In the early years of the Super Bowl, halftime entertainment often featured marching bands and wholesome musical troupes like Up with People, a nonprofit group composed of hundreds of enthusiastic young adults. Dressed in coordinated pastel outfits, they sang uplifting songs about unity and optimism. For several years in the 1970s and 1980s, Up with People became a staple of the halftime experience, offering elaborate, choreographed performances that emphasized themes of global harmony.
At the time, these spectacles were aligned with the NFL’s goal of presenting a family-friendly image during its marquee event. The performances were large in scale—featuring cast sizes upwards of 600 participants—and intended to appeal to a broad demographic. However, as popular culture and audience expectations evolved, the league recognized the need to shift its approach.
The turning point came in the 1990s, particularly after the 1993 halftime show featuring Michael Jackson. The performance drew global attention and significantly elevated expectations for halftime programming. From that moment on, the NFL began inviting high-profile music artists across genres to perform during the Super Bowl, a trend that has continued into the present day.
This shift has opened the door for artists like Bad Bunny, a global reggaeton and Latin trap star whose music and reach would have been unimaginable during the Up with People era. While their missions differ substantially—Up with People aimed to promote positivity through motivational song and dance, and Bad Bunny presents a more contemporary fusion of culture, music, and artistic flair—both acts reflect the evolving cultural landscape of their respective times.
Bad Bunny’s emergence as a potential halftime performer highlights the globalization of the Super Bowl stage and underscores a growing embrace of diverse musical influences. These modern halftime shows often serve as a showcase for musical innovation and global reach, something unimaginable in the event’s early traditions.
From choreographed optimism to internationally recognized artistry, the Super Bowl halftime show continues to mirror changing tastes, social trends, and cultural dynamics. As artists like Bad Bunny step into the spotlight, they build upon a foundation laid by groups such as Up with People, bridging the past and present in one of the world’s most-watched live performances.
