Super Bowl LI halftime show

Super Bowl LI halftime show was a highly anticipated event that took place on February 5, 2017, at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, as part of Super Bowl LI. The show featured a performance by Lady Gaga, who was joined by hundreds of Intel drones flying in synchronization above the stadium. The event was broadcast on Fox and was watched by millions of viewers worldwide, including fans of New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons. The halftime show was also streamed online through various platforms, including YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

Background and selection

The selection of Lady Gaga as the halftime show performer was announced by the National Football League (NFL) on September 29, 2016, following a successful performance by Coldplay at Super Bowl 50. Lady Gaga was chosen for her high-energy performances and ability to entertain large crowds, as seen at events like the Grammy Awards and the MTV Video Music Awards. The NFL also considered other performers, including Katy Perry, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift, but ultimately decided on Lady Gaga due to her unique style and ability to connect with a wide range of audiences, including fans of Adele, Rihanna, and Kanye West. The event was produced by Ricky Kirshner and Hamish Hamilton, who have worked on numerous high-profile events, including the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards.

Performance and setlist

The performance by Lady Gaga began with her descending from the roof of the NRG Stadium using a harness, while singing her hit song "Poker Face". She then proceeded to perform a medley of her popular songs, including ("Bad Romance"), ("Born This Way"), and ("Telephone"), featuring Beyoncé. The setlist also included ("Just Dance"), ("Million Reasons"), and ("Paparazzi"), with Lady Gaga interacting with the crowd and performing intricate choreography with her dancers, who were dressed in outfits designed by Versace and Armani. The performance was accompanied by a light show and pyrotechnics, which were designed by Christine McConnell and Bruce Rodgers, who have worked on numerous concerts and events, including tours by Madonna and U2.

Critical reception

The performance by Lady Gaga received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising her high-energy performance and ability to engage the crowd, including fans of NFL, NBA, and MLB. Rolling Stone magazine described the performance as "thrilling" and "unforgettable", while The New York Times praised Lady Gaga's "boundless energy" and "impressive vocals", which were compared to those of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. The performance was also praised by other artists, including Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Paul McCartney, who have all performed at numerous high-profile events, including the Glastonbury Festival and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Commercial impact and viewership

The Super Bowl LI halftime show was watched by an estimated 117.5 million viewers in the United States, making it one of the most-watched television events in history, surpassing the viewership of the Academy Awards and the Grammy Awards. The event also generated significant revenue for the NFL and its partners, including Pepsi, Verizon, and Microsoft, which have all sponsored numerous high-profile events, including the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup. The performance by Lady Gaga also boosted her music sales, with her album ("Joanne") experiencing a significant increase in sales and streaming activity, similar to the boost experienced by Adele after her performance at the Grammy Awards.

Legacy and cultural significance

The Super Bowl LI halftime show has been widely regarded as one of the greatest halftime shows in history, with many praising Lady Gaga's performance and the event's overall production, which was compared to the Super Bowl XLIX halftime show featuring Katy Perry and the Super Bowl 50 halftime show featuring Coldplay. The event has also been recognized for its cultural significance, with many seeing it as a celebration of LGBTQ+ rights and a testament to the power of music to bring people together, similar to the Woodstock Music & Art Fair and the Live Aid concert. The performance by Lady Gaga has also been named as one of the greatest live performances of all time, alongside those of Michael Jackson, Prince, and David Bowie, who have all been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Category:Super Bowl halftime shows