Machine Gun Kelly’s Daring Lip Ring Steals the Show at Super Bowl Music Fest, Joined by All-Star Collaborators
Machine Gun Kelly, the multifaceted artist known for constantly pushing boundaries in music and fashion, once again captivated audiences with his distinctive style. The 31-year-old rapper-turned-rocker, whose real name is Colson Baker, made a striking appearance at the Super Bowl LVI: Bud Light Music Fest in Los Angeles on Thursday, February 10. This high-profile event took place at the illustrious Crypto.com Arena, just three days before the highly anticipated Super Bowl LVI showdown, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend of entertainment. MGK’s fashion choices are consistently a topic of discussion, and his look for the festival’s opening night was no exception, featuring a piece of jewelry that immediately garnered attention and solidified his status as a trendsetter.
Before taking to the stage for his electrifying set, MGK walked the red carpet, where he proudly showcased a unique Dolce & Gabbana silver lip ring. This bold accessory perfectly complemented his edgy aesthetic and served as a focal point of his overall ensemble. Ever the showman, he subtly extended his tongue in various photographs, ensuring the distinctive lip piercing was highlighted for all to see. This daring choice underscored his penchant for experimental fashion, a trait that has become synonymous with the “Bloody Valentine” artist’s public persona. His readiness to embrace unconventional styles and body modifications continually sets him apart in the entertainment industry, reflecting his rebellious spirit and artistic freedom.
Beyond the standout lip ring, Machine Gun Kelly’s entire outfit for the evening was a testament to his vibrant and eclectic fashion sense. He sported a bedazzled red long-sleeved shirt that shimmered under the lights, creating a cohesive and eye-catching look when paired with his matching red shoes. Complementing these pieces were a pair of strikingly colorful patterned pants, adding another layer of visual interest and further emphasizing his departure from traditional rockstar attire. His ensemble was further adorned with an array of ear piercings and a prominent nose ring, reinforcing his love for intricate jewelry and personalized adornments. These elements, combined with his distinctive hairstyles and tattoos, form a consistent part of his brand, allowing him to express his identity through every public appearance.
MGK confidently showcased his full, flamboyant look in a series of solo red carpet photos, each pose exuding his signature blend of confidence and rock-and-roll swagger. His fashion choices are rarely understated, often serving as an extension of his artistic narrative and an integral part of his performance. After making his memorable red carpet entrance, Machine Gun Kelly took center stage to kick off the performances for the Super Bowl week’s highly anticipated three-night festival event. The energy in the Crypto.com Arena was palpable as fans eagerly awaited his set, knowing that with MGK, they were always in for a spectacle.
MGK delivered a high-octane performance that left the audience electrified. His set list included fan favorites such as “Split a Pill,” “Drunk Face,” and “I Think I’m Okay,” each song delivered with raw energy and passionate vocals that resonated throughout the arena. These tracks, emblematic of his punk-rock infused sound, had the crowd singing along and moshing to every beat. However, the excitement didn’t stop there, as Machine Gun Kelly brought out a series of star-studded collaborators, turning his performance into a truly unforgettable spectacle of musical synergy and surprise appearances.
A highlight of the evening was the presence of legendary drummer Travis Barker, who joined MGK on stage for several songs. Their dynamic collaboration, which has been instrumental in shaping MGK’s recent rock-oriented sound, was on full display. Barker’s powerful drumming provided an unstoppable backbone to MGK’s energetic performance, demonstrating the incredible chemistry and mutual respect between the two artists. Their partnership has not only produced chart-topping hits but has also redefined Machine Gun Kelly’s musical trajectory, making their live performances highly anticipated events for fans of both artists.
The surprises continued when global pop sensation Halsey unexpectedly rushed onto the stage to join Machine Gun Kelly. The duo collaborated on their track “For Me Too,” delivering a powerful and emotionally charged performance that captivated everyone in attendance. Halsey’s spontaneous appearance added an extra layer of excitement, highlighting the camaraderie among artists in the contemporary music scene. Their combined stage presence and vocal prowess created a memorable moment, further cementing the Super Bowl Music Fest as a premier platform for unique musical collaborations.
Adding to the list of esteemed guests, singer-songwriter Willow Smith also made a brief but impactful appearance. She joined MGK to perform their new song “Emo Girl,” a track that had recently taken the music world by storm. “Emo Girl” is notable for its playful and affectionate callouts to MGK’s fiancée, actress Megan Fox, adding a personal touch to the performance. Willow Smith, known for her genre-bending music and artistic evolution, brought her unique flair to the stage, making their joint performance a standout moment. The song’s lyrics, which lovingly reference aspects of Megan Fox’s style and mystique, provided a glimpse into the couple’s celebrated relationship, much to the delight of the audience and their dedicated fanbase.
We’re in love with an Emo Girl, hbu? ❤️🔥@machinegunkelly @OfficialWillow @SBMusicFest pic.twitter.com/WQaGJ4z4lP
— CryptoArena (@CryptoArena) February 11, 2022
Before concluding his exhilarating set list with the hit “Bloody Valentine,” Machine Gun Kelly engaged in a memorable interaction with a loyal fan. He brought a fan onto the stage, whom he affectionately claimed to recognize from “about 8,000 of my shows,” underscoring his deep connection with his audience. In a playful moment, the fan stood under a pipe and received a brief “sliming,” a lighthearted stunt that added a touch of unexpected humor to the performance. MGK’s reaction, “Apparently we need to go back and watch Nick Jr. and learn how to slime people, cause that was not what I was expecting,” drew laughter from the crowd, showcasing his ability to connect with fans on a personal and humorous level, making the concert experience truly unique and interactive.
Machine Gun Kelly’s performance served as an explosive start to the Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest, setting a high bar for the subsequent nights. The festival continued its star-studded run with an equally impressive lineup. Friday, February 11, saw performances from country music power couple Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, joined by the acclaimed country artist Mickey Guyton, who brought a different flavor of American music to the stage. Their collective presence promised a night of heartfelt ballads and upbeat anthems, catering to a diverse audience and further enriching the festival’s musical offerings. These artists represent some of the biggest names in country and pop, ensuring the festival’s appeal reached a broad demographic of music lovers.
The excitement culminated on Saturday, February 12, with electrifying performances from pop icon Miley Cyrus and legendary punk rock band Green Day. Miley Cyrus, known for her captivating stage presence and powerful vocals, brought her unique blend of pop and rock to the Super Bowl stage. Green Day, with their decades of hits and unwavering energy, delivered a classic punk rock show that thrilled fans old and new. This diverse lineup across genres cemented the Super Bowl Music Fest as a comprehensive celebration of music, perfectly complementing the excitement surrounding Super Bowl LVI. Each night offered a distinct musical journey, demonstrating the festival’s commitment to providing top-tier entertainment leading up to one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
Overall, Machine Gun Kelly’s opening night performance at the Super Bowl LVI: Bud Light Music Fest was a testament to his evolving artistry and undeniable star power. From his audacious Dolce & Gabbana lip ring to his high-energy collaborations with Travis Barker, Halsey, and Willow Smith, MGK delivered a memorable show that blended fashion, music, and raw entertainment. His ability to draw in such diverse and talented guest artists, coupled with his engaging fan interactions, highlights his significant impact on contemporary music culture. The entire festival served as a vibrant prelude to the Super Bowl, showcasing a diverse array of musical talents and creating an atmosphere of unparalleled excitement and anticipation in Los Angeles.