One of the defining features of the Super Bowl, which sets it apart from the other major sports finals, is the halftime show. The 15-minute musical interlude is one of the biggest attractions of the event, featuring the stars of the day. During the early years, and for most of the first decade, a college marching band provided musical entertainment at the interval. Later, Up with People (UWP) got involved. Guests were usually from the jazz world - Ella Fitzgerald, Doc Severinson, Lionel Hampton and Anita Bryant were among the more well known entertainers invited to perform during the 1970s.
It wasn’t until the early 90s that popular music came to the fore. New Kids on the Block were the first pop act to headline, performing a couple of their hits at Super Bowl XXV in 1991. The move towards younger, chart-topping artists with a fresher appeal helped to boost dwindling television audience figures and during the last 33 years, several artists have appeared more than once.
Gloria Estefan, the artist to have appeared the most at the Super Bowl halftime show
Miami Sound Machine singer Gloria Estefan is the artist to have made the most appearances at the Super Bowl halftime show. The La Havana-born, eight-time Grammy winner made her debut appearance in the Winter Magic production at the XXVI edition in Minneapolis in January 1992. The singer took to the stage for the last five minutes, treating spectators to two of her self-penned hits: Live for Loving You and Get on Your Feet.
She was back three years later - this time bringing her band with her. Miami Sound Machine were invited guests for the Disney-produced, Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye halftime extravaganza, joining Patti Labelle and Tony Bennett on the main stage in Florida.
Gloria Estefan explained why she decided to turn down the opportunity to perform with J.Lo and Shakira at the 2020 Super Bowl. #BillboardNewspic.twitter.com/mtYxSgA1VY
Estefan’s last Super Bowl performance was in also in her hometown Florida - the city her family fled to when she was just a baby. ET flicked the switch to turn on the lights for the Super Bowl XXXIII halftime show where headliner Stevie Wonder was chauffeured in singing Sir Duke. Estefan appeared halfway through the segment, delivering a blistering, timbale-led latin workout - Oye Mi Cuerpo Pide Salsa followed by a cover of Vicky Sue Robinson’s 1976 disco anthem Turn The Beat Around. Stevie Wonder joined her for the finale - a medley of both of their hits: You’ll Be Mine (Party Time), Another Star and My Cherie Amour”.
Gloria almost made a fourth appearance. She explained why she turned down the chance to perform alongside Jennifer Lopez and Shakira at the 2020 Super Bowl as the limited running time wouldn’t allow all three to showcase their hits: “I literally would have come out, Come and Shake your Body - out!”
Twenty years ago today, a snafu during a Super Bowl halftime show featuring Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson made “wardrobe malfunction” a ubiquitous phrase. Why does the euphemism continue to titillate?https://t.co/zeART1jVYghttps://t.co/A5JPr3m6k7
Artists with multiple Super Bowl halftime show appearances
Gloria Estefan 1992, 1995 and 1999
Justin Timberlake 2004 and 2018
Nelly 2001 and 2004
Bruno Mars 2014 and 2016
Usher 2011 and 2024
In total, four artists have performed more than once at the halftime show - either as the headline act or special guest. Justin Timberlake, Nelly and Bruno Mars have all performed twice - Timberlake’s 2004 act going viral for Janet Jackson’s infamous wardrobe malfunction. This weekend, they will be joined by this year’s headliner Usher, who made his first appearance back in 2011 when the Steelers and the Packers scrapped it out for the title in Arlington, Texas. On that occasion, he only had a cameo role, singing just one song OMG, a duet with will.i.am.
In total, four artists have performed more than once at the halftime show - either as the headline act or special guest. Justin Timberlake, Nelly and Bruno Mars have all performed twice - Timberlake's 2004 act going viral for Janet Jackson's infamous wardrobe malfunction.
In total, four artists have performed more than once at the halftime show - either as the headline act or special guest. Justin Timberlake, Nelly and Bruno Mars have all performed twice - Timberlake's 2004 act going viral for Janet Jackson's infamous wardrobe malfunction.
Justin Timberlake has made three appearances at the Super Bowl halftime show. His first performance was in 2001 with *NSYNC and Aerosmith, followed by the infamous 2004 performance with Janet Jackson, and finally, his solo headlining set in 2018.
From A-listers like Adele and Taylor Swift who have never performed, and reportedly don't intend to anytime soon, to stars like Rihanna who once boycotted the event before changing her mind, there are many reasons why some artists have avoided the Super Bowl.
NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy told Newsweek in 2022 that the league doesn't pay halftime performers an "appearance fee, but the artists are indeed paid union scale." But Newsweek reported that under the union agreement that would've been about $1,000 a day for the Jennifer Lopez and Shakira Super ...
Ben Roethlisberger is the youngest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl in NFL history at 23 years, 11 months, and 3 days old. "Big Ben" and the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 in Super Bowl XL in 2006, ESPN reported.
And he paved the way for other mega-stars to want to do it. Did Michael Jackson ever perform at the Super Bowl? Michael Jackson performed the half time show January 31, 1993 at the Super Bowl XXVII in Pasadena, California. Until Jackson's performance the half time shows were yawn-worthy.
By making that mark, the Grammy-winning R&B star will set a new record for longest halftime show ever. “I can't explain why, but it's a funny thing that I was able to do and craft,” Usher explained to EW ahead of the big game.
Pink and Cardi B also rejected the NFL's offer to perform in 2019 for the same reason that Rihanna turned down the opportunity. Adele stressed in 2016 that she would not perform in the Super Bowl because "that show is not about music".
For years, Swift has allegedly declined the slot due to having inked a “long-term partnership” with Coca-Cola, the rival brand to the Super Bowl Halftime sponsor, Pepsi. When Apple Music took over as the official sponsor in 2022, there were rumors that she was offered the gig.
Adele talked about turning down the halftime show during a 2016 concert in Los Angeles, per Billboard. After rumors swirled that Adele would perform at the 2017 Super Bowl, she told a crowd at a 2016 concert in Los Angeles that she rejected the offer. "First of all, I'm not doing the Super Bowl.
Rihanna. Rihanna performs during Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show at State Farm Stadium on Feb. 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. With 121 million viewers, Rihanna's 2023 performance during Super Bowl LVII is the most-watched halftime show in history.
The first Super Bowl in 1967 featured the University of Arizona and Grambling State University bands. This choice showed the event's initial intent to celebrate collegiate spirit and musicality over commercial spectacle.
Michael Jackson famously requested $1 million to perform at the 1993 Super Bowl Halftime Show. The NFL said no and he eventually balked and performed for free.
Michael Jackson (1993): Michael Jackson's halftime show during Super Bowl XXVII is often considered one of the best. His performance of hits like "Billie Jean" and "Black or White" featured his signature dance moves and stage presence, captivating millions of viewers.
Introduction: My name is Pres. Carey Rath, I am a faithful, funny, vast, joyous, lively, brave, glamorous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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