The Athletic has stay protection of Chiefs vs Eagles in Tremendous Bowl LIX, and Kendrick Lamar’s halftime efficiency.
(Editor’s be aware: The Athletic baseball author Levi Weaver is an achieved singer, songwriter and musician who has performed roughly 1,000 exhibits in 43 states and 10 international locations.)
On Sunday, because the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas Metropolis Chiefs head to their locker rooms, crews will quickly set the stage (actually) for what has change into one of the high-profile music performances of every 12 months: the Tremendous Bowl halftime present.
This 12 months, headlining will probably be Kendrick Lamar, who — let’s admit it — has had himself a 12 months. Contemporary off 5 Grammy Award wins for “Not Like Us,” Lamar is a consummate showman with a eager eye for element.
GO DEEPER
Kendrick Lamar received 5 Grammys on Sunday. Now he prepares for his Tremendous Bowl set checklist
I do not know what to anticipate, however I will probably be locked in when the lights come up.
The massive query: The place will it rank all time? Upfront of this 12 months’s efficiency, I watched each Tremendous Bowl halftime present. (I don’t advocate doing this.) There are some sensible performances — by all means, rewatch these — however there are additionally just a few which are … nicely, you’ll see.
Right here’s the rubric I used for the rating. Probably the most a present might rating is 50 factors.
Music (1-10): Instrumentation, vocal efficiency
Staging (1-10): Mixture lighting/stage presentation and choreography
Set checklist (1-5): Have been the hits performed? Was the vitality excessive?
Memorable (1-10): Ten factors means we’re nonetheless speaking about it; one level means the identical factor, however for all of the fallacious causes.
“Vibes” (1-12): Crucial (and least tangible) component … did it work?
Geographic relevance (1-3): Was a neighborhood act integrated? Or, did the locale contribute to the efficiency in any respect?
In 1992, organizers had but to study that the Tremendous Bowl might have significantly better manufacturing worth. This one was so unhealthy that it prompted organizers to shake issues up the next 12 months — bringing in Michael Jackson and altering the halftime present endlessly.
Gloria Estefan’s efficiency was effective, however she didn’t even seem till late within the 13-minute present, after a snowflake military’s rendition of one thing referred to as “Winter Magic,” adopted by youngsters rapping about Frosty the Snowman.
I now consider that that is the video they present performers when asking, “Are you positive you don’t need to lip-sync it?”
The “Indiana Jones”-themed set regarded very costly, and the costumes definitely have been extra concerned than something we’d seen earlier than. However there was far an excessive amount of unhealthy appearing: A pretend Indiana Jones (not Harrison Ford) steals the Tremendous Bowl trophy, and there’s a struggle scene, replete with film sound bites enjoying. The entire thing felt like a half-baked promo put collectively by studio execs.
Patti LaBelle and Tony Bennett deserved higher, however each felt very shoehorned in, as if the organizers would have most well-liked to not embody musical visitors in any respect. They wrapped with “Can You Really feel The Love Tonight” from “The Lion King.” Mercifully, that was the tip.
The halftime present sponsored by Home of Blues. We might have had Wynton Marsalis, Dr. John, The Meters, Fat Domino, Allen Toussaint or the Preservation Corridor Jazz Band. As a substitute, this present kicked off with one other advertising and marketing scheme for an upcoming film a couple of blues band (from Chicago).
James Brown teamed with Jim Belushi — and ZZ Prime within the background — throughout halftime of Tremendous Bowl XXXI. (RVR Images / USA At this time)
James Brown was good (albeit lip-synced, as evidenced right here and elsewhere). ZZ Prime was strong. Good selections, however sullied by the blues headliners.
It ought to have labored. The halftime present was rising from the apologize-for-2004-by-booking-older-acts period, and the presentation was decidedly trendy — futuristic, even. All it lacked was an act that would sing on pitch. Fergie’s mic was lower for the primary few seconds, however looking back, I’m unsure turning it on was the very best treatment.
