Have you ever tuned in to the Super Bowl to watch the halftime show? If so, you’re not alone.
The halftime show has become a major event within the entertainment industry, with some of the biggest names in music taking the stage to perform for millions of viewers. But how did the halftime show become such a big deal?
In the early days of the Super Bowl, the halftime show was a simple affair featuring local marching bands and other performers.
As the Super Bowl grew in popularity, so did the halftime show. Now, it’s one of the most watched and anticipated events of the year, with elaborate stage sets, special effects, and high-energy performances by some of the biggest names in the music industry.
One reason the halftime show is such a big deal is because of the massive audience it reaches.
The Super Bowl consistently ranks as one of the most-watched television events of the year, and the halftime show is a major part of that.
This provides a huge platform for the halftime show performer, who has the opportunity to reach a massive audience and gain new fans.
We’ve seen a wide range of performers take the halftime show stage over the years, from rock bands to pop stars to R&B artists.
Some of the most memorable halftime performances include Beyonce’s solo show, Lady Gaga’s acrobatic routines, and Justin Timberlake’s infamous “wardrobe malfunction” with Janet Jackson.
- Michael Jackson: In 1993, Michael Jackson performed a solo halftime show that is widely considered one of the best in Super Bowl history. Jackson’s performance featured hits such as “Billie Jean” and “Black or White” and included a dance routine with a group of children.
- Janet Jackson: In 2004, Janet Jackson performed at the halftime show alongside Justin Timberlake. The performance ended with Timberlake ripping off part of Jackson’s costume, exposing her breast on live television. The incident, known as the “wardrobe malfunction,” sparked controversy and led to increased scrutiny of the halftime show by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
- Madonna: In 2012, Madonna performed a halftime show that featured a medley of her greatest hits, including “Like a Virgin” and “Vogue.” The performance also included Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., and CeeLo Green guest appearances.
- Beyoncé: In 2013, Beyoncé performed a halftime show that featured a mix of her solo hits and songs from Destiny’s Child. The performance included elaborate choreography and a guest appearance by her former Destiny’s Child bandmates, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.
- Bruno Mars: In 2014, Bruno Mars performed a halftime show that was widely praised for its high energy and crowd-pleasing setlist. Mars sang a mix of his own hits, such as “Locked Out of Heaven” and “Treasure,” as well as a tribute to the late Michael Jackson with a performance of “Billie Jean.”
- Katy Perry: In 2015, Katy Perry performed a halftime show that featured elaborate costumes and props, including a giant mechanical lion and a beach-themed set. Perry sang a mix of her own hits, such as “Roar” and “Firework,” as well as a duet of “I Kissed a Girl” with Lenny Kravitz.
- Lady Gaga: In 2017, Lady Gaga performed a halftime show heavy on spectacle, including a high-flying leap from the stadium roof and a dance routine on top of a piano. Gaga performed a medley of her own hits, including “Born This Way,” “Poker Face,” and “Bad Romance.”
- Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi: In 2019, Maroon 5 was the main performer, but Travis Scott and Big Boi also performed on stage during the halftime show. The performance was met with mixed reactions, as some people criticized the lack of a strong political statement during a time when there were calls for the NFL to address social justice issues.
- The Weeknd: In 2021, The Weeknd was the main performer of the halftime show. His performance was widely praised for its elaborate staging and choreography and for the artist’s distinctive performance style and vocal range. He performed many of his hit songs and had a memorable stage design.
These are just a few examples of the many performers who have taken the stage at the Super Bowl halftime show over the years.
The halftime show is always a highly-anticipated event, and fans look forward to seeing what each year’s performers will bring to the stage.
But the halftime show is just one part of the entertainment industry.
It’s difficult to say which Super Bowl halftime show was the best, as the performances are different and have unique strengths.
However, some of the halftime shows that have been particularly well-received by both audiences and critics include:
- Michael Jackson’s performance in 1993: Michael Jackson’s halftime show is widely considered one of the best in Super Bowl history. Jackson’s performance featured some of his biggest hits, and his choreography and stage presence was phenomenal. The show also hugely impacted the halftime show’s future, and it set a new standard for other performers to follow.
- Madonna’s performance in 2012: Madonna’s halftime show was a highly-produced spectacle that featured elaborate costumes and a cast of dancers. Madonna’s performance of her greatest hits was spectacular, and the addition of Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., and CeeLo Green as guest performers made it even more dynamic.
- Bruno Mars performance in 2014: Bruno Mars’s halftime show was a high-energy performance that showcased the artist’s impressive singing and dancing skills. Mars also paid tribute to Michael Jackson, performing a version of “Billie Jean” that had the audience dancing along.
- Lady Gaga’s performance in 2017: Lady Gaga’s halftime show was a visually stunning performance featuring elaborate choreography and elaborate stage design. Lady Gaga’s singing and dancing were also top-notch, and she flew on a harness around the stadium, a spectacular moment.
These are just a few examples of the many Super Bowl halftime shows that have been well-received over the years.
Ultimately, what makes a halftime show “the best” is a matter of personal preference and depends on what elements of a performance one values most.
There are always new developments and trends to keep an eye on, like the growth of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, which have changed how we consume media.
And social media has allowed artists to connect with their fans in new ways, giving them a direct line of communication.
Performing at the Super Bowl halftime show is a major undertaking that requires a great deal of planning, preparation, and rehearsals. Here’s a general idea of what it takes to put on a halftime show:
Planning and preparation: Once the halftime show performers have been selected, the planning and preparation phase begins. This includes selecting the songs that will be performed, choreographing dance routines, designing costumes and stage sets, and coordinating guest appearances. This process typically takes several months to complete.
Rehearsals: Rehearsals for the halftime show typically begin several weeks before the Super Bowl. The performers and their teams will rehearse the songs and dances repeatedly to ensure they are perfect. Rehearsals are also held to synchronize the light and sound effects, and it is a very detailed work. Performers will also rehearse their performance with the orchestra and other musicians that will be accompanying them on stage.
Technical rehearsals: Technical rehearsals are held in the days leading up to the Super Bowl. These rehearsals test the performance’s technical aspects, such as lighting, sound, and special effects. This is also the time to fine-tune the timing of the performance and the coordination of different elements.
Dress rehearsals: A dress rehearsal is typically held the day before the Super Bowl. This is the final full-scale rehearsal of the halftime show, and it’s done in the stadium. This is the last chance to make sure everything is working well, that the performers are comfortable on the stage, and that the timing of the performance is correct.
As you can see, preparing for a halftime show is a big undertaking that requires a lot of work and coordination. The halftime show performers, their teams, and the NFL all work together to create a memorable and exciting performance for the audience.
It’s important to mention that the halftime show is just a 12-13 minute segment of the whole Super Bowl event.
Even though it looks spectacular, it’s a short window of time to perform. The duration of the preparations and rehearsals may vary depending on the performers and the complexity of the show. Some performers may require more time to prepare and rehearse than others.
At the end of the day, people are always looking for high-quality, engaging content, whether it’s a halftime show or a new album from an up-and-coming artist.
The entertainment industry is a vibrant, constantly evolving world, and something new and exciting is always happening.
