The annual Super Bowl halftime show typically showcases the biggest pop artists in the world, making it one of the most-watched events in the United States each year aside from the game itself.
The tradition featuring famous pop artists originated in 1993 when the NFL, seeking to boost its profile following a viewership decline of 22% on CBS the previous year due to competition from an In Living Color special, introduced the Super Bowl halftime show.
Michael Jackson headlined the inaugural show as part of the league's efforts to enhance the event's appeal.
Before Super Bowl XXVII, halftime shows typically showcased marching bands and later drill teams and ensembles like Up with People.
However, by the 1990s, these acts were deemed culturally outdated, paving the way for the NFL to think outside of the box and come up with the King of Pop's groundbreaking performance.
5 Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows Ever
1. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira (Super Bowl 54, 2020 - Kansas City Chiefs vs San Francisco 49ers)
Two of history's most iconic Latina artists joined forces to deliver an extraordinary performance during Super Bowl 54.
Supported by fellow Latin music stars like Bad Bunny and J Balvin, Shakira showcased champeta and mapalé, two traditional Colombian dances, while Jennifer Lopez surprised the audience with a daring pole dance.
2. Coldplay, Beyoncé, and Bruno Mars (Super Bowl 50, 2016 - Denver Broncos vs Carolina Panthers)
Though Coldplay was officially the main halftime show performer during the 2016 Super Bowl, the spotlight shifted towards their special guests, Beyoncé and Bruno Mars, who had previously performed individually in the halftime spectacle a few years earlier.
Despite this, Coldplay held their own, delivering a noteworthy performance featuring several of their hit songs, complemented by the added star power accompanying them.
3. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige (Super Bowl 56, 2022 - Los Angeles Rams vs Cincinnati Bengals)
In 2022, Los Angeles fans had an exceptional experience as the Super Bowl took place at the SoFi Stadium, where the home team, the Rams, played and emerged victorious.
Adding to the excitement, the halftime show featured performances by some of the greatest rappers of all time, including three LA natives (Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Kendrick Lamar).
4. Michael Jackson (Super Bowl 27, 1993 - Dallas Cowboys vs Buffalo Bills)
The edition that marked the beginning of a new era - Michael Jackson took center stage in 1993, becoming the first mainstream pop artist to perform in the Super Bowl halftime show.
The performance achieved its objectives, leading to a surge in Super Bowl viewership between halves for the first time in the game's history.
Garnering a staggering 133.4 million viewers, it is widely recognized as one of the most-watched events in the history of American television.
5. Prince (Super Bowl 41, 2007 - Indianapolis Colts vs Chicago Bears)
At Super Bowl XLI in 2007, Prince, accompanied by a brass marching band, delivered a show-stopping performance that left a lasting impression.
The iconic artist showcased his musical prowess with a mix of classic rock covers and his chart-topping hits.
The spectacle was enhanced by the relentless rain at the Dolphins Stadium in Miami, as The Purple One, standing in the downpour, mesmerized the audience with a sensational guitar solo and a captivating rendition of "Purple Rain."
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