Halftime shows are a tradition during American football games at all levels of competition. Entertainment during the Super Bowl, the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), represents a fundamental link to pop culture, which helps broaden the television audience and nationwide interest. As the Super Bowl itself is typically the most - watched event on television in the United States annually, the halftime show has been equally - viewed in recent years: the halftime show of Super Bowl XLIX featuring Katy Perry was viewed by 118.5 million, as part of an overall telecast that peaked at 120.3 million at its conclusion -- the most - watched television broadcast in U.S. history. The NFL claims that the Super Bowl LI halftime show, with Lady Gaga was the "most - watched musical event of all - time '', citing a figure of 150 million viewers based on the television audience, as well as unique viewership of video postings of the halftime show on the league 's platforms, and social media interactions. However, the show was only seen by 117.5 million television viewers, making it the second - highest - rated halftime show behind Super Bowl XLIX.
who performed at last year's super bowl
Lady Gaga