Grey Cup hang-ups

Thank goodness the Grey Cup happened, so we can finally move on with our lives.

Amidst all the celebration that happened with the centennial anniversary of Canada’s biggest football game, the Argos defeated the Stamps in what was unfortunately a boring, one-sided game.

Instead, the more exciting things were the cultural celebrations and festivities that happened during the week leading up and when the game wasn’t on.

If it wasn’t Mayor Nenshi and then-Mayor Ford serving food together, it was the musical montages before every single commercial break during the game (of which there were many).

However, the biggest stage was set for the halftime show, in which Canadians were treated to what was supposedly the best of Canada’s performing artists, both past and present.

This rightfully included Gordon Lightfoot, who is arguably the best thing to ever come out of Orillia, Ontario. Somehow, this list also included Marianas Trench, Carly Rae Jepsen and the controversial tween heartthrob Justin Bieber.

The lineup was divisive the second it was announced, and there was fear that desperate “beliebers” and Jepsen fans would get their hands on tickets to the sold out event, taking away from the experience of those who just wanted to watch some football.

Many were disappointed to hear that Bieber was headling the Grey Cup halftime show, considering his audience mainly includes 12-year-old girls and not the typical footballer. Photo courtesy: flickr.com/jake.auzzie

Instead, something beautiful happened.

Fans harshly booed Bieber, which was almost to be expected considering that the good majority of people who can afford Grey Cup tickets are not Bieber’s target demographic.

Perhaps it was the fact that Bieber came after Lightfoot, who honestly could have just sat at smiled and the audience and they still would have cheered loudly from the beer gardens.

Perhaps it was that Bieber was almost taunting the booing, shouting “I love you, Canada!” as the crowd only got louder and louder.

Marianas Trench and Carly Rae Jepsen were forgettable, outside of “Call Me Maybe” which was unfortunately resurrected from its summer grave.

This was a very unfortunate showing for the best that Canada could muster, not only for football fans but for a representation of the best of Canadian music. Love or hate acts like Bieber and Jepsen, but the fact remains that they don’t even have five albums between the two of them.

This was a fantastic chance to display some of the best talent this country has been blessed with over the last few decades.

Acts like Celine Dion and Rush probably wouldn’t fit on the bill or be booked for such an event, yes, but there have to be better options than Marianas Trench, who many football fans have never even heard of.

It wasn’t just the stadium that was upset with the choices. Twitter was rife with comments over the selection, and rightly so.

It was a shame that the CFL couldn’t take what was arguably the biggest stage it will have for quite some time and use it to give a positive spin on what else goes on in the country it owes so much to.