Ridiculous History: The History of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Part Two: A World-Class Show

Podcast Information:

• Title: Ridiculous History
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Description: History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.
• Episode: The History of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Part Two: A World-Class Show
• Release Date: November 28, 2024

I. Introduction and Recap

The episode begins with hosts Ben Bullen and Noel Brown welcoming listeners back to their ongoing series on the history of the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Ben acknowledges their super producer, Max Williams, while Noel jokingly refers to Ben with different nicknames. The pair express their enthusiasm for the series, emphasizing the blend of historical insight and playful commentary that defines their show.

Notable Quote:

• Ben Bullen [00:00]: "Welcome back to the show Ridiculous Historians. Thank you as always, so much for tuning in."

II. Evolution of Halftime Shows in the Late '80s and Early '90s

A. 1989 Super Bowl Halftime Show: 3D Technology by Coca-Cola

The discussion shifts to the 1989 Super Bowl Halftime Show, spotlighting Coca-Cola's ambitious integration of 3D technology, branded as "New Optics." Ben and Noel delve into the execution and public reception of this technological experiment.

Notable Quotes:

• Noel Brown [05:42]: "Coca Cola, of course, was the sole sponsor for a show incorporating 3D technology. This is in 1989, y'all called New New Optics."
• Ben Bullen [06:02]: "They got 26 million pairs of 3D glasses. And they ran, they distributed this when you would buy Coca Cola products."

The hosts critique the public's lukewarm response to the 3D gimmick, citing cynicism akin to the mixed reception of 3D televisions. They reference Bob Costas's sarcastic remark about the show being "the single proudest moment of my life," highlighting the disconnect between producers' intentions and audience reception.

B. 1991 Tape Delay Due to the Gulf War

Moving forward, Ben and Noel touch upon the impact of the Gulf War on the 1991 halftime show. The uncertainty surrounding live broadcasts during a time of active military engagement led to the decision to tape-delay the event. This move was intended to avoid potential interruptions from breaking news, underscoring the delicate balance between entertainment and real-world events.

Notable Quote:

• Ben Bullen [13:05]: "The concern there that results in the tape delay entirely comes because the US Was at a decision point or a crossroads wherein it may have been completely possible."

C. 1992 Halftime Show: In Living Color vs. CBS Snow-Themed Show

In 1992, the halftime show landscape was further complicated by network dynamics. FOX, which did not possess broadcasting rights, opted to air an episode of "In Living Color" instead of a traditional live halftime show. Concurrently, CBS presented a snow-themed performance starring Gloria Steinem and Olympic ice skaters, attempting to blend entertainment with a seasonal motif.

Notable Quotes:

• Noel Brown [14:32]: "I think I'm being a bit coy. He did have a bit of a tone when he introduced the show. A bit Of a skeptical sort of sarcastic vibe to him."
• Ben Bullen [14:47]: "That is not a complex Roman numeral. That is the brand name of the technology."

III. The Michael Jackson Era

A. 1993 Halftime Show: James Earl Jones' Introduction and Michael Jackson's Performance

January 31, 1993, marked a pivotal moment in Super Bowl halftime history with the introduction of James Earl Jones lending his iconic voice to set the stage. Michael Jackson's performance followed, showcasing his unparalleled showmanship and solidifying his legacy as the "King of Pop."

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Bullen [15:54]: "James Earl Jones is setting up a relatively long introduction, and the whole time he is setting up this introduction, Michael Jackson, the king of pop, is just standing on stage."
• Noel Brown [22:07]: "Everyone knew he just loomed so fricking large at this point."

The hosts discuss the anticipation and impact of Jackson's performance, noting how his presence elevated the halftime show to a new level of spectacle and cultural significance.

IV. The Janet Jackson "Wardrobe Malfunction"

The conversation transitions to one of the most controversial moments in Super Bowl history: Janet Jackson's 2004 performance during Super Bowl XXXVIII. The infamous "wardrobe malfunction," where Justin Timberlake inadvertently exposed Janet's breast area, sparked widespread debate and led to significant repercussions for Janet Jackson.

Notable Quotes:

• Noel Brown [30:07]: "Janet Jackson's showing at Super Bowl 38, that's XXXVII, in 2004 was the most controversial."
• Ben Bullen [31:23]: "We have in the past, how often are these performers actually singing versus how often are they lip syncing now?"

Ben and Noel analyze the incident's aftermath, highlighting the unequal treatment Janet received compared to Justin Timberlake. They discuss the implications of race and gender in the fallout, underscoring the tarnished reputation and blacklisting Janet faced, while Timberlake's career remained unaffected.

Notable Quote:

• Noel Brown [35:05]: "It's like the FCC wouldn't let them be or let them be them. So let them see, they tried to shut them down on MTV, but nevermind."

V. Creed's 2001 Super Bowl Halftime Show

In a lighter yet equally fascinating segment, the hosts explore Creed's 2001 halftime performance. Occurring shortly after the tragic events of September 11, this performance aimed to provide emotional and patriotic comfort through their music.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Bullen [41:09]: "At the height of Creed's popularity in 2001, that was...super super on board with that record."
• Noel Brown [45:48]: "And really quickly wanted to add...it's like we are here to bring to heal America with our rock."

Despite the somber context, Creed's performance is remembered as both a unifying and somewhat self-aggrandizing spectacle, blending genuine sentiment with rock theatrics.

VI. Lip Syncing in Halftime Shows

Ben and Noel delve into the perennial debate surrounding live performances versus lip syncing in Super Bowl halftime shows. Citing examples like the Red Hot Chili Peppers' 2004 performance, where Flea criticized the use of pre-recorded instrumentals, the hosts highlight the tension between artistic integrity and production demands.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Bullen [54:21]: "The Chili Peppers incident speaks to, I think, speaks to their character, at least Flea's character, because he was so candid about this."
• Noel Brown [55:05]: "The Chili Peppers incident speaks to, I think, speaks to their character."

They also reference historical instances such as Milli Vanilli and Ashley Simpson on SNL, emphasizing the long-standing challenges artists face in delivering authentic performances during high-stakes events.

Notable Quote:

• Noel Brown [52:35]: "You can listen to the song at home. You're there for something different."

VII. Conclusion

Wrapping up, Ben and Noel reflect on the evolving nature of Super Bowl halftime shows, acknowledging the balance between spectacle, cultural impact, and authentic performance. They express gratitude to contributors and tease future episodes, including a potential deep dive into the history of lip syncing.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Bullen [57:13]: "What, what do we call it? To be the Monday morning quarterback about how a show should have been performed or how it could be tuned up."
• Noel Brown [58:17]: "This episode of Ridiculous History is brought to you by eBay Motors."

Additional Notes

Throughout the episode, several advertisements are interspersed, promoting brands like eBay Motors, Amazon Books, High5 Casino, and others. These segments are seamlessly integrated but are deliberately omitted from the content-focused summary.

Closing Thoughts: Ben and Noel successfully navigate the complex and often tumultuous history of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, providing listeners with a blend of insightful analysis and engaging storytelling. By highlighting pivotal moments and controversies, they illuminate how this marquee event mirrors broader societal trends and technological advancements.