The Ultimate Ranking: 30 Super Bowl Performances That Made Music History

Chuvic - February 15, 2025

For 15 minutes each year, the Super Bowl transforms from a football championship into the biggest concert stage on Earth. Since Michael Jackson’s game-changing performance in 1993, these shows have given us moments that stick in our cultural memory: Prince playing in the rain, Beyoncé’s fierce reunion with Destiny’s Child, and U2’s post-9/11 tribute. Here’s a look at 30 performances that turned halftime into showtime.

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30. Kendrick Lamar at Super Bowl LIX (2025)

Kendrick Lamar brought his signature style to the Super Bowl stage through sharp lyricism and dynamic choreography. His performance featured surprise appearances from SZA, Serena Williams, and Samuel L. Jackson. The rapper took fans through different phases of his career with hydraulic platforms and pyrotechnics. His collaboration with SZA on “All The Stars” added a cinematic quality, while his powerful rendition of “Alright” closed the show with raw energy and social commentary.

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29. Michael Jackson at Super Bowl XXVII (1993)

Michael Jackson revolutionized what a halftime show could be with his groundbreaking performance. He stood motionless for nearly two minutes before launching into a spectacular set that changed Super Bowl entertainment forever. The King of Pop moonwalked through “Billie Jean” and united the crowd with “Heal the World,” surrounded by children from across the globe. His dramatic entrance from beneath the stage set new standards for production value.

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28. Prince at Super Bowl XLI (2007)

The rain couldn’t stop Prince from delivering what many call the greatest halftime show ever. His guitar solo during “Purple Rain” synced perfectly with the downpour, creating an almost mystical atmosphere in the stadium. The rock legend commanded the stage with his magnetic presence and stellar musicianship. The entire performance showcased his ability to blend different musical styles while keeping the crowd enthralled throughout his set. His guitar work still stands unmatched.

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27. Beyoncé at Super Bowl XLVII (2013)

Queen Bey rocked the Superdome with powerhouse vocals and precise dance moves that left audiences breathless. The stadium erupted when Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams joined her for a Destiny’s Child reunion, performing their classic hit “Bootylicious.” Her black leather outfit became instantly iconic as she delivered messages of female empowerment. The choreography struck a perfect balance between complexity and crowd appeal, proving why she remains at the top.

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26. U2 at Super Bowl XXXVI (2002)

U2’s performance captured America’s post-9/11 spirit of resilience with raw emotion and musical excellence. The Irish rockers delivered a powerful rendition of “Where the Streets Have No Name” while victims’ names scrolled on a giant screen behind them. Bono’s American flag-lined jacket revealed during “Beautiful Day” resonated deeply with viewers across the nation. Their set provided a much-needed moment of collective healing that transcended sports entertainment.

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25. Bruno Mars and Red Hot Chili Peppers at Super Bowl XLVIII (2014)

Bruno Mars kicked off his set with a dynamic drum solo before launching into “Locked Out of Heaven,” immediately grabbing viewers’ attention worldwide. His seamless transitions between funk, soul, and pop impressed the massive audience. The Red Hot Chili Peppers joined him for an electrifying performance of “Give It Away.” Mars and his band, the Hooligans, pulled off complex choreography while maintaining stellar vocal quality throughout the entire high-energy show.

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24. Lady Gaga at Super Bowl LI (2017)

Lady Gaga stunned audiences as she descended from the stadium roof, starting a performance that would set new standards for solo artists. She plowed through her hits catalog while maintaining perfect pitch, even during acrobatic moments that left viewers gasping. The stage morphed continuously, complementing her multiple costume changes. Her rendition of “Born This Way” struck a chord with viewers as rainbow lights flooded the stadium floor.

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23. Madonna at Super Bowl XLVI (2012)

Madonna brought the glamour with a Roman-themed entrance, complete with gladiators carrying her throne into the stadium. She performed classics like “Vogue” and “Like a Prayer” alongside guest stars LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, and CeeLo Green. M.I.A.’s controversial middle finger gesture made headlines, but Madonna’s showmanship and elaborate choreography remained the true highlights of this star-studded spectacular.

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22. Katy Perry at Super Bowl XLIX (2015)

Katy Perry made an unforgettable entrance riding a massive mechanical lion while belting out “Roar” to thousands of screaming fans. Her beach-themed segment spawned the famous “Left Shark” meme when one backup dancer went hilariously off-script during “Teenage Dream.” She soared across the stadium during “Firework” on a shooting star platform. The entire performance balanced theatrical spectacle with pure pop entertainment and memorable moments.

