Every Super Bowl Halftime Show Since 1993, Ranked

It’s possible that football enthusiasts may not recognize it, yet many Americans attend Super Bowl parties primarily for the seven-layer dip, excessive drinking, and the nationally broadcasted spectacle known as the Super Bowl half-time show. For years, this event was rather straightforward, featuring college marching bands or a performance by artists like Andy Williams or Up With People. However, everything shifted dramatically in 1993, marking the year when Michael Jackson transformed the Super Bowl halftime show into essential viewing.

Since the inception of the iconic Super Bowl halftime show by Jackson, it’s traversed various eras marked by distinct performance styles – the MTV-style spectacle of the millennium, the classic rock resurgence of the late 2000s, and more recently, the dominance of pop divas. However, despite these changes, they all share a common thread: tradition and purpose. The essence has always been about blending diverse elements into a harmonious whole that reflects American culture. As we evaluate all Super Bowl halftime shows from 1993 onwards, ranking them from least favorite to favorite, it’s this quality – the ability to create a cohesive celebration of our culture – that we value most.

33. Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, and Toni Braxton (2000)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=6dWxq1D-B9s

Firstly, it’s crucial to note that Disney owns ABC, which is why they took advantage of halftime to broadcast a 12-minute advertisement for a show resembling Cirque du Soleil called “Disney Millenium Performance.” The performance was filled with puppets and performers in eccentric costumes, reminiscent of robot overlords from a futuristic society fixated on New Age healing and wheatgrass. To add to the disappointment, each performer sang original songs, none of which were familiar to the audience. I can’t help but wish for “Sussudio” instead, and instead, we got Phil Collins donning a backwards Kangol hat and baggy cargo pants, singing a tune called “Two Worlds.” To top it off, Edward James Olmos frequently emerged to deliver cryptic narration like, “As it does every thousand years, the gateway of time has opened once again to give us hope.” Frankly, I’d prefer to pass on such a spectacle.

32. Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, and the Judds (1994)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=P7zOHLsGNDg

It’s truly disheartening when a country’s spectacle falls short, and this is especially true when the most creative act on display is a group of individuals dressed as cowboys and cowgirls. While it might be a widely appreciated genre, many spectators were left puzzled by the performance titles like “Tuckered Out” and “It’s a Little Too Late,” not grasping their relevance or why they should invest interest in ordinary grinning girls donning 10-gallon hats. To add insult to injury, the performers on the field seemed to be wandering about while carrying bright light bulbs. This halftime show was one that people will likely quickly forget.

31. Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi (2019)

Maroon 5’s Super Bowl halftime performance was strikingly similar to their usual music style – clean and predictable, hardly leaving an impression until you find yourself watching the show, recognizing every song and wishing you could hit replay with a sports equipment lying around. The performance gave little indication of being on the grandest annual stage in America. It featured some modest pyrotechnics, a predominantly female crowd cheering for Adam Levine as if on cue, an introduction of SpongeBob SquarePants, and appearances by Travis Scott and Big Boi that seemed to interrupt rather than enhance Levine’s performances. The sudden shifts between artists could have given viewers a jolt akin to whiplash. Given the lack of enthusiasm for the halftime show this year, this performance was perhaps the best the NFL managed, a firework that fizzled out prematurely.

30 . The Rolling Stones (2006)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=44Xro6eccXQ

Two aspects stand out in this performance:

1. The Rolling Stones performed on a stage designed as their iconic lips-and-tongue logo, which was quite striking.
2. However, the residents of Detroit, where the event took place that year, were displeased because no Motown artists were invited to perform. Furthermore, the Stones limited their setlist to just three songs, one of which was their most recent single “Rough Justice.” A tip for the Rolling Stones: It seems the audience prefers classics over new material, especially during the Super Bowl.

29. Dan Aykroyd, John Goodman, James Belushi, ZZ Top, and James Brown (1997)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=gYU4NhjOXEE

As a die-hard fan, I must admit that the location of the game in New Orleans made perfect sense for the theme. However, allowing Jim Belushi to perform “Soul Man” and “Gimme Some Lovin'” was utterly baffling. Yes, you guessed it, he did sing! It was like witnessing my uncle trying his hand at karaoke, but with an added twist: hordes of women in skimpy outfits were dancing wildly everywhere, while a marching band formed letters on the field and fireworks burst into the night sky. To top it off, ZZ Top played “Legs” as the dancers lay flat on their backs, showcasing their legs. Honestly, even with James Brown in tow, this halftime show desperately needed more of anything – a dash of creativity, a sprinkle of talent, or simply a good old-fashioned song choice.

