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The Greatest Halftime Shows in NFL History: Performances That Defined an Era

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The Greatest Halftime Shows in NFL History: Performances That Defined an Era

The Greatest Halftime Shows in NFL History: Performances That Defined an Era

The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most anticipated moments of the year, blending music, culture, and spectacle

Picture of Kate Davis
Kate Davis

Kate Davis is a University of Washington-trained journalist and freelance writer. She has written dozens of important articles for various media outlets in English and Spanish.

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The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most anticipated moments of the year, blending music, culture, and spectacle into a single performance. Over the decades, many iconic artists have turned the stage into a showcase of unforgettable moments, setting the bar for global entertainment. Here’s our selection of the greatest halftime shows in NFL history.


1. Michael Jackson (1993)

31 anos do histórico show de Michael Jackson no Super Bowl | MJ Beats

Michael Jackson redefined the concept of the halftime show. With a global audience of over 133 million viewers, the King of Pop delivered an impactful performance featuring hits like Billie Jean, Black or White, and Heal the World. He transformed the halftime show into a cultural event and helped establish the format we know today.


2. Prince (2007)

Prince Performs at Halftime of Super Bowl XLI

Under torrential rain in Miami, Prince made history by singing Purple Rain as the sky seemed to harmonize with his music. His performance, which also included covers like All Along the Watchtower, is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time.


3. Beyoncé (2013)

Beyonce's Super Bowl 2013 Halftime Show: TV Review

Beyoncé took over the stage with an electrifying performance that combined powerful vocals and flawless choreography. Featuring hits like Crazy in Love and Halo, along with a surprise Destiny’s Child reunion, the show became a milestone for female empowerment in music.


4. U2 (2002)

It's Been 15 Years Since U2 Gave Us the Best Super Bowl Halftime Show Ever | GQ

Following the September 11 attacks, U2’s performance at Super Bowl 36 was a moving tribute to the victims. With Where the Streets Have No Name playing in the background, the names of the victims were projected, creating an unforgettable moment of reflection and hope.


5. Lady Gaga (2017)

Lady Gaga's All-American Super Bowl Halftime Show | The New Yorker

Lady Gaga opened her performance literally from the top of the stadium, descending onto the stage to deliver a show packed with hits like Bad Romance and Born This Way. Her energy, creativity, and flawless production cemented her status as one of the greatest artists of her generation.


6. Shakira and Jennifer Lopez (2020)

Super Bowl 2020: Shakira e Jennifer Lopez celebram latinidade no show do intervalo | Pop & Arte | G1

The Latin duo made history by bringing representation to the stage with an explosive performance celebrating Latin culture. Featuring hits like Hips Don’t Lie and Let’s Get Loud, along with special guest appearances, the show was a true visual and musical spectacle.


Many Unforgettable Moments

Other big names like Madonna (2012), Katy Perry (2015), and The Weeknd (2021) also left their mark on the world’s most famous stage. Each show brought its own identity, from grand productions to powerful messages.


The Super Bowl halftime show remains an iconic moment that transcends sports, celebrating music, culture, and entertainment on a global scale. What’s your favorite halftime show? Let us know in the comments below!

Read also:

  • The history of the Super Bowl halftime show.
  • Why the Super Bowl is the most-watched sporting event in the world.
  • The highest viewership numbers in Super Bowl history.

Stay tuned for more news and analysis on the world’s biggest entertainment events!

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