Arguably just as iconic as the annual season-finale NFL football game is what happens in the middle of it: the Super Bowl halftime show. The roughly 10 to 15 minute long performance has become more than just a break between plays; it is a spectacle that encapsulates the culture of American entertainment.
Super Bowl 59’s performer was rapper Kendrick Lamar with a guest appearance of R&B singer SZA. The two will also begin touring later this April and into 2025.
Humble Beginnings
It’s clear the halftime show holds a high status, but how exactly did the tradition begin? To save fans from boredom between halves of the game, at the first Super Bowl in 1967, local collegiate cheerleaders began putting on performances during halftime. Both the Arizona and Grambling State marching bands performed routines that first year. These same types of performances lasted until the mid-1970’s, and by 1976 there were much more dancing and theatrical elements involved.
The nonprofit organization “Up with People” would be some of the first groups to perform, and they went on to be featured at multiple halftimes into the 1980’s and early 1990’s. In 1993, the show was first considered “modern” after Micheal Jackson took the stage at Super Bowl XXVII.
Since then, the halftime show has continued to dominate the attention of American audiences and serves as a representation of the honor held in performing on such a large, globally-known stage.
Behind the Scenes
As far as who decides halftime show performers, it is a decision made by the NFL, the host city and Jay-Z – a prominent name in the entertainment industry and part of the NFL board. Despite never performing in the show himself, Jay-Z has a large say when it comes to who gets to be under the spotlight.
A common misconception is that Super Bowl halftime show performers get paid, which is untrue, yet quite surprising considering the game players receive between $96,000 and $171,000 whether they win or lose.
In the last five years, halftime show viewers have accounted for between 100 million and 120 million people, according to MVPIndex. This includes those at the performance and those watching from home.
Unforgettable Halftime Show Moments
Throughout the years there have been a number of memorable performances at the halftime show. Some say Prince’s 2007 show in a torrential downpour in Miami was the greatest of all time, due to its massive energy from fans and Prince alike (not to mention he ironically – and iconically – performed his hit single “Purple Rain” in the rain to end the night).
A heartfelt performance by U2 in 2002 is also worth noting as one of the more impactful productions. The 9/11 attacks occurred just months prior and the nation was still recovering from the events of the devastating day. The names of victims appeared on the screen behind the Irish band as they healed a broken America.
Despite the phrase “wardrobe malfunction” originating from this 2004 performance, Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake’s electrifying show still serves as highly spectacular. The Super Bowl gained a swarm of attention after the scandal, so perhaps the controversial mishap wasn’t all bad.
Through the Years
Here is a list of every Super Bowl halftime show performer in the last quarter-decade since 2000:
2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias and Toni Braxton
2001 – Aerosmith and NSYNC
2002 – U2
2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt
2004 – Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, P. Diddy, Nelly, Kid Rock and Jessica Simpson
2005 – Paul McCartney
2006 – The Rolling Stones
2007 – Prince
2008 – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
2009 – Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
2010 – The Who
2011 – Usher, the Black Eyed Peas and Slash
2012 – Madonna, LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., Cee Lo Green and Andy Lewis
2013 – Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child
2014 – Bruno Mars and Red Hot Chili Peppers
2015 – Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliot
2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson
2017 – Lady Gaga
2018 – Justin Timberlake
2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott and Big Boi
2020 – Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny and J Balvin
2021 – The Weeknd
2022 – Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent
2023 – Rihanna
2024 – Usher, Alicia Keys, Jermaine Dupri, H.E.R., will.i.am, Lil’ Jon and Ludacris
2025 – Kendrick Lamar and SZA
Beyond the Stage
The halftime show is no longer just a mini-concert between football plays. It now symbolizes the impact of music and how it brings people together, while giving artists opportunities to make their mark in music.
So whether you viewed the Feb. 9th performance live in New Orleans or from the comfort of your living room, keep in mind the nearly 60-year-long tradition it holds and how it shaped the biggest sports entertainment show we know as the Super Bowl halftime show.
