The Super Bowl 2024 was an exhilarating moment when we, as an internet family, came together to live to react to the biggest game of the year and the main star of the show: internet commentary. Let’s be honest, not everyone is a huge football fan, but that doesn’t mean Super Bowl weekend is a bore. With the unexpected link-ups, new trailers, the anticipated Usher Halftime show, and *spoiler alert* even a special announcement from Beyoncé herself.
Now, of course, we have to talk a little bit about the game before we get into the fun. Thanks to a tie the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers went into the second overtime to happen at a Super Bowl. With an additional 15 minutes on the clock, once it was all said and done, the Chiefs won the Super Bowl against the 49ers with a score of 22-25, becoming the first team in 19 seasons to be repeated SB champions.
The overall internet environment felt like a family reunion. Some reactions were heartwarming, and others may have given us a side-eye. Nonetheless, the responses on social media can never be beat. It’s okay if you missed the Super Bowl and didn’t join the chronically online Zillennials to virtual people-watch. Here are the best viral moments and reactions we gathered from the big game.
The Nickelodeon Spongebob Themed Broadcast
If you’re an avid cartoon watcher, Spongebob Squarepants is in your starter kit. Nickelodeon leveled up for this year’s Super Bowl with a Bikini Bottom-themed broadcast that had the internet in a chokehold. Starting with an exclusive reunion from Spongebob and the gang performing “Sweet Victory,” it set the tone for a fun-filled night. Not only did we see a moment for women in sports from Sandy Cheeks, but we also had guest cameos from Spongebob-style celebrities, including Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, and Megan Thee Stallion.
Ice Spice Makes A Guest Appearance With Taylor Swift
Ice Spice continues to have a notable year from her Grammy nominations to now being a part of Taylor Swift’s It Girl crew. The 23-year-old had the Twitterverse in a frenzy after a surprise pop-up with the “Karma” singer along with Gossip Girl royalty Blake Lively. Not only were all eyes on their box the entire game, but Ice Spice continues to be a main character after the internet reacts to her striking a pose while everyone reacts to the game.
Usher Bowl
Let’s be honest; many of us only watched the Super Bowl to see Usher’s performance, and he did not disappoint. After back-to-back predictions on whether he would start the show with “Yeah!” or “OMG” he switched it up on all of us and started with “Caught Up.” With his high attention to detail, Usher highlighted all the elements of Atlanta culture with roller skating, a cameo from the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and Jackson State’s band Sonic Boom of the South. He took the world to Atlanta and surprised fans with special guests like H.E.R., Alicia Keys, Will.i.am, Lil Jon, and Ludacris.
Beyoncé Attempts To Break The Internet In Verizon Commercial
It’s not every day we’re graced with Beyoncé’s presence on a global scale outside of memes and highlights online from the Beyhive. In her highly anticipated commercial, the “Break My Soul” songstress attempts to break the internet (a coined Beyoncé phrase) by tapping into fun elements, from opening her own lemonade stand to becoming a Twitch gamer. These effortless and fun looks broke the internet, and she ended the commercial by saying “OK, they ready. Drop the new music.”
Beyoncé Actually Breaks The Internet With New Music
Of course, Beyoncé gets two slots during the major Super Bowl moments. Following her jaw-dropping Super Bowl ad, the singer announced the start of Act II of her album rollout with two new country songs, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages.” While sending the Beyhive into a complete frenzy with her new songs she announced her new album dropping on March 29, 2024. It’s safe to say Beyoncé doesn’t have to attempt to break the internet as she continues to have us in a major chokehold.
About the Author: Kenyatta Victoria is the lead writer for Essence GU, working on all things pop culture, politics, entertainment and business. Throughout her time at GU, she’s garnered devoted readers and specializes in the Zillennial point of view.