52 Women in the Super Bowl Halftime Show
In This Chapter
History of Women and the Super Bowl
The history of women in the Super Bowl Halftime Show has evolved over time, reflecting changing attitudes towards female performers and the increasing recognition of their talent and contributions. In the early years of the Super Bowl, the Halftime Show predominantly featured marching bands, drill teams, and various performance groups, with few female performers taking center stage. In more recent years, women have played a larger role in the Halftime Show.
Diana Ross became the first solo female artist to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 1996. Her performance was a significant milestone, showcasing the talent and star power of a female artist.
One of the most notable moments in Super Bowl Halftime Show history occurred in 2004 when Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake performed together. The performance generated controversy due to a “wardrobe malfunction” incident (infamously referred to as “Nipplegate”), which sparked a debate about censorship and the treatment of female artists in the industry.
In subsequent years, there were several instances of female collaborations in the Halftime Show. Madonna‘s performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2012 was highly anticipated and made a significant impact. Madonna collaborated with several notable artists during her performance, including Nicki Minaj and M.I.A.
In 2015, Katy Perry headlined the show and was joined by guest performers Missy Elliott and Lenny Kravitz. In 2019, Maroon 5 headlined the show, and they were joined by guest performers including Cardi B.
Beyoncé has had a significant impact on the Super Bowl Halftime Show. She headlined the show in 2013 and delivered a powerful performance that showcased her artistry and stage presence. In 2016, she made a surprise appearance during Coldplay’s halftime performance, stealing the show with her performance of “Formation.”
In even more recent years, the Super Bowl Halftime Show has seen a shift towards featuring female headliners. In 2017, Lady Gaga gave a critically acclaimed performance. In 2020, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira co-headlined the show, delivering a high-energy performance that celebrated Latinx culture and female empowerment.
In 2023, Rhianna dominated the stage with a medley of her hits and blew up social media with rumors of her pregnancy, which she kept secret to debut at the Halftime Show.
The history of women in the Super Bowl Halftime Show demonstrates an increasing recognition of female talent and their ability to command the stage. Female artists have made significant contributions to the show, bringing their unique styles, voices, and messages to a global audience. The inclusion of female headliners and collaborations reflects a growing acknowledgment of the impact and popularity of women in the music industry.
Women at the Heart of Super Bowl Controversy
Women have been at the center of controversy in several Super Bowl Halftime Shows, often due to their performances or specific incidents. As mentioned above, the most infamous controversy occurred during the Super Bowl XXXVIII Halftime Show when Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake performed together.
The performance included a moment where Timberlake accidentally exposed Jackson’s breast, resulting in widespread outrage and criticism. The incident led to increased scrutiny of television censorship and raised debates about the treatment of women in the entertainment industry.
Read more about the controversy here:
https://www.insider.com/justin-timberlake-janet-jackson-super-bowl-incident-timeline
Madonna’s Halftime Show performance generated controversy due to her choice to include a mock battle scene featuring dancers dressed as Roman soldiers and gladiators. Some critics argued that the imagery and choreography were inappropriate and glorified violence.
Also during this show, guest performer M.I.A. displayed her middle finger, a first in the history of the Super Bowl. The NFL took her to arbitration, asserting $16. 6 million in damages. It took three years to finally settle the dispute.
Read more about the controversy here:
https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mia-super-bowl-middle-finger-resolved-6229122/
Beyoncé’s Halftime Show performance in 2016 sparked controversy and debate due to the political undertones of her performance. She and her backup dancers wore outfits reminiscent of the Black Panther Party, and her performance of “Formation” was seen as a statement about racial inequality and police brutality. While praised by many for its powerful message, it also faced backlash from some who felt it was too politically charged for a sports event.
Read more about the controversy here:
The Halftime Show performance by Shakira and Jennifer Lopez in 2020 generated controversy for its perceived sexualized content. Some viewers felt that the performance objectified women and criticized the artists for their provocative dance moves and revealing costumes. Others defended the performance as a celebration of Latinx culture and female empowerment.
Read more about the controversy here:
Similar to the Jennifer Lopez and Shakira performance, Rihanna’s 2023 performance was also criticized for its sexual content. The FCC reported 103 pages of complaints, and almost all of them were about Rihanna’s gyrating, crotch-grabbing, finger-sniffing, and crude lyrics.
Read more about the controversy here:
These controversies highlight the ongoing discussions around gender, sexuality, and artistic expression in the context of the Super Bowl Halftime Show. They also reflect broader societal debates about the representation and treatment of women in the entertainment industry. The following discussion questions can help foster conversations that further examine the social, cultural, and artistic implications of these controversies and their broader significance.
- What are your thoughts on the controversy surrounding Janet Jackson’s Super Bowl Halftime Show performance in 2004? How do you think it impacted the perception of women in the entertainment industry (and perhaps even her career)?
- Beyoncé’s Halftime Show performance in 2016 was praised by many for its political statement, while also receiving criticism for being too politically charged. How do you view the role of artists in using the Super Bowl Halftime Show as a platform for social and political messages?
- The Super Bowl Halftime Show featuring Shakira and Jennifer Lopez in 2020 sparked debate regarding the sexualized nature of their performances. Do you think there are double standards when it comes to the portrayal of women in entertainment compared to men? How can we navigate the balance between artistic expression and cultural sensitivity?
- In what ways do you think the controversies surrounding women in Super Bowl Halftime Shows reflect larger societal issues, such as gender inequality, objectification, or racial representation?
- How do you think the controversies surrounding women in Super Bowl Halftime Shows have influenced the planning and execution of future halftime performances? Have you noticed any changes in the representation and portrayal of women in recent years?
- Can controversial moments in the Super Bowl Halftime Show featuring women performers be seen as opportunities for dialogue and reflection on important social issues, or do you think they detract from the overall entertainment value of the event? Why?
- How do you think the media and public perception of women in the Super Bowl Halftime Show performances have evolved over the years? Are there any notable shifts in how women’s roles and performances are discussed and critiqued?
- What responsibility do you think performers and event organizers have in addressing and navigating potential controversies in the Super Bowl Halftime Show? How can they strike a balance between pushing boundaries and respecting cultural sensitivities?
Sources
Cooper, Michael. “The 10 Greatest Female Super Bowl Halftime Performers.” LA Weekly, 30 Jan. 2017, https://www.laweekly.com/the-10-greatest-female-super-bowl-halftime-performers/
D’Amico, Luella. “Perhaps Rihanna’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Isn’t the Feminist Unicorn You Wanted?” Church Life Journal, University of Notre Dame, 28 Feb. 2023, https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/rihannas-super-bowl-halftime-show-isnt-the-feminist-unicorn-you-wanted/
Elassar, Alaa. “Over 1,300 Complaints Were Sent to the FCC about Shakira and J. Lo’s Super Bowl Halftime Show.” CNN, 26 Feb. 2020, https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/25/us/shakira-jlo-super-bowl-halftime-show-fcc-complaints-trnd/index.html
Elgot, Jessica. “Beyonce Unleashes Black Panthers Homage at Super Bowl 50.” The Guardian, 8 Feb. 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/feb/08/beyonce-black-panthers-homage-black-lives-matter-super-bowl-50
