From Iraqi battlefield to World Cup stage: Emmanuel Kelly prepares to make halftime history
Australian artist Emmanuel Kelly is set to become the first differently-abled performer to headline a FIFA World Cup halftime show. Kelly, who was rescued from an Iraqi battlefield as an infant, aims to use the platform to promote global unity.
Why it matters
The inclusion of a differently-abled artist in a major global event represents a significant milestone for disability representation in entertainment.
Australian pop star Emmanuel Kelly will make history Sunday as the first differently-abled artist to headline a FIFA World Cup Final halftime show , performing alongside Justin Bieber, Madonna and BTS.
"At the end of the day, it's not about me. It's not about Justin Bieber or Shakira or Coldplay or BTS. ... it's about uniting an insanely divided world," Kelly told ABC News.
"The halftime show and what Chris [Martin] has created is about showing the world that we are all one," Kelly added, referring to the lead singer of Coldplay, who curated the show. "It's reminding the world that we are one."
The performance will mark a historical shift for soccer's biggest event, co-organized by FIFA and Global Citizen. Previous World Cup finals didn't feature halftime shows; major musical acts historically performed only during the opening ceremony or as part of the closing ceremony before kickoff.
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