NEW YORK (AP) – Before Bruno Mars performs in front of the biggest audience of his career at the Super Bowl, he’s expected to talk about it in front of a much smaller crowd Thursday.

The pop crooner is due to appear at the Rose Theater in the Time Warner Center to promote his halftime performance on Sunday. Opera singer Renee Fleming, who will sing the national anthem, will appear before Mars.

Mars is expected to discuss his Super Bowl performance, which will also feature the Red Hot Chili Peppers – but there’s a chance he might perform, as past halftime performers, such as the Who and Prince, have done at their press conferences.

Last year, Beyonce – last year’s halftime performer – sang the national anthem a cappella – in response to criticism of her lip-synching it during the second inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Mars’ hits include “Locked Out of Heaven,” ”Grenade” and “Just the Way You Are.” He won the best pop vocal album Grammy Award for “Unorthodox Jukebox” this week.

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Online:

http://www.superbowl.com

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