In less than 350 days the 2011 Super Bowl will be played in Dallas, Texas. Less than 20 miles from where I live is Cowboy Stadium and home of a special event.
Time to get creative, think out of the box and plan the halftime show.
As you are thinking of acts, here are a few things to remember: the audience is global and covers all age groups. So whatever you do really needs to appeal to everyone. Since Dallas does things big, MONEY is NO object. You have an unlimited budget.
As you are trying to Sfigure out who you might want, here is a list of the last 11 super bowls halftime shows:
| 2010 | Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens |
The Who |
| 2009 | Raymond James Stadium, Tampa |
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band |
| 2008 | University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale |
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers |
| 2007 | Dolphin Stadium, Miami |
Prince, Florida A&M University Marching 100 Band |
| 2006 | Ford Field, Detroit |
The Rolling Stones |
| 2005 | ALLTEL Stadium, Jacksonville |
Paul McCartney |
| 2004 | Reliant Stadium, Houston |
Janet Jackson, P. Diddy, Nelly, Kid Rock and Justin Timberlake |
| 2003 | Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego |
Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting |
| 2002 | Superdome, New Orleans |
U2 |
| 2001 | Raymond James Stadium, Tampa |
Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Aerosmith, ‘N Sync, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, Nelly |
| 2000 | Georgia Dome, Atlanta |
Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton, 80-person choir, Edward James Olmos (narrator) |
I will go first. How about Diana Ross and Jon Bon Jovi–a combination of old and young. Great songs that will be played on the radio forever.
- What do you think of my choice?
- Who is your halftime show for the 2011 Super Bowl?
And who knows since it is in Dallas you never know what kind of surprise I might have up my sleeve for anyone who posts a comment.
I look forward to reading your thoughts.
jennifer says:
I think that is a great choice! I have noticed that they have not had anyone with breasts since the wardrobe malfunction of ‘04; nor hardly anyone under age 60.
Melanie says:
I’d love to see a powerhouse couple. Maybe Josh Grobin and Celine Dion or Mariah Carey. See who can out-sing the other. Another thought is to have the Transiberian Orchestra come and do some of their non-Christmas pieces along with their fantastic light show. That was one of the best concerts I’ve ever attended.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Melanie,
Josh Grobin, Celine Dion or Mariah Carey would work – all good choices!
Merrill
Jeff Adler says:
How about the Washington Redskins Marching Band? They marched around the concourse of Tampa Stadium during Super Bowl XVIII, but isn’t it time to get them out on the field for a halftime show? Aren’t true football marching bands the original halftime show tradition?
Disclaimer: I was the Performance Manager and Tuba Section Leader for the University of Pennsylvania Marching Bands many years ago, so my views may possibly be biased.
For more than 70 years, the Washington Redskins Marching Band has led sell-out crowds in the team fight song, “Hail to the Redskins!” It is one of only two pro football marching bands in existence today.
The all-volunteer ensemble formed in 1937, when George Preston Marshall brought the Redskins to Washington, D.C., with the goal of entertaining fans from the moment they walked into the stadium until the time they left to go home.
The Marching Band entertains fans with pre-game and halftime shows and has marched between train stations and stadiums before notable games, down Broadway before a New York Giants game in the early 1960s, and around the concourse of Tampa Stadium during Super Bowl XVIII.
OK, realistically I don’t know if we can get Jerry Jones to go for this (heck, I don’t even know if I can get Merrill to publish my entry
), but perhaps he can be reassured in the knowledge this would certainly be the only way the Redskins will be involved in the 2011 Super Bowl.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Jeff,
Love the thought! FYI I am still laughing! Appreciate the chuckle.
Merrill
Tom McGoldrick says:
Great idea
However, not to be too picky but neither Diana Ross or Jon Bon Jovi probably qualify as young.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Tom,
Good point!
Merrill
Fee Sepahi says:
Jennifer that’s too funny!
I also agree with Tom. Merrill, what were you thinking?
