The Super Bowl halftime show, a monumental platform watched by millions globally, often transcends mere entertainment to become a powerful stage for social and political commentary. Throughout its history, artists gracing this highly visible arena have seized the opportunity to articulate perspectives on issues extending far beyond the football field. This tradition of using America’s largest sporting event for public declarations continues to evolve, reflecting contemporary societal debates and artistic expressions.
This year, the spotlight falls on Bad Bunny, the acclaimed artist slated to headline the Super Bowl halftime show in 2025. His presence alone carries significant political weight, especially following his recent appearance at the Grammy Awards where he echoed a protest chant widely associated with anti-ICE demonstrations across the United States. Such actions set a precedent for what might unfold during his highly anticipated performance.
As audiences await to see what additional messages Bad Bunny might convey, his very selection and expected performance are already generating considerable discussion. The inherent political nature of his artistry is undeniable, as highlighted by historian Jorell Meléndez-Badillo:
- His presence is deeply political, regardless of explicit actions.
- The show will inevitably project the complex realities of U.S. history concerning Puerto Rico to a vast audience.
The stage as a political pulpit
For decades, the Super Bowl has served as an unexpected, yet consistently utilized, venue for artists to voice opinions and draw attention to critical events. Whether performing the national anthem or leading the halftime spectacle, these figures leverage their unparalleled visibility to engage with broader societal narratives.
This engagement transforms the performance from a simple entertainment segment into a cultural flashpoint, often sparking national dialogue and debate. The history of the event is replete with instances where music and performance became vehicles for powerful statements.
Iconic moments of vocal expression
In 1980, singer and actress Cheryl Ladd, famous for “Charlie’s Angels,” performed the National Anthem at Super Bowl XIV. With the Iran hostage crisis unfolding, she dedicated her performance to “our American hostages in Iran,” directly acknowledging the ongoing international crisis and offering solace.
A decade later, in 1991, as the Gulf War raged, Whitney Houston delivered a legendary, pre-recorded rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl XXV. Her powerful performance was heralded as a moment of collective healing for a tense nation, with proceeds from its later release supporting Gulf War soldiers and their families.
Garth Brooks’ national anthem performance at Super Bowl XXVII in 1993 nearly didn’t happen. He famously refused to sing unless NBC aired the debut music video for “We Shall Be Free,” a song addressing the 1992 Los Angeles riots. After a historic delay, Brooks prevailed, ensuring his message reached millions.
Madonna’s call for global peace
During her 2012 halftime show, pop icon Madonna concluded her set, featuring Nicki Minaj and Cee Lo Green, with “Like a Prayer.” The performance culminated in the words “World Peace” emblazoned in gold across the field through a cloud of smoke. This overt appeal for global harmony divided critics, with some commending its audacity while others dismissed it as overly simplistic for the elaborate production.
Beyoncé’s powerful “formation”
Beyoncé’s guest appearance during Coldplay’s Super Bowl 50 halftime show in 2016 became one of the most talked-about moments in the event’s history. Her electrifying performance of “Formation,” released just a day prior, featured dozens of dancers reminiscent of the Black Panther Party and explicitly referenced the Black Lives Matter movement.
The performance generated immediate and intense reactions. Conservative figures, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, publicly condemned it as “absurd.” Conversely, many celebrated the profound cultural and political statements embedded within her powerful tribute to Black culture and civil rights advocacy.
Lady Gaga’s post-inauguration message
In 2017, just days after President Donald Trump’s first inauguration, Lady Gaga opened her Super Bowl halftime show with a medley of “God Bless America” and “This Land Is Your Land,” specifically including the line “this land was made for you and for me.” This choice was widely interpreted as a direct response to prevailing debates and protests surrounding Trump’s proposed immigration bans and border wall.
Before performing “Poker Face,” Gaga recited portions of the Pledge of Allegiance, with a drone light show in red, white, and blue illuminating the background. Her carefully choreographed performance was seen by many as a powerful, yet nuanced, call for unity and inclusion in a politically charged climate.
Modern activism: JLo and Eminem’s bold statements
Jennifer Lopez and Shakira’s vibrant Super Bowl LIV halftime show in 2020 celebrated Latin American music and culture. A particularly poignant moment occurred when Lopez featured children singing “Let’s Get Loud” from within cage-like structures on the field, a clear and unmistakable reference to U.S. immigration policies and the separation of families at the border.
The performance, while lauded for its cultural impact, drew over a thousand complaints to the Federal Communications Commission, with some alleging it was inappropriate for family viewing, underscoring the divisive nature of overt political messaging.
During the historic hip-hop celebration at the Super Bowl in 2022, Eminem took a knee after his performance of “Lose Yourself.” This gesture was widely recognized as a tribute to former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, whose career ended after he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial discrimination, cementing a moment of solidarity.
Kendrick Lamar’s intricate social commentary
Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 Super Bowl halftime show, featuring actor Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam, delivered a complex, multi-layered critique of race, identity, and social injustice. This Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper’s production lived up to expectations, weaving profound social commentary into a visually stunning spectacle.
Lamar even managed to subtly include a reference to his renowned rap rivalry with Drake, a nuanced detail that some might consider politically charged within the competitive landscape of the hip-hop world, adding another layer to his performance.
Bad Bunny’s anticipated 2025 performance
As Bad Bunny prepares to headline the Super Bowl halftime show in 2025, the stage is set for yet another potentially groundbreaking performance. Given his track record of outspokenness and his recent Grammy protest, audiences and commentators alike are eagerly anticipating what statements, explicit or implicit, he might deliver during one of the world’s most watched events.
