I read that some Trump supporters turned off their TVs when the half-time show began. I understand. Everyone expected Lady Gaga to make some anti-Trump statement. She did, of course, but it was pretty tame compared to some of the things she could have done. But a debate could be had over the appropriateness of the moment. I'm sure there are others that just don't care for her brand of entertainment and decided to spend that time doing other things.
I watched the entire show. I was fascinated by the size and complexity of it all. The number of people behind and under the stage making it all work had to be staggering. They set it up and took it down in moments. Regardless of your opinion of the artist, the crew was definitely the "A Team". When it works that smoothly you hardly notice that they are there. When it all goes south you get a situation like Mariah Carey had on New Years Eve.
As an audience we've come expect the spectacle and the artists are always trying to raise the "wow" factor. That's not new. They have been doing that in opera for a long time. Orchestras too. Beethoven's Ninth Symphony featuring a full chorus and soloists lasts about 70 minutes. And let's not forget Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture that features the firing of cannon at the end. One of Wagners operas was so large that it required a new theater to be built to accommodate it. These were the "pop" artists of their day.
I have friends who tour with some pretty big name acts. They will occasionally post photos on FaceBook of the venues they are at. Backstage is usually full of gear and people. I'll admit it's pretty cool. But when I compare it to my situation I have to laugh. I just toss my guitar and gig bag into the backseat of my car and away I go. Two completely different businesses.
So kudos to Lady Gaga and her crew. A tasteful protest at the beginning and then an amazing spectacle worthy of the Super Bowl.