The Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events in America. The championship game is contested by the two most dominant teams in the league, competing to win the Vince Lombardi Trophy. While it is all about football, the Super Bowl has been known for its epic half time shows over the years.
Some of the biggest musical acts of our time have graced the stage of the Super Bowl, and these are just 8 of the best Super Bowl halftime performances that made a mark in pop culture.
Prince (2007)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WYYlRArn3g
Often considered as the best Super Bowl halftime performance of all time, Prince performed a one-man show during the Super Bowl XLI halftime. The musician sang some of his hits, along with songs from Queen and Foo Fighters. To end is high-energy and memorable performance, Prince sang Purple Rain, just as the rains started falling and with his signature silhouette being projected.
Beyoncé with Destiny’s Child (2013)
Beyoncé proved to the world (as if she needed to prove anything) why she’s the Queen with this epic halftime performance. From her hit songs to the surprise reunion of Destiny’s Child, the Super Bowl XLVII halftime performance was definitely one for the books.
Lady Gaga (2017)
It’s Gaga, darling! The Super Bowl LI is considered as one of the greatest Super Bowls of all time (that comeback!), and Lady Gaga’s halftime performance added to that spectacle. From drones to the epic stage sets, Mother Monster undoubtedly provided a classic performance.
Michael Jackson (1993)
The performance that started it all. Michael Jackson was the first artist NFL commissioned for its halftime period to further attract mainstream viewers. The moved proved to be a success, as the halftime performance attracted a total of 133.4 million viewers, and earned the King of Pop a full three minutes of just the crowd cheering.
Paul McCartney (2005)
After a controversial Super Bowl halftime performance a year before, the NFL opted for a much simple performance for Super Bowl XXXIX. The legendary Beatle member Paul McCartney gave a rousing halftime performance, which included classic Beatles songs such as “Drive My Car” and “Hey Jude”.
Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz, and Missy Elliott (2015)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD1QrIe–_Y
You know a performance is legendary when the halftime performance attracted more viewers than the actual game itself. The Super Bowl XLIX halftime show was the most watched show of all time and won two Emmy Awards. The halftime show was also critically acclaimed, with critics and viewers praising the performances of Perry, Kravitz, Elliot, and of course Left Shark.
Bruno Mars and Red Hot Chili Peppers (2014)
Everyone knows that Bruno Mars is the ultimate performer, and he let the whole world now of his talent during the Super Bowl XLVIII halftime. The musician started his performance with an epic drum solo, and then belted out some of his hits. Mars then upped the ante when the Red Hot Chili Peppers joined the musician on stage.
Aerosmith, NSYNC, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly (2001)
The Super Bowl XXXV was the first year fans were allowed to gather on the field and get close to the stage, and those fans were lucky enough to witness not just one, not even two, but five musical acts perform during the halftime show. As if Aerosmith and NSYNC weren’t enough, the surprise appearances of Britney, Mary J. Blige and Nelly brought the whole halftime show to another (energetic) level.
Which ones were the most memorable to you? Tell us below!
