*The numbers are in.
Beyoncé’s halftime performance at the Super Bowl failed to pull in more viewers than Madonna’s record breaking 2012 appearance – likely due to fewer people watching Sunday’s matchup than the previous two championship games, according to figures released on Tuesday.
Nielsen figures showed that Beyonce was watched by 104 million viewers, compared to the Material Girl’s audience of 112.5 million. The actual game drew 108.4 million viewers, which is a drop from last season’s tally of 111.3 million viewers.
At CBS’ request the ratings figure from last night did not include the 30-minute power outage in the Superdome. But viewership actually increased after the blackout, as the game measured a 52.9 rating during its final moments, CBS noted.
Not surprisingly, Baltimore ranked first among cities watching the championship game, drawing a 59.6 rating and share of 83 in the city. In second place was New Orleans, where the game was played. The contest drew a 57.1 rating and a 77 share.
San Francisco did not rank in the top 10 cities for viewership.
Meanwhile, CBS drew criticism by the Parents Television Council for not moving quickly enough to bleep out a profanity said by Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco shortly after the game. The game’s MVP was caught by microphones describing his team’s victory as ‘f—— awesome.’
As for social media activity during the game, the company Trendrr TV, which tracks activity on Twitter, Facebook and other social networks, estimated there were 47.7 million social media posts during the game. That compares to 17 million during the 2012 Super Bowl and just 3 million the year before that.
Last year’s Super Bowl, when the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots, drew a Nielsen rating of 47.8 and had a share of 71.
The only non-Super Bowl to have reached the 100-million viewer benchmark was the series finale of MASH in 1983.
Big deal…Beyonce’s performance was still off the charts. She still ruled Halftime. Madonna could not touch Bey.
What numbers are in? This is pure foolishness! I have never been surveyed. I don’t buy it.
As I posted, the correct Soundscan numbers are: 2013, 104m for the match, 100m for Beyonce; 2012: 112m for match, 114 for Madonna.
So boring show from Beyonce, nothing new except 80s pyrotechnics. Madonna entertained all people, not just fans.
Bey may be more talented than Madonna, but let’s be real…it’s MADONNA. She is the best selling female recording recording artist EVER. She ruled in the 80s and the first half of the 90s, and I’ll bet there isn’t anyone on this board who can’t sing along to a Madonna song. She changed the game in terms of business in the music industry for women, so Bey should be thankful that there IS a Madonna. Every black girl I know that was a teen in the 80s wore lace and cut-off t-shirts because of her…don’t knock Madonna! LOL!
Beyonce is not as famous and successful as Madonna. No surprise there , but a very good achievement. A correction though: you are counting the Superbowl’s viewings, not the Halftime music shows. Madonna drew 114 million views in a Superbowl of 112 million (more people tuned in to see her than the match). Beyonce had 100 million viewers in a Superbowl of 104 million (4 million changed channel). Just to be precise.
Madonna’s half-time does not stand out to me. I enjoyed it… because it made me get up and dance!
Typically I enjoy the game… and the half-time shows.
Beyonce’ gave a high energy bordering on S/M half-time show (all she needed to do was add a whip and it would she would have been like a dominatrix).
She added pyro-technics. It was nice… but that has been done. Just about everything she did… is a part of a typical Beyonce’ concert.
The highlight for me was the DC reunion!
Beyonce’s costume will be in high demand for Valentine’s Day and Holloween. It is PERFECT for that special date night! I will definitely want a knock-off! rofl