• Education
    • Higher Education
    • Scholarships & Grants
    • Online Learning
    • School Reforms
    • Research & Innovation
  • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Fashion & Beauty
    • Home & Living
    • Relationships & Family
  • Technology & Startups
    • Software & Apps
    • Startup Success Stories
    • Startups & Innovations
    • Tech Regulations
    • Venture Capital
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Cybersecurity
    • Emerging Technologies
    • Gadgets & Devices
    • Industry Analysis
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Advertise with Us
  • Privacy & Policy
Today Headline
  • Home
  • World News
    • Us & Canada
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • Africa
    • Middle East
  • Politics
    • Elections
    • Political Parties
    • Government Policies
    • International Relations
    • Legislative News
  • Business & Finance
    • Market Trends
    • Stock Market
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Corporate News
    • Economic Policies
  • Science & Environment
    • Space Exploration
    • Climate Change
    • Wildlife & Conservation
    • Environmental Policies
    • Medical Research
  • Health
    • Public Health
    • Mental Health
    • Medical Breakthroughs
    • Fitness & Nutrition
    • Pandemic Updates
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Basketball
    • Tennis
    • Olympics
    • Motorsport
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Music
    • TV & Streaming
    • Celebrity News
    • Awards & Festivals
  • Crime & Justice
    • Court Cases
    • Cybercrime
    • Policing
    • Criminal Investigations
    • Legal Reforms
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • World News
    • Us & Canada
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • Africa
    • Middle East
  • Politics
    • Elections
    • Political Parties
    • Government Policies
    • International Relations
    • Legislative News
  • Business & Finance
    • Market Trends
    • Stock Market
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Corporate News
    • Economic Policies
  • Science & Environment
    • Space Exploration
    • Climate Change
    • Wildlife & Conservation
    • Environmental Policies
    • Medical Research
  • Health
    • Public Health
    • Mental Health
    • Medical Breakthroughs
    • Fitness & Nutrition
    • Pandemic Updates
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Basketball
    • Tennis
    • Olympics
    • Motorsport
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Music
    • TV & Streaming
    • Celebrity News
    • Awards & Festivals
  • Crime & Justice
    • Court Cases
    • Cybercrime
    • Policing
    • Criminal Investigations
    • Legal Reforms
No Result
View All Result
Today Headline
No Result
View All Result
Home Entertainment

The extraordinary evolution of Super Bowl halftime shows

February 7, 2025
in Entertainment
Reading Time: 13 mins read
A A
0
Yahoo news home
10
SHARES
21
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


We don’t know exactly how Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance will look, but we do know it will be spectacular. It’s become an annual tradition for one of the world’s biggest stars — or often several of them — to put on an epic show that, for many viewers, outshines the action on the field. Surprise special guests, amazing stunts, massive pyrotechnics and elaborate set pieces are the norm these days.

But that hasn’t always been the case. The Super Bowl halftime show in fact has incredibly humble beginnings. It took decades for the superstar-centric extravaganzas we see today to become the standard. Even that formula has gone through major changes, with distinct shifts in the types of artists and structure of their shows over the years.

Here’s a breakdown of the Super Bowl halftime’s many eras, from its modest roots through its evolution into one of the year’s most important pop culture events.

Photo illustration: Oscar Duarte for Yahoo News; photos: Nate Fine/Getty Images, David Redfern/Redferns via Getty Images, Kidwiler Collection/Diamond Images via Getty Images, Focus on Sport/Getty Images, Heinz Kluetmeier /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

Photo illustration: Oscar Duarte for Yahoo News; photos: Nate Fine/Getty Images, David Redfern/Redferns via Getty Images, Kidwiler Collection/Diamond Images via Getty Images, Focus on Sport/Getty Images, Heinz Kluetmeier /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

The Super Bowl hasn’t always been so super. In fact, it wasn’t even called the Super Bowl the first two times it was played. Those early matchups, which started when the NFL merged with the upstart American Football League in the 1960s, were modeled after the college football bowl games that had been around for decades. That vision also carried over to halftime.

Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox

See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories.

The roster of performers for the first 10 years of halftime shows was filled with marching bands and jazz performers with only sporadic appearances by genuine celebrities. Occasionally there would be some extra dramatic flourishes thrown in, like men flying on jetpacks in 1967 or a brief reenactment in 1970 of the Battle of New Orleans, but the scope of these productions was tiny relative to what halftime would later become.

