The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most anticipated aspects of the Super Bowl, second only to the big game itself. Throughout the years, performers have given their all to put on some of the best mini-concerts in the downtime between the championships. In this article, we are looking at the most memorable Super Bowl halftime show performances.
Who is Doing the Upcoming Show?
Before we delve into the best of all time, we should discuss the upcoming show. In mid-2023, the NFL announced they’d gotten the King of R&B himself, Usher, to perform at halftime. Many Super Bowl fans wonder how his performance will stack up against the greats. For his part, Usher has said that doing the Super Bowl has always been his dream, so he is going into it excited.
A lot of fans criticize the halftime show. They believe the performance disrupts the natural flow of the game. Some bettors have also claimed that they’d like to move past the show as they would like to see their bets realized. Well, bookies have begun doing Super Bowl halftime show bets and odds for those people. You can now wager on the length, songs, and even the performers’ dress. Now that we know the basics let us talk about the most memorable performances of all time.
Michael Jackson (1993)
Michael Jackson and the NFL have something in common. Both have been heavily involved with charity organizations that give back to society. Michael Jackson’s “We are the World” campaign is one of the most iconic charitable performances of all time, and in 1993 he sang the song in front of an enormous Super Bowl audience.
The King of Pop was at the height of his career during the late 80s and early 90s, so it was only a matter of time before he took the Super Bowl stage. However, nobody could have expected the performance he gave. A full backing choir supported him as he sang “We are the World,” which an enormous inflatable globe topped during his “Heal the World” performance.
It all culminated with a spectacular “Billie Jean” rendition, which ended with Michael Moon walking off the stage. To this day, the King of Pop’s show is regarded as one of the best, if not the best, halftime shows in Super Bowl history.
Some of the Best Rappers (2022)
Often, you will hear it said, “The Super Bowl shows just used to be better back in the day.” In 2022, the NFL proved naysayers wrong when they got some of the best rappers and hip hop artists of all time to perform during the halftime show.
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent, and other big names in rap and hip-hop put on one of the most entertaining halftime shows in years. So amazing was this show that it went on to win an Emmy award for Outstanding Variety Special, the first Super Bowl performance to do so in history.
Prince (2007)
Prince’s career has been a fantastic, strange, and exciting one. He has delved into various genres, from hard rock to classic rock’n’roll to R&B and hip hop. Exploring different genres and topics made Prince one of the best-selling artists ever. It was only a matter of time before he took the Super Bowl stage.
Prince brought the castle down, backed by a brass marching band. He did mashups of some of the biggest hits, like “We Will Rock You” by Queen, and the Foo Fighters’ “Best of You” with his classics, and closed the performance off with an incredible guitar solo in the rain. Appropriate for the guitar virtuoso whose biggest hit is Purple Rain.
Many will debate Prince vs. Michael Jackson in terms of Super Bowl shows. While we won’t take sides, we will say that both deserve to be named among the best and most memorable performances ever.
Honorable Mentions
The three Super Bowl halftime shows we’ve discussed in this article are certainly some of the best and worth remembering for years to come. However, we’ve certainly left out some names that deserve mentioning. Lady Gaga’s 2017 performance, for example, was surprisingly fantastic. Her eclectic style brought the proverbial roof down.
The Rolling Stones, far from the height of their career, rocked the socks off of the 2006 Super Bowl audience. Beginning with “Start Me Up” and ending with “Rough Justice,” Jagger and the Boys knew how to get the blood pumping. Finally, Madonna’s 2012 performance was also quite extraordinary and should be mentioned among the greats.
FAQ
What is the best Super Bowl halftime show of all time?
Many debate the greatest one. A lot of fans will say Prince can’t be topped. Others claim Michael Jackson remains king of the Super Bowl.
What is the worst Super Bowl halftime show?
Plenty of performances could be considered the worst. For example, the Black Eyed Peas show was rife with technical difficulty. Not to mention Janet Jackson’s infamous wardrobe malfunction.
Can I bet on the Super Bowl halftime show?
Surprisingly, yes. Odds makers have begun offering prop bets for the performances, engaging many fans.
Who is going to perform the Halftime show in 2024?
That honor has gone to none other than the King of R&B himself, Usher.