28. Gloria Estefan, Stevie Wonder, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (1999)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=T_qDBmvKJso

Indeed, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy performed during the Super Bowl, an achievement they can rightfully keep as part of their legacy. However, while imitating various styles is effective for crafting a memorable halftime show, this one seemed excessive. It appeared as if numerous elements were haphazardly thrown together, only to remain and grow moldy over a few weeks. Gloria Estefan and Stevie Wonder both excelled in their performances, but the sound quality throughout was inconsistent. Sadly, these two exceptional artists were underutilized in an event that lacked substance and depth at its very core.

27. Justin Timberlake (2018)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=v6xUgawDQB0

Justin Timberlake, once a member of NSYNC, married to Jessica Biel, who was previously linked with Britney Spears, and who has collaborated with Christina Aguilera and Andy Samberg, delivered an underwhelming performance at the Super Bowl halftime show that many considered the least exciting of recent years. Instead of engaging any of these renowned individuals to add energy, we were presented with a large screen displaying Prince singing “I Would Die 4 U.” Although this paid tribute to Prince’s legendary halftime performance and took place in his hometown, it was generally viewed as dull, poorly planned, and disjointed. The show started with Timberlake performing in the stadium’s underbelly, reminiscent of a small club gig, and even when he moved to the main stage, the intimate vibe persisted. Halftime shows at the Super Bowl should be about grandeur, not quiet performances. Sadly, Justin seemed to have left all the excitement (and his famous friends) at home. While other artists like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Beyoncé have dazzled audiences with stunts such as jumping off roofs, riding on giant lions, or shooting through the floor to perform “Single Ladies,” Justin simply wandered around aimlessly and played the piano in an outfit that resembled a discount hunting store ad. This disappointing performance was particularly unfortunate given that it coincided with #JanetJacksonAppreciationDay.

26. The Who (2010)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=ScA2FqJn9ic

In my perspective, this cinematic production brimmed with laser effects and melodious tunes, notably a captivating rendition of “Baba O’Riley,” a tune often heard in CBS procedurals, and other songs that added an engaging vibe to the narrative. To be honest, the stage design was quite stylish and enhanced the overall experience, despite some areas needing improvement.

25. Shania Twain, No Doubt, and Sting (2003)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=sUVLVfR0e9M

Instead of a full-blown concert, did this Super Bowl performance feel more like a condensed playlist for a quick car journey? Shania Twain delivered “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” without any backup dancers or costume swaps, followed by Gwen Stefani performing “Just a Girl” with her band. The sudden shift between these two acts is arguably the most abrupt change ever witnessed in Super Bowl history. To conclude, Sting made an appearance and Stefani teamed up with him for “Message in a Bottle.” Other than a few punk-rock cheerleaders bouncing on trampolines, which occurred about seven minutes into the show, there were no grand spectacles to speak of. In short, it was underwhelming.

24. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (2008)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=Vul_EYQEJJU

Tom Petty is one of our nation’s undervalued musical treasures. Out of all the artists who could perform the first four tracks from their best-hits album, it’s arguably Petty’s tunes – “American Girl,” “I Won’t Back Down,” “Free Fallin,'” and “Runnin’ Down a Dream” – that hold up consistently. However, it would have been nice if he had added some dancers to the mix to make the performance more dynamic.

23. Paul McCartney (2005)

The Super Bowl Halftime Show featuring Paul McCartney was a stark contrast to the controversy surrounding Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction. Instead of explicit content, the audience witnessed an elderly white man playing the guitar solo on a high-tech LED stage. This performance was so tame that it could be compared to making love in a secure room with multiple condoms and fully clothed, yet McCartney didn’t deviate or add any shocking elements that might offend the American audience. However, the use of an LED stage was certainly a step up from the previous year’s controversy!

22. Bruno Mars and Red Hot Chili Peppers (2014)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=qh0OyvjcJKE

The event began modestly with little kids interlocked, waving American flags, and culminated in soldiers serenading their loved ones with “Just the Way You Are”. According to a majority of dentists, this level of sweetness could potentially induce cavities in every U.S. resident. Mars delivered a satisfactory performance, however, one year after Beyoncé made a powerful feminist statement through an all-female showcase, Mars’ decision to populate the stage with males, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, was perceived as lackluster and reminiscent of past performances. The show failed to inspire and didn’t seem fitting for a headliner at the Super Bowl.

