The Super Bowl halftime show is more than a break in the game—it’s become one of the most anticipated musical events of the year. But this wasn’t always the case. What started as marching bands and drill teams in the early years grew into an iconic platform where legends and pop stars cement their legacies.
Since the 1990s, when New Kids on the Block, Michael Jackson, and Gloria Estefan hit the stage, halftime shows have become legendary moments of pop culture—some for all the right reasons and others for, well, the wrong ones. Here’s a look at some of the best, worst, and most controversial Super Bowl halftime shows to date.
The Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows
Beyoncé’s Unmatched Reign
In 2013, Beyoncé took Super Bowl XLVII by storm with a powerful, perfectly choreographed performance. The set included hits like “Crazy in Love” and “Single Ladies,” and even featured a Destiny’s Child reunion. Her dramatic close with “Halo” captivated the audience, and a blackout right after her performance only added to her reputation as a superstar. Her husband, Jay-Z, summed it up best with “Lights out. Any question?” Beyoncé’s show proved she was more than just a pop star—she was a force.
Rihanna’s Return
Rihanna’s 2023 Super Bowl LVII performance marked her return to the stage after five years, and she delivered. Her setlist of hits spanned her career, from “Diamonds” to “Umbrella,” seamlessly weaving moods and genres into a high-energy medley. She even revealed her pregnancy during the show, making it an unforgettable moment. Rihanna’s performance captured her artistry and cultural impact, earning her a place in the pantheon of great halftime performances.
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The Worst Super Bowl Halftime Shows
The Black Eyed Peas’ Flop
In 2011, the Black Eyed Peas’ performance at Super Bowl XLV missed the mark. Known for their commercial pop hits, they struggled to bring their usual energy to the stage. Their set, featuring hits like “I Gotta Feeling” and “Boom Boom Pow,” seemed flat and over-produced. Despite guest appearances from Slash and Usher, the show failed to live up to the excitement of previous years. To make matters worse, Christina Aguilera’s national anthem performance earlier in the game had issues, casting a disappointing shadow over the day.
The Who’s Disappointing Show
The Who’s Super Bowl XLIV halftime performance in 2010 left fans underwhelmed. While the rock legends performed a medley of classics, the show fell short of expectations. Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey seemed out of sync with the Super Bowl’s energy, and Daltrey’s strained vocals didn’t help. Their apparent lack of understanding of the Super Bowl crowd led to a forgettable show, disappointing fans who’d hoped for a more dynamic rock set.
The Most Controversial Super Bowl Halftime Shows
Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, And “Nipplegate”
The 2004 Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show went down in infamy when Justin Timberlake exposed Janet Jackson’s breast during a dance routine, coining the term “Nipplegate.” This “wardrobe malfunction” stirred up massive controversy, damaging Jackson’s career and sparking a national debate on broadcast standards. The FCC, led by Michael Powell, launched a harsh campaign against MTV, which produced the show, and against Jackson herself. The incident remains one of the biggest controversies in Super Bowl history and reshaped how live TV events are managed.
Kaepernick, Protest, And The 2019 Boycott
In 2019, the Super Bowl LIII halftime show faced backlash due to the NFL’s stance on Colin Kaepernick’s protest against police brutality. Artists like Jay-Z, Cardi B, and Rihanna turned down the NFL’s offer to perform, showing solidarity with Kaepernick. Maroon 5, Big Boi, and Travis Scott did agree to perform, facing criticism for accepting the offer. Adam Levine’s shirtless moment even sparked comparisons to Janet Jackson’s 2004 performance, as many felt it received different scrutiny. Scott agreed to participate only after the NFL pledged $500,000 to Dream Corps, a social justice organization, yet the show still received mixed reactions.
The Super Bowl halftime show continues to be a stage for unforgettable performances, but it’s also seen its share of controversies and flops. For every Beyoncé or Rihanna that wows the crowd, there’s a Black Eyed Peas or Who that falls flat, and every so often, a controversy like “Nipplegate” or the 2019 boycott reminds us that this show is as unpredictable as it is memorable.
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