Super Bowl LIX, a spectacle of sports, music, and entertainment, delivered a record-breaking audience of 110 million viewers, making it the most-watched Super Bowl in history. The event was a testament to the enduring power of show business, with Kendrick Lamar's halftime performance drawing particular attention.
Lamar's set, featuring a guest appearance by SZA, was a powerful display of artistry and social commentary. The performance, which included hits like "Not Like Us," "TV Off," and "HUMBLE.," was widely praised for its energy and message of unity. The show also marked Lamar's second appearance on the NFL's biggest stage, following his 2022 performance alongside hip-hop icons Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige.
The Super Bowl halftime show has evolved significantly over the years, from humble beginnings with marching bands to a global entertainment spectacle. The show has become a platform for artists to showcase their talents and reach a massive audience. The event has also been a source of controversy, with some performances sparking discussions of gender equality, racial discrimination, and censorship.
In 2004, Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake's performance sparked the infamous "Nipplegate" incident, which led to a new technical innovation: YouTube. The incident, which became the most replayed moment in the history of TiVo, reportedly inspired Jawed Karim, one of the founders of YouTube, to create the video streaming site. YouTube's initial traffic came largely from people searching for videos of the "wardrobe malfunction."
The Super Bowl halftime show has also been a source of financial gain for performers, with artists like Lady Gaga seeing a 1,000 percent increase in record sales after her 2017 performance. However, the NFL does not pay artists to perform, instead covering the cost of production, which has grown dramatically in recent years. The 2020 halftime show featuring Jennifer Lopez and Shakira reportedly cost $13 million, while The Weeknd's performance the following year cost an estimated $17 to $20 million.
Despite the financial benefits, some artists have declined the opportunity to perform at the Super Bowl, citing concerns about the NFL's treatment of Colin Kaepernick, who was ostracized from the league for kneeling during the National Anthem as a protest against racial injustice. Pink, Rihanna, and Cardi B have all turned down the halftime show in solidarity with Kaepernick.
The Super Bowl halftime show remains a coveted platform for artists to reach a global audience and make a statement. The show's history is filled with memorable performances, controversies, and record-breaking moments, making it a significant event in the world of show business.