I think there ought to be a combo of Kesha and Ozzie Osbourne!
Now they could rock the Cowboys Stadium….
Merrill Dubrow says:
Fee,
The crazy Ozzie at the Super Bowl – wowowowow. I think we have a better chance of seeing Elvis!
Merrill
Kmat says:
Okay, we need some local flavor, so I would suggest the Jonas Brothers for all the young people. Then we’d have to have Willie Nelson perform in there somewhere along with George Strait. Steve Miller Band – Steve is a hometown boy I believe also. That’s all I’ve got right now……
Merrill Dubrow says:
KMAT,
I am wondering if they might go that route with the Jonas Brothers or Willie Nelson.
I could see that happen!
Good idea.
Merrill
Melanie says:
Actually, if we’re going for a mix that would have something for everyone, maybe we should just invite the entire “We Are the World 2010″ cast to perform and watch them fight over the microphones.
Rick Johnson says:
How about the season finally of American Idol or X-Factor? I would be sort of like punt, pass and kick but for performers. Have some of the mentors/past winners sing as well.
I haven’t really liked any of the halftime performances…I know the younger than forty crowd could probably do without the Geritol singers. Don’t get me wrong…I like the Who, but they are beyond their collective prime.
Very interesting topic Merrill! Going to the Super Bowl is a “Bucket List” item for me.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Rick,
American Idol at the Super Bowl – fun. Next year might be a good year to go since I am sure they will pack it in with 110,000+ fans!
Merrill
Bob Graham says:
The half-time band should be Boston’s own Dropkick Murpheys. It will be very appropriate as the Patriots will be playing.
Kenyon woods says:
Dolly Parton , BTO and Selena Gomez That would wake people up.
Jennie says:
Yeah, the halftime show has been super lame ever since the wardrobe malfunction in my opinion…with the exception of Bruce, of course. LOL, I like the Ke$ha (assuming she’s still hanging on to fame) and Ozzy pairing, Fee! Anything to liven it up!! Timbaland, Lil’ Wayne (he’ll be out by then!), or The Black Eyed Peas, and then the Oz man!!
Will Morris says:
I am 58 years old and love the oldies, but let’s just say I am glad I saw the Who in the ’60’s and 70’s. They were horrible at this year’s Super Bowl and really bummed me out. The rockers in their ’60’s may not be a good idea, other than Sir Paul McCartney.
I really don’t have a handle on who the halftime TV audience is for a Super Bowl. Maybe some mega country music stars that can hit their notes. Would be great if the Cowboys are in the game.
Kelly Christine Delaney says:
I’m 27 and I have to say the years with Britney, Justin, etc.. I really didn’t like at all. I’d rather see someone who the masses like.
Watching Bruce perform at the Super Bowl convinced me to buy tickets to see him in concert – I ended up seeing him twice last year and both times were worth every penny.
I think someone universally liked – perhaps Jimmy Buffett or Kenny Chesney would be a good fit.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Kelly.
You know what Jimmy Buffett would be a great choice and MY choice!
Merrill
Ed Sugar says:
I agree with Kmat in keeping the acts all native. I would add just one more to her list, that little band from Texas – ZZ Top
Merrill Dubrow says:
Ed,
Haven’t heard anything about them in along time. Not sure they appeal to everyone but certainly have the Texas aspect.
Merrill
Elizabeth says:
I also like Kmat’s idea for native acts…although I would leave out the Jonas Brothers. I am not a country music fan, but I love Willie Nelson. Guessing Jessica Simpson won’t be invited to perform
.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Elizabeth,
Jessica who???? Just kidding – cant see that happening.
Merrill
Randy Carson says:
How about a salute to big-screen TV’s everywhere featuring the monstrosity Jerry Jones has constructed? Highlight could be a contest featuring some of the league’s top punters to see how many times each can hit Jerry’s screen on the fly.
Featuring music from the old group “Alive and Kicking”.
Steelers punter not included…he will be in the locker room getting ready to play the second half.
Certainly would be memorable….