15 Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows of All Time
The Super Bowl halftime performance takes center stage during one of the biggest sporting events in the world. Some of music’s biggest stars have graced the stage to give us memorable performances as they set their sights on being the best Super Bowl halftime show ever.
For many years, the Super Bowl halftime show was a college marching band or two. In 1993, Michael Jackson changed it forever and the NFL has been trying to book top entertainment ever since.
The question is, which are the best performances ever? There have been some extremely memorable shows in Super Bowl history. Let’s rank the 15 best Super Bowl halftime shows ever.
15) Coldplay, Beyonce, and Bruno Mars – Super Bowl 50 (2016)
Coldplay basically served as an opening act to Bruno Mars and Beyonce in Super Bowl 50. Beyonce stole the show with the world premiere of “Formation” while Coldplay opened with their hit “Viva La Vida.”
14) Tom Petty – Super Bowl XLII (2008)
In one of the most memorable Super Bowls, Petty brought an excellent performance. He knew what his job was and opened with “American Girl.” The performance is overshadowed by the Giants beating the undefeated Patriots.
13) Paul McCartney – Super Bowl XXXIX (2005)
It was a great game and a solid performance from the former member of the Beatles. McCartney kept it simple and performed songs such as “Drive My Car” and “Live and Let Die.”
12) Michael Jackson – Super Bowl XXVII (1993)
The King of Pop changed the entire show forever as he kicked off a new era of halftime shows. It went from college bands as the halftime performer to the biggest stars in music. Jackson took performing at halftime to a whole new level as he danced his way through “Billie Jean”, “Black or White”, and more during the 1993 Super Bowl.
11) Katy Perry and Missy Elliott – Super Bowl XLIX (2015)
We all remember Left Shark, right? The show featured a crazy dancing shark, palm trees, and Missy Elliott came out of nowhere. It was a great way to make a comeback to appear at halftime of Super Bowl XLIX.
10) The Rolling Stones – Super Bowl XL (2006)
Mick and the boys got down to business with “Start Me Up”, “Rough Justice”, and “Satisfaction” back in 2006. Mick joked the last song could have been played back at Super Bowl I.
9) Madonna – Super Bowl XLVI (2012)
Some say it was a mess during the 2012 Super Bowl. Others say it was great. Madonna brought a barrage of her greatest pop songs including “Like a Prayer.” Nicki Minaj even made an appearance along with LMFAO for the people watching.
8) Lady Gaga – Super Bowl LI (2017)
Lady Gaga stayed away from controversy during her Pepsi Super Bowl performance with a hits medley that brought the crowd to their feet. Gaga didn’t need any special guests or help, she crushed the NFL Super Bowl all by herself.
7) Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band – Super Bowl XLIII (2009)
Bruce brought a powerful 14-minute performance to land inside the 10 best Super Bowl halftime show performances ever. Springsteen crammed in “Tenth Avenue Freezeout”, “Born to Run”, and “Glory Days” with some new gridiron-related lyrics.
6) Shakira and Jennifer Lopez – Super Bowl LIV (2020)
The Super Bowl LIV halftime show was wild with Jennifer Lopez and Shakira showing off the dance workout of the year. The two Latina queens brought the energy for songs such as “She Wolf” and “Kashmir.” J-Lo rode in on a stripper pole.
5) Aerosmith, ‘NSync, Britney Spears, Nelly, and Mary J. Blige – Super Bowl XXXV (2001)
The 2001 performance was part brilliance and part insanity. This is why it’s one of the most talked about performances of all time. Britney was wearing silver football pants, Nelly rapped over a Joe Perry guitar solo, and Justin Timberlake danced to “Bye, Bye, Bye” with NSync years before the beginning of his long solo career.
4) Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and 50 Cent – Super Bowl LVI (2022)
The 2022 Super Bowl performance at Sofi Stadium was a treat for hip-hop fans around the world. It was an old-school west coast rap history lesson from Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar joined the show for the game. Eminem even took a knee after performing “Lose Yourself.”
3) U2 – Super Bowl XXXVI (2002)
U2 created an incredible performance that was a tribute to 9/11 victims. While playing “MLK”, a giant screen showed the scrolling names of those whose lives were lost before they lead into “Where the Streets Have No Name.”
Bono had a jacket with an American flag sewn on the inside as the group belted out hits such as “Beautiful Day.” It was a truly memorable halftime show.
2) BeyonceΜ – Super Bowl XLVII (2013)
Beyonce made her mark on Super Bowl history with a crushing performance of songs such as “Crazy in Love”, “Baby Boy”, and “Halo.” Beyonce’s Pepsi Super Bowl XLVII halftime show also included a Destiny’s Child reunion with Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams with their hit Independent Women. It turned out to be one of the greatest performances in Super Bowl history.
1) Prince – Super Bowl XLI (2007)
Let’s call it like it is, Prince crushed it on the halftime stage. He completely exceeded expectations in the rain in Miami.
The legendary performance included an epic guitar shredding for “Purple Rain”, a Foo Fighters cover, “We Will Rock You”, and “Let’s Go Crazy.” Sadly, the artist formerly known as Prince passed away in 2016.
Check out his performance.
Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows Ever Wrap-Up
There have been memorable performances throughout the year since the modern halftime show took over the NFL’s biggest game.
Rihanna will take the stage in 2023 and hopes to bring one of the most memorable performances ever. We are already starting to think about what song will be opening the show at the big game.
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