Feb
The Super Bowl Halftime Show: a clash of titans, a battle for gridiron glory, and a music extravaganza unlike any other. The Super Bowl halftime show has become an iconic event in itself, a cultural phenomenon that transcends football fandom. From electrifying dance moves to unforgettable singalongs, these performances leave their mark on history. But with so many shows under our belts, who reigns supreme? Buckle up, music lovers, as we countdown the top 10 Super Bowl halftime shows that rocked our world
Michael Jackson (Super Bowl XXVII, 1993)
Before 1993, Super Bowl halftime shows were mostly forgettable affairs. Jackson’s performance transformed the game. With meticulous planning, elaborate choreography, and high production value, it set a new standard for future shows. Suddenly, the Super Bowl halftime show became a must-watch event, drawing in millions of viewers beyond football fans. The King of Pop mesmerized the audience as he sang and performed classic songs like “Jam”, “Billie Jean”, and “Black or White” with his legendary moonwalk dance. “We Are the World” and “Heal the World” featured Jackson’s vocals alongside a children’s choir, creating some of the most memorable moments in Super Bowl Halftime history.
The Rolling Stones (Super Bowl XL, 2006)
While not as flashy as some other halftime shows, the Rolling Stones’ performance at Super Bowl XL holds its own as a legendary moment in rock and roll history. Despite the age difference between their core fanbase and the average Super Bowl viewer, the Stones delivered a crowd-pleasing setlist of classic hits like “Start Me Up,” “Rough Justice,” and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” It was a reminder that great music transcends generations and cultural boundaries.
Shakira & Jenifer Lopez (Super Bowl LIV, 2020)
Both Shakira and Jenifer Lopez are global icons, and their combined star power was undeniable. The performance brought together two different styles, Shakira’s fiery Latin fusion and J.Lo’s energetic pop, creating a dynamic and diverse experience. This halftime show broke viewership records, becoming the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show in history (at the time) and earning four Primetime Emmy nominations.
Beyoncé (Super Bowl XLVII, 2013)
Beyoncé’s performance during the Super Bowl halftime show in 2013 is widely regarded as one of the most memorable and iconic halftime shows in Super Bowl history. Beyoncé headlined the halftime show, which featured an electrifying performance that showcased her immense talent as a singer, dancer, and entertainer. She performed several of her hit songs, including “Crazy in Love,” “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” and “Halo.” One of the standout moments of the performance was when Beyoncé was joined on stage by her former Destiny’s Child bandmates, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, for a reunion performance of some of their biggest hits, including “Bootylicious” and “Independent Women Part I.”
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent (Super Bowl LVI, 2022)
The Super Bowl LVI halftime show in 2022 featured an incredible lineup of legendary hip-hop and R&B artists, including Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and 50 Cent. This star-studded lineup brought together some of the most influential and iconic figures in the music industry, delighting fans with a memorable and energetic performance. Each artist showcased their own catalog of hits, and the collective performance celebrated the rich history and cultural impact of hip-hop and R&B music.
Lady Gaga (Super Bowl LI, 2017)
Known for her theatricality and powerful vocals, Lady Gaga put on a high-energy performance that included some of her biggest hits, such as “Bad Romance,” “Born This Way,” and “Poker Face”. Throughout the show, Lady Gaga captivated the audience with her high-energy choreography, elaborate costumes, and impressive live vocals. She also included a patriotic moment, singing a snippet of “God Bless America” and “This Land Is Your Land”. Lady Gaga’s halftime show received widespread acclaim from both fans and critics, with many praising her for delivering a visually stunning and entertaining performance that captured the spirit of the Super Bowl.
Bruno Mars (Super Bowl XLVIII, 2014)
Bruno Mars delivered a high-energy performance that showcased his incredible vocal talent, dynamic stage presence, and impressive dance moves. He performed several of his biggest hits, including “Locked Out of Heaven,” “Treasure,” and “Just the Way You Are.” One of the highlights of Bruno Mars’ halftime show was when he was joined on stage by the Red Hot Chili Peppers for a collaboration. Together, they performed a medley of the Chili Peppers’ songs, including “Give It Away.” Bruno Mars’ performance was praised for its tight choreography, strong vocals, and engaging stage presence. It was a memorable moment that solidified Bruno Mars as one of the premier performers in the music industry.
Katy Perry (Super Bowl XLIX)
Katy Perry has always embraced a mission to stand out and be remembered for her daring fashion choices. She made a grand entrance onto the stage riding a 40-foot-tall golden lion, wearing a shimmering fiery dress. Katy Perry performed a series of her famous songs, including “Roar” and “Firework.” She also sang hits like “California Gurls” and “Teenage Dream.” Lenny Kravitz joined her to perform the hit “I Kissed a Girl,” while Missy Elliott appeared later to perform some of her famous songs, including “Get Ur Freak On” and “Work It.”
The Weeknd (Super Bowl LV, 2021)
The Weeknd’s halftime show was characterized by its elaborate stage production and visually stunning performance. It featured a medley of his biggest hits, including “Blinding Lights,” “Can’t Feel My Face,” and “Starboy.” The performance included intricate choreography, impressive lighting effects, and a large ensemble of dancers. The Weeknd’s halftime show received mixed reviews from audiences and critics. While many praised the spectacle and production value of the performance, some criticized aspects of the audio mixing and pacing. Nonetheless, The Weeknd’s halftime show at Super Bowl LV was a memorable moment in his career and in the history of Super Bowl halftime shows.
Rihanna (Super Bowl LVII, 2023)
Rihanna recreated her biggest hits on stage at the 57th Super Bowl, despite being pregnant with her second child. Audiences were treated to a medley of Rihanna’s chart-toppers such as “Bitch Better Have My Money,” “Work,” and “Where Have You Been.”Despite being pregnant, Rihanna commanded the stage for 13 minutes. She moved continuously across the suspended stage, enveloped in red lights and dazzling fireworks. Unlike in recent years, Rihanna’s performance did not feature surprise guest artists, nor did it include the flashy costume changes often seen in previous Super Bowl Halftime Shows.
Conclusion
These top 10 Super Bowl Halftime shows represent a decade of unforgettable moments, groundbreaking performances, and cultural milestones. From pop icons to rock legends, each artist brought their unique flair and talent to the Super Bowl stage, leaving an indelible mark on the halftime show legacy. As we look forward to future Super Bowl Halftime shows, we can only anticipate what the next decade will bring in terms of musical innovation and spectacle.