Though we have concerns about the safety, social, and health issues surrounding football, we undoubtedly recognize its grip on America's heart. Nowhere else is the love more apparent than the Super Bowl, which is why we're paying tribute this week to those who put on the big show half-way through the big show.
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SONG OF THE monDAY
NFL Super Bowl halftime shows of the 60s, 70s, and 80s primarily consisted of marching bands, drill teams, and children singing groups. In 1991 (XXV), as an attempt to increase viewership, New Kids On the Block headlined. They sang their 1990 hit Step By Step, but ABC didn't air the show until after the game due to Gulf War news coverage. Regardless of the initial impact on viewership, the trend of having big-time artists perform at the Super Bowl was born.
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SONG OF THE tuesDAY
Super Bowl XXVII (1993) was the only time a headliner got paid for their performance. The year before, FOX had aired a live episode of In Living Color that stole 22 million viewers from CBS. In reaction, NFL and Frito-Lay, the first halftime show sponsor, gave Michael Jackson’s Heal the World Foundation $100,000 and commercial time in exchange for his performance that included Billie Jean. The investment marked the first time that ratings increased between halves.
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SONG OF THE wednesDAY
The Super Bowl XXXVIII (2004) “wardrobe malfunction” happened after Janet Jackson had sang a few hits that included Rhythm Nation (1989). To end the show, Justin Timberlake tore off her shirt and revealed her breast, covered only by a nipple shield, for about half a second. “Nipplegate” is why there’s a five-second delay on all live broadcasts. It also inspired the creation of YouTube and earned MTV a life-time ban from producing a halftime show.
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SONG OF THE thursDAY
One of our favorite Super Bowl halftime performances is Lady Gaga’s forLI (2017). More people watched that than the game. It started with a pre-recorded scene that featured 300 light show drones and Gaga jumping off the top of NRG Stadium. She then sang a medley of hits, including Born This Way. The show was nominated for six Emmys, the most of any Super Bowl, and won for Outstanding Light Design. It's the second most-watched halftime show in history.
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SONG OF THE friDAY
Katy Perry’s performance at Super Bowl XLIX (2015) is currently the most-watched halftime show of all-time with 118.5 million viewers. Sponsored by Pepsi, the show featured artists Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott. Critics argued that Katy Perry didn’t need guest appearances because she was a big enough name to headline alone and that, with Right and Left Shark's help, her rendition of hits like Firework was all that was needed to wow the crowd.
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SONG OF THE saturDAY
U2 rocked XXXVI (2002), the first Super Bowl ever played in February. It was originally scheduled for January, but in the aftermath of 9/11, the NFL had postponed a week of play. Janet Jackson was supposed to headline, but she cancelled due to travel concerns. U2 sang a three-song set, ending with Where the Streets Have No Name as the names of 9/11 victims were projected onto a screen behind the band. It's considered one of the most-inspiring halftime shows ever.
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SONG OF THE sunDAY
Prince was the headliner for Super Bowl XLI (2007), the only Super Bowl played in the rain. His 12-minute performance ended with Purple Rain. The downpour, mixed with the purple lights surrounding the stage, was a stunning backdrop for the song. Critics claimed the controversial open was too risqué for TV viewers, but with brands like Snickers getting heat for inappropriate commercials, the raunchy innuendo was quickly forgotten.
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