Super Bowl LVIII Crushes all-Time Audience Record

 By Ava Finn and Dakota O'Sullivan

February 26, 2024

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrates with the Lombardi Trophy.

Usher performs at this year's Super Bowl.

Super Bowl  LVIII was the most watched U.S. broadcast ever, with 123.4 million viewers. The Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas. The game was of the most anticipated games in the world of sports. Stakes were especially high this year because of the dominant performances each team had shown throughout this 23-24 NFL season. 


The 49ers were favored, overall, to win despite the Chiefs winning last year. Ultimately, the Chiefs earned the victory in overtime with a 22-25 win. In spite of  expectations of a high scoring game based off of the high scoring playoff matchups, both teams' defensive lines played extremely well. The 49ers defense set the pace for the game very early on in the first half. However, the Chiefs defense matched this and also played well throughout the game. Both of the exceptional defensive work resulted in a 0-0 first quarter. 


Heading into the second quarter, both teams desired to earn some points. On the 49ers first drive of the second quarter their kicker, Jake Moody, scored a field goal from 55 yards away. This was a record breaking kick, as it is the longest recorded field goal in the history of the Super Bowl. The 49ers defense once again locked down the Chiefs offense which is led by Patrick Mahomes. They soon earned a touchdown by Christian McCafferty, a driving force of the 49ers offense. The Chiefs were able to get a field goal, ending the first half with the 49ers leading 10-3. 


Successful R&B singer Usher performed this year's Superbowl halftime show. With three decades of a widely successful music career under his belt, he still performed with his signature energy that continues to keep him wowing crowds all over the world.


Featuring more than a dozen songs within his set, Usher filled Allegiant Stadium Field with a great number of eye-catching spectacles. With dancers decked out with feathers, acrobatics, and bright colors, his opening piece seemed to commemorate his Vegas Residency, where he has spent the past year and a half performing. While cameras panned over the dancer-filled grass, Usher entered singing “Caught Up,” and “U Don’t Have to Call.” Before entering the stage, Usher momentarily acknowledged his mother and God, and was then joined by a marching band performing “Love in This Club.” 


Singer Alicia Keys was the first guest to make an appearance, where the two stars passionately performed “My Boo.” Usher quickly transitioned to “Confessions Part II,” with the help of Jermaine Dupri. This song segued into the peak of the performance, where numerous outfit changes occurred, and a mosh pit of fans surrounded the stage. Fellow R&B singer H.E.R joined the stage, playing guitar during “Bad Girl,” as the stage was swarmed with dancers on rollerblades. 


Even Usher had a quick change into a blue and black glitter suit, and donned a pair of matching roller skates. Several more guest stars joined the performance as Will.i.am made an appearance during “OMG,” Lil Jon appeared during “Yeah,” and Ludacris came to the stage for the big finale; “I took the world to the A!”


Usher’s performance, although chaotic and rowdy, was certainly entertaining. Between six guest features and a futuristic performance, Usher greatly succeeded in pleasing the crowd of Allegiant Stadium. 


Returning back to the game, in order to have a chance at the Lombardi trophy, the Chiefs needed to make a change. The team gained momentum as their kicker, Harrison Butker, finally put up some points with a field goal, adding three points followed by their first touchdown from Marquez Valdes-Scantling from a 16 yard pass from Mahomes. The Chiefs were able to come back and lead the third quarter 10-13. 


The fourth quarter was kicked off by a touchdown scored by Jauan Jennings from Brock Purdy. The 49ers now took the lead 16-13, but it was soon tied up by another field goal from Butker. Both teams earned a field goal to make the game go into overtime at a score of 19-19. 


The 49ers opted to start with their ball in overtime. On the 49ers drive, they only were able to score a field goal and were now up by three points. The Chiefs got the ball and with 3 seconds left the Chiefs scored a touchdown and won their fourth super bowl. Many consider them a dynasty now that they have earned back-to-back Super Bowl wins. 

MEET THE WRITERs!

Ava Finn, class of 2025, is a star writer for the Dedham Mirror. She also competes as a marauder on the soccer team. She enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and being outside. 

Dakota O'Sullivan, class of 2026, is a staff writer for the Dedham Mirror. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer and spending time with friends and family.