Remember when halftime shows were quiet, boring moments to get up, take a stretch, eat some snacks, and chat about the game? No? Probably not. They haven’t been that way since the early 90s. Starting in 1991, with New Kids on the Block’s performance, the halftime show added some glitz and glam. They engaged pop stars to help keep the show current.

Previously the halftime performances featured college bands on center stage, just like normal, home-town, football games. Halftime became, a capital E, Event starting in 1993, when Michael Jackson preformed.

The halftime shows after the King of Pop preformed have become must-see events. But, what makes one halftime show better or worse? We’ve narrowed it down to five things we think make a big difference. But, it’s just our opinion. Feel free to tell us we’re wrong.

 

Good Singer

Now the exception here is Bruce Springsteen. He might not be a good singer, but he is a great performer. He made a great halftime show. The better performer and singer, the better the halftime show. Beyonce, U2, Prince. Good singers.

Good Game

If the lead switches back and forth, if it’s an exciting game. When both teams are making great plays, the momentum of excitement will follow the football into the halftime performance. Re: Katy Perry’s appearance last year.

Something Hilarious

It always feels good to laugh. Whether it’s the shiny lion, the left shark, or even Janet Jackson. It’s what makes us say, “oh yeah.” Whatever makes it memorable, makes it a better halftime show.

A Good Stage

The smoke! The fog! The lights! Cue the special effects! They’re so much fun to watch! It’s amazing to think was a football field just a couple minutes ago! The best stages means we can see the performer from any seat, and still have a good view of the fireworks as well.

Being There

It’s better live. It really is. Plus it’s like you get a concert ticket along with a football tickets.

This year’s Super Bowl halftime looks like it will be great! According to the NFL, the Pepsi Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show on CBS will “echo elements of the NFL’s On the Fifty campaign — honoring the past, acknowledging the present and looking ahead to the next 50 years.” Sounds exciting right? Or at least it sounds intriguing.

The 2016 halftime has big shoes to fill. Katy Perry left big shoes to fill. The Super Bowl XLIX halftime show attracted the most viewers ever, over 118.5 million people watched! It will be interesting to see if Coldplay and Beyonce can top that.

There has been drama about the NFL’s choice of halftime performers, Coldplay for the 2016 Super Bowl. Some fans are saying they’re not “rock” enough. But Coldplay has promised to “give it everything we have.” Should make a great show. There might yet be one more person to add to the star-studded roster. But it’s left up to rumors.

Queen Bey herself will be joining Coldplay on stage. Beyonce previously preformed and garnered high acclaim for her performance. Adding Beyonce will also draw in younger viewers.

The NFL has been going all out so far for Super Bowl 50, so for the big anniversary show. You can expect the halftime show to just as big a celebration as the 50th anniversary.

Your Super Bowl ticket means you can also see a band at halftime as well! So you get a good concert and good football! If halftime is always your favorite part of the Super Bowl, you can still get tickets to go see Super Bowl 2016 in person!