The Super Bowl, an iconic North American sporting event is a worldwide phenomenon. More than just the NFL championship game, this is a matchup of two teams producing legendary performances, unforgettable moments, outlandish commercials, and at times, some of the most dramatic finishes in football history.
While the buildup to the Super Bowl is usually two weeks filled with hype, some games are more deserving of the buildup than others, delivering edge-of-your-seat excitement and memorable plays that define the history of the NFL.
However, while the game itself is the main attraction, the halftime show has become equally as hyped. Believe it or not, there are even prop bets that appear in the Super Bowl betting guide when it comes to mid-game entertainment. This year’s performance by Kendrick Lamar will have people talking for a while, especially with his selection of songs, but it doesn’t fall into the groundbreaking category. From legendary pop stars to jaw-dropping stage productions, these five performances have arguably defined the game more than the on-field action, leaving audiences and fans in awe.
Michael Jackson (Super Bowl XXVII)
Ask any Super Bowl fan about the greatest halftime show ever and the answer most likely would be the King of Pop’s 1993 legendary performance. Before Michael Jackson took the stage, the mid-game performances were traditionally University marching bands and the occasional singers or groups (Chubby Checker, New Kids on the Block, Gloria Estefan).
When Jackson appeared on stage at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, 98,374 people erupted, as he absorbed a ninety-second standing ovation before breaking into a medley of hits including “Jam”, “Billie Jean”, “Black or White” and “Heal the World”. Jackson’s twelve-minute performance, set the gold standard for all future halftime shows, proving that halftime entertainment is a key part of the Super Bowl experience.
Prince (Super Bowl XLI)
If there is anyone who could argue about top billing on the list of greatest Super Bowl halftime performances it would be Prince. Taking the stage in the midst of a downpour, Prince failed to let the rain deter him from putting on a memorable performance in front of 74,512 fans at Florida’s Dolphin Stadium.
Performing covers of Queen’s “We Will Rock You”, Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Proud Mary”, Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” and the Foo Fighters’ “Best of You”, Prince added in his own hits, “Let’s Go Crazy” and “Baby I’m a Star”. But it would be his unforgettable performance of “Purple Rain” in the rain that provided a surreal moment in Super Bowl history.
Beyonce (Super Bowl XLVII)
Leave it to Queen Bey to put on a spectacular performance. Commanding the stage during the 2013 Super Bowl in New Orleans, Beyonce’s energy matched that of the game itself. With flawless choreography and a surprise reunion with her former group Destiny’s Child, Beyonce connected with the audience throughout her entire performance.
With Alicia Keys kicking off the game by performing the National Anthem, the memorable power outage causing a 34-minute suspension of play, and an unforgettable comeback attempt by the San Francisco 49ers, Beyonce’s nine-track show still managed to stand out as the must-see moment of the event.
U2 (Super Bowl XXXVI)
Maybe it was just the time and place. Yes, there have been more entertaining performances with more flash and pizazz, but when U2 took to the stage in front of nearly 73,000 fans in the Louisiana Superdome, they showed the power and ability to unify through music.
Whereas other performers play a medley of hits, U2’s three-song set of “Beautiful Day”, “MLK” and “Where the Streets Have No Name” seemed to be the right fit for a country that was dealing with the tragic events of 9/11, just a few months prior. Fitting the first two tracks into the opening four minutes, the last seven minutes paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the attack with names displayed on a massive screen behind the band.
Dr. Dre (Super Bowl LVI)
It took until 2022 for a full hip hop focused halftime show to take the stage. Along with the legendary rapper/producer, Snoop Dogg, Mary J Blige, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, and Eminem, this was a celebration of rap and hip-hop culture.
Opening with “The Next Episode” to set the tone, each of the performers had standout moments on a stage that was fitting for each artist. From a giant mixing board to the vintage cars and houses to the dancers, it may be one of the greatest stage designs in Super Bowl halftime history. Blending eleven tracks into the twelve-minute show, every performer got their share of the spotlight before all six gathered together to close out the performance with “Still D.R.E.”
