The Super Bowl’s halftime present has turn out to be an American custom in its personal proper. Starting in 1967, it was meant to entertain followers as they waited for his or her favourite groups to return to the sector. Collegiate marching bands performed as anticipated. It wasn’t till the early Nineties – many would say Michael Jackson’s 1993 efficiency – that the half-time present turned a spectacle of mainstream popular culture.
Typically, halftime exhibits are messy—so good that they’re dangerous—or they provide refined political statements. Different occasions, followers are handled to unlikely duos or shock company. However primarily, the halftime present celebrates music icons for these in attendance and watching at house in one of many nation’s most celebrated one-night-only stadium excursions. From Beyoncé to Prince, these are one of the best Tremendous Bowl halftime performances, ranked.
10
Shakira & Jennifer Lopez (2020)
Tremendous Bowl LIV
Shakira & Jennifer Lopez’s 2020 halftime present was a historic second for quite a few causes. This marked not solely the primary time that two feminine singers co-headlined the halftime present, but it surely was additionally the first all-Latin performance. They had been joined by Unhealthy Bunny and J Balvin throughout the set – however had been by no means outshined.
Listening to Shakira sing “She Wolf” or stomach dancing to “Hips Don’t Lie” by no means will get outdated in spite of everything these years. After physique browsing into a big crowd on the sector, J-Lo took over with songs like “Jenny From the Block” and “Ready For Tonight.” Whereas they every had their group of dancers and set lists, they labored in tandem on that stage to provide viewers one final efficiency earlier than COVID-19 would shut down sporting occasions a month later.
9
Paul McCartney (2005)
Tremendous Bowl XXXIX
Following the notorious incident between Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson the earlier 12 months, the NFL returned to the fundamentals by inviting Paul McCartney to carry out on the 2005 Tremendous Bowl. McCartney honored his previous by treating followers to The Beatles’ hits (“Hey Jude,” “Get Again,” and “Drive My Automotive”).
Enjoyable and easy, McCartney placed on a quintessential rock present with epic piano solos and fireworks. He had the complete stadium singing alongside, evoking nostalgia for older followers and providing renditions of the basic to new generations. McCartney spoke about his love for American soccer, saying, “I watched numerous it and grew to love it as a result of it’s fairly a sophisticated and strategic recreation – and really athletic.”
8
Madonna (2012)
Tremendous Bowl XLVI
Madonna’s 2012 halftime present was every little thing followers anticipated. She sang beloved hits like “Vogue.” As all the time, “Like a Prayer” was fantastically produced with a wardrobe change by Madonna and a refrain within the background. She introduced LMFAO on stage (which looks like a random alternative) however as they duet on “I’m Horny And I Know It”, it is a reminder of the singer’s impression on feminine tradition within the Nineteen Eighties.
Madonna was the second feminine artist to headline the Tremendous Bowl halftime present solo (Diana Ross did it first in 1996). Within the following years, Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Woman Gaga, and extra would do the identical. As soon as once more, the Queen of Pop is a trendsetter.
7
Woman Gaga (2017)
Tremendous Bowl LI
Woman Gaga and the Tremendous Bowl might appear to be an unlikely pairing – but it surely labored. Her 10-minute set started with the Nationwide Anthem and was adopted by a compilation of hit songs like “Paparazzi,” “Phone,” and “Born This Manner.” Per standard, Woman Gaga placed on an genuine efficiency full of acrobatics, lights, and fireworks, and a wardrobe change or two. It was all very camp.
Together with The Nationwide Anthem and “Born This Manner” in the identical set checklist despatched a refined message of inclusion and representation throughout an in any other case divisive time within the U.S. And in a powerful feat that speaks to her fame, Woman Gaga’s efficiency made Tremendous Bowl historical past with one of many most-watched halftime exhibits on the time (117.5 million viewers) – greater than the 2017 recreation itself.
6
Michael Jackson (1993)
Tremendous Bowl XXVII
It’s usually mentioned that Michael Jackson’s half-time present marked a shift in sentiment for the halftime present and sporting occasion as an entire. After a few years of the same old acts, a famous person took the stage and turned it right into a live performance, of kinds. He was met with a virtually three-minute standing ovation earlier than singing even began. The half-time present, hosted on the Rose Bowl, is much from what viewers count on now; there have been no main theatrics or pompous (he did open the present with a intelligent stunt double bit, however that was it.
