How Michael Jackson Transformed Super Bowl Halftime Shows Forever!

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Every year, the Super Bowl half-time show is a grand event that captivates audiences, even those not particularly interested in football. The identity of the performer often sparks intrigue and conversation. For numerous artists, being selected for this performance holds significant value. This year’s example is Lil Wayne, who felt somewhat excluded when Kendrick Lamar was chosen to perform. The reason behind the halftime show’s immense popularity is an interesting topic, and I discovered it can be traced back to one individual – Michael Jackson.

Before the late music icon’s show in 1993, the halftime segement was largely considered a “lousy marching band event” The King of Pop changed all of that by crafting a grandiose production at the Rose Bowl for Super Bowl XXVII that continues to set the standard for artists today. According to a joint Instagram post from Golden Era Stories and RnBass, the show was set in motion with a phone call at three in the morning, and two minutes of anticipation:

I want to determine when the show starts—I have a concept for the beginning.

When it was time to perform, Michael Jackson held off starting for two whole minutes, sparking excitement among the crowd. By pausing and holding back the beginning signal, he allowed the audience’s energy to grow without moving much himself beyond glancing around the stage. According to the video, this is what happened.

In a remarkable turn of events, the mid-game spectacle he orchestrated surpassed the viewership ratings of the actual game itself – a feat that had previously been unheard of.

More on Super Bowl Halftime Show

It’s possible that Stephen A. Smith expressed some straightforward opinions about Serena Williams’ appearance; however, this doesn’t equate to him being critical of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance.

Each year, this entertainment statement has triggered a chain reaction, with artists striving to replicate its grandeur and thrill ever since. To many, it’s not the football games that linger in memory, but the spectacular show. Artists have employed their performances as platforms to express messages, much like Michael Jackson used his to assert mastery not just over the stage, but over the entire event.

Occasionally, remarkable performances can be etched in our memory for unanticipated causes too. For instance, Rihanna’s standout moment during Super Bowl LVII was initially due to a wardrobe mishap. However, she revealed her second pregnancy at that event. Similarly, Lady Gaga turned the unwarranted criticism about her physique following her LI performance into a platform for promoting positivity and self-empowerment.

Regarding the latest concert, much attention centered on the ongoing feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Yet, Kendrick Lamar’s remarkable performance was filled with significant and captivating visuals that delivered social commentary and paid tribute to his roots in Compton. This performance was truly a spectacle and managed to break records, making it the most-watched halftime show ever. Needless to say, achieving this is no small feat.

It’s hard to deny that the show we know today wouldn’t be as significant without Michael Jackson’s influence. He established a benchmark, and numerous artists have aimed not only to excel individually but also to surpass their predecessors. However, I think very few have truly surpassed MJ’s achievements.

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2025-02-17 23:37