Two Super Bowl Halftime Shows

by Daniel Gardner, Special to the Gazette

Why do so many people around the world watch the Super Bowl each year? You’re right!

The ads and the halftime show! Only die-hard football fans tune in for the game. And only fans of the two teams really care who does what on the field. Besides, there’s a party going on!

Remember the

Apple ad in 1984 that introduced the Macintosh computer to the world? You do if you saw it “live.” Who played the half-time show? For the record that was Super Bowl XVIII and featured a “Salute to the Superstars of the Silver Screen.” Super Bowl half

time shows weren’t really groundbreaking in the early days. Four out of the first five games featured college marching bands. The games themselves weren’t really big sellers.

I remember

watching the first Super Bowl in 1967. The Green Bay Packers beat the Kansas City Chiefs. Bart Starr led the Packers to a 35-10 victory.

It takes time to build a lasting tradition like the Super Bowl.

The NFL has

already announced that Bad Bunny will be the headliner at Super Bowl LX February 8, 2026.

No, this is not an ad for Energizer batteries. Bad Bunny’s real name is

Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio. He’s a native of Puerto Rico. Bad Bunny is a three-time Grammy winner and reportedly the most streamed artist in the world. That’s “streamed” with an “r” not steamed, though Bunny must be hot among some demographics.

C o i n c i d e n t l y

Turning Point USA just announced plans for its own Super Bowl halftime show as an alternative to the Bunny show.

You may remember

Turning Point USA is the conservative organization founded by Charlie Kirk who was assassinated September 10. Charlie’s assassination made him a household name and has energized

Turning Point USA in high schools, colleges, and universities across America.

TP-USA is not just a conservative organization that attracts young people politically.

Charlie Kirk was also a charismatic Christian who shared the Bible and the gospel liberally at all their rallies. Since the assassination Charlie has become the face of All-American values.

Charlie reached out particularly to Generation Z students.

His impact over his toobrief life is likely one of the reasons Gen Z have moved toward Christianity. Gen Z men in particular are attending church more, and Bible sales are increasing among young people.

One of my college students told me his generation is seeking stability and meaning as well as spirituality. They are looking for a sense of belonging and support. The generations just before them had been sinking into depression and loneliness. Some have blamed social media as the primary culprit. Surprisingly TikTok and Instagram have led social media with access to Christian content.

In 2026 the question will be which Super Bowl halftime show will you watch in February? TP-USA is touting their show as “The All-American Halftime Show.” The organization will name performers later. Don’t be fooled. A fake website has already teased the following names: Alan Jackson, George Strait, Trace Adkins, Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, and Willie Nelson.

Really? Charlie’s wife, Erika is producing the show as a tribute to Charlie and good old American values: faith, freedom, and unity. “Bad Bunny” may have name-appeal, but I’m looking forward to enjoying The All-American Halftime Show and celebrating God’s blessings with friends who love America. Page A2 Thursday, October 30, 2025 MAGNOLIA GAZETTE