Super Bowl Halftime Show: 5 memorable halftime appearances
The next of the legendary Super Bowl halftime shows will take place in Tampa on February 7th. The Weeknd will heat the crowd for the 2021 NFL Final.
Reason enough to take a look back at past shows that particularly impressed viewers or caused international controversy.
Perhaps the best Super Bowl halftime show: Michael Jackson as the star of a generation
The Super Bowl halftime shows become what they are primarily through the appearance of the star. When a star of a whole generation appears, the expectations are all the higher. Michael Jackson fulfilled this easily in 1993.
At Super Bowl XXVII, he took the stage at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. With 133.4 million viewers, it became one of the most-watched events in American TV history.
In order to attract more interest and viewers, the NFL had just decided to buy in more top acts. Michael Jackson was the first artist in this illustrious series, which continues to this day.
Musically, MJ’s greatest hits could be heard. After a two-minute break, in which Jackson simply stood still and let the cheers fall on him, he sang “Jam”, “Billie Jean”, “Black or White”, “We are the World” and “Heal the World”.
By the way, he was only persuaded to make this Super Bowl appearance at the time because the NFL made a generous donation to his foundation for young people in Los Angeles and gave him sufficient advertising time for the latter.
In the game, the Buffalo Bills had no chance against the Dallas Cowboys. The highlight was the NFL halftime show anyway when the ratings increased compared to the start of the game.
The biggest scandal of the Super Bowl halftime shows – the 2004 Nipplegate
In 2004, Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake were among others on stage. Ultimately, they should change the Super Bowl Halftime Show forever – but not from a musical point of view.
The reason for this was the legendary Nipplegate. But what exactly was it all about?
In the final song of the show, “Rock Your Body”, both danced together. Timberlake eventually tore off part of Jackson’s costume, revealing part of her breast, including nipple jewellery.
The broadcaster CBS quickly cut to an aerial photo, but the outcry in conservative America could not be stopped.
Since that Nipplegate, MTV is no longer allowed to produce Super Bowl halftime shows. On the other hand, the show will be broadcast with a five-second delay.
Thus, the director is given a longer time to react to the unforeseen.
Oh yeah, football was played too. The New England Patriots narrowly beat the Carolina Panthers. For Tom Brady, it was the second of a total of 9 Super Bowls.
Unique halftime event with Hall of Famers
Only the greatest in their field is in the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame. Two of the members were seen live on stage at the 2009 Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band had one of the last big rock performances at the NFL Finals before the league turned more towards pop.
Springsteen opened his show with the request: “I want you to turn off the guacamole dip and the chicken fingers.”
Those who obeyed this requirement were then allowed to enjoy 12 minutes of pure rock in perfection. The boss increased “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” with “Born to Run”, “Working on a Dream” and “Glory Days”.
Curious fact on the side: This Super Bowl Halftime Show also took place at Raymond James Stadium, just like in 2021. It was the last NFL final in Tampa so far. Incidentally, the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals very narrowly in this one.
Prince makes an unforgettable appearance on Super Bowl halftime show
The 2007 Super Bowl XLI was held at the Miami Dolphins’ Dolphin Stadium. The game between the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears was exciting, but it was outdone by the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Prince was responsible for this year. The halftime show was particularly explosive due to the pouring rain that set in around the game and caused great concern for the producers. They reached Prince by phone and reported the heavy rain in Florida.
He just replied: “Can you make it rain harder?”
At that point, it was clear that the NFL was about to have a legendary show, such as the great live version of “Purple Rain”.
But the cover versions of “We Will Rock You” (Queen) or “Best of You” (Foo Fighters) also tore the audience from their seats in this Super Bowl half-time show.
Memorable Super Bowl Halftime Show: A shark can’t be missing
Yes, that left shark has to be on this list too. When Katy Perry was confirmed for the Super Bowl halftime show in 2015, many expected a colourful pop spectacle – but not an unusual guest appearance.
We’re not talking about Missy Elliott or Lenny Kravitz, but the left shark. This appeared together with his right counterpart in the medley of “Teenage Dream” and “California Gurls” to dance with Katy Perry.
However, he did his thing so asynchronously that he immediately became an Internet sensation and remained a topic of conversation for months afterwards.
It wasn’t until some time after the Super Bowl Halftime Show that it emerged that “Left Shark” and “Right Shark” were Perry’s longtime background dancers. The performance was as spontaneous as it was in the end.
The left shark in Super Bowl XLIX ended up bringing more luck to the New England Patriots. The interception of Malcolm Butler on the 1-yard line against Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks is particularly memorable.
The stars of the Super Bowl halftime show since 2010
2020 Jennifer Lopez & Shakira
2019 Maroon 5
2018 Justin Timberlake
2017 Lady Gaga
2016 Coldplay
2015 Katy Perry
2014 Bruno Mars
2013 Beyonce
2012 Madonna
2011 The Black Eyed Peas
2010 The Who