Photo illustration: Oscar Duarte for Yahoo News; photos: Heinz Kluetmeier /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images, Michael Levin/Corbis via Getty Images, George Rose/Getty Images (2)

Photo illustration: Oscar Duarte for Yahoo News; photos: Heinz Kluetmeier /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images, Michael Levin/Corbis via Getty Images, George Rose/Getty Images (2)

By the late 1970s, with viewership for the Super Bowl nearly double what it had been 10 years earlier, halftime shows had started to shift away from the marching-band-centric college football model. In their place came a series of variety show-style musical reviews with themes like “A Salute to the 60s and Motown” and “Beat of the Future.” This was the heyday of Up With People, a non-profit organization with an achingly-earnest message of harmony through the power of music.

Producers also began to weave gimmicky features into shows to liven things up. All 105,000 people in attendance at the 1983 Super Bowl were given colorful cards so they could take part in that year’s “KaleidoSUPERscope” theme. Chubby Checker, pictured above, starred in the “Something Grand” review alongside 88 grand piano players in 1988. The next year’s “Be Bop Bamboozled” show, led by a lip-syncing Elvis Presley impersonator, was the first network broadcast in 3D.

This period is frequently considered to be the low point for Super Bowl halftimes — the San Francisco Chronicle described 1989’s 3D extravaganza as an “atrocious stab at entertainment.” That left NFL broadcasters vulnerable to competitors who offered something more engaging than a medley of cheesy hits. Fox, a fledgling competitor to the big three networks at the time, seized on this opportunity in 1992 by airing a live episode of its sketch comedy show “In Living Color” in direct competition with the official halftime show airing on CBS. More than 20 million people tuned in, robbing CBS of about one-fifth of its audience for the main broadcast. Fox’s gambit was a “major wake-up call” for the big networks, who knew they needed to make serious changes to keepp viewers from reaching for the remote.

Photo illustration: Oscar Duarte for Yahoo News; photos: Al Pereira//MIchael Ochs Archives/Getty Images, Allen Kee/Getty Images, Doug Pensinger/ALLSPORT via Getty Images, Steve Granitz/Getty Images, Scott Gries/ImageDirect via Getty Images, Al Bello/Getty Images, Brian Bahr/Allsport/Newsmakers via Getty Images, Allen Kee/Getty Images

Photo illustration: Oscar Duarte for Yahoo News; photos: Al Pereira//MIchael Ochs Archives/Getty Images, Allen Kee/Getty Images, Doug Pensinger/ALLSPORT via Getty Images, Steve Granitz/Getty Images, Scott Gries/ImageDirect via Getty Images, Al Bello/Getty Images, Brian Bahr/Allsport/Newsmakers via Getty Images, Allen Kee/Getty Images

The Super Bowl halftime show changed forever the moment that Michael Jackson burst onto the stage — literally — to launch his iconic performance at the Rose Bowl in 1993. After spending the previous decade coming up with elaborate tricks to infuse excitement into lackluster spectacles, the NFL had solved its halftime woes by doing something incredibly simple — having the world’s most captivating pop star do what he did best.

Rather than bleeding viewers once the players left the field, the audience actually grew by more than 10 million people at halftime. According to Neilsen, the 1993 halftime show on its own is one of the 20 most-watched U.S. television broadcasts of all time, surpassed only by recent Super Bowls, major news events and the M*A*S*H finale.

The King of Pop’s thrilling performance sent a clear message that stars are a must-have for any halftime show. It took a few years, though, before the league fully shook off its impulse toward campy theatrics. The ensuing years included concerts by the likes of Diana Ross, Christina Aguilera and Stevie Wonder. But they also featured an Indiana Jones-themed adventure designed to promote a new ride at Disneyland and a “Blues Brothers Bash” headlined by Dan Aykroyd and John Goodman.

By the turn of the millennium, the formula for success was well established. The gimmicks were gone and halftime was all about having the biggest stars of the day perform their biggest hits on the nation’s biggest stage. The league might have stuck with this approach indefinitely were it not for Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction in 2004, which set off a nationwide scandal and prompted broadcasters to start booking less risky acts to headline their halftime shows.

