The 14 Greatest Super Bowl Halftime Performances

When they burst onto the scene with “Yellow” in 2000, no one predicted that Coldplay would reach the level of performing at the Super Bowl. Nonetheless, over the years, the band captivated audiences worldwide with their introspective soft-rock sound and before taking the stage at Super Bowl 50, they infused new energy into their music, embracing vibrant colors in their brand new A Head Full of Dreams LP.

The lively, colorful Coldplay was on full display during Super Bowl 50, but more notably, they hosted two artists known for their dynamic performances. Bruno Mars and Beyoncé graced the stage with their chart-topping hits “Uptown Funk!” and “Formation,” respectively, and their competitive choreography was a highlight. Major props to Coldplay for allowing their halftime show to be enhanced by the talents of two other phenomenal artists.

It was the moment the term “wardrobe malfunction” became a part of the American lexicon. The debate over whether Justin Timberlake “accidentally” bared Janet’s breast while tearing off a part of her costume has persisted since that halftime show in Houston. There have been FCC fines assessed, dismissed, and even taken to court, yet public opinion remains divided on the aftermath for Jackson compared to Timberlake, who seemingly faced little to no repercussions.

Regardless of the controversy, you must admit that J&J delivered an unforgettable performance. It’s regrettable that what sticks in the mind of most viewers are just the last moments.

Katy Perry burst onto the stage riding a massive golden tiger. She grooved with Lenny Kravitz on guitar and created internet history with her now legendary Left Shark meme. (If you know, you know.) What more could you want from a halftime show?

Perry’s performance was a dazzling 12-minute display of lights, color, pyrotechnics, and strong vocals, even while dancing in high heels or soaring above the stadium on a mechanical shooting star. Plus, her setlist barely scratched the surface of her repertoire of hits, allowing many to sing along throughout her performance. And don’t forget the icing on the cake? Missy Elliott joined her for a special performance of classics like “Work It” and “Get Ur Freak On.”

During her performance at Super Bowl 2023, Rihanna had not released an album in seven years or taken to the stage for five years. The accomplished artist had been engaged in expanding her Fenty Beauty business (and becoming a mother), so it was expected that fashion played a significant role in her halftime show. While some viewers had mixed feelings about her fashion choices (not everyone appreciated the marshmallow-style outfits), her high level of professionalism (the choreography was impressive) combined with her rockstar vibe (check out her face as she confidently walked across the stage) made it a remarkable performance. In the end, it turned into the most-watched halftime show ever.

Selected as a “safe option” by the NFL after the preceding year’s “Nipplegate” incident involving Timberlake and Jackson, McCartney marked a shift from contemporary pop performers to iconic rock legends at halftime.

Positioned atop an X-shaped stage with video projectors, the former Beatle kicked things off with “Drive My Car.” He then followed up with “Get Back,” before swapping his guitar for a piano for an explosive rendition of Wings’ James Bond theme, “Live and Let Die,” complete with fireworks. To close out, McCartney treated the crowd to “Hey Jude,” where the 84,000 in attendance at Jacksonville’s Alltel Stadium sang along to the famous coda.

No gimmicks, no props, just pure rock n’ roll. The Rolling Stones made a straightforward, classic appearance on the Super Bowl stage, which was designed to resemble a giant version of the band’s iconic logo — a pair of red lips with an outstretched tongue.

Mick Jagger did what he does best, dancing and strutting around the stage with abandon. The band performed only three songs, delivering them in full: “Start Me Up,” “Rough Justice,” and the ever-popular “Satisfaction.” 

In a bid to keep audiences riveted, the NFL orchestrated the biggest halftime show ever featuring Michael Jackson. The late King of Pop captivated viewers with a medley of “Jam,” “Billie Jean,” and “Black or White,” followed by a segment of “We Are the World,” as children from Los Angeles held up signs showcasing drawings.

To ensure viewers received his message of unity, MJ wrapped up his set with “Heal the World,” surrounded by 3,500 children while a large globe was unfurled on the 50-yard line.