21. U2 (2002)

Instead of Bruce Springsteen, we ended up with an Irishman shouting “America!” before a massive banner bearing the names of those who perished on 9/11. U2’s performance was straightforward and minimalistic, appropriate for the times, yet it felt odd to hear what seemed like applause as Bono sang “Where the Streets Have No Name” amidst national grief.

20. The Weeknd (2021)

Prior to the grand event, my mother expressed curiosity about the halftime performer, as everyone was discussing it and referring to “This Weekend”, yet no one had revealed who it would be. The Weeknd managed to introduce himself to my mother and the nation, proving he has more hits than people think and is incredibly gifted. However, given the current pandemic situation, we’ll never truly know if his subdued mini-concert was due to creative limitations or COVID regulations. For most of his 12 minutes, he stood in a shiny red jacket, singing with musicians and backup singers behind him. After two songs, he ventured beneath the stage with a handheld camera for “Can’t Feel My Face”, suggesting a change of direction, but then he returned to the same spot without any choreography. It wasn’t until the tenth minute, when dancers joined him on the field in tight formation (or perhaps maintaining social distancing?), that The Weeknd changed costumes for the second time – back into another red sparkly jacket. This performance was underwhelming and lacked the usual flair and extravagance associated with halftime shows. Yet, my mother now knows who The Weeknd is, so I’d say mission accomplished.

19. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (2009)

During an era when many aging rockers were performing their classics in a straightforward manner, Springsteen stood out as the one who appeared to be enjoying himself the most. “Step back from the guacamole, step away from the chicken wings!” he shouted to his audience as his performance began, urging them to turn up their TVs.

Springsteen is an American music legend – I’ll never understand why he didn’t perform at the post-9/11 halftime show – and songs like “10th Avenue Freeze Out,” “Born to Run,” “Working on a Dream,” and “Glory Days” are undeniably catchy. However, while you could find similar energy at one of his concerts, it wasn’t quite enough to push him to the top.

18. Usher, Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Lil Jon, Jermaine Dupri, will.i.am, H.E.R. (2024)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=7hYbrdC_-s8

It’s understandable that an artist like Usher, known for stirring emotions in listeners as if they were giving birth to songs through their ears, would aim for a deeply personal Super Bowl halftime show. At its peak, his performance, filled with his numerous hits, evoked the intense connection between two people falling in love at a club where all inhibitions dissolve. However, at its lowest point, it felt empty, isolated, and lacking substance.

Usher entered the stage dressed in a shimmering white ensemble that was predominantly brooches. His initial dance moves were on the field itself, but despite being surrounded by dancers reminiscent of “Harlem Nights,” the performance seemed incomplete.

The most memorable moment came about a third of the way through, when Alicia Keys played “If I Ain’t Got You” on a red piano resembling a waiting tongue. Their harmonious “My Boo” was the seductive prelude to an Usher Super Bowl performance. After that, he took center stage alone for a medley led by “Confessions, Part II.” Yet, he appeared small and overwhelmed by the vast arena, even when he was strikingly shirtless.

By the time he emerged with a roller-skating group, pole dancers, Lil Jon, Ludacris, and a bodysuit adorned with his (unfortunately covered) abs, it was too late to make a significant impact.

17. Boyz II Men, Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, the Temptations, and Queen Latifah (1998)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=YOlQzU6irJU

Instead of being just another predictable performance of an older music genre, Latifah and Boyz II Men added a burst of youthful vitality, transforming it from a polished high-school talent show into something more vibrant. Unfortunately, Boyz II Men focused much of their stage time on their new single “A Song for Mama,” which unfortunately fell flat. Thankfully for Martha Reeves, who seemed to be struggling with her vocals during “Heat Wave” as if a squirrel was climbing her vocal cords, social media platforms like Twitter didn’t exist in 1998, or there would have been a lot of criticism similar to the Left Shark incident. Regardless, it provided a family-friendly entertainment experience suitable for all ages.

