8 Crazy Facts About Super Bowl Halftime Shows

a crowd of people watching a football game
Photo by Caleb Woods on Unsplash

The Super Bowl halftime show has evolved from a simple break in the game to a full-blown cultural event that sometimes overshadows the action on the field. With the next one set to take place on February 9, 2025, at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans' Caesars Superdome, featuring Kendrick Lamar and SZA, anticipation is already building. But before we get lost in the hype for the upcoming performance, let’s take a look at some of the most fascinating facts about the Super Bowl halftime show’s history:

From Marching Bands to Pop Royalty

band in line during daytimePhoto by Katrina Berban on Unsplash

As a shock to no one, the first Super Bowl halftime shows were nothing like the productions we see today. In the early years, college marching bands were the stars of the show, offering a more traditional (and low-budget) form of entertainment. It wasn’t until 1991 that things changed, with New Kids on the Block becoming the first major pop act to take center stage. From that point on, the halftime show became a showcase for the biggest names in music, setting the tone for the spectacles we expect today.

The Year of the Elvis Impersonator

elvis presley figurinePhoto by Adam Nemeroff on Unsplash

The Super Bowl halftime show hasn't always been about pop stars and A-list performers. In 1989, the show featured an Elvis Presley impersonator named Elvis Presto, who wowed the crowd with a Vegas-style performance and the world’s largest card trick. Needless to say, the NFL quickly pivoted to more mainstream entertainment in the following years.

Michael Jackson Changed Everything

Michael Jackson wall paintingPhoto by Nelson Ndongala on Unsplash

If there’s one performer who single-handedly transformed the halftime show into a must-see event, it’s Michael Jackson. His 1993 performance was a game-changer—literally. For the first time ever, television ratings increased during halftime, proving that people weren’t just sticking around for the game, they were tuning in specifically for the show. From his iconic opening pose to his legendary performance of "Heal the World," Jackson’s halftime show raised the bar forever.

No Paychecks for Performers

a large american flag is displayed in a stadiumPhoto by Caleb Woods on Unsplash

You’d think that the artists who take the stage would be raking in millions for their Super Bowl performances, but they don’t actually get paid. Instead, the NFL covers production costs, which can reach tens of millions of dollars, and in return, performers get an incredible marketing opportunity. After their 2020 performance, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez saw a massive spike in music sales and streaming numbers. So, while there’s no direct paycheck, the exposure is priceless.

The Most-Watched Halftime Show of All Time

a crowd of people watching a football gamePhoto by Caleb Woods on Unsplash

Rihanna's 2023 Super Bowl LVII halftime show currently holds the title of the most-watched halftime performance in history. According to Nielsen's revised report, the show attracted an astounding 121.017 million viewers. This figure surpasses the previous record held by Katy Perry's 2015 performance, which had 121 million viewers. Rihanna's performance, her first live show in over five years, not only broke viewership records but also outperformed the actual game itself, which drew 115.1 million viewers.

Beyoncé and the Blackout Mystery

red lighted candle on dark roomPhoto by Paul Torres on Unsplash

No one forgets Beyoncé’s 2013 halftime show, but it wasn’t just her show-stopping performance that made headlines. Just moments after she left the stage, the Superdome lost power for a full 34 minutes. While officials insisted the blackout wasn’t connected to her electrifying set, fans were quick to call it the "Beyoncé Blackout," adding yet another legendary moment to her resume.

The Biggest Stage Ever Assembled

Rolling Stone logoPhoto by Vale Arellano on Unsplash

When The Rolling Stones rocked the Super Bowl in 2006, brought the largest stage in halftime history. The massive stage, designed to resemble their iconic tongue logo, was built from 28 separate pieces and took a volunteer crew of 600 people to assemble in under five minutes. Talk about rock ‘n’ roll logistics.

The Super Bowl Halftime Show Won an Emmy

a man holding an emmy awardPhoto by De'von wellesley on Unsplash

The Super Bowl halftime show is award-worthy entertainment, not just football. In 2022, the halftime show featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar became the first-ever to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live). With its blend of hip-hop nostalgia and West Coast culture, it proved just how far the halftime show had come.

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