In a spectacular start, Lady Gaga performed a medley of “God Bless America” and “This Land Is Your Land” from the stadium roof before dramatically leaping down onto the stage to perform dance-pop hits including “Poker Face,” “Born This Way,” and “Bad Romance.”

Her halftime show stood out as one of the most visually impressive and vocally powerful in Super Bowl history. The grand finale was unforgettable; she mic-dropped, caught a football, and jumped off a staircase into thin air. Instead of a simple bow, she concluded her performance in an extraordinary manner.

Setting the stage for her upcoming album MDNA, Madonna entered her Super Bowl XLVI halftime show as a quasi-gladiatorial leader of a cheerleading team that featured LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A. and CeeLo Green. Surrounded by Roman soldiers, Madge made a grand entrance on a golden throne to perform the classic “Vogue” before teaming up with LMFAO for a vibrant rendition of her hit “Music,” blended with “Party Rock Anthem” and “Sexy And I Know It.”

Although the Material Girl struggled a bit in her thigh-high heeled boots, the standout moment of her Super Bowl appearance came during “Give Me All Your Luvin’” when M.I.A. and Minaj joined her. This brief moment became controversial, as M.I.A. flashed her middle finger, which ignited a mini-“Nipplegate”-like uproar. Yet, Madge’s epic finale featuring “Like a Prayer,” accompanied by CeeLo and a large robed choir, ensured that the 12-minute spectacle concluded with the focus returning to the music.

In 2009, the Boss invited viewers to take a break from the guac and “put the chicken fingers down” as he prepared to energize Tampa for twelve minutes straight. Although Bruce previously declined several invitations to perform at the Super Bowl, his set proved that patience is rewarding.

The E Street Band powered through a four-song sequence of classics, highlighted by the iconic moment when Jersey native Springsteen crashed into a TV camera with his crotch during “10th Avenue Freeze Out.”

With her silhouette ignited in flames, Beyoncé emerged from a cloud of smoke with an incredible performance featuring her hits (like “Love on Top” and “Crazy in Love”) and multimedia elements during her Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show. This was just the beginning before Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams made a surprise appearance from under the stage to join Bey for “Bootylicious,” “Independent Women,” and “Single Ladies.”

Throughout Beyonce’s standout performance, she was backed by numerous female dancers and musicians (including an impressive horn section), along with innovative animated screens featuring multiple versions of herself.

Hip-hop finally received its well-deserved spotlight at the halftime show in 2022, when Dr. Dre alongside his crew owned the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Previously announced artists Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and Eminem were joined by unexpected appearances from 50 Cent (performing “In Da Club” upside down) and Anderson .Paak, who played the drums during Eminem’s hit “Lose Yourself.”

The performance displayed the power of hip-hop, featuring Dr. Dre at the piano for “Still D.R.E.,” Snoop rapping on Blige’s hit “Family Affair,” and Kendrick’s celebrated track “Alright.” It proved that hip-hop is ready for its moments at the Super Bowl Halftime Show while also cementing its place in history — this performance became the first halftime show to win an Emmy for outstanding variety special (live).

Just months after the horrendous events of Sept. 11, 2001, U2 brought their heart-shaped stage from the Elevation tour to the football field. They kicked off with “Beautiful Day,” but it was their tribute to 9/11 that truly resonated.

As they performed “Where the Streets Have No Name,” a backdrop displayed the names of all victims of the attacks, and Bono concluded the piece by opening his jacket to reveal the stars and stripes lining.

Famous for his electrifying performances, Prince was a fascinating halftime choice just three years after Nipplegate. He showcased his purple, unpronounceable-symbol-shaped guitar in a suggestive manner, but it was the brilliance of Prince’s playing that truly captivated audiences.

The musical icon navigated through his own hits (“1999,” “Let’s Go Crazy”) as well as classics by others (“Proud Mary,” “All Along the Watchtower”). The explosive ending was “Purple Rain,” which had stadium full of electrified fans waving their arms and singing in falsetto as actual rain fell on Miami’s Dolphin Stadium.