Usher’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance has gotten many people to reflect on past shows. Certainly, the best and most memorable ones will forever live in the cultural zeitgeist. But, sometimes, a show’s popularity comes not from how good it is but how bad it is. In this article, we’d like to look at the worst Super Bowl halftime shows ever.
What is the Halftime Show?
Before we start, it is only fair that we discuss what the halftime show is. After all, football (American football) is getting a lot more traction worldwide. There may be some people who are only just now getting into the Super Bowl.
For the uninitiated, the Super Bowl halftime performance is a concert that happens every year, during the Super Bowl’s halftime. The performance is brief, however, if the artist knows what they are doing, it could just be the highlight of their career.
Some have concerns about the halftime show slowing down the pace of the Super Bowl. However, these concerns are unfounded. Both fans and bettors can find something to love about the show. For example, bookies now offer Super Bowl halftime prop bets and similar options, which makes the show even more exciting. But now that we’ve cleared that up let us dive into the nitty gritty.
Up with People (Various)
Up with People is an American nonprofit promoting multiculturalism, racial equality, and positive thinking. While their goals may be admirable, their squeaky-clean image and relatively “safe” music do not equate to a top-tier Super Bowl performance.
None of their performances were bad per se. Throughout the 80s, they put on competent, if a bit generic, shows. The problem is simply that, in hindsight, most people would find these performances dated, bland, and boring. Still, what is to come is better than what is to come.
The Black Eyed Peas (2011)
The 45th Super Bowl 2011 saw the Pittsburgh Steelers face off against the Green Bay Packers. Both teams have a long and storied history in American football, with the Green Bay Packers being an especially notable team. Tension and excitement were through the roof.
The audience was understandably excited once the Black Eyed Peas took the stage during the half-time. At that point, the BEP was one of the hottest groups, if not the hottest. However, the Super Bowl show lacked vocals, technical difficulties, and underwhelming performances. Many consider this the point when the Black Eyes Peas began to fall off.
The Blues Brothers Band (1987)
In 1980, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi starred in one of the most iconic and memorable comedy/musical features, The Blues Brothers. The film’s success was such that it is still quoted to this day, even by those who’ve never seen it or are unfamiliar with its existence.
In 1987, the NFL considered getting a slice of that fame and having Dan and John perform as the Blues Brothers during the Super Bowl halftime show. While the characters were beloved and still in the cultural zeitgeist at the time, the performance seemed off.
Much like Up with People, there was nothing technically wrong with the show. It seemed out of place to have a comedic, pseudo-jazz, fictional group perform the show, and most of the audience was not in on the joke.
Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake (2004)
Fashion is an important aspect of everyday life. We all try our best to look presentable. Some of us shop at expensive stores, while others employ DIY methods to improve thrifted articles of clothing. Fashion is also important in performance. However, sometimes, it is that fashion that spells a musician’s downfall.
Such was the case in 2004, during Janet Jackson’s and Justin Timberlake’s infamous Super Bowl halftime show. Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction is still one of the most embarrassing moments in Super Bowl history.
Conspiracy theories exist today about whether or not she did it on purpose. Many have come to the singer’s defense, saying it was not her fault. Whatever the case, the wardrobe malfunction has caused many to view the 2004 Super Bowl performance as the worst.
FAQ
What is the Super Bowl Halftime Show?
The Super Bowl halftime show is a mini-concert held between the two halves of the Super Bowl game. The show has been a part of the Super Bowl since its inception and is a cause for excitement among many.
Who is performing the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show?
The King of R&B, Usher, will be taking the stage in 2024. The announcement has many folks quite excited, most of all Usher himself.
Can I bet on the halftime show?
Surprisingly, yes. Odds makers and bookies have begun creating and presenting odds for prop bets regarding the halftime performance.
What are the most iconic Super Bowl performances?
Michael Jackson’s performance is still regarded as one of the best Super Bowl halftime shows ever.
