On Super Bowl Sunday, football fanatics will tune in for the game, others will look forward to the latest big-budget commercials, but mostly everybody will check out the half-time show. From the first Super Bowl in 1967 to the early 1990s, the halftime shows was not the extravagant spectacle that it is today. Back then, they usually featured marching bands (Grambling State University holds the record with six performances) and drill bands. The result was a family-friendly show that didn't attract a wide viewership.
Thankfully, times have changed and the Super Bowl halftime show is one of the biggest music attractions of the year. Some of the most legendary performers have graced the stage to showcase their talent at the biggest game of the year. To break down the best performances, here are the top 10 Super Bowl halftime shows of all time. (**The NFL has blocked some of the performances, so we’ve linked to the videos in the story.)
1. Prince at Super Bowl XLI in 2007
Prince is one of the most renowned artists of our time and his performance at Super Bowl XLI in 2007 was a masterpiece. As always, Prince was flawless and his Super Bowl performance is the gold standard. During his set, he opened with “Let’s Go Crazy” before going into a “Baby I’m a Star/Proud Mary” mashup, showing his impeccable vocal range and guitar mastery. The "Purple One" even covered “All Along the Watchtower.” Ever the entertainer knowing that the show must go on no matter what, Prince ended the set with his classic ballad “Purple Rain” during the middle of a thunderstorm as the stadium was lit up with purple lights.
2. Beyoncé at Super Bowl XLVII in 2013
By the time Beyoncé performed at Super Bowl XLVII, she was well on her way to world domination. With amazing choreography and plenty of big hits, Beyoncé transformed from a superstar into a global icon. “Queen Bey“ lit the stage on fire with an acapella version of “Love On Top” followed by renditions of “Crazy in Love” and “Baby Boy.” The crowd went wild when they witnessed a long-awaited reunion of Destiny’s Child as Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams appeared on stage with her to slay the house.
3. Michael Jackson at Super Bowl XXVII in 1993
When Michael Jackson, aka the “King of Pop,” took the stage in 1993, he forever raised the bar for halftime shows. With an introduction provided by James Earl Jones, Jackson appeared at the top of the Rose Bowl's two jumbotrons, using body doubles. He went on to wow the audience by standing still for 90 seconds, and then performed some of his signature hits “Billie Jean” and “Black and White.” He ended his set with “We Are the World” and “Heal the World” as he invited children to join him on stage. Jackson’s halftime show holds the record for the most-watched halftime show on network TV, with 133 million viewers.
4. Dr. Dre and Friends at Super Bowl LVI in 2022
The global impact and influence of hip hop was on full display at Super Bowl LVI at Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles. Dr. Dre along with Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, Eminem, and Anderson. Paak on drums showed the world that hip hop remains the most dominant cultural expression of our times. Dre and Snoop performed “California Love,” then Mary J. Blige sang her heart out on “Family Affair.” Kendrick Lamar gave an electric performance of “Alright” and Eminem took a knee in honor of Colin Kaepernick at the end of “Lose Yourself.”
5. Coldplay ft Beyoncé and Bruno Mars at Super Bowl XLVII in 2017
While Coldplay was listed as the headliner, the show belonged to Beyoncé and Bruno Mars. Armed with one of the biggest hits of the year, “Uptown Funk,” Bruno Mars held the crowd in the palm of his hands. Accompanied by dancers dressed as Black Panthers, Beyonce's rendition of "Formation," was mind-blowing. The battle of the songs between Bruno and Beyoncé was one for the ages.
6. Janet Jackson at Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004
An unfortunate wardrobe malfunction is still casting a shadow on an incredible performance by Janet Jackson at Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston. With P. Diddy and Nelly as supporting acts, Jackson performed a medley of her hits, beginning with "All for You," "Rhythm Nation" and a snippet of "The Knowledge." When Justin Timberlake joined Jackson on stage for the final song, their finale did not go as expected when Jackson was exposed in front of the crowd at NRG Stadium and millions watching on TV.
7. Diana Ross at Super Bowl XXX in 1996
In 1996, Diana Ross made history by becoming the first Black woman to perform solo performances at a Super Bowl. The Motown legend put on an amazing show at the Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. Beginning her set on crane singing "Stop in the Name of Love," "Baby Love," "You Can't Hurry Love," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "I Will Survive." In true diva fashion, she concluded the show by departing from the stage in a helicopter.
8. Black Eyed Peas ft. Usher at Super Bowl XLV in 2011
At the height of their popularity, the Black Eyed Peas showcased their creativity in a space-themed show at Super Bowl XLV. Descending from the sky, the band started the show with "I Gotta Feeling" and "Boom Boom Pow." Later they segued into Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child o' Mine." For the grand finale, Usher descended on the stage and performed an electric version of "OMG" with Will.i.am to a raucous audience at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
