Never mind the action on the field at the NFL’s showcase game: for many, this weekend will be all about Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar. And the person who helped bring the nostalgic Super Bowl LVI halftime show to life was a British television director named Hamish Hamilton.
Since 2010, the award-winning 55-year-old Hamilton has performed with famous musicians we know them by only one name – Madonna! Beyoncé! Gaga! – or bands that have made soundtracks for a generation, such as Coldplay, Maroon 5, and Black Eyes Peas.
The global interest in the mid-time gig is nothing new, although 2022 marks the 31st anniversary of the NFL changing course from traditional marching bands to contemporary music acts. – and what a change that is.
Super Bowl XXV – held in Tampa in 1991 – began with a stellar performance of the Star Spangled Banner performed by none other than Whitney Houston.
Halftime is billed as “A Little World Celebrating 25 Years of Special Bowls” featuring the New Kids on the block, though the day’s events will alternate.
Operation Desert Storm caused the show to be delayed until after the game with the Gulf War bulletin being shown instead.
It was a landmark moment and the tournament never looked back, marking household names like Michael Jackson, Diana Ross and Boyz II Men in the 1990s.
The Augts saw the emotional performance of the post-9/11 U2s, Janet Jackson and the infamous Justin Timberlake “Nipplegate” Incident since 2004 and Prince in 2007 – often considered the greatest halftime in history.
All of these performances were pivotal moments before Hamilton took the helm in 2010.
We’re all looking forward to tonight’s mid-show performance, here’s a look back at some of the most memorable mid-show performances.
Michael Jackson’s 1993 performance
In 1993, Michael Jackson brought his branded beauty pageant to this event. Before that, the show was dominated by marching bands.
Jackson’s performance – introduced by no less than James Earl Jones – opened with him leaping eight meters into the air from below the stage (a trademark of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour). it), in the background of fireworks.
He then stood motionless for a minute and a half in a military-inspired black and gold suit, before unleashing a string of his blows.
Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake perform Super Bowl 2004
Another Jackson made headlines in 2004 for her mid-time performance. Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake’s 2004 performance will forever be remembered as the incident that brought “wardrobe breakdown” into the mainstream.
While performing a duet, Timberlake ripped off part of Jackson’s breasts, exposing her breasts in front of millions of spectators, and “Nipplegate” born.
A lot of people were not satisfied. According to reports, the Federal Communications Commission received more than 500,000 indecent complaints about 9/16 seconds of exposing skin and a $550,000 fine against CBS, the network that broadcast the game, and its affiliates. (The fine is throw out by the Supreme Court in 2012.)
Prince’s 2007 Super Bowl performance in a downpour
The iconic first half Super Bowl performance epitomizes the saying, “The show must have one.”
The legendary artist performed in dangerous weather conditions with thunder and lightning and the stage was very slippery.
Prince – wearing a blue suit with orange buttons on his chest, his hair covered with a black scarf – performed “Purple Rain” in the midst of a torrential storm, in his hand a purple “icon” guitar, a glorious final piece. for a show. witnessed one of the brightest burning performers in history give his all to 140 million views.
Beyonce’s 2016 Super Bowl Performance with Coldplay
While Coldplay covered the 2016 Super Bowl halftime show, it was Beyonce who made an impact.
Beyoncé wore a shotgun, similar to one famous for Michael Jackson, during his 1993 world tour. Her back-up dancers wear black uniforms with berets and jackets – an image some say is reminiscent of Blank Planter’s moves in the 1960s.
Beyoncé’s performance became a point of contention and some labeled it politically motivated, some labeled it executive.
The protests have been arranged and #BoycottBeyonce was created. An invitation to a rally read, “Are you offended as an American when Beyoncé drags her racing stunt at the Superbowl?”