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21. The Rolling Stones at Super Bowl XL (2006)

The Stones proved rock never gets old with their raw, energetic set that celebrated their decades-long career. Mick Jagger strutted across the stage while Keith Richards delivered iconic guitar riffs that electrified the crowd. They skipped the fancy production tricks, letting their music speak through classics like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” Their straightforward approach reminded everyone why they’ve earned their place in rock history.

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20. Rihanna at Super Bowl LVII (2023)

Rihanna commanded attention on floating platforms while revealing her pregnancy to millions of viewers worldwide. Her medley included crowd favorites “Umbrella” and “Diamonds,” with sophisticated lighting design enhancing every moment of her performance. Backup dancers matched her energy on multiple moving stages as she delivered hit after hit. The performance marked her triumphant return to live shows after a long hiatus, proving she hadn’t lost her star power.

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19. Usher at Super Bowl LVIII (2024)

Usher brought R&B flair with impressive roller-skating choreography and smooth vocals that showcased his performing expertise. His duet with Alicia Keys on “My Boo” created electric chemistry that had the crowd swooning. Ludacris joined for an explosive performance of “Yeah!” as the stadium erupted in excitement. The performance paid homage to Atlanta’s rich music scene while highlighting Usher’s decades of hit-making talent and showmanship.

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18. Paul McCartney at Super Bowl XXXIX (2005)

Paul McCartney delivered a masterclass in classic rock performance with a setlist spanning his Beatles days and solo career. Opening with “Drive My Car,” he moved through his catalog with the energy of a performer half his age. The show reached its peak when the entire stadium joined him for “Hey Jude,” creating a moment of unity that exemplified the power of music to bring people together.

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17. Dr. Dre and Friends at Super Bowl LVI (2022)

Hip-hop royalty took over the Super Bowl as Dr. Dre assembled an all-star lineup including Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar. The performance celebrated West Coast rap with classics like “The Next Episode” and “Still D.R.E.” Each artist brought their signature style, from Eminem’s intense “Lose Yourself” to Mary J. Blige’s soulful delivery. 50 Cent’s surprise appearance added another layer of nostalgia.

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16. Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake at Super Bowl XXXVIII (2004)

Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake’s halftime show started with slick pop hits and ended in national uproar. Jackson commanded the stage with “All For You” and “Rhythm Nation” before Timberlake joined for “Rock Your Body.” Their finale sparked the infamous “wardrobe malfunction” that brought FCC fines and new broadcast regulations. The controversy overshadowed the actual music, but the incident pushed networks to rethink their approach to live television events.

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15. Shakira and Jennifer Lopez at Super Bowl LIV (2020)

This Latin-powered performance brought unprecedented energy to the halftime show stage. Shakira’s belly dancing and guitar playing showcased her versatility, while J-Lo’s pole dance routine displayed incredible athleticism. The duo performed hits like “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Jenny from the Block,” incorporating both English and Spanish lyrics. Their collaboration celebrated Latin culture while delivering top-tier entertainment.

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14. Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band at Super Bowl XLIII (2009)

The Boss turned the Super Bowl into a rock concert with his signature brand of heartland rock that speaks to the American spirit. He slid across the stage during “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” and got the crowd pumping with “Born to Run.” The E Street Band provided their trademark wall of sound, complete with thunderous saxophone solos from Clarence Clemons. The performance concluded with a rousing rendition of “Glory Days.”

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13. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at Super Bowl XLII (2008)

Tom Petty brought no-frills rock and roll to the biggest stage in sports, delivering a setlist filled with American classics. Opening with “American Girl,” he moved through hits like “I Won’t Back Down” and “Free Fallin'” with his characteristic laid-back charm. The Heartbreakers provided perfect backing throughout the show, demonstrating why they remained one of rock’s most reliable live acts.

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12. Coldplay with Beyoncé & Bruno Mars at Super Bowl 50 (2016)

Coldplay transformed the field into a rainbow-colored spectacle as Chris Martin sang “Viva La Vida” surrounded by dancing fans. The show shifted into high gear when Beyoncé appeared with “Formation” and Bruno Mars unleashed “Uptown Funk.” The three acts joined forces for an uplifting finale that celebrated music’s power to unite people. Their collaboration proved that different musical styles could create magic together.

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11. Diana Ross at Super Bowl XXX (1996)

Diana Ross delivered pure elegance and showmanship in a performance that showcased her Supreme talent. She powered through Motown classics like “Stop! In the Name of Love” while executing multiple costume changes. The true spectacle came at the end when she departed via helicopter, declaring, “Oh my, here comes my ride!” Her exit remains one of the most memorable moments in halftime history.

