Lady Gaga says that her Super Bowl LI halftime show won't have any political statements except "the ones that I've been consistently making throughout my career. I believe in a passion for inclusion. I believe in the spirit of equality, and that the spirit of this country is one of love and compassion and kindness. My performance will uphold those philosophies."

At a Thursday press conference, the halftime headliner suggested her performance would speak to "her legions of fans who represent the margins of society," reports the New York Times. She didn't divulge any particulars regarding what that might mean, except that her infamous meat dress won't be making an appearance.

"I don't know if I will succeed in unifying America," said Gaga. "You'll have to ask America when it's over."

Meanwhile, a few Super Bowl ads have already been posted online. Honda's ad features Missy Elliot and other celebs as computer-animated versions of their high school yearbook pictures. (Billboard)

T-Mobile has Justin Bieber narrating a history of the touchdown celebration. (Billboard)

Today's political news

In the wake of a reportedly contentious phone call between Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Bruce Springsteen opened a concert in Melbourne with a copy of the Orlons’ 1962 hit "Don't Hang Up." The Boss told his audience that "We stand before you, embarrassed Americans, tonight. We're gonna use this to send a letter back home." (Rolling Stone)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yph45NhYqSk

Hackers have been hijacking the broadcast signals of radio stations across the country to play a song by YG and Nipsey Hussle titled "FDT," which stands for an obscene insult directed at the President. One South Carolina classic rock station was forced to broadcast the song for 15 minutes, which its proprietors did not appreciate. "Get a sign and stand on a street corner," they told the unknown hackers in a Facebook post. (Pitchfork)

Chance the Rapper is thanking former president Barack Obama by posing for a new fashion line from Chicago designer Joe Freshgoods. "The collection includes an Obama basketball jersey, a shirt that says 'MALIA,' and more," reports Pitchfork.

Grammys update

Chance has also been announced as a performer at the Grammys on Feb. 12. Also in the mix: Sturgill Simpson; Adele; a collaboration between The Weeknd and Daft Punk; Anderson .Paak with A Tribe Called Quest (the Recording Academy originally announced that Dave Grohl would be part of that performance, but now says he won't); and a mysterious Prince tribute that Morris Day says will feature Bruno Mars performing with original members of the Time. (Billboard) Will a famously pregnant Beyoncé perform as well? Entertainment Tonight says yes, based on reports from "several sources."

Bad Brains singer to have brain surgery

H.R., the frontman of Bad Brains, is scheduled for brain surgery on Feb. 21. He's been experiencing crippling headaches for years, and has raised almost $17,000 via GoFundMe for medical attention to address the condition. (Rolling Stone)

Rift among Bobby Vee's heirs

The children of the late Bobby Vee are at odds over the disposal of the late pop star's estate. Robby Velline and Jennifer Whittet Velline have filed a court petition, according to the Associated Press, saying "that their brothers, Tommy and Jeff Velline, have used money from the estate for their personal benefit and to support Rockhouse Productions. Rockhouse is a recording studio and production facility that is run by the brothers."