World Cup opening ceremony: Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez and Claudie Leitte fans complain about sound quality
Angry fans quickly took to Twitter to complain about the sound levels
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull fans tuning in to the Fifa 2014 World Cup Opening Ceremony to see them perform with Cláudia Leitte were left disappointed by the lacklustre sound at the event.
The show staged at the Corinthians Arena, Sao Paulo, kicked off with a giant LED ball centrepiece flashing welcome messages in the languages of the 32 qualifying countries.
Performers from dance schools and academies in the city then flooded into the stadium dressed as symbols of Brazil’s stunning natural landscape: raindrops, men towering on stilts dressed as rainforest trees, and colourful flowers.
To close the ‘diversity’-themed second half of the ceremony, US stars Pitbull and Lopez were joined by Brazilian pop star Cláudia Leitte for their performance of the official Fifa World Cup song "We Are One (Ole Ola)".
But angry fans quickly took to Twitter to complain about the sound levels, despite the performers' clear enthusiasm as they clapped and danced around the stage that appeared from inside the LED centrepiece.
Viewers also complained at what they saw as a lack of vibrancy at the event that they had expected from the country famed for its exuberant carnivals, including former British Children's Laureate and poet Michael Rosen.
Prior to the performance, Grammy-winner Lopez had sparked fears that she would not appear at the show due to unspecified “production issues”. But on Wednesday the singer's management confirmed she would perform.
“She will be there. Jennifer has always wanted to participate in the World Cup opening ceremonies,” the spokesperson said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments