The Super Bowl Halftime show: a spectacle of music, history, and surprises

For many football fans, the Super Bowl is the pinnacle of the NFL season. However, for millions of others, the real excitement begins when the game pauses, and the halftime show takes center stage. Over the years, the Super Bowl halftime show has transformed from simple marching band performances to star-studded spectacles featuring the biggest names in music.

The first Super Bowl in 1967 featured a modest performance by the University of Arizona and Grambling State University marching bands, along with trumpeter Al Hirt. It wasn’t until 1970 that celebrity performers, such as Lionel Hampton and Carol Channing, began to appear. The show evolved further in the late 1980s and early 1990s when pop culture icons began taking over the stage.

Some artists have returned to the Super Bowl stage multiple times. Up With People holds the record with five performances between 1971 and 1986. Justin Timberlake has performed three times—once with *NSYNC (2001), once with Janet Jackson (2004), and again as a solo headliner (2018). Other repeat performers include Beyoncé, Gloria Estefan, Stevie Wonder, and Bruno Mars. Kendrick Lamar will soon join this elite group as he headlines the 2025 show after previously performing in 2022.

Certain halftime performances have made history, whether through awe-inspiring displays or controversial moments. Michael Jackson’s 1993 performance remains legendary for drawing record-breaking television ratings and transforming the halftime show into a high-stakes event for the music industry. Prince’s 2007 performance of "Purple Rain" in an actual rainstorm remains one of the most cinematic moments in halftime history.

Other moments have been less about musical excellence and more about unexpected drama. The infamous "wardrobe malfunction" involving Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake in 2004 led to widespread controversy and changes in live broadcasting regulations. Madonna’s 2012 show was marred by M.I.A.’s middle-finger gesture, which resulted in legal battles with the NFL.

Not all halftime performances go as planned. In 1991, the New Kids on the Block performed during halftime, but their show was bumped to a postgame broadcast due to a Gulf War news update. The 1989 halftime show featured a magician named "Elvis Presto" performing a card trick with an audience participation twist—one of the more forgettable moments in Super Bowl history.

While performers do not receive direct payment for their appearances, the exposure often leads to massive boosts in music sales and streaming numbers. Following their 2010 performance, The Who saw a 400% spike in digital sales. The halftime show is now one of the most coveted gigs in entertainment, handpicked by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation since 2019.

As the Super Bowl continues to evolve, the halftime show remains a cultural centerpiece, drawing millions of viewers beyond just football fans. With Kendrick Lamar set to headline in 2025, audiences can expect another unforgettable performance in the rich history of this iconic event.