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10. New Kids on the Block at Super Bowl XXV (1991)

The boy band pioneers brought teen pop to the Super Bowl stage for the first time, setting a precedent for future performances. They performed hits like “Step by Step” and “This One’s for the Children” with synchronized dance moves that would influence generations of pop groups. Despite the show being delayed by Operation Desert Storm coverage, their energy remained infectious throughout the shortened set.

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9. Gloria Estefan at Super Bowl XXVI (1992)

Gloria Estefan defied the Minneapolis winter with Latin heat as she performed amidst the “Winter Magic” theme. Her rendition of “Get On Your Feet” had the crowd dancing despite the cold temperatures. The Miami Sound Machine’s vibrant horns and percussion filled the stadium with tropical warmth. Her performance marked a significant moment for Latin representation in mainstream American entertainment, paving the way for future Latin artists.

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8. Stevie Wonder at Super Bowl XXIX (1995)

Stevie Wonder showcased his musical genius with a soulful set that highlighted his mastery of multiple instruments. He moved seamlessly from piano to harmonica, performing classics like “Superstition” and “I Just Called to Say I Love You.” The legendary artist created an intimate atmosphere in the massive stadium, proving why his influence spans across soul, funk, and R&B genres. His vocals remained powerful throughout the entire performance.

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7. Aerosmith & NSYNC at Super Bowl XXXV (2001)

This unlikely pairing created an explosive mix of rock and pop that bridged the generation gap. NSYNC opened with their synchronized moves before Aerosmith brought their raw rock energy. Britney Spears and Nelly joined the supergroup for a genre-bending version of “Walk This Way.” The collaboration showed how different musical styles could unite to create an unforgettable Super Bowl moment.

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6. Phil Collins at Super Bowl XXXIV (2000)

Phil Collins made history with a groundbreaking performance that connected Tampa to London via satellite. His iconic drum fill in “In the Air Tonight” resonated across continents as he performed in both locations. The technical achievement matched the musical excellence of his performance. This innovative approach to live entertainment demonstrated the global reach of the Super Bowl halftime show.

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5. Tina Turner at Super Bowl XXXIV (2000)

The Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll brought her legendary energy to the “Tapestry of Nations” themed show. Her powerhouse vocals and signature dance moves during “Proud Mary” proved age was just a number. Turner commanded the stage with the same fierce presence that defined her career. The performance served as a reminder of her enduring influence on rock and roll, complete with her iconic shimmy and powerful stage presence.

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4. The Black Eyed Peas at Super Bowl XLV (2011)

The Black Eyed Peas brought futuristic flair with their LED-enhanced costumes and a stage that lit up like a video game. Will.i.am, Fergie, and the group performed hits like “I Gotta Feeling” and “Boom Boom Pow” while hundreds of dancers created light patterns across the field. Despite technical issues with microphone levels, their performance stood out for its ambitious use of technology and visual effects in ways no previous halftime show attempted.

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3. Justin Timberlake at Super Bowl LII (2018)

Justin Timberlake took over the entire stadium for his performance, starting in the concourse before working his way to the field. His set included hits like “SexyBack” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” while showing off his signature dance moves. A Prince tribute using projection technology sparked mixed reactions from fans. The show demonstrated Timberlake’s versatility as he moved through different musical styles throughout his career.

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2. The Who at Super Bowl XLIV (2010)

Rock legends The Who delivered their signature sound with Pete Townshend’s windmill guitar moves and Roger Daltrey’s powerful vocals echoing through the stadium. Their set included anthems like “Pinball Wizard” and “Baba O’Riley” that showcased the raw energy of classic rock. The straightforward performance focused on musicianship rather than spectacle, allowing their timeless hits to resonate with multiple generations.

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1. Maroon 5 at Super Bowl LIII (2019)

Maroon 5’s performance attempted to blend pop-rock with hip-hop guests Travis Scott and Big Boi. Adam Levine moved through hits like “Sugar” and “Moves Like Jagger” before removing his shirt for the finale. Despite the star power and pyrotechnics, the show received mixed reviews from critics and fans. The performance highlighted the challenges of creating a halftime show that appeals to diverse musical tastes.

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Conclusion

From Madonna’s Roman empire to Kendrick’s hydraulic stages, these performances showcase how the Super Bowl halftime show has evolved into must-watch television. While some shows sparked controversy and others inspired awe, each one contributed to the spectacle we now expect from these 15-minute musical marathons. As production values soar and artists push creative limits, we can only imagine what future halftime shows will bring.

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