The Halftime Playbook: How Each Big Game's Music Reflects Its Story
From the kickoff through the commercials, into the musical halftime show, and to the last-minute drive where a quarterback or defense determines whose names will be etched into history, roughly one-third of the U.S. population is glued to their television screens.
The magic of the Big Game isn’t just about two teams battling relentlessly for months to be the last ones standing, it’s about the multifaceted reasons why millions tune in. Some watch to be with family and friends, others for the thrill of the game, the spectacle of the halftime show, or simply to enjoy a night of entertainment. Whatever the reason, the Big Game brings people together like no other event.
At amp Sound Branding, we have spent years analyzing the sonic aspects of this massive cultural phenomenon. We've examined the musical usage in the Big Game commercials, each network’s original intro theme, and even the historic team anthems that fuel generations of fandom. This year, we’re focusing on the most musical part of the Big Game: the halftime show.
The Sound of the Halftime Show: A Deep Dive
Using our newly enhanced sonic analysis tool, Sonic Check®, we can now analyze music with remarkable precision. This AI-driven listening apparatus allows us to identifiy the primary moods of any musical piece, assesses its appeal to diverse audiences, and determines its suitability for different moments, activities, and events.
To better understand how halftime show performances enhance the Big Game experience, we analyzed the last five years of Big Game halftime music. Here’s what we found:
2020: Shakira & Jennifer Lopez - A Party Atmosphere
Performing in Miami, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez delivered an electrifying set designed for celebration. Our Sonic Check® analysis showed their performance matched the party atmosphere at 84%, making it the perfect soundtrack for fans looking to dance and enjoy the night.
2021: The Weeknd - A Moment to Recharge
The Weeknd took the stage in one of the most anticipated games in history, Tom Brady versus Patrick Mahomes. His performance provided a break from the action, allowing viewers to refuel before the intense second half. Sonic Check® found his music was most conducive to cooking and snacking, scoring 74% and 70% respectively, reinforcing the halftime show as a moment of comfort and recharge.
2022: Dr. Dre & Friends - A Family Nostalgia Trip
With the Big Game returning to Los Angeles for the first time since 1993, the halftime show featured legendary rap artists from the late '90s and early 2000s. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar created a homegrown experience, aligning with our findings that the show had an 80% family-time fit - a nostalgic trip for fans of all ages.
2023: Rihanna - A Championship Parade
Rihanna’s performance in Arizona mirrored the energy of a championship parade, which made sense given that both teams had won a Big Game within the last five years. Sonic Check® found her set matched the parade atmosphere at 72%, reminding fans and players of the ultimate celebration that awaited the winners.
2024: Usher - A Cinematic Experience
As a San Francisco 49ers fan, last year’s ending was heartbreaking for me. Watching Mahomes play in the Big Game for the fourth time in five years against Brock Purdy, Mr. Irrelevant, the last pick of the draft just two years prior, felt like a Hollywood script. Add in the budding romance between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, and it was a storyline for the ages. Usher’s halftime show served as the perfect soundtrack for this movie-like spectacle, scoring an 85% match for cinematic aesthetics.
Looking Ahead: Kendrick Lamar in 2025
We may not know exactly what Kendrick Lamar has in store for the 2025 halftime show, but if history and our Sonic Check® analysis are any indication, his music will enhance the theme, emotions, and dynamic nature of the Big Game.