But, Jackson’s 1993 present turned one of the vital memorable in historical past. 133 million people tuned in to observe the King of Pop, breaking a world report within the course of. He carried out beloved songs from his discography, together with “Black or White” and “Billie Jean” whereas displaying off his signature dance strikes on the small stage. Jackson ended the present with “We Are the Youngsters” in honor of the united statesA. for Africa.
5
Beyoncé (2013)
Tremendous Bowl XLVII
Three years earlier than showing alongside Coldplay and Bruno Mars, Beyoncé took the stage solo (type of) for the 2013 Tremendous Bowl. She entered on a dimly lit stage with smoke and hearth within the background singing a compilation from her chart-topping discography. After a hypnotizing visible and audio expertise, followers had been in for a shock as Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams jumped onto the stage (actually). Future’s Baby was reunited!
The trio belts out songs like “Single Women” and “Unbiased Girls,” transporting followers and viewers again to the ‘90s. The set concludes with a strong rendition of “Halo,” as a result of what can prime that? Between the dancing, singing, and total vitality, this halftime efficiency was a reminder of why Beyoncé is such a celebrated artist (and epic performer).
4
Aerosmith, Britney Spears, ‘NSync, Nelly & Mary J. Blige (2001)
Tremendous Bowl XXXV
It feels like the beginning of a foul joke: a boy band, pop star, rock band, R&B singer, and rap artist stroll right into a bar… what a lineup. The 2001 Tremendous Bowl halftime present was a crossover for the ages. Produced by MTV, it could make sense that a few of the greatest stars of that period – plus Aerosmith – would take the stage in a fashion harking back to a jumbled Grammy Awards efficiency. For some purpose, Ben Stiller joined in for an intro clip that performed earlier than the present.
Boy band sensation ‘NSync opened the present with “Bye Bye Bye” – this might mark the primary of three appearances by Justin Timberlake on the Tremendous Bowl. Following a solo from Aerosmith, the remainder of the artists joined in for a complicated rendition of “Stroll This Manner.” Was it the best halftime present? No. Relatively, the 2001 halftime present serves as a time capsule for Y2K popular culture in all its glory.
3
U2 (2002)
Tremendous Bowl XXXVI
There was loads to contemplate when choosing the half-time present act for Tremendous Bowl XXXVI. The 2002 showdown between the Patriots and Rams was one of many first main American occasions to comply with the tragedy of 9/11, and the nation was nonetheless in mourning. Though Janet Jackson was alleged to carry out that 12 months, it was determined that the Irish rock band U2 would take the stage as an alternative.
Opening with the chart-topping “Stunning Day,” the band moved on to the extra emotional a part of their efficiency because the phrases “September 11, 2001, American Airways Flight 11,” had been projected on the dome. Their sturdy stage presence saved followers engaged because the names of victims continued to scroll. The 2002 Tremendous Bowl was a somber one, however U2 was the proper alternative for the tribute.
2
Dr. Dre & Buddies (2022)
Tremendous Bowl LVI
Hip-hop legends took to the stage on the 2022 Tremendous Bowl and didn’t disappoint. Dr. Dre introduced out his loyal circle of buddies – Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent – transporting audiences again to the 90s and 2000s. Kendrick Lamar additionally joined the long-lasting lineup as a testomony to his expertise. Dr. Dre & Buddies’ halftime present served as Mary J. Blige’s second time taking the stage, and the primary for Kendrick who will headline the 2025 Super Bowl.
Every artist acquired their second from Eminem’s knee-bending homage to Colin Kaepernick throughout “Lose Your self” to Snoop Dogg’s “California Love.” It was theatrical but easy; the expertise spoke for itself. Recollecting on recommendation from a pal on tips on how to placed on one of the best present, Dr. Dre told Hot97, “[He said] ‘Yo Dre, this will’t appear like a daily present, this must appear like a play.” And that he did; the halftime present took house an Emmy on the 2022 awards for Excellent Selection Particular (Stay).
1
Prince (2007)
Tremendous Bowl XLI
Overlook concerning the recreation itself, Prince outperformed each participant on that subject in what is commonly thought-about one of the best halftime present in Tremendous Bowl historical past. Fireworks. Neon dancers. Electrical guitar solos. He carried out a compilation of covers (“We Will Rock You,” “All Alongside the Watchtower,” and “Proud Mary”) whereas nonetheless making them his personal.
Regardless of the dismal climate, harmful circumstances on stage, and excessive boots, Prince delivered. The spotlight of the set got here on the finish, as Prince shocked the gang with a putting efficiency of “Purple Rain” – within the pouring rain. Go away it to Prince to make his occasion as dramatic as attainable.
Stream Tremendous Bowl LIX on Tubi.
