Silke Jasso
The biggest sporting event of the year is right around the corner, and a lot of fans are eager to see what this year’s Super Bowl Halftime will be like. Millions of football fans around the world will be watching Rihanna perform an epic halftime show which will involve songs from a decade-long career.
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For several years, the show has been either heavily praised or criticized by fans. It’s crazy to see how much it has evolved since beginning in 1967 when the Liberty Bell was performed by the University of Arizona Symphonic Marching Band. But, it all changed in 1993 when Popstar Michael Jackson turned the Super Bowl halftime show into an epic must-watch event. Believe it or not, according to experts who have worked with the Super Bowl Halftime show, it takes as much preparation as the Grammys or the Oscars to put on the show.
So yes, this year we’ll be able to see Rihanna shine on stage once more, after welcoming her first baby with boyfriend A$AP Rocky in May. But, let’s not forget the other classic performances that are still itching our brains.
Here are the top 10 best Super Bowl halftime shows we have seen so far, in no particular order.
Justin Timberlake (2018/Round 2)
Of course, we have to start off strong with the most talked about Super Bowl Halftime Show featuring none other than NSYNC lead member Justin Timberlake. He decided to take the stage once more 14 years after the whole Janet Jackson debate. Timberlake decided not only to perform some of his greatest hits, but also used the performance in order to promote his new album, Man of the Woods. safe to say that after this performance the whole Jackson incident was put behind.
The Rolling Stones (2006)
Not only was this one of the most watched Super Bowl Halftime shows, but it was extra special for the band after they performed on a stage that was shaped after their own logo. But, what triggered a lot of people was that the band decided to only perform three of their songs, yes just three. They started off with “Star Me Up,” going to “Satisfaction,” and ended with “Rough Justice.” Womp, womp. Not gonna lie, kind of expected more from them. But hey, I’ll never turn down seeing Mick Jagger.
Lady Gaga (2017)
Lady Gaga has been on a streak lately showing off her talent not only as a musician but as an actress. Being one of the most well-known artists in history, everyone pretty much turned on the TV to see her halftime performance. She also made quite a memorable entrance which was one of the most exciting parts of the show, diving off of the top of Houston’s NRG Stadium after performing “God Bless America.” There were also drones that led up the sky in the shape of an American flag behind her, as she quickly went on to Showcase her glittery outfit by starting with top hits “Born This Way” and “Poker Face”
Beyonce (2013)
Of course, we couldn’t leave Queen Bee herself, Beyonce, out of the list. Before taking the stage back in 2013 Vince Lombardi gave one of the most epic introductions for the artist, saying, “Excellence must be pursued, it must be wooed with all of one’s might and every bit of effort that we had,” Honestly it was a perfect introduction for her flawless performance which showcased why she is one of the greatest artists of all time. Not only that, but she was also reunited with her Destiny Child bandmates to throw off a nostalgic nod to the first part of her career which helped her become one of the biggest artists in the world.
Michael Jackson (1993)
The King of Pop’s performance hasn’t lost any magic and is considered one of the most epic halftime shows of all. To kick things off, the singer stood still for 90 seconds as a crowd loudly roared around him, finally breaking the silence for an iconic version of “Billie Jean” and “Black or White.” This was the first time a massive pop star performed on football’s biggest nights.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band (2009)
If you’ve never seen Bruce Springsteen in concert, you’re seriously missing out. Which is why this was such a treat to see. Especially since his own concerts usually last as long as an American football game which kind of was a concern since he had squeezed so many hits into a 15-minute segment. But, as expected, The Boss delivered by playing some of his hits including “Born to Run,” “Glory Days,” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze Out” to name a few.
Jennifer Lopez and Shakira (2020)
Although Jennifer Lopez and Shakira weren’t the first Latinas to rock the halftime stage, they certainly Got Loud in 2020. (See what I did there!?) The Colombian and New York Puerto Rican definitely took the stage by storm, with both ladies bringing the heat. Shakira even went off to show some of her musical talents by playing the guitar, and let’s not forget Lopez’s stripper pole performance. The performance also featured cameras from Bad Bunny, J. Balvin, and Lopez’s daughter who sang Springsteen’s, “Born in the USA”
Bruno Mars (2004)
Everyone was shocked when Pepsi announced that Bruno Mars was performing in the halftime Super Bowl show and back in 2004. This after several were worried that he didn’t have enough catalog in his musical career. But, he pretty much outdid himself and proved them wrong. The performance started with small children holding hands in front of American flags and ended with soldiers dedicating “Just The Way You Are” to all their families. The performance even featured the Red Hot Chili Peppers and a drum solo from Mars himself. The performance was definitely a highlight of his career at that time.
Prince (2007)
By far the BEST performance ever in the history of the Super Bowl is the one by Prince in 2017. Definitely, nothing can match Prince playing ‘Purple Rain” in literal rain. The way he played that guitar was beyond amazing, his outfit was perfect, and his leopard guitar strap stole the show. His setlist was quite bold, to say the least, as he walked out to Queen and covered Jimmy Hendrix, Bob Dylan and The Foo Fighters. His performance was so effortless and straightforward that it really shows how much of an artist Prince is.
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent (LVI, 2022)
All right for this one is still imprinted in my brain. As soon as it started everyone in the room I was in immediately bolted up and began clapping. Pepsi wasn’t playing when they decided to gather up all these legendary artists to perform on one of the most important days of the year. I still recall gasping when I saw Mary J. Blige appear and when 50 Cent just showed up casually dangling from the ceiling. Let’s not forget Snoop Dogg and Eminem, who pretty much stole the show with their lyrics. Believe it or not, the show was so legendary that it went on to make history by winning an Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special (Live).
What’s your favorite Halftime Super Bowl show?
1 tTom Petty
2 Bruce
3 Stones
4 J Lo
5 Snoop Dog
After that who cares ?