Photo illustration: Oscar Duarte for Yahoo News; photos: Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News, Jamie Squire/Getty Images, Jeff Gross/Getty Images, Theo Wargo/WireImage via Getty Images, A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images, Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic via Getty Images

Photo illustration: Oscar Duarte for Yahoo News; photos: Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News, Jamie Squire/Getty Images, Jeff Gross/Getty Images, Theo Wargo/WireImage via Getty Images, A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images, Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic via Getty Images

After the drama that erupted in response to Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction, Super Bowl halftimes underwent a notable shift to a brand of artist that was less likely to inspire bad press. That meant digging into the past.

Between 2005 and 2010, halftime shows featured tried-and-true rock bands that — despite being well past their peak in popularity — were still huge acts in their own right. This safer era started with Paul McCartney, then moved on to the Rolling Stones the next year before eventually featuring the Who, Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen. The notable exception to this trend was Prince, who courted controversy throughout his career and gave what is widely considered to be one of the greatest halftime performances ever in 2007.

Photo illustration: Oscar Duarte for Yahoo News; photos: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic via Getty Images, Kevin Winter/Getty Images, Kevin Mazur/Wireimage via Getty Images (3), Larry Busacca/Getty Images, Kevin Mazur/Wireimage via Getty Images (2)

Photo illustration: Oscar Duarte for Yahoo News; photos: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic via Getty Images, Kevin Winter/Getty Images, Kevin Mazur/Wireimage via Getty Images (3), Larry Busacca/Getty Images, Kevin Mazur/Wireimage via Getty Images (2)

The nostalgia rock period only lasted a few years. Before long, the list of older bands that could warrant such a huge spotlight was running out and interest among younger viewers had waned significantly.

In 2011, the Black Eyed Peas were brought to kick off a “generational shift” for Super Bowl halftime. After years of classic rock acts that were more appealing to older Americans, the NFL was back to booking artists that were at the top of the charts. Though the group’s performance mostly received lackluster reviews, they initiated a decade of pop dominance.

Our culture’s engagement with halftime shows also changed dramatically during this period. Thanks to the rise of social media, the show wasn’t just about the performance. It was also fodder for moments and memes that spread far beyond the audience watching on TV. This was the era of Beyonce’s Formation, Katy Perry’s left shark, Lady Gaga’s rooftop plunge, a shirtless Usher and The Weeknd getting lost in a maze of lights.

Photo illustration: Oscar Duarte for Yahoo News; photos: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images (3), Cooper Neill/Getty Images, Ronald Martinez/Getty Images, Mike Coppola/Getty Images, Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation, Ryan Kang/Getty Images

Photo illustration: Oscar Duarte for Yahoo News; photos: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images (3), Cooper Neill/Getty Images, Ronald Martinez/Getty Images, Mike Coppola/Getty Images, Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation, Ryan Kang/Getty Images

It’s too early to label the current era, but the trend so far suggests that it may be remembered as the years when hip-hop was in command.

Nostalgia once was again at the center of Super Bowl halftime in 2022. This time, though, it was hip-hop legends Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Eminem on stage rather than classic rock stars. The following two years were headlined by Rihanna and Usher, whose hits straddle the line between hip-hop and pop.

Now it’s Kendrick Lamar’s turn. Just one week after winning five Grammys, rap’s biggest star will put on a show that — whatever happens — will feel like it’s from a different universe than the modest, traditional halftime shows that used to fill time between quarters of America’s premier sporting event.

Tags: Getty Imageshalftime showhalftime showsHeinz KluetmeierOscar Duarterose bowlSports IllustratedSuper Bowl
Previous Post

Ontario votes: Opposition leaders campaigning in northern cities, Ford in Toronto

Next Post

Germany imports more LNG through North Sea terminals than Baltic Sea

Related Posts

Yahoo news home

China is taking aim at American movies over Trump’s tariffs. Here’s why that poses a big risk to Hollywood.

April 10, 2025
12
Yahoo news home

How COVID changed America, in 12 charts

March 10, 2025
22
Next Post
Yahoo news home

Germany imports more LNG through North Sea terminals than Baltic Sea

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Family calls for change after B.C. nurse dies by suicide after attacks on the job

Family calls for change after B.C. nurse dies by suicide after attacks on the job

April 2, 2025
Pioneering 3D printing project shares successes

Product reduces TPH levels to non-hazardous status

November 27, 2024

Hospital Mergers Fail to Deliver Better Care or Lower Costs, Study Finds todayheadline

December 31, 2024

Police ID man who died after Corso Italia fight

December 23, 2024
Harris tells supporters 'never give up' and urges peaceful transfer of power