This efficiency seemed like a bunch of school associates on a enjoyable evening out at a karaoke bar. Slash did effective in his cameo, and Usher was … nicely, he did the splits, in order that was one thing. However apart from a flashy stage presentation, it was largely solely memorable for unlucky causes.
I completely hated this present in actual time. I did my greatest to look at it with contemporary eyes for this checklist.
I nonetheless hate it.
From the intro the place Bruce Springsteen barks at us to “put the rooster fingers dowwwwn” to having a referee throw a delay of sport flag simply earlier than Steven Van Zandt hollers, “It’s Boss tiiiiiiime!” … it’s simply all so very cringe.
The E Avenue Band is made up of some sensible musicians, and Springsteen is a good songwriter. That ought to increase them greater on this checklist, however for me, none of that was in a position to shine by way of the cheesiness of the presentation.
28: Diana Ross (1996): 25 factors
It’s truthfully outstanding what number of of those really feel like an try and appropriate a mistake made the 12 months earlier than. A 12 months after the “Indiana Jones” debacle, organizers went again to a extra conventional on-field setup: marching band members in formation as Diana Ross blasted by way of a medley of her quite a few hits from a bare-bones stage.
It was very simple, inoffensive and an affordable marriage of old-style choreography with a giant star on the heart. However none of it felt very ingenious or as much as the scope of the occasion. The exit through helicopter was a pleasant contact, I assume.
27. The Who (2010): 26.5 factors
Sorry for getting within the music manufacturing weeds right here, however I feel I’ve a principle for why this set fell flat. They blended a rock and roll band like a pop act: The vocals have been means too distinguished over the instrumentation. Given how a lot effort it took Pete Townshend to hit the excessive notes on “Baba O’Riley” and the way half-baked Roger Daltrey’s harmonica solo sounded, it was a very egregious determination.
At their greatest, The Who have been on the forefront of the rock and roll revolution. Right here, they arrive off as an anachronism on a futuristic light-show stage.
The concept — celebrating 40 years of Motown — was strong. Mixing artists from the heyday of Motown (The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Martha and the Vandellas) with present artists (Queen Latifah, Boyz II Males), I used to be . I like all of those acts. It was like seeing a residing museum of the Motown period, with a contemporary wing for the children. There’s worth in that!
However was it leisure worth? To not the extent you’d anticipate from a Tremendous Bowl halftime present.
This one scores excessive in stage presentation. The set regarded nearer to an Olympics opening ceremony than something beforehand seen at a Tremendous Bowl. Throw within the Disney orchestra, and the entire thing felt very grandiose.
Sadly, as soon as the artists took the stage, it began to really feel very not-so-grandiose. The Tremendous Bowl halftime present must be a celebration, not an emotional remaining scene of an inspirational movie. When Edward James Olmos’ narration begins — he even used the phrase “the tapestry of magic”— it’s obvious: They need us to really feel issues.
Simply play the hits! Do the drum factor from “In The Air Tonight.” It’s so easy!
A significantly better set checklist, however in some way, the sum was lower than the elements. I can’t knock Shania Twain’s efficiency in any respect. Gwen Stefani was a bit pitchy from all of the operating round and dancing, however it was nonetheless fairly good. The Police ought to have gotten an extended set, and Sting’s try to duplicate Nelly’s half-jersey from just a few years prior wasn’t nice.
General, it lacked components that may have made it memorable.
I attempted to rank on the deserves of efficiency alone. Beginning the present in a small membership environment under the stadium was a pleasant contact. However then, Justin Timberlake goes into “Rock Your Physique” (the offending track from 2004 … extra on that later), omitting the ultimate line with a “maintain up, cease.” And later within the set, “Cry Me a River” — written about Britney Spears — additionally hits in another way, understanding what we all know now.
It’s a disgrace as a result of devoid of context, this was an objectively sensible efficiency. There was even a tribute to Prince, with a shot of Minneapolis lit up in purple!
