LOS ALAMITOS, CA — Whether you’re a hardcore football fan, a Swiftie, or just there to watch the commercials, we can all agree that Superbowl LVIII was one to remember. This year’s big game had the drama, the suspense, and the weird advertisements we all had hoped for.

Drama and football are an interesting combination

First of all, I’ve got to give it to Reba McEntire for that amazing performance of the national anthem! I’m sure we could definitely feel the ‘murican spirit from the crowd and the tears shed by some of those players. But once the coin was flipped and the game began, I lost that hope for the game. Countless fumbles from Kansas City had me thinking, “Come on, get it together, guys!” This has got to be a new pattern for the Chiefs, as USA Today columnist Nancy Armour puts it:

“Play poorly, fall behind by double digits and, almost always, come back and win. It happened the first time the Chiefs and the Niners played. It happened last year against the Philadelphia Eagles. And it happened again Sunday night.”

And once the 49ers got those first couple of field goals and a touchdown, you could tell those Chiefs were getting frustrated. 

Speaking of frustration, talk about that little tantrum from Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce! And then he goes on and plays the hero at the closing ceremony?! Taylor, I hope you know what you’re doing. Please be careful.

Although, I think after halftime, both teams amped up their act once the realization set in that there were only two quarters left into this legendary game. As the clock continued to go down, everyone was biting their nails once the score was 19-19. Once overtime hit, my eyes were glued to the screen the entire time! But, towards the end, I think most of us knew that Kansas City was going to get that touchdown. Either way, the celebratory confetti colors would have probably been the same for both teams.

Guest singers, rollerskates, shirtless Usher, oh my!

We can’t forget about that halftime show now, can we? First of all, I was wowed, and the singing hadn’t even begun yet! I mean, did you see those amazing blue feathered costumes, dramatic poses, and gymnastic skills? Blew my mind. Once the show started, at first, I felt a little underwhelmed. But I’ve got to give it to Usher for bringing those symbolic lyrics and hidden details into a great performance. Additionally, I think guest appearances (H.E.R., Will.i.am, Lil Jon, and Ludacris) really brought more excitement; for those who predicted that Alicia Keys would be on the show, kudos to you! Sorry, Justin Bieber, maybe next year.

Also, rollerskates?! Definitely my favorite part. That has got to be a first for Superbowl halftime shows. And that stage floor? I received a healthy dose of vertigo from those geometric patterns and 3D shapes. But the party really got started when Usher concluded his show with his hit song “Yeah.” Overall, this was a halftime show for the books!

This year’s commercials were good, bad, and ugly

On the most-watched television program in America, anything can happen with its commercials. Whether they were downright hilarious, wholesome, inspiring, or just flat-out weird, this year’s Superbowl ads were definitely attention-grabbers. One ad we can’t ignore is State Farm’s “Like a Good Neighbaaa”; Arnold Schwarzenegger has convinced me that we are all going to pronounce it like that from now on.

Another one of my favorites was Dove’s commercial addressing the issue of low body confidence in young girls, especially those in sports. That hit hard, and I know many can relate. And if I had to talk about an ad that I disliked, it was Temu’s. Don’t even get me started on that. I was sick of it after I saw it the first time. Temu, I’m sorry, but nobody likes you anymore because of it.

Also, do movie trailers count as ads? If so, I definitely want to go watch “IF” now!

From a new football dynasty to Usher and iconic ads, Superbowl LVIII is now something we’ll remember for years to come. It only makes me wonder what next year’s big game will be like, and whether we’ll get that same experience again.