Next Sunday (February 11th) the Kansas City Chiefs go head to head with the San Francisco 49ers in the 2024 Super Bowl at the Allegiant stadium in Las Vegas, the first time that iconic city has hosted the event. More exciting to Country music fans is that the one-and-only Reba McEntire will be singing the national anthem at the show so we decided to look back at the other times when Country music and the Super Bowl have collided.
The Super Bowl, an annual sporting spectacle, has evolved beyond a football showdown to become a cultural phenomenon. Over the years, country music has played a significant role in enhancing the entertainment quotient of the event, leaving an indelible mark on the Super Bowl experience.
The marriage of country music and the Super Bowl has been a dynamic and evolving partnership, contributing to the event’s diverse and vibrant halftime shows. From iconic performances to memorable collaborations, country music has woven itself into the fabric of the Super Bowl entertainment.
Country music’s presence at the Super Bowl halftime shows can be traced back to the late 20th century. In the early years, country artists were occasionally featured, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that the genre gained more prominence in the Super Bowl lineup.
Key Moments:
1993 – Garth Brooks: Garth Brooks sang the National Anthem alongside actress Marlee Matlin who signs at the Super Bowl XXVII, 1993 in Pasadena, California.
1994 – Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, and The Judds: This year marked a turning point as these country stars took the stage in Atlanta for a Super Bowl XXVIII performance. The inclusion of country artists showcased the genre’s ability to command a global stage.
2000 & 2009 – Faith Hill: Faith Hill has performed at the Super Bowl TWICE! The Grammy award winner first took to the Super Bowl stage in 2000 when she performed the National Anthem and then again in 2009, when she performed ‘America The Beautiful’ at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, and Sting: Shania Twain’s electrifying performance during the Super Bowl XXXVII halftime show demonstrated the genre’s crossover appeal. The collaboration with pop and rock artists emphasized country music’s versatility.
2004 – The Chicks: Then still known as The Dixie Chicks, the trio performed the National Anthem to a packed Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas in 2004.
2010 – Carrie Underwood: The legendary Carrie Underwood performed the national anthem at the Sun Life stadium (now known as the Hard Rock stadium) in Miami.
2012 – Miranda Lambert & Blake Shelton: At Super Bowl XLVI in 2012, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert performed ‘America the Beautiful’ standing together, holding hands. How times have changed, eh?
2017 – Luke Bryan: Luke Bryan became the first male country artist to headline a Super Bowl halftime show in Houston for Super Bowl LI. His energetic performance highlighted the genre’s growing popularity and its ability to engage a diverse audience.
2020 – Shania Twain and Jennifer Lopez: Super Bowl LIV’s halftime show featured a memorable collaboration between Shania Twain and Jennifer Lopez. This fusion of country and pop highlighted the genre’s ability to seamlessly integrate with other musical styles.
2023 – Chris Stapleton: Drawing comparisons with Whitney Houston’s moving rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, Chris Stapleton wowed the crowds last year at the State Farm stadium in Glendale Arizona making his mark in history and proving that he will be a hard act to follow this year.
In recent years, the Super Bowl has continued to embrace country music, reflecting the genre’s expanding influence. The inclusion of country artists in pre-game festivities, national anthem performances, and commercials further demonstrates the genre’s integral role in the Super Bowl experience.
Country music’s journey at the Super Bowl has been one of evolution and integration, reflecting the genre’s ability to captivate audiences on a global stage. As the Super Bowl continues to evolve, country music will undoubtedly remain a dynamic force in shaping the event’s entertainment narrative for years to come.