That is murky, and once more, I actually tried to rank on the deserves of the efficiency — despite the fact that I do know full nicely what everybody remembers. I feel this was an objectively higher halftime present than the Rolling Stones … however the metrics are the metrics, and everybody talked about this for the fallacious causes.
Even earlier than the “incident,” this halftime present already had a distinct vibe than any we’d seen earlier than. We even obtained our first curse phrase in albeit a reasonably tame “ass is bodacious” line by Nelly. On reflection, listening to “I get so scorching; I’m gonna take my garments off” feels extra like an omen than a singalong. Child Rock even references “topless dancers” and “methadone clinics” in “Bawitdaba.”
It was a contemporary, barely extra tawdry halftime present! After which …
It’s a disgrace that the present as an entire is kind of forgotten because of controversy. Janet Jackson deserved higher.
This was the second 12 months of the “classic acts” period. It’s nowhere close to “Winter Magic” unhealthy, however after 2004’s controversy scuttled a blossoming development of a number of megastars on stage without delay, it was a little bit of a letdown to see a shorter model of an ordinary present from a band whose peak was 25 or so years prior — even when they’re one of many all-time nice touring acts.
Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones carried out throughout halftime of Tremendous Bowl XL. (John David Mercer / USA At this time)
As Mick Jagger mentioned earlier than launching into “Satisfaction”: “This one, we coulda executed at Tremendous Bowl I.”
If they’d, it could be a lot greater on this checklist.
Massive Unhealthy Voodoo Daddy is an effective instance of how a band doesn’t need to be the most important act on the earth to succeed on a big stage. Swing music was going by way of a renaissance round this time, and so they kicked off the present with a enjoyable (if a bit dated) vibe.
However what I actually need to speak about is that this: Stevie Surprise was driving a automobile. (Let’s throw it to Shaquille O’Neal for conspiracy principle story time.)
Surprise’s set was uncharacteristically shaky — some echo points that have been out of his management and one botched excessive be aware — however nonetheless good. It was Estefan who caught the touchdown. The Latin-infused set was an ideal match for Miami. General, fairly good for the period!
Adam Levine’s vocals are a giant a part of what makes Maroon 5 such a great band, so it was a bit disappointing for them to be simply OK within the first half of the present. The falsetto in “She Will Be Liked” and “Strikes Like Jagger” was sturdy — much less so in “Sugar.”
I can’t resolve how I really feel in regards to the “SpongeBob SquarePants” introduction of Travis Scott. My intestine says “unhealthy,” however my coronary heart tells me to cease being previous and grumpy. My larger subject was when you’re going to need to bleep out half of Scott’s efficiency, perhaps simply go along with another person?
Factors for getting Massive Boi for an Atlanta Tremendous Bowl, however in any other case (past Levine taking off his shirt) this was a reasonably forgettable present.
18. Tom Petty (2008): 32.5 factors
It was a reasonably good present by an incredible artist. Only a few bells and whistles, simply the hits. Get in, get out, passing grade, on to the following.
Prince and Tom Petty performed in back-to-back halftime exhibits. Following Prince most likely hurts Petty’s rating right here. Not his fault, only a powerful draw.
A Beatle? Enjoying The Beatles songs? On a stage that really took some effort to assemble? Massive pyrotechnics? Looks as if a profitable mixture. I’m nearly inclined to forgive an emotional ballad right here, since a whole Tremendous Bowl crowd singing alongside to “Hey Jude” is a second that these in attendance absolutely haven’t forgotten.
Sadly, it’s painfully apparent that 2005 marked the start of a seven-year period of halftime exhibits that appeared designed to apologize to the general public for the controversy of 2004. The objective appeared much less to take the halftime present to new heights and extra to easily keep away from a global incident. Mission achieved, however in context, it was somewhat boring in comparison with what it might have been.
