Siedah Garrett Remembers Performing with Michael Jackson at Super Bowl XXVII
On January 31, Grammy Award-winning singer Siedah Garrett took to social media platforms Instagram and X to share a nostalgic throwback photograph of the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The iconic image captures Jackson during his legendary performance at the 1993 Super Bowl XXVII halftime show.
In the photograph, Michael Jackson is seen wearing a crisp white button-down shirt layered over a round-collared t-shirt, paired with matte black pants and his signature white socks. He stands confidently on stage, striking his classic arms-outstretched pose that became synonymous with his electrifying stage presence.
Garrett's Emotional Tribute to Jackson's Legacy
Siedah Garrett accompanied the photograph with a heartfelt caption that read: "It was 33 years ago today, I had the honor of performing with Michael Jackson at Super Bowl XXVII. One of the many highlights of my career! MJ revolutionized the halftime show and made HIStory!!"
Garrett's post sparked waves of nostalgia among fans and music enthusiasts, reminding everyone of Jackson's groundbreaking impact on live entertainment and halftime performances.
The Unforgettable Two-Minute Silence
One of the most memorable moments from that historic performance was when Michael Jackson mesmerized global audiences by standing perfectly still on live television for two full minutes. This masterful use of dead silence transformed into a spectacular spectacle that left millions of viewers breathless and awe-inspired.
In December 2021, when Rolling Stone Magazine's Andy Greene asked Garrett about this particular moment, she recalled: "That was ridiculous. When he was on, he was really, really on. He put on a good show every night. But there were some nights where we had to stand and applaud. We were like, 'Damn!' He is the only person that I have ever known of or heard of that can spin eight full revolutions on his heel. What?! We watched him do it. Somebody filmed it, and they slowed it down. It was eight full revolutions. Crazy. There were some nights where even we had to give it up, and we saw him every night."
Jackson's Concern for the Football Audience
Interestingly, background singer Siedah Garrett initially wasn't excited about performing at the halftime show. "I wasn't thrilled about it at all," Garrett told Chuck Arnold of the New York Post in February 2023. "I was like, 'Okay, we gotta do this. It's a job.' And it turned out to be so much more than that."
Speaking about Jackson's mindset before the performance, she revealed he "wasn't nervous, he was excited." However, Jackson had specific concerns about his audience. "He was worried about the good ol' boys and how he was gonna come off to them," Garrett shared. "He was more concerned about entertaining those football guys who were just there to see the game, didn't care who was on at the halftime show. They would usually leave and go to the bathroom or do whatever. But nobody left their seats with this halftime show."
The Historic Setlist and Lasting Impact
During that legendary performance, The King of Pop delivered an unforgettable setlist that included:
- "Billie Jean"
- "Jam"
- "We Are the World"
- "Black or White"
- "Heal the World"
The 1993 Super Bowl halftime show is widely considered a turning point in entertainment history because it remarkably drew more viewers than the actual game itself. For an impressive 32 years, it remained the most-watched television event of its kind.
Record-Breaking Viewership and Modern Comparisons
Michael Jackson's halftime show held the record for the most-watched Super Bowl halftime performance with 133.4 million viewers until very recently. This record was finally broken by Kendrick Lamar at Super Bowl 59 on February 10, 2025, which attracted 133.5 million viewers.
Last year, the Philadelphia Eagles emerged victorious in Super Bowl LIX. Looking ahead, Bad Bunny is scheduled to perform at the Super Bowl LX halftime show on February 8, 2026, continuing the tradition of spectacular musical performances during America's biggest sporting event.
The legacy of Michael Jackson's 1993 performance continues to influence how artists approach halftime shows today, setting a standard of excellence that combines musical artistry with theatrical spectacle.
