On September 7, 2024, the NFL revealed that the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show performer will be Kendrick Lamar. Over the last 20 years, there have been amazing halftime shows from icons such as Beyonce and Michael Jackson that have created new standards for what makes a good show.
8. Katy Perry and Missy Elliot (2015)
At the peak of her career, pop sensation Katy Perry performed a show full of vibrant colors and energy. Perry’s performance had a beach theme to it and she performed some of her hits such as “Teenage Dream” and “Dark Horse,” bringing out rock artist Lenny Kravitz to perform “I Kissed a Girl.” Katy Perry’s left shark, one of the two background dancers dressed in a shark costume, created a controversy that took the internet by storm and caused drama with fellow pop star, Taylor Swift. Yet the highlight of Perry’s show was bringing out rap legend Missy Elliot to perform Elliot’s hit songs “Get Your Freak On” and “Work It.”
7. Coldplay with Beyonce and Bruno Mars (2016)
When this British alternative rock band was chosen to headline the Super Bowl, it came as quite a shock to Americans. The band performed hit songs such as “Paradise” and “Viva la Vida” alongside the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles. Throughout the show, Americans did not know what to expect from Coldplay because they were outshone by their guest performers.
Bruno Mars appeared and gave the viewers a new taste of his song “Uptown Funk,” switching the ambiance from mellowness to striking funk chords, but that was not quite enough for the audience. The show was saved by musical legend Beyonce who took the world by storm when she performed her then-new single, “Formation.” Beyonce debuted epic choreography and amazed the audience with her appearance.
6. Lady Gaga (2017)
Pop artist Lady Gaga is often known for her crazy antics and fans were nervous about what she would pull on the grand stage. Contrary to her image, Gaga began by singing the ballad “God Bless America” and then dove into “Poker Face,” incorporating parts of her songs like “Just Dance” and “Paparazzi.” Gaga’s performance included several surprises, such as her two outfit changes and dangling across the sky throughout the performance. Gaga ooh-la-la, creativity was reimagined throughout the night with Gaga.
5. Nelly, Diddy, Jessica Simpson, Justin Timberlake, Kid Rock and Janet Jackson (2004)
As 2004 was an election year, the huge message of the Super Bowl was to urge Americans to “Choose to Vote.” After a message from several celebrities, the bands from the University of Houston and Texas Southern University collaborated on an electrifying performance of “The Way You Move” by Outkast. Janet Jackson appeared briefly to perform “All of You” before rapper P. Diddy performed one of the most popular songs of the decade, “Hot in Here,” alongside Nelly.
The performance was upbeat and exciting until the appearance of rock artist Kid Rock. Kid Rock’s performance was the downside of the show due to its lack of flow from the rest of the spectacle. The rock artist performed his two songs “Bawitdaba” and “Cowboy” while wearing an American flag poncho. The show ended with the controversy that has ruined the career of Janet Jackson to this day, “Nipplegate.” “Nipplegate” occurred when Justin Timberlake performed his song “Rock Your Body” as a duet with Janet Jackson. There was a part of the performance that was supposed to be a subtle flash of Jackson’s brasserie but instead, Timberlake completely removed it. This caused the NFL to move toward a more modest performer the following year.
4. Madonna (2012)
Everyone loves an icon, but what happens when we ignore their legacy? For years, Madonna’s star had dwindled and the pop icon needed a way to revive her career. After canceling performing in the Super Bowl Halftime Show both in 1999 and 2001, Madonna was ready to take the big stage by storm. “The Material Girl” singer reminded audiences of her legacy and how she has influenced future generations. Stars such as Nicki Minaj and the popular band LMFAO appeared for brief performances.
3. Dr. Dre and Friends (2021)
California love was truly present at Super Bowl LVI and Dr. Dre made sure to represent Los Angeles. Dr. Dre’s performance marked the first-ever Super Bowl to be completely centered around the Hip Hop genre. Furthermore, this was the first halftime show in history to win an Emmy for “Best Outstanding Production Design for a Variety Special” and “Outstanding Music Direction Artists” such as Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Mary J Bilge and Eminem made special appearances. Dr. Dre and Friends symbolized a period of nostalgia for Generation X and Millennials.
2. Rihanna (2023)
Where have you been Rihanna? For seven years, artist and business mogul Rihanna had not released any music to the public. When it was announced that she was set to perform, audiences across the world were in complete shock and disbelief. Rihanna performed with dances dressed in ghost-like attire and effortlessly provided high energy. The 2021 halftime show marked the first time a pregnant woman had ever graced its stage.
1. Beyonce (2012)
What can’t Beyonce do? In 2012, Beyonce performed as the first woman under the age of 50 to headline a Super Bowl by herself. The show opened with Beyonce elevating as a Vince Lombardi speech played in the background later leading into “Love on Top.” The “Beyonce Bowl” had quite the choreography to it as the audience watched Beyonce push the bounds of what it means to be a performer. What fans did not expect from Beyonce was a Destiny’s Child reunion. Beyonce’s former bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams joined her on stage to perform their hit songs “Bootylicious” and “Independent Woman Part 1.”
