The Top 5 Past Super Bowl Halftime Performances

The Super Bowl is one of the most exciting times for football fans, and this year’s performance with Rihanna as the highlight was certainly memorable. But what happens when you’re not necessarily one of those football fans? It seems like a crime to not be eagerly invested in the game when Super Bowl Sunday rolls around, but for some of us, football is just not that interesting. For others, football makes no sense to watch! Either way, I feel you. So this year, you might have just tuned in to watch the Super Bowl for the entertaining ads and the exciting halftime performance. So, let’s go back and look at a few of the best and most memorable halftime performances in Super Bowl history.

MADONNA – SUPER BOWL XLVI

Madonna took to the stage in 2012 where she delivered a high-energy and visually stunning performance. This year, the Super Bowl took place in Indiana, and everyone there was excited about this highly anticipated and heavily marketed event. Madonna performed some of her biggest hits, like “Vogue,” “Music,” and “Like a Prayer.” The halftime performance was even more exciting when you look at who Madonna was with – Nicki Minaj, LMFAO, and M.I.A. They sang their hit party song, “Party Rock Anthem.” You can watch the whole performance here.

PRINCE – SUPER BOWL XLI

Prince’s iconic Super Bowl performance back in February of 2007 in Florida was huge at the time and featured one of the biggest names in music. His halftime show was watched all over the nation and is considered to be one of the greatest Super Bowl Halftime performances of all time. He took the stage in a purple raincoat and opened his performance with an exciting rendition of “Let’s Go Crazy,” prompting the crowd to do exactly that. He sang a few more of his hits, which you can all watch here!

KATY PERRY – SUPER BOWL XLIX

Katy Perry’s Super Bowl performance in 2015 may have very well been one of the greatest Super Bowl performances within the last decade. It took place in Glendale, Arizona, and was widely watched as this was the peak of Katy Perry’s career. Her show featured elaborate costumes and special effects, as well as an exciting array of guests. She opened the performance with her hit song, “Roar,” as she rode in on a giant mechanical tiger. She continued with more fan-favorite hits, like “Firework” and “California Girls.” She even called to the stage Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliot! Watch the whole show here.

MICHAEL JACKSON – SUPER BOWL XXVII

Michael Jackson’s halftime performance might be the oldest one on this list, but that just goes to show you how iconic and memorable it was. It took place in Pasadena, California in 1993 (likely before a handful of us were even born)! His show was a beautiful spectacle and featured elaborate choreography, special effects, and a unique blend of dance and music. The performance opened with Jackson singing “Jam,” and continued with a medley of some of his biggest hits. Of course, with his added signature, smooth moves, and captivating stage presence, this is a performance that will never be forgotten. Watch the performance here, but beware, it’s an old performance, so don’t expect the best quality!

LADY GAGA – SUPER BOWL (LI)

Lady Gaga’s concert took place only a mere six years ago in 2017 in Houston, Texas. Her show was yet again a gorgeous spectacle with funky costumes (very on-brand for her) and special effects throughout the show. Before beginning her performance, she sang “God Bless America” and “This Land is your Land,” before launching into a hardcore medley of her biggest hits, like “Poker Face” and “Born This Way.” Her halftime performance was praised heavily for its entertainment value and celebration of pop music, and can still be often talked about today. Find the performance here!