Nation music was having a second in 1994, and this lineup labored nice for a southern Tremendous Bowl in Atlanta. Clint Black had larger hits, however going with “Tuckered Out” earlier than handing it off to the inimitable Tanya Tucker was a pun I can respect. The Judds had damaged up 4 years prior, so it was cool to see Naomi be part of her daughter Wynonna on stage for “Love Can Construct a Bridge” (although “Rockin’ With the Rhythm of the Rain” would have been higher, for my part).
Whereas the music was strong, the manufacturing worth was fairly mid for the primary three performers, till the youthful Judd took the stage to a sea of sword-length glow sticks that actually emphasised the stadium-show really feel. I’m unsure they might have executed far more, although. Too many bells and whistles would have felt inauthentic.
2001 marked a sea change between protected and middle-of-the-road to discovering the most important stars of the day — after which including some extra huge stars. Nice in principle, however going backwards and forwards between NSYNC and Aerosmith for the primary half was vibes whiplash. Happily, it improved when the collaboration obtained began with “Stroll This Manner.”
I might have beloved to have seen Run-DMC right here, however Britney Spears and Mary J. Blige stuffed in brilliantly. Nelly’s half-Ravens/half-Giants jersey was one thing we’ll all bear in mind.
It was at this level I noticed that I want when the Tremendous Bowl will not be on the West Coast. We get a nighttime present as a substitute of a mid-afternoon competition really feel. Organizers did a great job using a whole lot of vivid colours and flowers into the staging, however it didn’t really feel like an actual celebration whereas the solar was up.
I imply no offense to Coldplay after I say this: Their efficiency was precisely a Coldplay present, and so they’re one of many greatest bands of this millennium. However when Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars hit the stage, the vitality degree soared. Mars was fitted to this stage. So was Beyoncé, and the dance-off mashup between the 2 was the kind of pairing the halftime present ought to attempt for.
13. Girl Gaga (2017): 36.5 factors
The selection to pair “God Bless America” and “This Land is Your Land” as an opener was not solely low-energy, however a bizarre pairing. I get why one may need felt we would have liked some therapeutic and unity in January 2017, however this felt pressured and ill-advised.
However then, the leap — adopted by the descent to the stage whereas Girl Gaga kicked her legs like a frog mad about being picked up — lives rent-free in my head at the very least a half-dozen occasions a 12 months.
Had the present began across the 1:20 mark, it could have ranked greater, as the remainder of the present was classic Girl Gaga. Daring stage selections with art-school aesthetics, huge hits, good vocal efficiency … and even a keytar! The present even completed with Gaga leaping off one thing else, this time catching a ball within the course of. I might have lived with out slowing the present down with “Million Causes,” however I’d be beating a lifeless horse about maintaining the set checklist peppy.
12. Usher (2024): 37.5 factors
For as wonderful because the second half of this present was, it is going to be straightforward to neglect in just a few years that it began fairly shaky. Usher’s vocals sounded uncharacteristically wobbly for the primary couple of songs, as did Alicia Keys’. It made me marvel if there was an issue with the in-ear screens.
However after a fast web page from the Maroon 5 playbook (vocals struggling? Take off your shirt!) the vibes pulled a 180-degree flip. Whereas H.E.R. owned the second with a killer guitar solo, Usher pulled off a fast costume change that included curler skates (factors for distinctive props).
Usher danced on skates throughout halftime of Tremendous Bowl LVIII. (Mark J. Rebilas / USA At this time)
By the point Lil Jon and Ludacris confirmed up for “Yeah!,” it was a full-blown celebration. In the event that they’d been in a position to deliver that vitality from the start, this might have ranked greater.
11. The Weeknd (2021): 39 factors
The efficiency that launched one million memes. I’m a giant fan of blending in some trendy artists who don’t have the decades-long cache of hits to select from.
Efficiency-wise, it was good! His decrease vocal register was a bit shaky, however my goodness did he blast out the excessive notes. Sadly (in direct distinction to The Who), the vocals have been blended too low. I really feel like I can hear the drum cymbals above all the pieces else for the primary half of the present. However this present was extra in regards to the spectacle than the efficiency, and on that entrance, it delivered. Even the very fact he spent so lengthy in that lit-up hall with the masked dancers was delightfully bizarre.
