What makes a halftime show unforgettable: fireworks or feeling? We put country’s biggest names under the stadium lights and ask who can truly command 12 minutes seen by the world. From Carrie Underwood’s precision to Garth Brooks’s jet-fueled stagecraft, Dolly Parton’s sparkle to Taylor Swift’s era-spanning spectacle, we break down who has the catalog, pacing, and production sense to turn a giant field into a living music video without losing the heartbeat of live performance.

We also dig into a wild Super Bowl weekend of music: Brandi Carlile’s goosebump take on America the Beautiful, the All-American alternative halftime stacked with country heavyweights, and the ongoing tug-of-war between lip sync polish and live grit. Then there’s Kid Rock hinting at a “Robert Ritchie” narrative pivot and a cross-genre tour that could pull fresh ears into country’s orbit. Add festival news, a wave of new releases from Eric Church, Carter Faith, and Koe Wetzel, and Cody Johnson teasing collaborations with Luke Combs and Brothers Osborne, and you’ve got a snapshot of where country is leaning next.

Our listener question spins into a masterclass on reinvention: Bruce Dickinson, Brian Johnson, and Sammy Hagar all lifted their bands by changing the center of gravity. The takeaway for artists is simple and hard—evolve without losing soul. We cap it off with chart rundowns, indie gems, and real talk on artist development, time triage, and why most “opportunities” only matter if they move the craft forward.

Hit play, argue with our halftime picks, and tell us who you’d book for the big game. If this episode got you thinking, follow, share with a friend, and leave a quick review—your note helps more music lovers find the show.

Episode Links

• Bob Bullock: https://jayfranze.com/episode28/
• Dave Jackson: https://jayfranze.com/episode53/
• Kate Stanton: https://jayfranze.com/episode83/
• Dalila Mya: https://jayfranze.com/episode102/
• John Mason: https://jayfranze.com/episode191/

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