Do artists really sing during the Super Bowl Halftime Show or do they lip sync?

Came for the football, loved everything that went on around it. This is not an uncommon feeling when we reflect on the annual finale to the NFL season. And when it comes to the non-sporting entertainment it’s the Super Bowl Halftime Show that really grabs the attention.

Halftime Show Super Bowl 2024 live updates: Usher performance, guest artists

Super Bowl Halftime Show: live vocals or lip sync?

Usher has been elected for the 2024 event, or Super Bowl LVIII to give it its official title, and fans can’t wait to see the R’n’B star in action - especially as his new album Coming Home drops on Friday, two days before his performance at Allegiant Stadium. The singer hopes Coming Home will emulate his 2004 release Confessions, which went platinum, selling over 10 million copies in the United States. He will be promoting his new record by going out on the road later this year but first, he has the Super Bowl Halftime Show to focus on - the second time he has appeared at the showpiece.

When it comes to the halftime show, one question that is always asked regards the ‘live’ nature of the singers on these high-profile occasions. Do they sing naturally or is there some lip syncing going on? The answer is that we’ve seen a bit of both over the years, but why would that be their chosen method?

In some cases, artists may choose to lip sync to their recorded tracks in order to ensure a highly choreographed and polished performance, as the Halftime Show often features elaborate costumes, lighting, and special effects. Artists who choose to perform live, have the ideal opportunity to showcase their vocal skills in front of a massive global audience. Ultimately, whether an artist lip syncs or performs live at the Super Bowl Halftime Show is a creative choice made by the artist and the production team, and can vary from year to year.

Which Super Bowl artists have sung live?

Let’s have a look back on some of those incredible truly live singing performances in recent years.

Stevie Wonder (Super Bowl XXXIII)

Motown’s musical genius made a grand entrance to the 1930s Chicago-themed halftime show, chauffeured into Pro Player Stadium in an open-topped tourer while belting out Sir Duke an A side cut from his timeless, 1976 masterpiece Songs In the Key Of Life. Once on stage, and backed by a full band. Stevie ran through a selection of his greatest works including You Are the Sunshine of My Life (written for his daughter), I Wish, Another Star and My Cherie Amor.

U2 (Super Bowl XXXVI)

U2′s Halftime Show was a powerful and emotional performance that paid tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks. They performed a selection of their biggest hits, including Where the Streets Have No Name and Beautiful Day, as well as a special rendition of the Martin Luther King-inspired, final track off their 1984 album, The Unforgettable Fire, MLK.

Bruce Springsteen (Super Bowl XLIII)

Bruce Springsteen’s Halftime Show was a high-energy rock performance that showcased his legendary stage presence. He performed a selection of his biggest hits, including ‘Born to Run’ and ‘Glory Days.’

Lady Gaga (Super Bowl LI)

Lady Gaga’s Halftime Show was a spectacle that showcased her singing and dance skills. She performed a medley of her biggest hits, including ‘Bad Romance,’ ‘Poker Face,’ and ‘Born This Way.’

Jennifer Lopez and Shakira (Super Bowl LIV)

Jennifer Lopez and Shakira’s Halftime Show was a celebration of Latin music and culture. They performed a selection of their biggest hits, including Hips Don’t Lie, Let’s Get Loud, and Waka Waka (This Time for Africa). The show was also notable for its high-energy dance performances and elaborate costumes.

Which Super Bowl artists have lip synced?

It’s worth noting that even when an artist lip syncs, they often still sing live parts of their performance. Additionally, the use of pre-recorded backing tracks and live instrumentation can also play a role in determining how 'live' a performance sounds. Here are some examples.

New Kids on the Block (Super Bowl XXV)

Other world events overshadowed the 1991 event - particularly the Gulf War. Precisely because of that, the Halftime Show was tape-delayed. New Kids on the Block performed two songs - Step by Step and This One’s For The Children, most likely to a pre-recorded backing track - a policy which the NFL use as backup in case anything goes horribly wrong on the night.

Madonna (Super Bowl XLVI)

Madonna’s Halftime Show featured a high-energy performance that included elaborate choreography and costumes. She sang a medley of her greatest hits, including Vogue, Music, and Like a Prayer - all to a backing track, which is generally the case when artists have to combine singing with complex choreographic moves.

Katy Perry (Super Bowl XLIX)

Katy Perry’s Halftime Show was a colorful and theatrical performance that included guest appearances by Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott. She sang a selection of her biggest hits, including Roar, Firework, and Dark Horse.

Justin Timberlake (Super Bowl LII)

Justin Timberlake’s Halftime Show was a blend of his solo hits and classics from his time with *NSYNC. He sang a selection of his biggest solo hits, including Rock Your Body, SexyBack, and Mirrors, as well as a reunion performance of Bye Bye Bye with *NSYNC.

On Sunday, Usher will join a select group of artists who have performed more than once at the halftime show - either as the main headline act or as a special guest. Gloria Estefan has the honor of making the most appearances - three in total.

Justin Timberlake, Nelly and Bruno Mars have all performed twice. Usher made his first appearance back in 2011 midway through the Packers’ victory over the Steelers in Arlington, Texas. On that occasion, he only had a cameo role, singing just one song OMG, a duet with will.i.am.