At this level in halftime present historical past, the phases had been getting larger and extra elaborate. I assumed this may be the apex, however the next 12 months raised the bar even additional (extra on that later).
That is The Weeknd’s meme-generator predecessor. We nonetheless bear in mind Left Shark a decade later. Additionally, bear in mind Katy Perry using in on that huge robotic-looking, Transformer/Mufasa factor?
I’m unsure the second half of the present — with all of the cartoonish, beach-ball mascot dancers and palm bushes — would have labored for a halftime present had the shark on the left not forgotten the majority of the dance routine. It was such a phenomenon that individuals are likely to neglect that Missy Elliott additionally placed on an incredible efficiency of “Get Ur Freak On” and “Lose Management.”
9. Rihanna (2023): 41 factors
Some essential context: Rihanna hadn’t performed a present in 5 years. It was later revealed she additionally was pregnant along with her second youngster.
And but, there she was, suspended excessive above the sector at State Farm Stadium.
If context advantages, it will probably additionally take away. If we might time-travel Rihanna again to 2006, it could have been among the many most iconic performances of all time, on any stage. Floating phases. The dancers and the choreography. The variety of licensed bangers. The extent of creativity and spectacle would have damaged our collective psyche.
However in 2023? One of the best present within the historical past of the world (circa 2006) was only a good halftime present. It was good! I’ve no nitpicks. However was it particular? Nicely, it cracked this prime 10, so … somewhat bit?
Lastly, the Materials Woman arrived on the centerpiece of American extra.
It was all the pieces you’d anticipate from a Madonna present: hit after hit, barely tawdry choreography, a gospel choir, centurions. Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. nonetheless have been early of their careers however held their very own as visitor stars, as did CeeLo Inexperienced.
A fantastic halftime present, however I’d be remiss to not level out that M.I.A. flipped off the digital camera as she delivered the road “I don’t give a s—,” which triggered the NFL to make the following transfer.
That is by far essentially the most, uh, “sensual” halftime present we’ve ever seen. From Shakira stomach dancing with a rope to Jennifer Lopez’s pole routine above a writhing mass of backing dancers, it was positively pushing envelopes.
However it wasn’t all hip shaking and pelvic thrusts. The six-piece brass ensemble serving as Shakira’s backing dancers was a pleasant contact, and her vocal efficiency was among the finest we’ve seen. J-Lo’s vocal efficiency completely exceeded my expectations, as nicely, going full-throated rasp at occasions and staying on pitch. After which Shakira hopped on a drum equipment and performed it nicely? Dang!
From a expertise standpoint, I can’t deduct any factors in any respect. The Latin-influenced dance finale was an ideal ending to a set that felt very Miami. So far as the final sexiness of all of it, it wasn’t obscene, however it positively pushed the boundaries of what we might anticipate from a halftime present.
I had been saying for some time at this level that the Tremendous Bowl wanted a halftime present of Bruno Mars and Janelle Monáe. This present granted half of my request, and I felt vindicated.
After a brief intro with Mars enjoying a drum solo, it was time to celebration. Pedal down, begin to end. Mars’ persona and catalog are uniquely and completely fitted to this event. The objective of his profession appears to be getting everybody on the dance ground and having the evening of their lives. It’s a real expertise to be on the world’s greatest stage and nonetheless make the viewers really feel just like the expertise is about them.
No offense to the Pink Scorching Chili Peppers, who’re consummate performers and did nothing fallacious, however I might have been effective to let Mars do the entire thing. Nonetheless, the chaotic mashup of the 2 acts was a spectacle and deserves credit score for working nicely as a one-off.
Think about that the one halftime exhibits you’ve ever seen concerned marching bands or youngsters rapping about snowmen. After which, one of the transformative artists of all time begins his efficiency by defiantly posing on the stage in silence — for a minute and a half.
