Through Ahsan Washington
February 8, 2026
The rest phase is a cultural indicator of who dominates American music
The halftime phase of Super Bowl Sunday is a cultural indicator of who dominates America’s music and media power on the biggest sports night of the year. Year after year, Black artists have consistently defined the Super Bowl’s most iconic halftime performances through their contributions, centering on R&B and hip-hop classics.
Performances by contemporary artists such as Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar had a cultural impact, building a large audience and revenue growth for Super Bowl Sunday. Remarkably, they are not the only ones. Over the years, historic music moments have demonstrated how Black creative talent maintains its position as the global standard for showmanship, storytelling and musical innovation on Super Bowl Sunday. Check them out.
Michael Jackson
The halftime show of the 1993 Super Bowl featured Michael Jackson, who created the contemporary format for modern halftime shows. The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California hosted the Super Bowl halftime show on January 31 of that year. Jackson’s performance dramatically increased halftime viewership and turned the segment into a major cultural event. The production approach and the medley that Jackson performed provided the blueprint for halftime performances for subsequent years.
Prince
On February 4, 2007, Prince performed a career-defining halftime show at Super Bowl XLI. Despite the rainy conditions, Prince delivered a legendary performance at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Prince’s halftime show received critical acclaim for its musical excellence and Prince’s endurance during the performance of “Purple Rain.” It became one of the most memorable events in sports history.
Beyoncé (and Destiny’s Child)
In 2013, Beyoncé performed with fellow Destiny’s Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams at the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show. deliver an energetic throwback performance. The show showcased Beyoncé’s signature pop-R&B music style through a collection of hit songs that captivated the audience. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans hosted the Super Bowl that year.
Diana Ross
During Super Bowl XXX in 1996, legendary entertainer Diana Ross performed a solo halftime show. Through multiple medleys and theatrical staging, Ross demonstrated her musical showmanship and during her halftime performance. The event took place on January 28 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, and showcased the richness of Black performance art through its elaborate staging and choreography.
Stevie Wonder
During the halftime show of Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999, Stevie Wonder presented a soulful musical performance. He blessed football fans with his musical legacy and performances with other artists. The event took place on January 31 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Rihanna
On February 12, 2023, Rihanna headlined the Super Bowl LVII halftime show at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The international hitmaker’s performance became one of the most watched and discussed halftime shows in recent years. Rihanna revealed her pregnancy during the show and demonstrated her dedication to performance art
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, Eminem & 50 Cent
On February 13, 2022, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, Eminem and 50 Cent all took the stage during the Super Bowl LVI halftime show at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The hip-hop artists and R&B legend, led by Dr. Dre, performed the first halftime show focused solely on hip-hop culture, combining nostalgic elements with cultural influences to redefine the conventions of the halftime show.
Kendrick Lamar
At the 2025 Super Bowl LIX halftime show, Kendrick Lamar and SZA performed a dynamic and theatrical halftime set. The show combined hip-hop music with social commentary. The performance took place at Caesar’s Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, 2025 and drew a large crowd due to Kendrick’s highly publicized hip-hop battle with Drake.
Guard
Usher performed as the headline act for the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 11, 2024. The performance showcased three decades of Usher’s R&B musical dominance. The event made it clear that Usher’s music continues to resonate with audiences both commercially and culturally, expanding and expanding his world tour.
Janet Jackson
During the halftime show of Super Bowl XXXVIII, Janet Jackson was seen co-headlining with Justin Timberlake on February 1, 2004 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. The performance resulted in a performance malfunction that left Jackson’s bosom exposed after Timberlake ripped off part of her bra top, and had a lasting effect on broadcast standards and censorship debates, while increasing scrutiny of black women performing on major stages.
Whitney Houston
During the 1991 Super Bowl XXV, Whitney Houston performed what many people consider to be the greatest rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The performance became one of Houston’s best, achieving commercial success while receiving widespread acclaim. The performance set a new standard for vocal excellence and emotional impact in anthem performances.
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