Super Bowl 2024: The Biggest Ads and Halftime Shows

Once a year, people from all walks of life come together to celebrate one of the biggest events hosted in America annually. The Super Bowl. The first Super Bowl game dates all the way back to January 15, 1967. Since then, however, the game has evolved into something more than just American football. Lately, the Super Bowl fan crowd is split into two.

The first half is fully committed to watching the National Football League (NFL) play. The second half shows up for the amazing advertisements and the ground-breaking performances. The Super Bowl week for this year just started, and so far we have seen some amazing performances from artists we all love. So, let’s look at a rundown!

Pregame Performances

By now, we’ve all seen the reaction TikTok videos all over social media. This year’s Super Bowl games are filled with some of the fan favourites, both for performances and guests. Everyone from Taylor Swift to Ice Spice and Lana Del Rey were spotted having a blast!

National Anthem by Reba McEntire

This years pre-games were started off with the national anthem, performed by the Queen of country herself. Reba McEntire. Although it’s no surprise that her performance was astonishing, it did cause a bit of a debate. It was her first time performing at the Super Bowl and there is a debate on whether pushed the clock past the set line of 90.5 seconds or not. It might seem silly for those who do not partake in the annual entertainment of the game. However, it appears that the length of the song is a popular prop bet at the Super Bowl. And this year, the prop bet’s started early. McEntire’s performance left many wondering whether her by adding an extra “the brave” extended the time limit or not.

Post Malone Performs America the Beautiful

Post Malone sung his heart out at the Super Bowls this Sunday, performing America the beautiful. This iconic anthem, originally by Ray Charles was performed by Post Malone in a melodic tone. In an interview with the Billboard, Post Malone had hinted to his performance, stating that he often sings the song at the top of his lungs. During this iconic performance, we were also able to catch a glimpse at none other than Taylor Swift and Blake Lively in the audience!

Andra Day Performs ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’

Grammy winning singer and Oscar nominated actress Andra Day performed an astonishing performance as the last act of the pregames this year. The singer, who I best known for her strong vocal chops worked with coach Rob Stevenson for this years performance. Even for Day, this was the first time performing at the games, stating that she was proud to represent her ancestors at the Super Bowl. Day stated that she stopped singing the national anthem because she wanted to sing the black national anthem first.

Super Bowl Halftime Show Performance – Usher & Alicia Keys

The Halftime show is likely the biggest event of the Super Bowl – excluding the actual game of course. This year, the games took us all by surprise with a mind-blowing performance by Usher and Alicia Keys. For a majority of the millennials as well as Gen Z’s these two musicians are extremely iconic. For some, Usher’s songs such as OMG, My Boo and DJ Got us Fallin’ in Love are still on repeat as favourites.

The same goes for Alicia Keys of course, who is still well known for her hit If I Ain’t Got you and Girl on Fire.

Usher kickstarted the halftime by performing ‘Love in this Club’, a release from 2008! Although fans were expecting a favourite such as OMG, Usher’s performance was still praised, as fans gathered around to watch their favourite artists perform. For the next act, Alicia Keys was brought on stage as the duo performed ‘My Boo’. And let’s just say, this performance is all anyone is talking about. Apart from the vocals, the chemistry on stage has fans losing their minds! From he outfits, the amazing vocals and song choices, Usher and Alicia Keys absolutely nailed this years performances.

Mind-blowing 2024 Super Bowl Commercials

On top of the competitive football game and the mind-blowing performances, the Super Bowl commercials are also a part of the entertainment. Every year, fans wait around for some of the most creative ads, with popular celebrities. It’s like watching a short movie featuring all of the big stars! This year, there were 59 different commercials created for the games! USA today has already ranked all 59 of them from the best to the worst, so let’s have a look at the top 05

1. ‘Like a Good Neighbaaa’ – State Farm

First place was taken up by the State Farm advertisement, ‘Like a Good Neighbaaa’. For this commercial, two iconic actors Arnold Schwarzenegger was reunited with Danny DeVito. Whether it was the funny bit or the old actors reuniting that made this the favourite, we will never know.

2. ‘The DunKings’ – Dunkin’

We all love a good Dunkin’ donut and coffee, but what do we love even more? A good Dunkin’ Ad, featuring Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Tom Brady, Jack Harlow, Jennifer Lopez & Fat Joe. They almost left us wondering, just how much was the budget for this Ad?

3. ‘Perfect 10’ | The Kia EV0 – KIA

While the first two advertisements had more of a comedic undertone, third place was taken up by a heartfelt one. Featuring the new Kia EV9 model by KIA, the advertisement touched the hearts of many. The Ad followed the special moments of a little girl and her grandfather. Let’s just say this one was a tear jerker!

4. ‘ Worth Remembering’ – Uber Eats

Watched The Beckhams or Friends on Netflix recently? Well, this Ad took us right back to our favourites. The Uber Eats commercial featured Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, USHER, the David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, and Jelly Roll. These food deliver apps have been delivering some memorable advertisements of as late. It’s worthwhile mentioning the recent Ad for Just Eats featuring Latto and Christina Aguilera. Now that one really broke the internet.

5. ‘Born to Play’ – NFL

The fifth place was taken up by an NFL ad, which follows the dreams of a little boy from Ghana. As he aspires to become an NFL player, Osi Umenyiora gives him a motivational talk. In addition to being inspiring, this Ad probably took the spot for a little run-down memory lane for childhood dreams.

