Jennifer Lopez to perform at World Cup opener after all

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – Pop superstar Jennifer Lopez will perform at the World Cup opening ceremony after all, FIFA said Tuesday, two days after it announced “production issues” would prevent her traveling to Brazil.

Lopez, who recorded the official World Cup song, “We Are One,” with rapper Pitbull and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte, will perform it with them and Brazilian drumming collective Olodum as originally planned at Thursday’s kick-off, FIFA said.

“FIFA and the Local Organizing Committee are delighted to announce that we will have the full line-up of stars,” it said in a statement.

“The performance by Pitbull, Claudia Leitte, Jennifer Lopez and Olodum will be the climax of the ceremony.”

People magazine also confirmed that Jennifer will be appearing, quoting a statement from her representative: “Jennifer has always wanted to participate in the World Cup opening ceremonies,” the rep says. “We have been trying to work out scheduling and logistics. Any statements to the contrary were premature. Jennifer would not want to disappoint her fans or fans of futbol. She will be there.”

More than 60,000 people will be in Sao Paulo’s Corinthians Arena to watch the ceremony and kick-off match between Brazil and Croatia. Around a billion people are expected to tune in on TV worldwide. – Rappler.com/with reports from Agence France-Presse