The Case For Country Music At The Super Bowl Halftime Show

With country music continually on a popularity rise compared to other genres, many fans are hoping for a Super Bowl halftime performance led by their favorite country star. While country singers tend to be a go-to choice to sing the National Anthem, they have been overlooked for the main event. In the past 57 years of the NFL's biggest game, only one true country music halftime show has graced the stage, leaving many fans yearning for more representation from this beloved genre.

That memorable performance occurred during Super Bowl 28 on January 30, 1994, when the Dallas Cowboys faced off against the Buffalo Bills. The league presented "Rockin' Country Sunday" as the halftime entertainment, featuring iconic artists like Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, and Wynonna Judd. Each artist performed some of their biggest hits of the '90s, creating an unforgettable experience for fans and viewers alike.

The Super Bowl is long overdue for another country-led performance. There are several mainstream artists who could dominate the stage with high-energy shows, such as Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen, and Lainey Wilson. The NFL could even recreate a medley of songs from various artists, reminiscent of the fantastic halftime show nearly 30 years ago that captivated audiences.

Country music has not been shunned from the championship game, as many country artists have had the honor of singing the National Anthem. Notable names include Charley Pride in 1974, Garth Brooks in 1993, Faith Hill in 2000, the Chicks in 2003, Carrie Underwood in 2010, and Luke Bryan in 2017. The genre has also dominated the last three Super Bowl National Anthems, featuring Eric Church in 2021, Mickey Guyton in 2022, and Chris Stapleton in 2023.

As we look forward to the entertainment lineup for the 2024 National Anthem, an announcement is yet to be made. For Super Bowl 58, the halftime show will shine a spotlight on R&B singer Usher. However, fans eagerly await the day when country music once again takes center stage during this spectacular event.