In 2007, NFL legend Dan Marino found himself drenched under an umbrella on the sideline, captivated by Prince’s iconic “Purple Rain” Super Bowl halftime performance during a Miami downpour. What was once a humdrum intermission with college marching bands has evolved into one of sports’ grandest spectacles. Super Bowl halftime shows now boast performances from music legends like Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Madonna, Aerosmith, and U2.
Hall of Fame quarterback Marino, who played 17 seasons with the Miami Dolphins, acknowledges the remarkable transformation: “The halftime performance has come a long way. Not a lot of people really watched it, but now, as we head into Super Bowl 58, people love to watch the halftime show.”
Over almost six decades, halftime shows have transitioned from family-oriented displays to entertainment extravaganzas. The 12-to-15 minute performances often draw more than 100 million viewers, sometimes exceeding the viewership of the actual championship game. Last year, Rihanna’s performance became the most-watched in history, with over 121 million viewers.
Actress Scarlett Johansson, not a football enthusiast herself, finds the halftime show enticing due to its unpredictability, recalling infamous moments like Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction” and Lady Gaga’s dramatic entrance from a stadium roof.
Usher, headlining this year’s show in Las Vegas, represents a stark contrast to the first halftime show in 1967, featuring marching bands and jetpack performers. The evolution of halftime shows can be attributed to breakthrough performances like Michael Jackson’s in 1993, which set the stage for other A-list performers.
Seth Dudowsky, head of music at the NFL, highlights the cultural relevance of halftime shows, emphasizing the platform it provides for artists to express their artistry. Notable performances have tackled issues like 9/11 remembrance (U2) and racial activism (Beyoncé’s “Formation”). The halftime show has become a reflection of current culture and a celebration of diverse musical genres.
Snoop Dogg praises NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Jay-Z for advancing the halftime show. The league collaborates with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, which has produced the halftime show since 2019. The initiative aligns with the NFL’s commitment to social and racial justice, epitomized by its Inspire Change initiative.
As Usher prepares to take the stage, the halftime show has become a global phenomenon, transcending musical genres and celebrating the universal impact of music. Snoop Dogg notes that the most popular music, regardless of genre, now takes center stage at halftime, epitomizing the show’s evolution into a platform for genuine artistic expression.