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The Super Bowl halftime show often rivals the excitement of the game itself, offering unforgettable moments that linger in the public’s memory. As we gear up for Bad Bunny’s performance this Sunday, let’s revisit some standout halftime moments from years past.
In New Orleans, the halftime show has become an iconic part of Super Bowl tradition. Over the years, it has delivered spectacles that sometimes overshadow the actual game. From the infamous wardrobe malfunction that escalated into a national conversation, to unexpected weather, surprise announcements, and powerhouse performances by stars like Beyoncé, these shows have left an indelible mark on pop culture.
This year’s spotlight turns to Bad Bunny, who is set to deliver a groundbreaking show entirely in Spanish. The anticipation is palpable, especially following his recent Grammy win for Album of the Year with “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” a first for a Spanish-language album. At the awards, Bad Bunny didn’t hold back from addressing significant issues, including federal immigration policies, adding a layer of depth to his artistry.
Reflecting on last year, Kendrick Lamar transformed the halftime show into a powerful narrative canvas. His performance was a masterclass in storytelling, employing choreography, costume design, and stagecraft to delve into themes of identity, power, and perception. The show began with a dramatic flair, as performers emerged from a Buick GNX in a meticulously choreographed sequence, setting the stage for Lamar’s compelling takeover.
When Kendrick Lamar’s symbolism becomes the story
Last year, Kendrick Lamar treated the halftime stage as a controlled narrative space, using choreography, costuming and staging to explore themes of identity, power and perception. His performance unfolded with cinematic precision, opening as dancers spilled out of a Buick GNX in choreographed fashion before Lamar took command of the field.
Dancers dressed in red, white and blue framed the performance, while Samuel L. Jackson appeared as an “Uncle Sam” figure who interrupted the action with pointed commentary, labeling the spectacle “too loud” and urging Lamar to “play the game.” The exchange underscored the tension between expression and expectation that has come to define modern halftime shows.
While the performance stayed within league parameters, it still sparked debate among commentators who scrutinized the imagery and tone. The response reinforced how the halftime show, even without overt rule-breaking, can function as visual storytelling that invites interpretation at a scale unmatched in other live events.
Usher performs with iconic guests
Usher brought a star-studded 13-minute spectacular to the Super Bowl halftime show stage in 2024. He was joined on stage by Alicia Keys, H.E.R., will.i.am, Ludacris and Lil Jon
Off the cuff, Usher’s halftime show started with a “Rated U” graphic warning viewers of his performance possibly causing “singing, dancing, sweating, gyrating and possible relationship issues.”
He then dove into a flashy show filled with costume changes, acrobatics, guests and a run through of his 30 year long career.
Rihanna soars and pulls of pregnancy surprise
In 2023, Rihanna took the stage in a triumphant return after a long hiatus and delivered a “jam-packed” 13-minute Super Bowl halftime extravaganza.
From “Umbrella” to “Run This Town,” Rihanna’s performance celebrated the star’s musical catalog. She even plugged her makeup brand Fenty Beauty during the performance.
Speculation had run rampant on social media after the energetic show, with fans wondering if Rihanna was revealing a baby bump beneath a skin-tight layer of her red costume. Turns out they were correct as Rihanna’s representatives confirmed before the second half of the Super Bowl ended that she was indeed pregnant.
Hip hop icons take the stage
The 2022 lineup brought six iconic hip hop artists to the stage, with Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar performing together. Rapper 50 Cent made a surprise entrance, descending upside down from the ceiling of one of the buildings on the set.
The show slowed the tempo down when Dr. Dre sat at a piano and played Tupac Shakur’s “I Ain’t Mad At Cha” as a nod to one of the most influential rappers of all time.
Deaf stars Warren “Wawa” Snipe and Sean Forbes joined the lineup as well to perform American Sign Language as the superstars sang on stage in an inclusive and accessible show.
“We’re going to open more doors for hip-hop artists in the future and making sure that the NFL understands that this is what it should have been long time ago,” Dre said.
Michael Jackson 1993 show changes halftime forever
We have to thank the King of Pop for making halftime shows the over-the-top productions that we expect today. During his 1993 performance at the Super Bowl in Pasadena, California, Michael Jackson immediately grabbed the audience’s attention by standing completely still in silence on stage for nearly two minutes. He then performed a mashup of his hits, including “Billie Jean,” and ended the show with “Heal the World” alongside hundreds of children who rushed on stage.
Prince sings “Purple Rain” in a rain storm
As rain poured down on Miami’s stadium in 2007, Prince commanded the stage, dancing around on the slick surface and playing four different electric guitars. Before the show, he reportedly asked the production crew if they could “make it rain harder.” Prince not only performed his beloved hits – including “Purple Rain” – but also played covers of Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” “Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, a medley of “All Along the Watchtower” by Bob Dylan and Foo Fighters’ “Best of You.”
Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction
It has become the most infamous halftime show of all time.
We all know the story: 2004. Houston, Texas. Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson. An exposed breast. 144 million television viewers. A whole lot of controversy. Fourteen years later, Timberlake returned to headline the Super Bowl LII halftime show, but without Jackson.
Fifteen years later, fans wanted to know why Maroon 5’s Adam Levine was allowed to run around with his shirt off during the band’s Super Bowl LIII halftime performance.
“Believe in Love”: Coldplay and evolving visibility
Coldplay was the halftime show headliner in 2016, bringing out Beyoncé and Bruno Mars for a performance built around themes of unity, inclusion and joy.
The set featured a rainbow-colored stage, vibrant dancers and a crowd mosaic that spelled out “Believe in Love.” A pride flag was visible near frontman Chris Martin, and the show’s closing imagery emphasized togetherness.
While many viewers praised the message as affirming and timely, some conservative groups criticized the presentation for embracing LGBTQ+ symbolism. The reaction reflected broader cultural conversations around representation and visibility in mainstream entertainment.
Left shark steals Katy Perry’s show
As Katy Perry performed her hit song “Teenage Dream” on the Super Bowl stage in 2015, she was joined by two dancing sharks.
The shark on the right clearly knew all the dance moves. The shark on the left… not so much. “Left shark,” as he was called in viral, online memes, flailed his flippers and seemed to forget that he was dancing next to a pop star and being watched by millions of people worldwide. Turns out, the seemingly random moves were all planned. One of Perry’s dancers, Bryan Gaw, finally fessed up to being left shark.
He told NPR in 2018 that he was playing a character – “I’m in a 7-foot blue shark costume. There’s no cool in that.” So he decided to be a little goofy, and his movements turned out looking extra-goofy on the huge stage.