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Writer's picturemariahsturdivant21

Best Super-Bowl Halftime Shows

Updated: Mar 7, 2023

You know what time it is, right? It's Super-Bowl time. Which means the most anticipated sporting event is coming. What's even more anticipated is the halftime show of the Super Bowl. With Rihanna coming out of retirement, there's too much excitement to contain. Here's a list of the best Super Bowl Halftime Shows to prepare you for Ms. RiRi.


Note: this list is in no particular order

 

Micheal Jackson (1993)

MJ is known for his outstanding and exceptional performance. This halftime show was no different. The dancing, the stage setup, and the setlist gave sports fans true entertainment. The 1995 Superbowl took place at the Rose Bowl in California. MJ turned Cali into his own stage. The performance also includes one of THE most famous outfits that MJ has worn. The black suit paired with the gold cross-body chains was a fashion moment. Starting his performance off with 'Jam' was a jolt of energy that the event needed. His performance ended with 'Heal The World' which is a perfect close for an iconic performance. Be sure to check out the performance.


 


Prince (2007)

It was a rainy day in Florida, but the downpour did not stop the Prince from putting on a show Dolphin Stadium was transformed into a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the powerhouse performer. Hits after hits were performed including, 'Let's Go Crazy, Best of You', and of course 'Purple Rain' (which was very fitting for the circumstances). With a voice like that and his style, Prince's performance was undeniably unforgettable. The blue suit paired with the purple guitar popped out and was definitely a fashion statement.

Youtube/ via NFL

No wonder Prince was considered the generation's best performer.


 

The Black Eyed Peas (2011)

2011 was the Black Eyed Peas year! After making hits and winning awards the band got to showcase their talents at one of the world's biggest stages


The pop-techno group blended music and art to create a truly amazing performance. The show kicked off with the #1 song in the world, at the time, "I Gotta Feeling". The energy is high and people were already dancing out of their seats. The Texas stadium then turned into a light show that can only be described as stunning. The performers were rocking the glowing costumes accompanied by moving platforms that came later in the performance. Usher and Will.I.Am came out and Who wouldn't love this? Usher and Slash were among even the special guests that were brought out. The closing song was 'The Time' (Dirty Bit) mixed with a reprised version of 'I Gotta Feeling'. The show started with a party and ended with an even more fun time.


 

Madonna (2012)

Fun Fact: Madonna was the first female solo performer at the Superbowl since Diana Ross. This honor is well deserved for the Princess of Pop. Madonna put on a good show that was assisted by the Cirque De Soleil performers. Other guest appearances included Nicki Minaj, M.I.A, LMFAO, and Ce Lo Green. The performance was met with critical acclaim.


Madonna opened the show with an Egyptian-themed performance of 'Vogue'. While performing the hit song, the stadium floor soon displayed Madonaa's Vogue covers in an animated format. The song then transformed into 'Music'. And after that, the hits just kept coming. If you want to see the whole performance check out the video and relive the iconic moment.


 

Beyoncé (2013)

Picture this: A countdown begins with the music video of 'Countdown" by Beyonce showing. The countdown reaches one and you hear the drums from "Who Run The World (Girls)" and Beyonce ascends from the stage. The anticipation for this Beyonce performance was well deserved. It even became the second-most-watched Halftime Show. The starlight then moved into an acapella version of 'Love On Top'. Beyonces voice was more vibrant than ever. 'Crazy in Love' followed along with 'End of Time'. The anticipation and energy grew even stronger when Setiny Child's made a guest appearance. This reunion was monumental; moment The show ended beautifully with 'Halo' and a nice message from Beyonce saying, "Thank you for this moment, God bless y'all".




 

Katy Perry (2015)

The most viewed Superbowl Halftime Show of all time was in 2015 with the one and only Katy Perry. Besides the left shark meme, other great moments came from this halftime show. Perry starts the show off boldly by riding on top of golden mechanical horses and singing her hit song 'Roar'. The field then became a rendition of a chessboard as 'Drak Horse' is being performed. Acrobatics were doing their stunts around Katy. Lenny Kravitz then appeared and the two singers sang a duetted version of 'I Kissed A Girl'. Rocking a flame-themed dress. Pery's performance was on fire.


The stage then completely transformed into an easy, breezy, beachy vibe. Dancers were dressed as sharks, palm trees were seen, and beach balls were thrown. Katy Perry's outfit changed into a multicolored dress. The songs continued with 'Teenage Dream', and 'California Girls', and Missy Elliot stopped by real quick. Her closing song was 'Firework' which was appropriate considering Katy lit the stage on fire.


 

Lady Gaga (2017)


Lady Gaga's Halftime show was stunt heavy. With Gaga jumping off a rooftop as drones formed the design for the US flag. Gaga then briefly sang 'Edge Of Glory' which quickly went into 'Poker Face' with fireworks to electrify the performance even more."Born This Way" was next as Gaga attached a harness and umped from stage to stage! As the performance was coming to a close, Gaga headed to a star-shaped structure and sang "Telephone" . Telephone then turned into 'Just Dance'. She slowed the performnce down and performed a pioano ballad of 'Million Reasons' while audience mebers held op light sticks. She also hugged the audeince members as well. For the finale of "Bad Romance" a team of white-clad dancers strutted across the main stage. Gaga joined them wearing a football inspired costume and performed the track. As fireworks erupted heralding the end of the show, Gaga reached the edge of the stage, shouted "Super Bowl 51", dropped her microphone, and jumped off the stage catching a football, ending the show iconically.


Written by Mariah Sturdivant


Did you agree with this list? Whose your favorite Superbowl performer? Comment below!






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