When Is The Halftime Show? Your Complete Guide To Super Bowl LIX (2025) And LX (2026) Performers, Start Time, And Controversies

The Super Bowl Halftime Show is arguably the most-watched musical event in the world, a 13-minute spectacle that defines pop culture conversations for the entire year. As of December 15, 2025, fans are already looking ahead to the next two monumental performances, with confirmed headliners for both 2025 and 2026 promising a new era of diverse, high-energy entertainment.

The question "When is the Halftime Show?" is never a simple one, as the start time is fluid, dependent on the game's flow, but the dates and main performers are locked in. This deep dive provides the most current information available, including the precise dates, estimated start times, and the massive production details that make this show a global phenomenon.

The Next Two Halftime Shows: Dates, Performers, and Locations

The National Football League (NFL), Roc Nation, and Apple Music have confirmed the headline acts for the next two Super Bowl Halftime Shows, continuing the tradition of securing the biggest names in music. These events are not just concerts; they are cultural milestones that draw hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.

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Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show (2025)

• Date: Sunday, February 9, 2025
• Headliner: Kendrick Lamar
• Special Guest: SZA
• Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Estimated Start Time: Approximately 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT
• The Context: The game, Super Bowl LIX, will feature the AFC Champion versus the NFC Champion. Kendrick Lamar's performance is highly anticipated, given his history of politically charged and critically acclaimed albums like DAMN. and To Pimp a Butterfly. Predictions for the setlist include a mix of his biggest hits such as "Alright," "Humble," and potentially a guest appearance from Dr. Dre or Lil Wayne, who are close collaborators.

Super Bowl LX Halftime Show (2026)

• Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
• Headliner: Bad Bunny
• Location: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
• The Context: This marks a historic moment for the Halftime Show. Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican rapper and singer, is one of the most streamed artists globally and is set to bring a first-of-its-kind multilingual performance to the stage. His selection reflects the NFL's commitment to diversifying the entertainment and reaching a massive international audience. The performance is expected to feature hits from his extensive catalog, including tracks from albums like Un Verano Sin Ti and YHLQMDLG.

The Halftime Show Start Time: How to Catch the Performance

The most confusing aspect for casual viewers is the exact start time of the Halftime Show itself. Unlike a scheduled concert, the performance is dictated by the flow of the game, specifically the completion of the second quarter.

Understanding the Super Bowl Timeline

The Super Bowl game typically kicks off at 6:30 PM Eastern Time (ET). The Halftime Show will begin approximately 90 minutes after the kickoff, making the start time a moving target.

• Kickoff Time: 6:30 PM ET
• First Quarter End: Around 7:30 PM ET
• Second Quarter End (Halftime): Around 8:00 PM ET

Therefore, the estimated Halftime Show start time is around 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM CT). It is crucial for viewers to tune in slightly before this window to ensure they don't miss the opening moments of the highly anticipated performance.

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The Logistics: The 30-Minute Window

While the actual musical performance is a hyper-condensed 12 to 13 minutes, the entire halftime break lasts about 30 minutes. This window includes:

• Stage Setup: A meticulous 7-minute process where hundreds of crew members assemble a massive stage on the field.
• The Performance: The 12–13 minute main event.
• Stage Teardown: An equally rapid 8-minute process to clear the field for the third quarter.

Behind the Curtain: Production, Cost, and Controversial Moments

The Halftime Show is not just a concert; it is a massive logistical and financial undertaking. Understanding the mechanics behind the spectacle provides a deeper appreciation for the high-stakes nature of the event.

The Staggering Production Budget

Despite the performers receiving no direct compensation (the exposure is considered payment enough), the production budget for the Halftime Show is enormous. The NFL covers all costs, which often exceed $10 million. Some estimates place the cost at around $1 million per minute of performance, covering everything from lighting and pyrotechnics to the transportation of the stage and the salaries of the thousands of crew members.

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The Evolution of a Cultural Phenomenon

The Halftime Show has not always been a blockbuster music event. For decades, it featured college marching bands and local performers. The modern era began in 1993 with Michael Jackson's performance, which redefined the event's scale and cemented its status as a must-watch cultural moment. This shift led to a string of iconic performances by global superstars, including Prince, Madonna, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and the 2022 hip-hop ensemble led by Dr. Dre.

The Most Talked-About Controversies

The high visibility of the show inevitably leads to controversy, which often drives even more viewership. The most infamous moment remains the 2004 performance featuring Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, which resulted in significant broadcast scrutiny and a crackdown on live television standards. More recently, the 2019 show, headlined by Maroon 5, faced a massive public petition urging the band not to perform due to political tensions surrounding the NFL at the time.

Topical Authority Entities & LSI Keywords

To fully grasp the scope of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, it’s helpful to understand the key entities and related concepts that define the event:

• Key Entities: NFL, Apple Music (Sponsor), Roc Nation (Producer), Super Bowl LIX, Super Bowl LX, New Orleans, Santa Clara, California, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Prince, Dr. Dre, SZA, Lil Wayne, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Maroon 5.
• LSI Keywords/Concepts: Kickoff Time, Performance Length, Production Budget, Setlist Predictions, Controversial Moments, Viewer Ratings, Global Streaming, Modular Stage, Pyrotechnics, Wardrobe Malfunction, Endorsement Deals.

Whether you are tuning in for the game or just for the music, the Halftime Show remains a powerful, fleeting moment of live entertainment. With Kendrick Lamar set to deliver a legendary performance in 2025 and Bad Bunny breaking new ground in 2026, the tradition of the high-stakes, high-octane spectacle is set to continue for years to come.

The best advice for catching the show is simple: tune in early. The pre-game coverage begins hours before kickoff, and the Halftime Show is guaranteed to start approximately 90 minutes after the 6:30 PM ET kickoff. Setting your alarm for a target of 7:45 PM ET is your safest bet to witness the entire 13-minute performance.