16. Rihanna (2023)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=HjBo–1n8lI

The extravagance of celebrity pregnancy announcements seems to surpass the grandeur of elaborate prom proposals at the wealthiest high schools in America. For instance, a successful fashion and beauty entrepreneur recently rented out the entire Super Bowl for hers, though I jest, Ms. Fenty. Yet, she was an unconventional pick for such a role; she’s barely a year past her last delivery, hasn’t released an album since 2016, manages a billion-dollar business, and wasn’t as flamboyant as some of her contemporaries like Beyoncé or Fergie. However, she cleverly utilized these factors in this instance. Kicking off from a platform suspended in the stadium’s center, she was dressed elegantly in a striking red Loewe jumpsuit and bustier, accompanied by a throng of dancers in white puffer coats. Gradually, Rihanna showcased a selection of her greatest hits, performing “Rude Boy,” “Only Girl (In the World),” and “Umbrella” with tributes to lesser-known tracks such as “Birthday Cake” and “S & M.” Essentially, she merely sang and strutted, incorporating minimal choreography (and a quick makeup touch-up midway through). This approach wasn’t solely due to her pregnancy; it reflects Rihanna’s career philosophy, which is all about setting an atmosphere. Fans anticipated a new song or album announcement, but instead, they received a refresher of why she sparkles like a diamond even in the absence of grand gestures.

15. Patti Labelle, Tony Bennett, Arturo Sandoval, Teddy Pendergrass, and Miami Sound Machine (1995)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=wjXSqaSmhh4

Instead of being a typical halftime performance, it felt more like a wild and outrageous Stefon sketch from Saturday Night Live. It featured cobras drumming, peasants paying tribute to deities, an Indiana Jones skydiving, a bizarre Satanic ceremony involving the Super Bowl trophy, people on stilts, Patti LaBelle as a demonic sequin deity, hordes of shirtless dancers, a flaming ninja, a stage adorned with spikes, and Tony Bennett crooning an old tune. This was one of the few halftime shows produced by Disney, and it was pure, unadulterated camp madness. It wasn’t the best show I’ve ever seen, but it’s definitely among my favorites.

14. Kendrick Lamar, SZA (2025)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=KDorKy-13ak

Kendrick Lamar chose to present his own unique style during the halftime show, deviating from the typical extravaganzas, guest appearances, and costume changes that are usually associated with Super Bowl performances. Instead, he opted for a stripped-down performance, skipping some of his most popular hits, incorporating Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam, and making a subtle jab at Drake’s legal troubles by inviting Serena Williams, rumored to be one of Drake’s exes, to crip-walk during “Not Like Us.” Normally, we see performers who aren’t up to the standard for the Super Bowl. However, in this instance, it was Kendrick Lamar who delivered a performance that fell short compared to his usual intensity and passion.

13. Black Eyed Peas, Usher, and Slash (2011)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=xPIiaSnYV5E

It surprised me to admit it, but I found the Black Eyed Peas quite enjoyable during the Super Bowl. They made their entrance like characters from a parody of Not Tron XXX, floating down as they kick-started an age of pop-centric halftime shows. This paved the way for Madonna, Beyoncé, and others, filling the stage with dancers in luminescent outfits and a futuristic theme that included Usher and Slash emerging from beneath the stage to perform “Sweet Child of Mine” alongside Fergie. Regrettably, the audio quality wasn’t great, and the “LOVE” stage formation was incomplete, with one arm of the V missing. It’s unfortunate they had to sing so many Black Eyed Peas songs.

12. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira (2020)

The peak moment at the festival celebrating Latin culture and the popular dance style known as hips-not-lying, occurred when J.Lo invited her daughter Emme onstage for a performance of “Let’s Get Loud” alongside a group of preteen girls, whose mothers were likely cheering them on from the sidelines. The stage also featured children in illuminated cages and Emme sang “Born in the USA,” while J.Lo showcased a large feathered cape displaying both the American and Puerto Rican flags. This act served as a powerful gesture towards the current political climate, particularly concerning immigrants from South and Central America. The performance then transitioned rapidly, mirroring Shakira’s energetic dance moves. The entire show was filled with excitement, swiftly moving from one act to the next, leaving the audience struggling to keep up. Notable highlights included J.Lo pole dancing on top of the Empire State Building and Shakira dancing with a piece of rope, which left the crowd in awe. With both stars delivering outstanding performances, it was impossible not to feel captivated by their sparkling, glittery presence.

11. Lady Gaga (2017)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=txXwg712zw4

This high-tech show featured a swarm of drones arranged like stars, a stunt off the stadium roof, and dancers throwing glowing sticks reminiscent of Star Trek weapons, along with a keytar and a round piano similar to one found in Mos Eisley cantina. Lady Gaga’s performance maintained a theme akin to Ziggy Stardust’s rebellious little sister, as seen in her diamond phone for “Telephone” and the crystal orb she waved to the audience. However, unlike artists like Madonna, Prince, and Beyoncé who transformed their classic hits, Gaga presented “Poker Face,” “Born This Way,” and “Bad Romance” without significant change. Unlike other concerts, there were no guest appearances, and the only cover songs were politically-charged numbers at the start. Although a Lady Gaga concert is always grand, this one could have been more inclusive for such a broad cultural event.

