Jacksonville, AL – Originally covered by Brett Buckner from the JSU media department, Jaci Jo Mayo, a fitness instructor at the Jax State Recreation and Fitness Center, is accustomed to inspiring others to achieve their best. This Sunday, she’ll showcase her talents on a grand scale as a backup dancer at the halftime show of Super Bowl LVIII.
Mayo, who arrived at the Vegas airport for the opportunity, shared, “My role is to energize the performers – to dance and act as a fan.” She will be sharing the stage with Usher and other yet-to-be-revealed celebrities. Securing this coveted opportunity involved extensive research, including sending numerous emails to directors, submitting an audition video, personal information, and a 30-second freestyle to her favorite Usher song, “DJ Got Us Falling in Love Again.” Mayo mentioned, “After a while, they informed me that I got selected from applicants across the US for this opportunity.”
The 23-year-old from Gallant, Ala., currently pursuing a master’s degree in English at JSU, is actively involved in teaching fitness classes at the Rec Center, working for the Honors Program, and participating in activities at the Wesley Foundation. Despite her busy schedule, Mayo spent the past two weeks rehearsing for the halftime show in Las Vegas. Stepping into Allegiant Stadium for the first time left her in awe, envisioning the excitement of game day.
While Mayo will be part of the halftime performance, the chance of being seen on TV is minimal. “We are the ones performing for everyone at the game,” she explained, “so the likelihood of seeing me and the other incredible acts on camera will be slim.”
The halftime performers are also unable to attend the game due to the large number of participants and the high cost of tickets. “We are strictly there to perform at halftime,” she clarified. Nonetheless, despite these limitations, Mayo described the experience as unreal, forming connections with individuals across the US, meeting celebrities (details to be revealed post-show due to an NDA), and enjoying the glamour alongside the reality of the job.
Mayo emphasized, “Travel expenses were not covered, but this is a paid gig. We get paid by the hour, and with practice being 7-11 hours a day, it adds up to cover costs.” The campus community will have the chance to witness Mayo’s performance at Zeta Tau Alpha’s upcoming Big Moment on Campus talent show on March 12 at 6 p.m. at Leone Cole Auditorium.
Looking ahead, Mayo plans to continue dancing as a hobby or semi-professionally while pursuing a career as an English instructor after graduating next December. She expressed her goal, saying, “My aim for now is to graduate and find a steady job at a university, but continuing to backup dance would be a dream.”
Photos, courtesy of Mayo: Mayo arriving at the Vegas airport, celebrating her dream gig at the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, competing in the evening gown portion of the Miss JSU pageant, and performing her hip-hop routine at Miss JSU. As a Super Bowl LVIII halftime performer, Mayo has had the opportunity to forge new connections nationwide.
