- Entertainment value: The show must grab the viewer’s attention. It’s about the songs, the energy and how the artist keeps the audience engaged.
- Cultural impact: Some performances go beyond just the music. They create moments that people will remember for years to come, such as tributes or social posts.
- Theater arts: The light, the images and the choreography all play a major role. A great halftime show isn’t just about singing; it’s about putting on a full-on spectacle.
- Reception: BangTheBook also looked at how fans and critics reacted. Did people talk about it the next day? Did it break records or create viral moments?
With those criteria in mind, here are the best halftime shows in Super Bowl history.
The best Super Bowl halftime performances of all time
Can Kendrick Lamar leave behind an impressionable performance that makes this list in the future? Time will tell. But for now, these performances have left a lasting mark on the band Super Bowl Historyand becomes as iconic as the games themselves.
1. Prince (2007)
Prince’s halftime show is often called the best of all time. Performing in the pouring rain, he turned the moment into magic with his hit song “Purple Rain” as the finale. Rather than being a problem, the weather seemed to work in its favor, heightening the emotion of the performance. He also provided an electric mix of his hits, covers and an unforgettable guitar solo.
This performance was a reminder of Prince’s raw talent and his ability to captivate any audience. From his wardrobe to the staging, every detail was impeccable. Many fans still consider this show to be the gold standard for what a Super Bowl halftime performance should be.
2. Beyonce (2013)
Beyoncé brought unmatched energy to the halftime stage in 2013. Her set included hits like “Crazy in Love,” “Halo” and “Single Ladies,” all performed with powerful choreography. She reunited with Destiny’s Child midway through, sending the crowd into a frenzy and creating one of the most talked-about moments of the evening.
Her performance was a masterclass in precision and showmanship. Beyoncé’s ability to command the stage, connect with the audience and deliver an unforgettable performance cemented her place as one of the greatest halftime performers in history.
3. Michael Jackson (1993)
Michael Jackson’s halftime show was a turning point for the Super Bowl. Before his performance, halftime shows were simpler, often featuring marching bands or smaller acts. Jackson’s set changed everything. He started by standing still on stage for more than a minute, building anticipation before launching into hits like “Billie Jean” and “Black or White.”
This performance proved that the halftime show could be a huge spectacle, attracting just as much attention as the game. Jackson’s star power and stage presence have turned the Super Bowl into a cultural event, making the halftime shows a must-see moment.
4. Shakira and Jennifer Lopez (2020)
Shakira and Jennifer Lopez delivered an energetic halftime show that celebrated Latin culture. Shakira opened with hits like “Hips Don’t Lie,” while J.Lo followed with songs like “Jenny from the Block.” The duo joined forces for a finale with vibrant choreography, dynamic stage effects and a message of empowerment.
Their performance resonated worldwide and showcased their talent and cultural pride. With surprise performances from Bad Bunny and J Balvin, the show brought even more energy to the stage, making it one of the most talked-about performances in recent years.
5. U2 (2002)
U2’s halftime show took place just months after the tragic events of September 11th. Their performance was a tribute to the victims, with the names of those who died in the background. The band performed hits such as “Beautiful Day” and “Where the Streets Have No Name,” creating an emotional and reflective moment for viewers.
The simplicity and sincerity of U2’s performance stood out at a time when the country was still healing. It wasn’t flashy, but it connected with the fans on a deeper level and left a lasting impression.
6. Madonna (2012)
Madonna brought her signature style to the halftime stage of the Super Bowl in 2012. She opened with “Vogue,” complete with elaborate costumes and choreography. Her performance included guest appearances from Nicki Minaj, LMFAO and MIA, who added to the show’s pop-heavy energy. The set design and visuals were grand, creating a spectacle that matched her larger-than-life reputation.
Madonna balanced her classic hits with new songs, showing she can stay relevant across generations. The performance ended with a powerful rendition of “Like a Prayer,” leaving fans with a memorable and uplifting finale. This show is remembered for its creativity and daring, befitting a pop icon like Madonna.
