The Super Bowl is more than just a football game—it’s a global spectacle that brings together sports, music, entertainment, and massive financial investments. Super Bowl LIX, set to take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, promises to be one of the most unforgettable events of 2025. With millions tuning in from around the world, this year’s game will be broadcast on Fox and available for streaming on platforms like Hulu Live, YouTube TV, and NFL+.
Super Bowl LIX is expected to draw over 115 million viewers in the United States alone, making it one of the most-watched television events of the year. Internationally, the game will be aired in over 180 countries, spanning continents from Europe to Asia. Whether you’re watching on cable, streaming on your smartphone, or engaging with real-time updates on social media, the event is designed to capture attention on multiple levels.
From Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show to the most buzzworthy commercials and viral moments, here’s your complete guide to covering the Super Bowl like a pro.
The Halftime Show: A Cultural Phenomenon
One of the biggest draws of the Super Bowl is its iconic halftime show, and this year, hip-hop heavyweight Kendrick Lamar is set to take center stage. Known for his thought-provoking lyrics, electrifying stage presence, and deep connection to social issues, Lamar’s performance is already generating massive anticipation.
The History & Significance of the Halftime Show
The Super Bowl halftime show began as a relatively modest affair, featuring marching bands and local performers during the 1960s and 1970s. These performances, while entertaining, were primarily meant to provide background music rather than serve as a standalone spectacle. However, everything changed in 1993 when Michael Jackson took the stage in what is now considered the performance that redefined the Super Bowl halftime show. Jackson’s electrifying set, featuring hits like “Billie Jean” and “Black or White,” captivated audiences worldwide and set the standard for future halftime productions.
Following Jackson’s groundbreaking performance, the halftime show became a must-watch event, drawing in non-football fans and turning the Super Bowl into a true pop culture phenomenon. Over the years, the show has continued to evolve, featuring legendary artists such as Prince, whose 2007 performance of “Purple Rain” in actual rain remains one of the most iconic moments in Super Bowl history. Beyoncé’s 2013 and 2016 performances further cemented the halftime show’s reputation as a showcase for powerful and culturally significant moments, while Shakira and Jennifer Lopez’s 2020 set highlighted the global influence of Latin music.
Beyond entertainment, the halftime show carries massive financial and cultural significance. While performers do not receive direct payment from the NFL, the exposure is invaluable—artists often see massive spikes in album sales and streaming numbers after their Super Bowl performances. Additionally, brands eagerly compete for sponsorship deals, further solidifying the halftime show’s status as a premier marketing opportunity. Today, the Super Bowl halftime show is more than just a musical interlude—it is an event within an event, capable of sparking viral moments, influencing global music trends, and reinforcing the Super Bowl’s position as the biggest entertainment spectacle in the world.
The Most Iconic Halftime Shows in History
- Michael Jackson (1993): The performance that revolutionized the halftime show, drawing over 90 million viewers.
- Prince (2007): His legendary performance in the rain while singing Purple Rain is widely considered the best halftime show ever.
- Beyoncé (2013 & 2016): First with Single Ladies and then with her powerful Formation tribute.
- Shakira & Jennifer Lopez (2020): A celebration of Latin music that became a viral sensation.
- Rihanna (2023): Marked her return to music and her pregnancy reveal in an unforgettable red-themed spectacle.
What to Expect from Kendrick Lamar’s Performance
- A Powerful Setlist: Fans are speculating whether he will perform hits like HUMBLE., Alright, and DNA., or debut a new track. His past performances at the Grammys and major festivals suggest a politically and emotionally charged set.
- Special Guests: SZA has been confirmed as a guest performer, but there are rumors that other hip-hop legends may make an appearance. Could we see an unexpected reunion or a major collaboration?
- Stage Design & Visuals: Super Bowl halftime shows are known for their dazzling production. Will Lamar take a minimalist approach, or will we see a massive LED stage with intricate storytelling elements?
- Social Media Reactions: The moment Lamar hits the stage, Twitter and TikTok will explode with reactions. Expect live tweets, viral dance challenges, and debates over the best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time.
Comparing his performance to previous halftime shows (like Rihanna’s iconic return in 2023 or Beyoncé’s 2016 show) will also be a great way to engage your readers.
