This year’s Super Bowl drew in an average of 123.4 million viewers in the United States, marking it as the most-watched broadcast since the 1969 Moon landing. Initial US TV ratings positioned Sunday’s game closely trailing Apollo 11’s momentous touchdown, which garnered an estimated viewership of 125 to 150 million individuals. The match saw the Kansas City Chiefs triumph over the San Francisco 49ers with a score of 25-22 in overtime.
The anticipation surrounding Taylor Swift’s attendance to support her boyfriend Travis Kelce likely contributed to the heightened viewership figures. Speculation had been rife leading up to the event regarding Swift’s return from Japan, where she had been touring. According to Variety, there is ongoing discussion regarding the extent of her impact on the audience numbers, although consumer research firm Numerator, through a flash poll, concluded that 20% of Super Bowl viewers were inclined towards the Chiefs due to the singer’s association with Kelce. The cameras certainly captured the Swift factor, with footage showcasing her entrance into the arena, interactions with actress Blake Lively and rapper Ice Spice, and a celebratory kiss with Kelce post-match.
Out of the 123.4 million average viewers, 112 million tuned in to CBS for the game, while the remainder accessed it through platforms such as Paramount+, Nickelodeon, Univision, CBS Sports, and NFL digital channels. Nielsen, the media analysis firm, reported a record-breaking 202.4 million individuals watched at least a portion of the game. This year’s figures might have also received a boost due to Nielsen’s revised methodology in counting viewers watching outside their homes, such as in social gatherings or public venues like bars.
Comparatively, last year’s Super Bowl matchup between the Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles attracted 115.1 million viewers. The defending champion status of the Chiefs, coupled with Usher headlining the halftime show, added to the allure of this year’s event. Usher’s halftime performance featured guest appearances from Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Will.i.am, Lil Jon, Ludacris, and Jermaine Dupri.
Post-game festivities for Usher included his marriage to long-time partner Jennifer Goicoechea in Las Vegas, where the Super Bowl took place. The couple tied the knot at Vegas Weddings’ Terrace Gazebo, an outdoor wedding venue accommodating up to 30 guests, as per People magazine. A representative for the singer confirmed the marriage, expressing their anticipation for the couple’s continued journey together raising their children amidst love and gratitude for the well-wishes received.