10. Michael Jackson (1993)

As a die-hard film enthusiast, let me share my perspective on something I’ve always found intriguing – that very first Super Bowl halftime show back in the day. Now, it wasn’t exactly a seamless spectacle; the networks were still figuring out their broadcasting groove. The cheers from the crowd echoed for an astounding three minutes before a single note was played! There was even a commercial break smack dab in the middle of the show. And let’s not forget, it was California, so the stage was bathed in daylight rather than the moody ambiance we’ve come to expect.

Now, Michael Jackson was there, and he sure did put on a performance. Yet, for an artist known for his grandiose shows, it felt like he could have given us more. Instead of delving into his rich discography, he opted for “We Are the World” with a children’s choir, followed by “Heal the World” as a massive globe inflated on stage. Don’t get me wrong; he did perform “Billie Jean” and moonwalk, but it seemed like there was untapped potential left unexplored. After all, Michael Jackson was a master of the stage, and I believe he could have delivered an even more memorable show.

9. Coldplay, Beyoncé, and Bruno Mars (2016)

Despite Coldplay being anticipated to have a stellar year, they unexpectedly stepped aside for Beyoncé and Bruno Mars during their performances. Thankfully, their guest appearances breathed new life into the event since Coldplay’s performance was rather lackluster, reminiscent of a colorful mess or a collision between a hippie van and a paint factory. However, things took a turn for the better when Beyoncé appeared on stage dressed as Michael Jackson from his 1993 performance, accompanied by an array of backup dancers for “Formation.” Bruno Mars followed suit with his crew for “Uptown Funk,” creating what could be considered the most stylish clash between the sexes. Unfortunately, everyone else seemed to pale in comparison; this was undeniably Beyoncé’s moment, and it now ranks alongside Michael’s as one of the most iconic performances ever. It’s unfortunate that the rest of the show couldn’t quite match her brilliance.

8. Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Simpson, Kid Rock, Nelly, and P. Diddy (2004)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=82wcmJRmhWU

Regardless of the mysterious concept intended, the underlying message in this performance seemed to be one of extravagance. The scene featured Janet dancing with numerous performers on a stage resembling what might occur if the Fortress of Solitude were designed by Cirque du Soleil. Puff Daddy glided through a haze of smoke atop a moving platform, Nelly emerged in a massive red car to perform “Hot in Here,” and Kid Rock donned an array of questionable outfits (including a flag-themed poncho). Indeed, Justin exposed Janet’s breast covering momentarily. However, such incidental details aside, the show was still exceptionally entertaining.

7. Diana Ross (1996)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=RCEY7kXDvCQ

At Super Bowl XXX, Diana Ross was seen as a reliable pick, but it took a performer of her stature to deliver such an unexpected spectacle. The show began with her making a dramatic entrance from the sky on a shimmering platform, gliding smoothly through a medley of her most iconic songs like “Baby Love” and “Stop in the Name of Love”, surrounded by dapper dancers. What’s more, for each tune, Ross switched her outfit. And it wasn’t until later that you noticed the massive golden cape she was wearing was gradually covering the entire stage. As she soared three stories high, singing “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, it became clear that a helicopter was about to land right on the field. Ross hopped in, gave a cheerful wave to the audience, and then took off again, perched precariously on the edge of the helicopter. Quite a performance, GaGa, hard to beat that!

6. Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz, and Missy Elliott (2015)

Due to the hilarious and viral stunts of “Left Shark,” this performance is destined to be etched in our memories for many years. However, what truly made it a spectacle was its technical brilliance. Katy Perry entered riding on a large lion puppet while singing “Roar,” and later found herself being pulled through the sky as she sang “Firework” and traveled on the More You Know shooting-star logo. The performance was filled with delightful moments, particularly when Missy Elliott joined her on stage to perform not just one, but three of her own songs. The psychedelic ’60s pop-art color scheme and the message Katy conveyed – that it’s admirable to share the limelight at the Super Bowl – were equally unforgettable.