7. Katy Perry (2015)
Katy Perry’s 2015 halftime show was a colorful, family-friendly spectacle that started with her entrance on a giant, animatronic lion. She performed hits like ‘Roar’, ‘Dark Horse’ and ‘Firework’ while delivering an energetic and visually stunning show. The production included pyrotechnics, elaborate costumes and creative stage effects.
One of the most memorable moments from the performance was ‘Left Shark’, the backup dancer who stole the show with quirky, unusual dance moves. The combination of humor, images and Katy Perry’s infectious energy made this halftime show a favorite of many viewers.
8. Lady Gaga (2017)
Lady Gaga delivered a solo halftime performance in 2017 that was both theatrical and emotional. She started by singing “God Bless America” on the roof of the stadium before literally jumping onto the stage. Her set list included hits like “Poker Face,” “Born This Way,” and “Bad Romance,” showcasing her range as an artist.
What made Gaga’s performance unique was her focus on raw talent and minimal reliance on guest appearances. The show was packed with stunning visuals and powerful vocals, earning her praise for one of the most polished and heartfelt halftime performances in recent memory.
9. The Weeknd (2021)
The Weeknd took a unique approach to the halftime show during the COVID-19 pandemic. Performing without a live audience on the field, he used innovative camerawork and stage design to create an immersive experience. Hits such as “Blinding Lights” and “Can’t Feel My Face” were combined with dazzling images and complicated choreographies.
His use of a mirror maze and a choir added depth to the performance, making it stand out as one of the most creative halftime shows. The Weeknd’s ability to adapt to circumstances while still delivering a compelling show earned him high marks from fans and critics alike.
10. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar (2022)
The 2022 halftime show brought together some of hip-hop’s biggest legends. Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg opened the performance with classics like “Still DRE,” setting the tone for a nostalgic yet powerful show. Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige and Eminem each had standout moments, with Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” performance being a crowd favorite.
This halftime show was the first to focus entirely on hip-hop, becoming a historic moment for the genre. The combination of legendary artists and their iconic hits created a halftime show that resonated deeply with fans of the genre and the game alike.
The Future of Super Bowl Halftime Shows
The Super Bowl halftime show has come a long way since its smaller beginnings, and the future should bring even more exciting changes. This year’s headliner, Kendrick Lamar, could set the stage for what’s to come.
With a reputation for pushing creative boundaries, Lamar could integrate cutting-edge technology, such as augmented reality or live-streamed interactive features, to engage viewers in new ways. As streaming platforms and digital tools continue to grow, future halftime shows could become even more immersive, allowing fans at home to feel like they are part of the performance.
Looking ahead, the Rust Show’s global reach could bring more international artists into the spotlight. There have been several performances in recent years, such as Shakira and J.Lo celebrating Latin culture in 2020.
As the NFL expands its audience worldwide, viewers could see stars from regions such as Asia, Africa or Europe take the stage. Imagine K-pop superstars, Afrobeats icons or global sensations like Bad Bunny performing on one of the world’s biggest stages.
As far as future headliners go, artists like Taylor Swift, Drake or even Morgan Wallen seem like a natural fit. Each of these performers has the star power and global appeal that makes a halftime show unforgettable. This year, Kendrick Lamar has the opportunity to raise the bar again – make sure you tune in.
Conclusion
There are three things to watch out for on Super Bowl Sunday. The game, the best super bowl commercialsand the Halftime Show.
From legendary performances by Prince and Beyoncé to this year’s highly anticipated show with Kendrick Lamar, halftime music, creativity and entertainment come together on the world’s largest platform. Each performance leaves a lasting impression and becomes part of Super Bowl history and a talking point for years to come.
Like the N.F.L continues to innovate and expand its reach, the halftime show will likely evolve along with it. Technology, diverse lineups and global influences shape the future of this iconic tradition. The 2025 show in New Orleans is another step forward, promising a performance that celebrates both the game and the music that brings fans together.
This story was produced by BangTheBook and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
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