Home / Arts and Entertainment / NFL Rehearses Super Bowl Shows: No Surprises Allowed
NFL Rehearses Super Bowl Shows: No Surprises Allowed
5 Jun
Summary
- Roc Nation, Jay-Z's company, selects artists and produces the Super Bowl halftime show.
- Super Bowl TV audience has surpassed 120 million for four consecutive shows.
- NFL rehearses shows to avoid surprises and ensure entertainment focus.
Since 2019, Roc Nation, the entertainment company owned by Jay-Z, has partnered with the NFL to select artists and produce the Super Bowl halftime show. This collaboration has significantly boosted US television viewership, surpassing 120 million for each of the last four shows.
Kendrick Lamar's 2025 performance set a record, attracting 133.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show ever.
The NFL emphasizes a controlled environment for these performances, with extensive rehearsals to minimize surprises. Tubito stated that the NFL "don't like to be surprised" and ensures that "the whole show" is rehearsed.
While artists are not restricted in their viewpoints, there is an understanding that the Super Bowl stage is primarily for entertainment. This approach was evident with Bad Bunny, whose performance focused on a message of unity, with his team aiming for a "larger than life" show that resonated across cultures and languages.
This strategy has proven successful, with artists like Bad Bunny making a significant impact by conveying messages that transcend linguistic and cultural divides, reinforcing the effectiveness of Roc Nation's artistic selections and production.
