“Putting our Halloween show together every year can sometimes feel like a Hail Mary in the fourth quarter with just seconds left of the Super Bowl,” Hoda Kotbsaid on the show’s Fri., Oct. 29 broadcast. Savannah Guthrierevealed that they began fittings and rehearsals weeks ahead of the festive episode—and considering that it all went off without a hitch, we’d say all their preparation was worth it. Carson Dalyand Willie Geistdonned Tampa Bay Buccaneers jerseys, genuine Super Bowl rings (we’re jelly!) and the signature hairstyles of Rob Gronkowskiand Tom Brady, respectively, while Craig Melvinopted for a look modeled after Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Massachusetts native Steve Kornackigot stern and cranky as New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick. He joked on Twitter, “As you can see, I enjoyed being part of the Halloween special today. And now I’m on to Virginia.” Guthrieand Jenna Bush Hager were classic Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders—a perfect fit especially for Hager, a Texas native. The football theme didn’t stop at the costumes of those on the field. Kotb donned a long, blonde wig, sparkly dress and heels as Sunday Night Football theme song singer Carrie Underwood. In a behind-the-scenes video of their Halloween theme prep, Kotb, 57, joked, “There are not enough Spanx in the world for this!” Kotb performed “Waiting All Day For Sunday Night,” Underwood’s signature tune for the weekly pigskin matches. Kotb said she sent the real Underwood a photo of the group and that Underwood told her they all looked good. (We agree!) Veteran New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees also sent Kotb a video message, gushing of her performance, “Fantastic rendition of the Carrie Underwood Sunday Night Football song! Fantastic! Loved it. We love you, thanks for supporting us and the Saints.” Al Rokerpaid homage to 2021 Super Bowl Halftime Show performerThe Weeknd, rocking a wig, black gloves, and a red sequined jacket over an otherwise all-black outfit. He even had masked backup dancers as he reenacted the viral halftime show, lip-syncing to the singer’s smash hit “Blinding Lights.” Sheinelle Jonesgot gussied up as another Super Bowl Halftime star: Bruno Mars! She rocked a wig, a sequined gold jacket with black lapels, and a matching black tie over a white shirt and black pants in her costume as the “Uptown Funk” crooner, lip-syncing to his hit “Runaway Baby.” Even Super Bowl commercials were incorporated, with Weekend TODAY anchors Kristen Welkerand Peter Alexanderdonning costumes as Lil Nas X and Sam Elliottto reenact their iconic cowboy-themed Doritos ad from last year’s big game. You can watch the original commercial below. In addition to their Halloween costumes, the team also recreated the iconic 1999 Budweiser “Whassup” Super Bowl ad together. Check out our gallery to see more of the TODAY personalities in all of their Halloween glory!
