The Super Bowl Halftime show has become a tradition of its own. Even if you’re not a sports or football fan, you might tune in to watch some of the biggest artists take the stage at one of the most important events of the year. The mini-concert has become synonymous with prestige, especially since many legends have appeared in it.
However, one of the biggest stars to have ever headlined the show was Michael Jackson, who sang at the Super Bowl XXVII in 1993. His performance was so iconic that is basically responsible for the show as we know it today.
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Before him, the Halftime show consisted mostly of college marching bands and tributes to… Well, depending on which company was sponsoring it. So, if you want to know more about Jackson’s performance, including his salary and more. Here’s everything about the iconic moment in pop history.
How did Michael Jackson change the Super Bowl Halftime Show?
As a part of fighting the counterprogramming other networks were doing, the NFL hired Radio City Music Hall Productions to find a star for the 1993 SB. And they booked the ‘King of Pop’ in the height of his reign.
Michael Jackson at the Super Bowl Halftime Show 1993 (George Rose/Getty Images)
Thanks to his magnetic performance of hits such as “Billie Jean,” “Black or White” and “We Are the World,” the halftime show became its own event, appealing not only to football fans, but creating a pop culture phenomenon.
Michael Jakson’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Playlist and Runtime
Michael Jackson’s performance barely exceeded 12 minutes, even despite starting with a 1:30 minute pause, marking today’s average of 13 minutes. He sang five songs:
Jam (with an intro of Why you wanna trip on me)
Billie Jean
Black or White
We are the World
Heal the World
How much did Michael Jackson charge?
According to The New York Post, the singer asked for $1 million to perform, but, like every single halftime show headliner since, he was not paid. Don Mischer, who produced and directed the show, told the publication that “Michael got $35 or $40 million worth of exposure.”
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How many people watch the Super Bowl Halftime Show?
According to Forbes, the 1993 Super Bowl increased its rating by 8.6 percent compared to the previous year and the audience didn’t leave the telecast after the halftime show. Per other reports, such as The Hollywood Reporter, the show was watched by 133 million viewers.
