Super Bowl Halftime

Super Bowl Halftime Show

Considering the fact that the Super Bowl is one of the most watched television programs of the year, it is no wonder that the halftime shows, meant chiefly to entertain the masses, get zanier by the year, evolving from a traditional school marching band or contracting singers to perform National anthems to overproduced concerts performed by popular artists. The halftime show is so much a part of the novelty and popularity of the Super Bowl that an hour is allotted for the acts.

Super Bowl Halftime Shows

In order are some Super Bowl halftime shows. In 1993, Michael Jackson performed four songs at the Rose Bowl, accompanied at the finale with a card trick and chorus of 3,500 L.A. area children. In 2000, Disney produced a ten minute halftime orchestra featuring the likes of Phil Collins and Christina Aguilera with the theme of “Millennium Celebration” that they also promoted at Epcot at the amusement park, Walt Disney World. In 2001, Aerosmith and ‘N Sync performed the halftime show produced by MTV along with comedy skits by Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, and Chris Rock. 2002’s September 11th terrorist victim tribute halftime show was performed by humanitarian artist U2, singing three songs. 2003’s halftime show was performed by an assortment of artists such as Shania Twain, No Doubt, and Sting with a setlist of four songs. 2004’s halftime show featured the infamous Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake performance along with other artists Nelly, P.Diddy, Kid Rock, and Jessica Simpson, who were hardly worth mentioning after overwhelming media debates following the supposedly accidental breast exposure of Janet Jackson. Paul McCartney provided a respite from controversial halftime shows, performing for the event the in 2005, followed by an appearance by the aged and worn classic rock band the Rolling Stones in 2006.

2007 Halftime Show

Prince was responsible for the 2007 halftime show, performing seven songs for twelve minutes under heavy rain. The songs involved juxtaposed guitar solos reminiscent of the iconic style of Hendrix and Van Halen. The setlist was composed of an intro of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” followed by “Let’s Go Crazy,” ‘’Baby I’m A Star,” “Proud Mary,” “All Along the Watchtower,” “Best of You,” and finally ending with Prince’s “Purple Rain.” Magnificent lighting effects dominated the performance while Prince worked his finger magic on the guitar.The show was sponsered by Pepsi and produced by Don Mischer Productions and White Cherry Entertainment.