Super Bowl: What makes halftime show a big hit? Who is performing in 2024?

Beyond the coming together of two of the best American Football teams over the course of the season, the Super Bowl is also a celebration with the halftime show a big aspect. One could argue the halftime show and advertisements is where the game actually earns its money.

The show is headlined by some of the biggest artists with Rihanna; Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar; The Weeknd; Shakira and Jennifer Lopez leading the star cast when the teams head to the locker rooms for a break.

The popularity of the Super Bowl halftime show can be guaged by the viewership. The Super Bowl LVII halftime show featuring Rihanna is the most watched halftime show, with a TV audience of over 121 million. On YouTube, the show starring Shakira and Jennifer Lopez garnered 295 million views.
The Super Bowl LVI halftime show starring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live). Lady Gaga’s appearance in 2017 is the most nominated show.

For the artists themselves, it is an opportunity to play in front of an audience bigger than they’ve possibly encountered. It wasn’t always the case until Michael Jackson turned things around in 1993. The ‘King of Pop’ switched the importance of the Super Bowl halftime show with a jaw-dropping performance at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. That show saw him perform the classic ‘Heal the World’ with the company of 3,500 local children.

Ever since, the halftime show became a separate event unto itself with the biggest musicians performing at the biggest sporting event in America, if not the world. It became an offering of live music and entertainment as football fans waited patiently for the third quarter to begin. For musicians, meanwhile, it became a badge of honour for their credentials.

Who is performing at Super Bowl 2024?

The 2024 Super Bowl, to take place at the Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada is the first to take place in Las Vegas. It will feature appearances from Usher, Reba McEntire, and others.

R&B legend Usher will headline the Super Bowl this year with the game featuring San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs. He has been part of the big game before but never as the headline act. He previously appeared as a guest when Black Eyed Peas starred at Super Bowl XLV.

Most performers are tasked with keeping their performance into an incredibly tight show that runs around 13 minutes, Usher has revealed that he managed to get 15 minutes.

“I can’t explain why, but it’s a funny thing that I was able to do and craft,” Usher told EW ahead of the big game. “That was a huge strategic thing that happened between me and my agency.”

He didn’t reveal who could be the special guest. However, it’s not mandatory for the headliner to bring out an A-list guest. Neither Rihanna or The Weeknd brought out guest performers.

Other performers at Super Bowl 2024 include Country Music Hall of Famer Reba McEntire, who is enlisted to sing the national anthem. Post Malone will also be part of the pre-game festivities. He will sing “America the Beautiful,” part of a three-song run. Andra Day will sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often called the Black National Anthem.

DJ Tiesto has been announced as the Super Bowl’s first-ever in-game DJ. He will play music as the players warm up and in “featured breaks” during the fixture. “I’m excited to be a part of the Super Bowl LVIII,” Tiësto said in a statement. “And it’s even more incredible that it’s in my favorite place — Las Vegas.”