In a Super Bowl full of surprises, one of the biggest may have been Jackson State’s Sonic Boom of the South being featured in the game’s halftime show.
The legendary marching band, which was able to keep its appearance under wraps until the actual performance, accompanied Usher on the field in Las Vegas as the rapper performed some of his biggest hits in front of thousands of cheering fans and millions of TV viewers.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏: tonight, we got to play halftime of #SuperBowl 𝐋𝐕𝐈𝐈𝐈. THANK YOU @Usher, @AppleMusic, and @RocNation for the opportunity to share the world’s largest stage with one of the most iconic performers of our time! This is a night we won’t forget. #LuvDaBoom ♟️ pic.twitter.com/HmTi2g8FPr
— Sonic Boom of the South (@SonicBoomOTS) February 12, 2024
After the halftime show, Jackson State’s Director of Bands, Dr. Rodrick Little, posted on social media, giving some insight into how the opportunity came about.
“In November of last year, our students were hand-selected to join Usher on the field for halftime at Super Bowl LVIII. This honor adds to the Boom’s legacy of iconic performances and moments that help elevate our university’s name and brand,” Little wrote. “I want to give a special shoutout to our students, staff, campus community, and administration for holding one of the best-kept secrets in Jackson State history.”
The latest performance for the Sonic Boom adds to a long list of celebrities the band has played with over recent years, including Drake, Lil Boosie, Ciara, Big Krit, and J.Cole. The Sonic Boom also played at the Tournament of Roses Parade this past January.
“Thank you, alumni and friends, for all you do to support the Sonic Boom of the South! Stay tuned for more to come in 2024!” Little continued.
Other Mississippi connections featured in Super Bowl LVIII included referee Brad Freeman as well as a handful of players from the Magnolia State taking the field for their respective teams in the Kansas City Chiefs’ 25-22 win over the San Francisco 49ers.
