The corny commercials finally fade to black, and the room buzzes with anticipation. Everyone grabs their chips, sinks into the couch and locks their eyes on the screen as the Super Bowl halftime performer takes the stage. Then, just as the music begins, your mom squints at the TV and asks, “Who is that?” The Super Bowl Halftime Show is the biggest performance of an artist’s career, and it should reflect that by being an unforgettable, large-scale event. This isn’t just another concert stop on a tour, but rather a moment designed to captivate millions of viewers worldwide. The Super Bowl is the most-watched TV event of all time, so it’s the performer’s time to make an impact.
However, a major part of what makes the halftime show special is its ability to bring people together through music that resonates with a broader audience. In recent years, the NFL’s choice of performers has struggled to achieve this.
The NFL may be trying to appeal to younger viewers in an effort to keep football relevant for future generations and to get more attention on social media, but the halftime show isn’t just about attracting new fans or gaining attention. The Super Bowl is one of the few events that draws families, friends and people of all ages together, and the halftime show should reflect that wide-ranging audience. When the performer is chosen primarily with younger viewers in mind, older audiences may struggle to engage with the performance. A truly successful halftime show should create a shared experience that brings people together, rather than catering too much to a single demographic.
While artists like Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna and The Weeknd are undeniably talented and have made significant contributions to the music industry, their core fan bases are primarily younger. Many older viewers are unfamiliar with their music or don’t have the same nostalgic connection to their songs, making it harder for them to enjoy the show. This shift risks making the halftime show less of a universal spectacle and more of a performance that your mom dozes off to.
In contrast, past Super Bowl Halftime Shows featured artists with a reach that spanned multiple generations. Michael Jackson’s 1993 performance set the standard for what a halftime show should be, by not only doing a global and innovative performance, but also by sending a message. Jackson’s performance had a large group of dancers holding signs and members of the crowd doing the same. The signs sent a message of unity and equality for all, which was a very strong message at the time. Later acts like Prince, U2 and Bruce Springsteen brought music that resonated across age groups as well. These performances weren’t just about putting on a good show for one age group, they created moments that left a lasting impact on everyone watching. When the NFL chooses artists with widespread recognition, the halftime show becomes more than just a concert; it becomes an event that unites millions of viewers.
If the goal of the halftime show is to be one of the highlights of the Super Bowl, the NFL needs to find a better balance between modern relevance and broad appeal. Although it is hard to find a performer who works for everyone, there are still artists today who have the ability to bridge generational gaps. Artists like Adele, Beyonce, Elton John or Taylor Swift should be the ones taking center stage.
The best halftime performances are the ones that feel timeless, creating a shared experience for people of all ages. By choosing artists with a reach across generations, the NFL can ensure that the halftime show remains a moment that truly brings people together, rather than dividing the audience along age lines.
