Here’s A Look Back at 10 Of The Best Super Bowl Halftime Performances of All Time
by Staff Editor
Today’s the big day, it’s Super Bowl Sunday in Minnesota!
The exciting part about Super Bowl Sunday is you don’t even have to be a fan of football to enjoy the festivities. From the hilarious (and also tear-jerking) commercials, to the weekend-long events taking place in the city, and of course, the halftime performance all of us anxiously anticipate, the Super Bowl’s got a little something for everyone. Visit https://www.fanduel.com/nfl-playoffs-super-bowl if you are looking to try and win big with your favourite team!
Tonight’s halftime performance will be put on by superstar Justin Timberlake, and due to internet rumors of a Prince hologram appearance, which can now be put to rest, there’s already a bunch of conversation around what he’ll do. But to JT’s defense, this happens every year; it comes with the territory.
With just a handful of hours to go until kickoff, we wanted to reminisce on 10 of the best Super Bowl Halftime performances of all time. Bare with us, there was a lot to choose from.
Give us your thoughts in the comments section below!
Michael Jackson – Super Bowl 27
In 1993, the King of Pop blessed the Super Bowl halftime stage with a performance we’d never forget. Deemed the “Heal The World” performance, Michael Jackson’s show was touted as the one that would change Super Bowl halftime performances forever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKnEIYOAALo
Diana Ross – Super Bowl 30
Celebrating the Super Bowl’s 30th year anniversary, Diana Ross made history for being the talented queen she is. Her performance consisted of four wardrobe changes and her leaving in a helicopter. Enough said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5EejFUUbbE
“Blues Brothers Bash” – Super Bowl 31
What’s a “best Super Bowl performance” list without some Blues?! Featuring Dan Akroyd, John Goodman and James Belushi, as well as James Brown (“The Godfather of Soul”) and ZZ Top, no one thought Diana’s performance a year prior could top it. We’re not saying it did, but we are saying it was close.
“A Tribute to Motown’s 40th Anniversary” – Super Bowl 32
It was Motown’s 40th anniversary and the Super Bowl stage was their moment to shine. Can you imagine Boyz II Men, Smokey Robinson, Queen Latifah, Martha Reeves and The Temptations all on one stage, for one collaborative performance? Good news, it happened.
“The Kings of Rock and Pop” – Super Bowl 35
Taking place in Tampa Bay, FL, 2001 was all about the rockstars and the pop artists. Rounding up an amazing crew, Raymond James Stadium was overthrown by the beaming light show and the incredible performances of Aerosmith, ‘N’Sync, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige and Nelly. Sheesh!
Janet Jackson, Kid Rock, P. Diddy, Nelly and Justin Timberlake – Super Bowl 38
Unfortunately, there’s one main thing that comes to mind when we think about the Super Bowl 38 halftime performance, but we’re not going to pretend like the performance itself wasn’t incredible. Yes, Timberlake’s an idiot, and somewhat ruined the show, but before that, we had Janet, P. Diddy and Nelly all on one stage, alongside rock legend (at the time) Kid Rock. Janet, we’re always here for you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n75nNPE5Zhs
Prince & The Florida A&M Marching Band – Super Bowl 41
One word: Prince. The legendary musician always gave us memorable performances, but Super Bowl 41 was just different. With the literal rain pouring down, Prince performed classic tracks including “We Will Rock You”, “Let’s Go Crazy”, “Baby I’m a Star”, “Proud Mary”, “All Along the Watchtower”, “Best of You”, and “Purple Rain.” Just, epic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NN3gsSf-Ys&index=3&list=PLRdw3IjKY2glPw7cOoJXU0TGlS7w2Ltco
Madonna feat. LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A. and CeeLo Green – Super Bowl 46
Instead of the world coming to an end in 2012, Madonna burned down Lucas Oil Stadium instead with her Super Bowl 46 halftime performance. Not that she needed the assistance, but having Nicki Minaj, LMFAO, M.I.A. and CeeLo Green on board made things that much better. The more the merrier on Super Bowl Sunday.
Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott – Super Bowl 49
Just like Super Bowl 46, the collaborative performance was back in effect. Led by Katy Perry, fans were greeted with outstanding performances from her, Lenny Kravitz and hip-hop legend Missy Elliott. Together, they made history and put future Super Bowl halftime performances on the hot seat and also the creation of the online meme, Left Shark!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD1QrIe–_Y
Beyonce, Beyonce & Beyonce
Beyonce’s such an incredible artist, performer and icon that the Super Bowl had to have her back two times in 5 years. In 2013, she literally shut the stadium down with her performance in New Orleans when she brought out Destiny’s Child, and we all remember her iconic 2016 performance with Coldplay and Bruno Mars, getting the entire NFL and the whole world in formation. Beyonce might be the Super Bowl GOAT at this point.