It’s about that time of year when millions of Americans gather together in sports bars and living rooms to watch their favorite teams battle it out for the coveted title of Superbowl champion. As big of a deal as the actual game is to many, there are are just as many viewers who watch for the million dollar, over the top commercials, and the ever important half time show.
Over the past few decades, the halftime shows have become a bigger production each year, as sponsors and producers constantly strive to outdo the past years shows with a bigger, better line up that is guaranteed to draw in more viewers and greater ratings, which of course amount to greater revenue.
Here are some of the most memorable Superbowl halftime performances, based on a online video views, direct album sales, and overall buzz generated then and long after the glitter dust settled.
Although it remains yet to be seen, I’m going to go ahead and include this years show featuring Bruno Mars, Beyonce & Cold Play on the list, because these acts will undoubtedly put on a show that will have us moving our bodies during the show and our lips for days to come!
Prior to 1991, the halftime shows primarily featured college marching bands, drill teams and such, but in an effort to broaden the viewing audience and demographic, the shows began to develop into the star powered spectacles they are today. Beginning with contemporary pop acts such as New Kids on the Block and Gloria Estefan in the early nineties, to legendary rock idols and superstar icons like, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Prince and The Rolling Stones in years to follow.
With all the usual fanfare (the frills, bells, whistles, and the whole nine yards); including smoke machines, elaborate sets and of course, an army of backup dancers, these acts have left their marks, and re-defined what it means to put on a show to the point that a 12 minute half time show once forgotten, has now become one of, if not the main highlight of the entire event itself!
12. Katy Perry with Lenny Kravitz, Missy Elliot & Left Shark, 2015
I couldn’t leave out Katy Perry’s colorful performance, with surprise guests, the iconic Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliot, who hadn’t released any new music in years. As stellar as these three superstars of music were, ultimately, it was the now infamous Left Shark who stole the show with his off beat, awkward dance moves that viewers couldn’t take their eyes off of. Left Shark became a viral sensation, dominating headlines everywhere for seeming to be a fish out of water while on stage at one of the most watched events in the nation!
11. Madonna with LMFAO, NIcki Minaj, CLo Green & MIA, 2012
Much like the Grammy Awards, Superbowl halftime shows have become a smorgasbord of surprise guest appearances and sometimes unlikely artist-song mashups. Madonna’s performance was just that, as the Material Girl is usually the one full of surprises, whereas this time the surprise came from English rapper MIA who flipped the bird at the less than thrilled audience.
10. Black Eyed Peas with Slash & Usher, 2011
Flanked by an army of futuristic looking dancers illuminated by light suits, The Black Eyed Peas literally lit up the night sky with their cosmic medley of catchy hits that have dominated the airwaves for well over a decade. The surprise collaborations with former Guns & Roses guitarist Slash, and the incomparable singer, dancer Usher, brought their already high energy performance to another level of energy and excitement.
9. Aerosmith, N’Sync & Britney Spears, with special guest Mary J. Blidge & Nelly, 2001
It’s a wonder that the stage did not collapse under the weight of all of these artists and their gear, but watching Aerosmith sing a medley of some of their classic hits only got better once they were joined by N’Sync (before Justin Timberlake went solo), along with the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blidge, as well as Britney Spears and rapper Nelly. You don’t get to witness such a buffet of artists, spanning this many generations together like this very often. That makes this a halftime show to remember for this ages.
8. Paul McCartney, 2005
It has been said that the decision to have former Beatles singer Paul McCartney perform was a direct response to move in a “safer” direction following the previous years wardrobe malfunction with Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake. So called “safe”, classic rock acts dominated the halftime shows for years to come, until audiences began demanding the high octane spectacles they had become accustomed to with previous edgier pop acts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz38asyJkcU
7. Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2004
Despite the resulting controversy over the unfortunate wardrobe malfunction, which dominated headlines for months to come, the fact remains that Janet Jackson has been a seasoned singer, dancer and actress since childhood, as as such always puts on a heck of a show. Flanked by teen heartthrob turned serious artist, Justin Timberlake, when the smoke settled, most critics agreed that not only did they put on an amazing show, but love it or hate it, you’ll never forget it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n75nNPE5Zhs
6. The Rolling Stones, 2006
Not often seen at such events, the legendary Stones came together fittingly to play their stadium anthems for the largest stadium audience in the country.
5. Beyoncé, 2013 with Destiny’s Child Reunion
Although there were rumors about a possible Destiny’s Child reunion, fans were thrilled to see it finally happen during the halftime show at Superbowl 47. To witness the group come together again unexpectedly, with their smooth as honey harmonies in a medley of three of their biggest hits was a special treat for old and new fans alike.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKVorba5GLs
4. Bruno Mars, 2014
Still considered by many to be a relative newcomer at the time of his halftime performance, Bruno Mars showed the world that you don’t need to have a string of albums or lengthy career to get an entire stadium on their feet. Although some argued that he was too unknown at the time to be chosen for such an honor, most were eating their words after hearing his crisp vocals as he effortlessly glided across the stage like a seasoned pro!
3. Prince, 2007
You’ll just have to use your imagination, as there are few videos with Prince’s music, reportedly due to legalities surrounding the licensing of his music. However, for those who can remember that far back, his Superbowl half time performance of Purple Rain as he performed while drenched in a sudden rainstorm was unforgettable to say the least.
2. U2, 2002
Just months after the September 11th attacks in New York City, U2 moved viewers with a touching tribute to the victims of the attacks, as the names of those who perished scrolled across the jumbo stadium screen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zqtkik7nTik
1. Michael Jackson, 1993
As he is well known for doing, Michael Jackson set the standard for what the halftime shows have become by being one of the first big name pop stars to grace the playing field stage. Only a few years prior, the halftime shows were mainly college marching bands, so getting the biggest selling artist to perform in the middle of a football game is cited as a major game-changer. Ratings skyrocketed, viewership demographics widened, commercial spots became pricier than ever, and performers that followed sought to live up to the hype and spectacle that the King of Pop made the event to be.
Who would make your list of the most unforgettable acts who have graced the the Superbowl halftime shows and why?
Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. I don’t own any of these videos. All rights belong to the NFL.
