The Weeknd’s Super Bowl Milestones
The Weeknd first appeared at the Super Bowl in 2021, performing "The Hills" during the AFC Championship broadcast en route to headlining Super Bowl LV in 2020. Across multiple years, he has contributed music, performances, and halftime spectacle. This profile organizes each appearance by season, event date, and role, with setlists and verified outcomes to clarify how his involvement has evolved.
Early TV Performances and the Path to Halftime
2020–2021 Season: Pre-Halftime Visibility
Before headlining Super Bowl LV, The Weeknd appeared on telecasts surrounding the championship game. During the AFC Championship Game coverage on CBS, he performed "The Hills" and other tracks as part of an extended showcase. This served as a high-profile warm-up for his main event role and signaled his growing fit within major sports moments.
Notable Details from Early Appearances
- Setlist highlights included "The Hills" and a brief live rendition of other catalog tracks.
- These appearances solidified his presence on broadcast television ahead of the big game.
Super Bowl LV Halftime Headline (2021)
Performance Overview
In February 2021, The Weeknd became the first artist to open the Super Bowl Halftime Show in the new SoFi Stadium era. Themed "The Weeknd Experience," the show featured a stadium-wide narrative with drones, lasers, and a curated setlist spanning his catalog and key hits.
Verified Halftime Setlist
| Song | Order | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alone Again | 1 | Opened the show atop a replica CBS news helicopter. |
| Blinding Lights | 2 | Iconic synth lead under the stadium lights. |
| Save Your Tears | 3 | Performance atop a moving vehicle. |
| Starboy | 4 | Featured classic cars and a high-energy finale. |
| In Your Eyes | 5 | Dance break sequence with choreographed visuals. |
| Earned It | 6 | Closing track with dramatic lighting. |
Reception and Impact
Reviews praised the production scale and narrative coherence, while ratings showed strong viewership. His streaming spikes confirmed that a Super Bowl halftime headline remains one of the most impactful promotional platforms in music.
Context for Artists and Stakeholders
What the Weeknd’s Super Bowl Presence Means
For performers, a Super Bowl halftime slot represents a career peak in reach and cultural weight. For The Weeknd, it confirmed his transition from alternative R&B star to global mainstream icon with demonstrable live and ratings appeal.
Quick Comparison Snapshot
| Year | Event | Role | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | AFC Championship Game (CBS) | Featured performer | Previewed TV mainstream appeal |
| 2021 | Super Bowl LV Halftime | Headliner | Peak reach and streaming growth |
Streaming, Catalog Lift, and Commercial Afterglow
Following the halftime show, The Weeknd saw sustained increases in on-demand streams, catalog sales, and playlist inclusions. Collaborations and brand partnerships also grew, reflecting the halo effect of a successful Super Bowl moment. These long-tail benefits are common for halftime headliners and remain relevant years after the live event.
FAQs
Did The Weeknd perform at the Super Bowl before 2021?
Yes, he appeared during the 2020 AFC Championship Game broadcast on CBS with a short set, leading up to his 2021 halftime headliner role.
Which songs did he perform at Super Bowl LV?
He performed "Alone Again," "Blinding Lights," "Save Your Tears," "Starboy," "In Your Eyes," and "Earned It."
How did the Super Bowl affect his streaming numbers?
Halftime appearances typically drive immediate and sustained streaming lifts; for The Weeknd, spikes in "Blinding Lights" and catalog tracks were observed in the weeks following the show.
What is the typical path to a Super Bowl halftime slot?
Performers usually build momentum through hit records, high-profile tours, and strong live credentials. Labels and the NFL often consider box office draw, cultural relevance, and narrative fit when selecting headliners.
Are there plans for another Weeknd Super Bowl appearance?
While nothing is officially announced, his successful 2021 run keeps him within the pool of artists considered for major future events.