Jan 21, 2019
Everyone’s talking about who isn’t playing the Super Bowl halftime show this year: Rihanna, Cardi B, and most anyone else who isn’t Maroon 5. Could this be the end of the Super Bowl halftime show as a cultural event? Possibly.
Meanwhile, we look back on the history of the halftime show, from college marching bands to Up With People to Phil Collins in cargo pants to, somehow, because humanity is terrible and grand, Prince. In this review of modern halftimes, we talk the good (Aerosmith with Peak Britney, and a side of distracting boy bandery), the bad (hi, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and, god help us, Justin Timberlake), and the controversial (sure, there was Janet, whom we’re still pulling for, and also M.I.A. with Madonna). Someday we’ll work out all of our animosity toward Justin. But we’re not there yet.
We also pitch what we’re pretty sure are a zillion good ideas for future halftime shows. Weird Al, boy bands, and ‘90s reunions figure prominently. You’re welcome, America.