Harris tells supporters ‘never give up’ and urges peaceful transfer of power

0
Des Moines Man Accused Of Shooting Ex-Girlfriend's Mother

Des Moines Man Accused Of Shooting Ex-Girlfriend’s Mother

0

Trump ‘looks forward’ to White House meeting with Biden

0
Catholic voters were critical to Donald Trump’s blowout victory: ‘Harris snubbed us’

Catholic voters were critical to Donald Trump’s blowout victory: ‘Harris snubbed us’

0

Manson 'family' follower Patricia Krenwinkel recommenced for parole todayheadline

May 31, 2025
Trump's 2026 budget would slash NASA funding by 24% and its workforce by nearly one third

Trump’s 2026 budget would slash NASA funding by 24% and its workforce by nearly one third

May 31, 2025
Salmonella outbreak in cucumbers expands to 18 states, 45 sickened

Salmonella outbreak in cucumbers expands to 18 states, 45 sickened

May 31, 2025
DOGE saves $5M annually by cutting thousands of unused government software licenses

DOGE saves $5M annually by cutting thousands of unused government software licenses

May 31, 2025

Recent News

Manson 'family' follower Patricia Krenwinkel recommenced for parole todayheadline

May 31, 2025
5
Trump's 2026 budget would slash NASA funding by 24% and its workforce by nearly one third

Trump’s 2026 budget would slash NASA funding by 24% and its workforce by nearly one third

May 31, 2025
4
Salmonella outbreak in cucumbers expands to 18 states, 45 sickened

Salmonella outbreak in cucumbers expands to 18 states, 45 sickened

May 31, 2025
4
DOGE saves $5M annually by cutting thousands of unused government software licenses

DOGE saves $5M annually by cutting thousands of unused government software licenses

May 31, 2025
4

TodayHeadline is a dynamic news website dedicated to delivering up-to-date and comprehensive news coverage from around the globe.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Basketball
  • Business & Finance
  • Climate Change
  • Crime & Justice
  • Cybersecurity
  • Economic Policies
  • Elections
  • Entertainment
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Environmental Policies
  • Europe
  • Football
  • Gadgets & Devices
  • Health
  • Medical Research
  • Mental Health
  • Middle East
  • Motorsport
  • Olympics
  • Politics
  • Public Health
  • Relationships & Family
  • Science & Environment
  • Software & Apps
  • Space Exploration
  • Sports
  • Stock Market
  • Technology & Startups
  • Tennis
  • Travel
  • Uncategorized
  • Us & Canada
  • Wildlife & Conservation
  • World News

Recent News

Manson 'family' follower Patricia Krenwinkel recommenced for parole todayheadline

May 31, 2025
Trump's 2026 budget would slash NASA funding by 24% and its workforce by nearly one third

Trump’s 2026 budget would slash NASA funding by 24% and its workforce by nearly one third

May 31, 2025
  • Education
  • Lifestyle
  • Technology & Startups
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Advertise with Us
  • Privacy & Policy

© 2024 Todayheadline.co

Welcome Back!

OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Business & Finance
  • Corporate News
  • Economic Policies
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Market Trends
  • Crime & Justice
  • Court Cases
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Cybercrime
  • Legal Reforms
  • Policing
  • Education
  • Higher Education
  • Online Learning
  • Entertainment
  • Awards & Festivals
  • Celebrity News
  • Movies
  • Music
  • Health
  • Fitness & Nutrition
  • Medical Breakthroughs
  • Mental Health
  • Pandemic Updates
  • Lifestyle
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Food & Drink
  • Home & Living
  • Politics
  • Elections
  • Government Policies
  • International Relations
  • Legislative News
  • Political Parties
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Middle East
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
  • Emerging Technologies
  • Gadgets & Devices
  • Industry Analysis
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Motorsport
  • Olympics
  • Climate Change
  • Environmental Policies
  • Medical Research
  • Science & Environment
  • Space Exploration
  • Wildlife & Conservation
  • Sports
  • Tennis
  • Technology & Startups
  • Software & Apps
  • Startup Success Stories
  • Startups & Innovations
  • Tech Regulations
  • Venture Capital
  • Uncategorized
  • World News
  • Us & Canada
  • Public Health
  • Relationships & Family
  • Travel
  • Research & Innovation
  • Scholarships & Grants
  • School Reforms
  • Stock Market
  • TV & Streaming
  • Advertise with Us
  • Privacy & Policy
  • About us
  • Contact

© 2024 Todayheadline.co