5. Aerosmith, NSYNC, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly (2001)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=XXiUlnRJqps

In today’s perspective, the performance of Justin Timberlake, Lance Bass (who was yet to come out publicly), and the rest of NSYNC doing “Bye Bye Bye” alongside Steven Tyler singing “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” might not appear groundbreaking – given the now-dated metallic costumes. However, at that moment in time, it certainly felt revolutionary. This was the year when audience members were allowed on the stage area for the first time, making the show feel more like a standard concert. Despite this being one where Timberlake appeared to shoot fireworks from his hands, reminiscent of an X-Men character. The audience interaction, now a common feature, injected a fresh energy into the event. When unexpected guests Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly emerged for an electrifying finale of “Walk This Way”, both Aerosmith’s older male fans and their teenage daughters were left in a frenzy.

4. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem (2022)

The evolution of today’s halftime performance shifted from being a grand platform for a single pop icon to featuring multiple popular artists, and then back again. Dr. Dre creatively combined both approaches in his performance. His 15-minute journey through the last quarter-century of hip-hop started with him and Snoop performing bits of “The Next Episode” and “California Love,” before inviting a series of big names to perform their early-2000s hits: a surprise appearance by 50 Cent for “In Da Club”; Mary J. Blige, dressed in both mirrored and leopard print, powerfully performing “Family Affair” and “No More Drama”; and Eminem leading the crowd to sing along to “Lose Yourself,” backed by a band that included Anderson .Paak on drums and Dre himself, standing in front of a shiny white mixing board as a symbol of his production work on many of these hits. Adding Kendrick Lamar, a group of highly coordinated dancers, and modern jams like “m.A.A.d City” and “Alright” to the mix, Dre and Snoop wrapped it up with a group singalong to “Still D.R.E.” The show was an entertaining blend that celebrated the hits without appearing boastful. Dr. Dre demonstrated an expert grasp of handling what can be the most challenging gig in American music, except for the somewhat confined setup, which at times felt a bit cramped. Overall, it served as a reminder that Dr. Dre is much more than just the headphones guy.

3. Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child (2013)

If the Super Bowl permitted ties, Beyonce’s performance in 2013 would share the top spot with the next two performances. Her show was grandiose and breathtakingly amazing, yet her all-black outfits and understated style added an elegance that no other artist can mimic. The music selection ranged from “Crazy in Love” to “Baby Boy,” culminating in a beautiful rendition of “Halo” as the finale. However, it slightly falters due to its lack of pastiche. The stage was designed to resemble two of her profiles facing each other, with a large image of Beyonce burning above it. Indeed, it was an incredibly impressive performance, but it featured no costume changes. Her former Destiny’s Child bandmates were the only guests, and they sang “Single Ladies,” which wasn’t one of their songs. Nevertheless, Beyonce had women as the only performers on that stage, a commendable move and a powerful statement about female empowerment.

2. Madonna, LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, Cee Lo Green (2012)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=X3ik_8QjM3U

A year following the Black-Eyed Peas’ pop-centric halftime performance, Madonna graced the stage as a Greek deity, carried by an army of Spartan warriors. She demonstrated perfection to all the young viewers. The LED-illuminated stage was a bustling scene with dancers twirling, a gospel choir singing, and even a slackline performer – it was almost overwhelming. Madonna reimagined her old tunes, such as a drum-corps rendition of “Open Your Heart” sung with Cee Lo Green and a blend of “Music” by LMFAO with “Party Rock Anthem.” She lost some points for focusing on the uninspiring single “Give Me All Your Luvin,” but at least it showcased Nicki Minaj and MIA flipping off the audience. Madonna seamlessly transitioned between various performance styles, collaborated with other prominent artists, and made it appear effortless, as if coordinating 200 performers was just another Tuesday for her. Perhaps because it is.

1. Prince (2007)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=-WYYlRArn3g

Among all Super Bowl halftime performances, none has been more electrifying than Prince’s show. While it wasn’t the most lavish spectacle, its impact remains palpable today. On a stage designed in the shape of his symbol, the Purple One kick-started with Queen’s “We Will Rock You” and transitioned to “Let’s Go Crazy.” The Florida A&M University marching band, adorned with glowing lights, joined for a fresh take on “Baby I’m a Star,” paying tribute to the legacy of previous halftime shows. This musical journey traversed covers of “Proud Mary” and “All Along the Watchtower,” culminating in a massive screen rising into the night sky, revealing Prince’s backlit silhouette as he played an epic guitar solo from “Purple Rain.” Notably, this entire performance unfolded under a heavy downpour. It’s hard to imagine anyone surpassing that electrifying moment!

2025-02-10 17:56