As Super Bowl LIX kicks off between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, fans around the world are gearing up for one of the biggest television events of the year. Beyond the action on the field, the highly anticipated halftime show—featuring Kendrick Lamar and special guest SZA—will take center stage at Allegiant Stadium in New Orleans.
The Super Bowl halftime show has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers who tune in just for the star-studded performances, dazzling stage effects, and surprise guest appearances.
While the entire Super Bowl halftime break typically lasts around 30 minutes, the actual performance by the featured artist lasts between 13 to 15 minutes.
Over the past five years, here’s how long each Super Bowl halftime performance lasted:
- Super Bowl 58 (2024) – Usher: 13 minutes, 21 seconds
- Super Bowl 57 (2023) – Rihanna: 13 minutes, 51 seconds
- Super Bowl 56 (2022) – Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar: 14 minutes, 41 seconds
- Super Bowl 55 (2021) – The Weeknd: 14 minutes, 18 seconds
- Super Bowl 54 (2020) – Shakira and Jennifer Lopez: 14 minutes, 21 seconds
Though the Super Bowl halftime show extends the regular NFL halftime from 13 minutes to about 30 minutes, the entire break isn’t dedicated to the performance. The extended intermission allows time for the stage crew to set up and dismantle equipment, as well as provide additional broadcast segments and commercial breaks.
“There are so many aspects of it, the dancers, the lighting elements, the special effects. It’s like a big jigsaw puzzle,” said Dan Parise, a Roc Nation producer, in a 2020 interview with Reuters.
There is no exact start time for the Super Bowl halftime show, as it depends on the pace of the game. However, based on past Super Bowls, the show is expected to begin between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM ET.
For fans tuning in just for the halftime show, it is recommended to check in around 7:30 PM ET to gauge the timing of the game and see when the performance will begin.
The Super Bowl halftime show is an event within an event—one that combines music, entertainment, and sports on the biggest stage in America. With Kendrick Lamar and SZA leading this year’s performance, expectations are high for a memorable and electrifying show.
As the third quarter kicks off, football fans will return to their seats, advertisers will debut their latest high-budget commercials, and millions will reflect on yet another spectacular Super Bowl halftime performance.