Although these were the top five, there are quite a few Ads that are slowly becoming major hits on social media. We got a special glimpse of ‘The Wicked’ trailer with Ariana Grande, the Michae; CeraVe Ad that has been making people debate whether he owns CeRave or not, Aubrey Plaza for the Mountain Dew Ad, Addison Rae for NERDS gummy and DoorDash, and of course the Beyoncé ‘Can’t be Borken’ full-commercial for Verizon which was set up in the the popular street of Wisteria Lane from Depsarate Housewives! Beyoncé broke the internet on the Ad and in real life!

The Actual Super Bowl Game

Let’s just say other than looking at Beyoncé and Taylor Swift in the audience, fans of American Football also loved the actual game. This year, the Kansas City Chiefs made history by becoming the first back-to-back Super Bowl Champions. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime in Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas! Although this win was celebrated by all Kansas City Fans, this was also a big moment for Swifts from all around the world. Travis Kelce was spotted after the win, hoisting the Lombardi Trophy with his girlfriend Taylor Swift!

As of May 1, 2025, Thailand is making a major shift in how foreign visitors arrive in the country. Authorities will replace the familiar paper-based TM6 arrival card, which travelers have filled out for decades, with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This digital transition aims to streamline immigration procedures, reduce paperwork, and enhance overall efficiency at entry points, including airports, land, and sea borders.

The new system requires all foreign travelers entering Thailand to complete the TDAC before arrival. Here’s everything you need to know about this change and how it will impact your entry into the Kingdom.

What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?

The TDAC serves as a digital version of the TM6 arrival form that travelers have traditionally filled out upon arriving in Thailand. Beginning May 1, 2025, all non-Thai nationals, whether arriving by air, land, or sea, must complete this form electronically before they can enter the country.

Authorities developed the TDAC to simplify the arrival process by collecting necessary travel and personal information in advance. This includes passport details, accommodation information, and a health declaration. This initiative reflects Thailand’s ongoing efforts to modernize its immigration system and improve the visitor experience.

While officials will no longer use the paper TM6 form, they will require the TDAC from everyone—tourists, business travelers, long-term residents, and those entering on a visa exemption. Only passengers transiting through Thailand without clearing immigration or those with a Border Pass for specific land crossings will receive exemptions.

Why the Change?

Thailand is adopting a digital arrival card as part of a broader effort to modernize immigration procedures. The Thai government wants to speed up border processing, strengthen safety protocols, and reduce reliance on paper documentation. Authorities will also use the system to track travelers in case of health concerns or emergencies.

“By using safe, fast, and modern electronic technology, the TDAC replaces the original paper arrival card, offering more convenience for travelers,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura. “The data collected will be beneficial for tourist care and public health.”

When and How to Submit the TDAC

You can submit your TDAC up to three days before your scheduled arrival in Thailand. For example, if you plan to arrive on May 5, you can submit your TDAC starting May 2. The system will open for submissions on April 28, 2025, so travelers arriving on the launch day can begin completing the form immediately.

To fill out the TDAC, visit the official website at tdac.immigration.go.th. The platform currently operates as a web-based service, with plans for a mobile app in the future. Travelers must provide personal information, including passport details, travel itinerary, and accommodation address in Thailand. Additionally, they must complete a brief health declaration confirming they have not experienced symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath in the past 14 days.

What You Need to Complete the TDAC

Before submitting the TDAC, make sure you have the following information ready:

Passport details (name, nationality, number, date of birth)
Travel details, including your flight number, transportation type, and expected arrival date
Accommodation details in Thailand, such as the hotel or address where you’ll be staying
Recent travel history from the last 14 days
Health declaration confirming your current health status

This process will not replace your visa, but it will help expedite the entry process when you arrive in Thailand. If you’re a long-term resident, you must also select “Thailand” as your country of residence.

Key Steps for Submitting Your TDAC

The submission process is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Access the TDAC website: Go to tdac.immigration.go.th.
Fill in personal and travel details: Enter your passport number, visa information (if applicable), arrival date, transport details, and accommodation address.
Complete the health declaration: Confirm whether you’ve had any symptoms related to illness and list the countries you’ve visited in the last two weeks.
Review and submit the form: After completing all sections, review your information carefully. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation with a QR code to present at immigration upon arrival.
Save or print your confirmation: Store the TDAC confirmation on your phone or print it for easy access at the immigration checkpoint.

You must submit the TDAC at least 24 hours before your flight to ensure a smooth arrival. Authorities encourage travelers to complete the form well in advance to avoid delays and reduce congestion at border control points.

What Happens If You Can’t Submit the TDAC in Advance?

Although travelers are expected to complete the TDAC before travel, some may face technical issues or lack internet access. In such cases, help desks at immigration points will assist with completing the form. However, travelers should only rely on this option in exceptional circumstances. Authorities strongly recommend submitting the TDAC in advance to avoid delays or complications at immigration.

Impact on Thailand’s Tourism Strategy

The TDAC launch supports Thailand’s goal of becoming a “Smart Tourism Destination.” As global travel increases, the Thai government is adopting systems that streamline entry while enhancing safety measures. The digital shift also strengthens public health monitoring by collecting vital health information from incoming travelers.

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has launched a multilingual campaign to raise awareness about the new system. The campaign includes brochures and instructional videos in languages such as English, Chinese, and Korean to ensure travelers understand the new requirements.

The Road Ahead

The TDAC marks one of many steps Thailand is taking to modernize its entry processes. The move aligns with global tourism trends, as countries like Malaysia, South Korea, and Cuba have already digitized their arrival systems. This change aims to reduce paperwork, increase efficiency, and make border procedures smoother for everyone.

For now, travelers should familiarize themselves with the new requirements, especially the TDAC submission process, to ensure a seamless entry into Thailand. As the country continues upgrading its travel infrastructure, one thing remains clear: the future of travel to Thailand is digital.

Feature Image via: Javon Swaby