The Super Bowl is the most watched television program every year and people not only attend the game, but the halftime show is also a major draw to the event. Throughout the history of the Super Bowl, the halftime show has evolved and become one of the most anticipated musical spectacles each year.
Throughout the 57 Super Bowls, bands, pop singers, rappers and surprise guests have taken the stage in front of a stadium full of fans. Wild stunts, visual effects and props are often used to make the performances stand out. There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to the most wild, exciting, and iconic moments, but we’ve done our best to bring together the best of the best.
10. Destiny’s Child Reunion (2013)
Beyoncé is one of the most talked about and beloved artists of all time and is often placed on a pedestal above most others. She has performed at the Super Bowl twice, the first time in 2013. That year, she made the dreams of many ’90s and early 2000s pop fans come true with a Destiny’s Child reunion, making stand out Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.
9. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent share a stage and win an Emmy (2022)
Bringing together so many hip-hop and R&B legends on one stage, and not only any of them stage, the biggest stage, was iconic in itself. It was one of the most exciting Super Bowl halftime shows, with an energy that could be felt on television. The SoFi Stadium 2022 performance was so well received that it won an Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special (Live), marking the first-ever halftime show to win in the category.
8. Michael Jackson Stays Still (1993)
Jackson is known as one of the greatest artists of his generation and his presence was so powerful that he often stood still on stage and always received the loudest cheers. The “King of Pop” put his star power to the test during the 1993 Super Bowl, starting his set by standing absolutely still for over a minute. Performers don’t get a lot of stage time during halftime, so most use every minute to the fullest, but MJ knew he would make an impact even without singing a word.
7. Left Shark (2015)
Even if you don’t remember many details about Katy Perry’s halftime performance, you probably remember Left Shark becoming an instant viral meme. The person in the shark costume decided that now was their chance to make their mark at halftime and earn some fame, and that’s exactly what they did. The seemingly improvised dance moves will go down in halftime history.
6. Rihanna’s pregnancy revealed (2023)
Performing the Super Bowl halftime show is a lot of pressure and requires dedication, time, a lot of planning and the stamina to keep up with the fast pace while singing. This year, Rihanna performed the halftime show while pregnant, adding an extra layer of difficulty to an already impressive career highlight. It was the first ever halftime pregnancy announcement and will remain a memorable moment. Rihanna performed on floating stages with his special guest, even if it wasn’t the predicted guest. She also did the entire halftime performance alone, which is becoming increasingly rare, and had 12 songs in the setlist.
5. Lady Gaga jumping from the roof (2017)
Lady Gaga certainly knows how to make an entrance. The jump at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, was pre-recorded, but the live impact was still there. It was far from the most graceful dive, but that almost made it even better and SO Lady Gaga.
4. U2 pays tribute to the victims of September 11 (2002)
It was by far the most emotional halftime performance to date. The match took place a few months after 9/11 and U2 used the occasion and the stage to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragedy. The 2002 broadcast included a screen displaying the victims’ names. Although the halftime show is often an upbeat celebration, the band recognized the moment and rightly delivered a powerful performance.
3. Portrayal of Indiana Jones (1995)
Patti LaBelle, Tony Bennett and the actors playing a scene from “Indiana Jones” brought a slightly confusing, but incredibly entertaining performance. The 1995 performance had typical “Indiana Jones” imagery and props, while mixing in some aspects of football, including setting someone on fire and the actors holding up a replica of the Lombardi Trophy. It was perfectly chaotic.
2. Diana Ross leaves by helicopter (1996)
There have been some incredible entrances to the halftime show stage, but Diana Ross holds the title for best exit. Once her set was finished, she took off in a helicopter. She was sitting with open arms in the open booth and it was not only a crazy time, but it also seemed quite dangerous.
1. Janet Jackson’s Wardrobe Accident (2004)
The most famous and infamous halftime moment is the one featuring Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake. During the performance – which also featured Kid Rock, P. Diddy and Nelly Jackson – Timberlake removed a piece of Janet’s clothing, exposing her chest in a moment that will be debated and discussed for years to come. Eighteen years later, Timberlake even apologized to Jackson for the scandalous moment.
