Musicians Who Have Played (And Played The Most) At The Super Bowl
The Super Bowl halftime show has become one of the most anticipated parts of the championship game.
But it wasn’t always like that. There was a time when it was just marching bands performing in between quarters. In fact, even though the first Super Bowl was played in 1967, the first celebrity to perform in halftime wasn’t until 1970. And even then it was a rare occasion.
That first celebrity to perform, according to wikipedia.org was Carol Channing. She first appeared in the 1970 halftime show. The next major celebrity to perform didn’t do so until 1981. That was Helen O’Connell, who was considered one of the biggest “big band” voices of the 1940’s (wikipedia.org). George Burns and Mickey Rooney graced the halftime stage in 1987. Chubby Checker and the Rockettes were the stars at the 1988 game.
The decade the Super Bowl halftime show became a major part of the game.
Even though celebrities had performed at halftime prior to the 1990’s, it was the 1993 Super Bowl that changed the game forever. The year Michael Jackson turned a once low-key excuse for a drink refill to a must-see show fans didn’t leave their seats for.
After that it was names like Patti LaBelle, Tony Bennett, Diana Ross, The Blues Brothers, Boyz II Men, Smokey Robinson, Queen Latifah, Martha Reeves, The Temptations, Gloria Estefan, Big Bad VooDoo Daddy, and Stevie Wonder on the halftime stage. And that was just the 90’s.
The 2000’s saw Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton, Aerosmith, ‘N’Sync, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly. U2, Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, Kid Rock, P. Diddy. And, of course, that famous moment between Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake in 2004 (wikipedia.org).
Turning from multiple stars to solo shows.
After that a lot of musicians were doing solo acts. Paul McCartney in 2005, the Rolling Stones in 2006. Prince in 2007 and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers in 2008. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band played in 2009 and The Who in 2010.
The next decade saw many shows with multiple artists. The Black Eyed Peas, Usher, and Slash in 2011. Bruno Mars and Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2014. Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott in 2015. Coldplay, Beyonce, and Bruno Mars in 2016. Maroon 5, Travis Scott, and Big Boi in 2019. Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Emme Muniz all performed in 2020. And 2022 saw even more talent on stage with Eminem, Dr. Dre. Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige.
The only solo artists to have performed in the last decade are Madonna in 2012, Beyonce in 2013, Lady Gaga in 2017, Justin Timberlake in 2018, The Weeknd in 2021 and Rihanna in 2023 (wikipedia.org).
So who has played the most Super Bowl shows?
Well it looks like only two people have three halftime shows under their belt. Justin Timberlake (2001, 2004 & 2018) and Gloria Estefan (1992, 1995 & 1999). And the rest who have more than one are Mary J. Blige (2001 & 2022), Stevie Wonder (1994 & 1999), Bruno Mars (2014 & 2016), Beyoncé (2013 & 2016), Nelly (2001 & 2004), Al Hirt (1978 & 1982) and Carol Channing (1970 & 1972).
There it is. Now take what you’ve learned here and go win your next trivia night at the pub!
Top Five Super Bowl Foods You Need At Your Party
Meatballs
This was the shocker! You’d think pizza, hot dogs, or even wings would break the top five foods to serve at your Super Bowl party, but they didn’t. A few are in the top ten though! But at number one, it’s Meatballs! It’s become the most popular finger food to have. Cooked all different ways, usually with a small jar of toothpicks on the side to pick them up! Meatballs is your must have food you need to serve at this years Super Bowl party! It was also the number one Googled food to serve at your Super Bowl Party!
Guacamole
It’s funny that Guacamole ranked above chips and salsa. Usually if you have chips and salsa, guacamole is right next to it! But according to the survey taken, guacamole was searched more on Google than chips and salsa. And it was ranked as top food to to have at a Super Bowl party by more states in the U.S. than chips and salsa!
Chips And Salsa
What’s any party with out the perfect pairing of chips and salsa! Especially for the big game, a big bowl of tortilla chips and a big bowl of your favorite salsa next to it, you’ll find yourself dipping and dipping! That’s why it’s one of the top searched foods on Google! And ranked top food by most states in the U.S.!
Tator Tots
Another food you’ll almost see at every Super Bowl party. Tator Tots are the perfect finger food. Served alone with dipping sauces on the side. Or loaded like nachos, but instead called Tatchos! Either way, this is a must have at your Super Bowl party!
Chili
Chili has been a staple food everyone has at their Super Bowl party! In fact there are parties where you’ll find over five different types and styles of the classic food! With that being said, you’d thing it would be the top food to serve. Surprisingly it’s not! It didn’t even crack the top three! I was ranked fifth.
