The Super Bowl Halftime Show: A Global Entertainment Phenomenon
While American football remains the core attraction of Super Bowl Sunday, the halftime show has gradually evolved into one of the most anticipated moments in worldwide entertainment. Millions of viewers now tune in specifically for those 13 minutes of musical spectacle, often overshadowing the game itself. As Super Bowl LX approaches with Latin superstar Bad Bunny set to headline, it's the perfect time to examine the pivotal performances that have shaped how we perceive these shows today.
New Kids on the Block: Opening the Pop Music Door
For decades, Super Bowl halftime was dominated by marching bands and conservative performances. This tradition was dramatically broken in 1991 when New Kids on the Block became the first major pop act to headline. Their family-friendly show featured a children's choir and accessible songs. Though not critically acclaimed, its significance was undeniable. Band member Donnie Wahlberg later reflected, "I don't know how much pride I take in the actual performance. But I take pride in the fact that we were the first ones to do it."
Gloria Estefan: Changing the Language of Performance
In 1999, Gloria Estefan made history as the first Spanish-language artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. Her Miami performance seamlessly blended English and Spanish, authentically reflecting the city's cultural diversity. Years later, when advising Bad Bunny about his upcoming performance, Estefan emphasized, "Enjoy every second because it really goes by so fast."
Prince: Setting the Gold Standard in Adverse Conditions
Many critics and fans still consider Prince's 2007 halftime show the greatest ever staged. Performing during a torrential downpour, Prince closed his set with "Purple Rain," creating a magical, seemingly spontaneous moment that remains unforgettable. Sports publication The Athletic noted that no performer before or since has matched the sheer impact of that rainy night.
Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake: The Incident That Changed Television
Not all halftime moments brought celebration. The 2004 performance featuring Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake included a controversial wardrobe malfunction witnessed by over 140 million viewers. This incident triggered stricter broadcast regulations and fundamentally altered how live television events were produced and monitored for years afterward.
Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna: Redefining Modern Halftime Expectations
The modern era of halftime shows has been defined by groundbreaking performances. In 2025, Kendrick Lamar delivered the most-watched halftime show in history, attracting 133.5 million viewers according to Billboard. Two years earlier, Rihanna stunned audiences by performing an entire set while pregnant, suspended dramatically above the field. Media outlets praised her display of calm confidence and artistic control.
These transformative moments demonstrate how the Super Bowl halftime show has evolved from simple entertainment to cultural barometer, breaking records, changing rules, and reflecting societal shifts in real time. As Bad Bunny prepares to take the stage, he joins a legacy of artists who have turned 13 minutes into global history.