Michael Jackson placed on an unforgettable present throughout halftime of Tremendous Bowl XXVII. (Steve Granitz / WireImage)
It’s extremely uncommon for one thing from 1993 to carry up greater than 30 years later, however this efficiency does. The manufacturing worth (by 1993 requirements, anyway), the musicianship (bonus factors for guitarist Jennifer Batten’s glam-rock coiffure including to the message that this was one thing completely different) … it completely modified the Tremendous Bowl halftime present endlessly. And despite the fact that it’s clearly dated, it holds up.
The one actual deduction comes from shifting gears to an overwrought rendition of “We Are the World” when “Thriller,” “Unhealthy” and others have been proper there for the taking.
I’m going to get roasted for placing this forward of Michael Jackson, however with factors for stage presentation and set checklist, that’s the way it shakes out. Beyoncé’s vocals have been flawless, and the stage and lighting have been immaculate, with video screens permitting Beyoncé to function her personal backing dancer(s). Oh, and Future’s Youngster reunited after a seven-year (!) hiatus. From starting to finish, this was a flawless halftime present: a megastar, a reunion, a high-energy set and an attractive stage.
Additionally, it wasn’t till Beyoncé requested the group to place their arms collectively that I noticed there hadn’t been a lot crowd participation in these exhibits. It’s a small factor, however it performed nicely.
This one had all of it, with one exception: a second that transcended the efficiency and elevated past greatness and into magic.
3. U2 (2002): 48 factors
There have been no visitor stars for this one, which felt precisely proper. I’m hard-pressed to think about every other band that would deal with the emotional gravitas of a Tremendous Bowl that got here lower than six months after 9/11. U2 managed to drag off the inconceivable — performing a touching tribute to a second that was, on the time, nonetheless too huge and too new to completely course of … however doing so with out sacrificing an oz of showmanship or delving into jingoism.
The band opened with “Stunning Day” earlier than going into “MLK” as a big banner that includes the names of those that died within the assaults rose behind them to the highest of the stadium. They wrapped with “The place the Streets Have No Title.” I bear in mind audibly gasping because the banner fell on the finish.
It was the one halftime present the place it was completely effective to be emotional.
This lineup, in Los Angeles, had Dr. Dre kicking off proceedings sitting behind an all-white mixing board as a hat tip to the variety of hits he has produced. It had a stage that was a map of town, replete with classic vehicles and homes with rooms. It had Anderson .Paak and band members enjoying together with the tracks. It had dancers. That is the best stage design in halftime present historical past, arms down.
However an incredible stage is nothing with no efficiency to match, and amongst these legends, there have been greater than sufficient hits to make a set checklist that featured no weak spots. The spectacle was surreal perfection. Kendrick Lamar delivered a pointy efficiency with memorable choreography that contributed to organizers reserving him because the headliner in 2025. The staging and upside-down 50 Cent have been essentially the most tweetable photos of the evening, however Lamar’s efficiency was underrated.
End it with Dr. Dre enjoying the piano on “Nonetheless D.R.E.,” and it’s the second-best Tremendous Bowl halftime present of all time.
1. Prince (2007): 50 factors
“(The stage) was slippery to start with, and when it rained on it, it was treacherous.”
The deluge started about 30 seconds earlier than Prince took the stage, and organizers requested Prince if he wished to cancel the efficiency as a consequence of security considerations. Prince, per Tremendous Bowl halftime present producer Don Mischer, answered the query with a query: “Are you able to make it rain more durable?”
When he launched into the guitar solo of “Purple Rain” because the heavens poured forth, it was a type of moments that no person ever might have deliberate. Not simply an all-time halftime present, however an all-time rock and roll efficiency.
It was transcendent, and it’s a halftime present many have watched on a number of events since.
(Prime photograph of Kendrick Lamar: Mike Coppola / Getty Pictures)