On Sunday, gays across America will participate in the time-honored tradition of running in from the other room at a Super Bowl party yelling “Is it halftime yet?!”
While this year’s show features decidedly yawn-inducing mom-rockers Coldplay, we’re sure Beyonce will bring the energy (and perhaps the bindi).
If you find yourself wondering what, if anything, could possibly top Katy Perry’s “left shark” moment from last year, either your memory isn’t serving you or you need better taste in music.
Luckily, a trip into halftime-shows-gone-by will help with either scenario.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Here are our five favorites:
5. Aerosmith, ‘Nsync & Britney Spears, 2001
https://youtu.be/lzHb6Z4w1ic?rel=0&showinfo=0″ width=”420″ height=”315″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen=”allowfullscreen”>
At the onset of the aughts, you couldn’t do much better than mix the pinnacle of bubblegum pop with a healthy dose of rock. Aerosmith provided just enough edge to the teeny-boppers to keep things interesting, albeit largely predictable.
4. Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2004
https://youtu.be/npF1lkKEM9o?rel=0&showinfo=0″ width=”420″ height=”315″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen=”allowfullscreen”>
Not many live performances can take credit for coining a still-used phrase, but on this night in ’04, “wardrobe malfunction” entered the popular lexicon. Also: “nipplegate.” But boob finale aside, these two gave everything we want in a halftime show and more. You had us at “Rhythm Nation.”
3. Madonna, 2012
Spectacle and Madonna are practically synonyms, so she must have been a no-brainer when it came to picking a halftime act. This was just before MDNA was released, and the anticipation around the alum mixed with crowd-pleasing guests M.I.A., CeeLo Green and Nicki Minaj made for a stimulating 13-odd minutes. Ending with “Like A Prayer” was a very, very good call.
2. Beyonce, 2013
https://youtu.be/kKVorba5GLs?rel=0&showinfo=0
Bey’s show, like every one of her live appearances, was utterly flawless. It’s almost like she rehearsed or something. Her style is made for massive venues like the Super Bowl, and you better believe she owned that stage performing hits from “Love On Top” to “Single Ladies.” Extra bonus points for reuniting Destiny’s Child when Kelly Rowland and Michelle Willams shot up from underneath the stage to join Bey for “Bootylicious,” “Independent Women” and “Single Ladies.”
1. Prince, 2007
Prince – Superbowl 2007 by tuxboard
We’re actually surprised we were even able to find this video to share. The famously controlling super star of rock, funk and everything in between keeps a tight lid on video recordings. So watch now before it disappears (though nine years have passed so it’s probably safe). The incomparably enigmatic and sensual artist delivered and then some with his own hits and covers like “Proud Mary,” but the audience really explodes at “Purple Rain.”
Glücklich
That Superbowl City thing is literally two blocks from my house. I’ve been away since week before last so’ve been spared the traffic and street closures but get back into town Sunday afternoon.
Call me a killjoy but from what I’ve seen and heard I’ll be glad to see that mess packed up and shipped out. And will be glad when the godammed game is over since it’s been advertised TO DEATH in SF for a year or more.
Like everything to do with the elections, I AM DONE HEARING ABOUT IT!
AJAnders
” On Sunday, gays across America will participate in the time-honored tradition of running in from the other room at a Super Bowl party yelling “Is it halftime yet?!” ”
And some of us gays will be watching the actual game because we love football. But way to think outside the box, Queerty.
Glücklich
@AJAnders:
Not this gay. If I weren’t just flying in that afternoon celebrate the Superbowl in my usual tradition by doing something incredibly queer like antiquing.
Brian
There have never been any gay-identifying acts at the Superbowl half-time show. Never. Let’s not kid ourselves with the fake use of the word “gay” to somehow convince ourselves that the Superbowl is inclusive and that we should be cheering it. It isn’t. The NFL is dominated by homophobia.
Brian
If the gay community in San Francisco had any balls, it would be protesting at the front of the venue during the Superbowl. The NFL is very homophobic and has consistently failed the inclusiveness test, including it’s half-hearted and tokenistic attempt to include gay-identifying players in the league.
I suspect that pigs might fly before the San Francisco gay community does anything as substantial as this. Gays in San Francisco are far more interested in other things, such as going to a bar to find someone to have sex with.
Thad
OK, I kinda like Coldplay. I enjoyed Katy Perry and Tom Petty at their SuperBowls. But my favorite sports concert ever is M People at Euro ’96 in Manchester(England). It’s viewable on YouTube and is wonderful.
Tracy Pope
@Brian: Gawd that was a stupid remark. But I’m not surprised.
You’re the typical non-local spouting off about things you know nothing about.
Your “gays in San Francisco remark” is just idiotic. There are many of us who haven’t seen the inside of a bar in years. Not our thing.
Levi Stadium is in Santa Clara . 45 miles from San Francisco.
Just a little homework before you spout off your usual nonsense would lend at least a wee bit of credence to your banal wailing.
Glücklich
@Tracy Pope:
I take it you’re local. Have you been downtown lately? The only things I’m pissed about missing were the fireworks, bridge, and Chris Isaak. Looks like a nightmare otherwise.
@Thad:
Thanks for the tip. Looks like it was a good time.
martinbakman
Katy Perry flew across the stadium last year. Top that, beeotch.
Tracy Pope
@Glücklich: Yes, I have a great view of Our Lady of Maytag from my living room window. I split my time between Santa Cruz and the city and I rarely go downtown. Sorry for the late reply.
For the most part I’ve given up on reading Queerty. Most of it and a lot of the comments are just too dull for my taste. The person I initially responded to is an excellent example.