by the musicians on stage. Hilariously, Carly Rae Jeppson had a guitar player in her band despite the fact there was no guitar in the songs she performed. Token guitar player I guess.

The most troubling thing about the halftime performances was the response Justin Bieber received. He was vigorously booed before, during, and after his performance. Seriously? Football fans are giant douchebags that have to boo a pop star? Was it because his music isn't "manly" enough for a football game? Was it his hair? What ever it was, it was ignorant and uncalled for. Sure Bieber's music is not exactly the cup of tea of 95% of the fans at the game, but it doesn't mean he has to be booed. He's a Canadian cultural ambassador that has sold a gazillion albums and is popular worldwide. He does more for Canada than the CFL, yet the ignorant fans at the game decided to boo him simply because he's Justin Bieber. 

Granted this year's halftime show was one of the worst. Whose brilliant idea was it to have CBC's Brian Williams emcee the show? Here's a scoop, no one cares. The faces of the fans surrounding Williams were testament to that. Gordon Lightfoot's performance of "The Canadian Railroad Trilogy," while being truncated, seemed wildly out of place compared to the moptops that followed. All alone on stage, he looked stark and vulnerable, yet at the same time, he commanded the respect granted the grand old statesman of Canadian song. Jeppson's performance was lacklustre, as if she was going through the motions. Mariana's Trench were likable enough, playing a forgettable pop tune that instantly went out of my head. I vaguely remember how it goes. What I do remember was the glitter in the hair of the lead singer. Not a good sign if you're trying to be a pop star. 

Having said that, if any of the fans at the game on Sunday can write and perform better songs that are more popular than Bieber, I'd love to hear them. Until that happens, you sports fans should keep your opinions to yourself when it comes to cultural matters. Obviously your taste is in your shoe, and public decorum and manners mean nothing. 

Besides, Bieber wasn't that bad. In fact, he was pretty good. He's a bonafide, international Canadian star we can all be proud of.