The evolution of the Super Bowl Halftime Show
Photo by Sophia Novelo
The very first Super Bowl Halftime show was performed by the Three Stooges with The University Of Arizona and Grambling State marching band. It wasn’t until three years later that the event transitioned into displaying appearances from celebrities.
What do Doritos commercials, large amounts of American food consumption and a game of football all have in common? They are all aspects of the annual Super Bowl event: the yearly NFL championship between two teams, for which millions of sports fans come together to watch and wager. However, the one event that continues to draw in a huge crowd is the highly awaited Super Bowl Halftime show.
Established in 1967, the spectacle first featured acts by college bands. The very first Super Bowl Halftime show was performed by the Three Stooges with The University Of Arizona and Grambling State marching band. However, those performances didn’t prove to astonish viewers back then, and wouldn’t prove to excite many viewers now.
“I think if the Halftime show was performed by a college band [now], then I wouldn’t want to watch the show as much. I don’t think that marching band is as enjoyable for such a big event,” freshman Christian Chavez said.
It wasn’t until three years later that the event transitioned into displaying appearances from celebrities. Its very first celebrity appearance, Carol Channing, allowed for the franchise to combine the interests of music lovers and sports lovers alike. The Super Bowl was beginning to embark on a long journey of popularity.
“Even though I watch football regularly because my parents watch it, I tend to tune in from time to time. I’m always curious on what [an] artist has in store, since they usually go all out,” senior Francesca Mendoza said.
The show brought in artists like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Beyoncé, and many more beloved mainstream performers. The anticipation provided excitement and a prospect to look forward to for many eager viewers.
“When some celebrities who perform [in] completely different genres play together, it gives it excitement. Like, ‘Hey, I know them!’ It’s cool when you see [your] favorite artists perform together on one stage,” freshman Xochitl Miyoshi said.
The 2022 Super Bowl, featuring a face-off between the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams, will display a performance by a record-breaking number of artists: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar will all be performing at the show. For all sports and entertainment fans, the Super Bowl and its Halftime performance is a true sight to see.
Natalie Ner is a freshman at Mission Hills, who has just joined The Silvertip in the 2021-2022 school year as a staff writer. She believes that journalism...
(She/Her) Sophia Novelo is a senior and this is her second year in journalism. As an Editor-in-Chief, Sophia fosters an environment in which students'...
Maxie • Feb 13, 2022 at 6:43 pm
Nicely written Allie! I wouldn’t know about the half time show history in football had you not share your school article to us. I’m so proud of you! Keep up the good work!