Super Bowl Commercials: The Ads That Stole the Show
Super Bowl commercials are a spectacle in their own right, with brands spending millions to captivate audiences in just 30 seconds. These ads are more than just entertainment—they’re a strategic investment, aiming to create buzz long after the game ends.
How Super Bowl Ads Work
A single 30-second Super Bowl ad in 2025 costs an estimated $7 million, a price that has steadily increased over the years. The reasoning? The Super Bowl guarantees an audience of over 100 million people, making it the most valuable advertising opportunity in the world. Brands prepare for months, hiring A-list celebrities, top-tier marketing agencies, and utilizing cutting-edge technology to produce ads that will be remembered for years.
Some of the most expensive and memorable Super Bowl ads include:
Pepsi’s 2002 Britney Spears Ad: With a high-budget, nostalgic timeline of Pepsi throughout the decades, this remains one of the most iconic celebrity-driven ads.
Apple’s 1984 Ad: Costing around $900,000 (equivalent to millions today), this Orwellian-style commercial introduced the Macintosh and revolutionized Super Bowl advertising.
Budweiser’s Clydesdales: These heartwarming ads have become a Super Bowl tradition, with some of the most emotional storytelling ever seen in commercials.
Doritos’ Crash the Super Bowl Campaign: Allowing fans to create their own commercials, this campaign led to some of the funniest and most viral Super Bowl ads.
Amazon Alexa’s 2018 Ad: Featuring Jeff Bezos, Cardi B, and Gordon Ramsay, this ad was one of the most expensive ever produced, at an estimated $15 million+ including production costs.
Chrysler’s “Imported from Detroit”: This 2011 ad featuring Eminem was a cultural moment, showcasing Detroit’s resilience while introducing the Chrysler 200.
Who to Expect in the 2025 Super Bowl Ads
- Big Tech Giants: Companies like Apple, Google, and Meta will likely showcase their latest AI advancements or VR products.
- Car Manufacturers: Tesla, BMW, and Ford have all teased potential big-budget commercials.
- Food & Beverage Industry: Expect Pepsi, Coca-Cola, and Doritos to continue their tradition of hilarious and star-studded ads.
- Hollywood Blockbusters: Movie studios will drop trailers for the biggest upcoming films, from Marvel’s latest superhero flick to anticipated sci-fi epics.
Social media reactions play a huge role in determining which ads win the night. Twitter polls, TikTok breakdowns, and YouTube rankings will be flooded with opinions on the funniest, most emotional, and most cringeworthy commercials.
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Celebrity Sightings & Viral Moments
The Super Bowl attracts some of the biggest names in entertainment. Whether they’re there to support their favorite teams or simply soak in the atmosphere, celebrity appearances always make headlines.
Who’s in the Spotlight?
- Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce: With Swift dating Kansas City Chiefs’ star Travis Kelce, the cameras will undoubtedly pan to her throughout the night.
- Hollywood A-Listers: Expect actors, musicians, and social media influencers to flood luxury suites.
- Fashion Spotlight: Super Bowl fashion is becoming a trend in itself. Who wore the best game-day outfit?
Unscripted Viral Moments
- Remember when Beyoncé dropped an album during the Super Bowl? Keep an eye out for unexpected moments that could break the internet.
- Memes & Reactions: Every year, a random moment becomes the Super Bowl’s biggest meme. Whether it’s a funny fan reaction or a player’s emotional outburst, these will dominate social media.
The Super Bowl Economy: Where the Billions Go
The Super Bowl isn’t just the biggest sports event of the year—it’s a massive business operation that involves billions of dollars in revenue and expenses.
Breaking Down the Numbers
- Ad Revenue: With 30-second commercials selling for $7 million each, total ad revenue is expected to surpass $500 million this year.
- Ticket Sales: Ticket prices range from $5,000 to over $50,000, with total stadium revenue estimated to hit $200 million.
- Host City Boost: New Orleans is expected to generate $500 million in tourism revenue, including hotel bookings, restaurant sales, and transportation.
- NFL’s Revenue: The NFL generates around $1 billion from the Super Bowl, including sponsorships, TV rights, and merchandise sales.
- Operational Costs: Between security, stadium maintenance, and halftime show production, the event costs over $100 million to execute.
Super Bowl spending extends beyond the stadium. Fans collectively spend over $17 billion on food, drinks, and parties, making it one of the biggest consumer spending events in the U.S.
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