The NFL’s yearly Super Bowl would survive on the game itself but is also pretty popular because it has the biggest and best halftime show in all of sports. It’s a pretty huge deal.
We’ve seen some remarkable Super Bowl halftime shows over the years and, as such, let’s take a look at the top six to date.
6. Super Bowl LVI – Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, Eminem, Anderson .Paak
Location – Inglewood, CA; February 13, 2022
Teams – Los Angeles Rams (W) vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The NFL gave hip-hop its day in 2022, bringing an entire generation of stars to headline Super Bowl LVI between the Rams and Bengals. L.A icons Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg led a legendary cast also featuring Eminem, 50 Cent, and Mary J. Blige that just might have inspired the hometown team to an impressive victory.
The artists paid homage to Inglewood, which now houses the multi-billion dollar SoFi Stadium, with Dre and Snoop dropping some of their biggest hits while Mary J took it home at the end. Dre’s keyboard performance was incredible too.
The game itself was pretty good, while lots of fans enjoyed sportsbook bonus codes and promotions from the biggest names in bookmaking.
50’s appearance, though, came as a major surprise as the entertainment mogul hung upside-down in an attempt to recreate his “In Da Club” video moment from nearly 20 years ago. Eminem delivered his smash hit, “Lose Yourself,” taking a knee at the end to signify solidarity with Colin Kaepernick.
5. Super Bowl XLVII – Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child
Location – New Orleans, Louisiana; February 3, 2013
Teams – Baltimore Ravens (W) vs. San Francisco 49ers
This Super Bowl was pretty entertaining and threw up a 34-31 scoreline. The halftime show, featuring Beyoncé and her former group, Destiny’s Child, was probably just as entertainment.
The lighting and graphics were amazing but it may or may not have had something to do with the blackout that occurred during the game.
One of the best moments came when Destiny’s Child came through a trapdoor as Michael Jackson did in the 90s.
4. Super Bowl XXX – Diana Ross
Location – Tempe, Arizona; January 28, 1996
Teams – Dallas Cowboys (W) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The 30th iteration of the Super Bowl simply had to have a memorable halftime show and Diana Ross did it justice. Apart from her immaculate performance, there were plenty of costume changes that made it a better watch.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Diva left the stadium in a helicopter. This was one of the occasions during which the halftime spectacle was more entertaining than the actual game.
3. Super Bowl XXVII – Michael Jackson
Location – Pasadena, California; January 31, 1993
Teams – Dallas Cowboys (W) vs. Buffalo Bills
The late, great Michael Jackson was the center of attention for this one as it was pretty much a blowout game. The King of Pop’s involvement in 1993 was perhaps the defining moment for the NFL’s halftime show as it made it into what it is today and what it’s been ever since.
Jackson’s performance was highlighted by a crazy leap from a trapdoor on the stage, as well as a long stair and aviators. Of course, the famous moonwalk was on show as well.
2. Super Bowl XXXVI – U2
Location – New Orleans, Louisiana; February 3, 2002
Teams – The New England Patriots (W) vs. St. Louis Rams
The U.S was still reeling from the 9/11 terrorist attacks and needed something to cheer about. The first Super Bowl since the fateful day was all about patriotism – except for the Irish band – and the NFL looked to Bono.
Tom Brady was becoming Tom Brady back then and led the Patriots to a famous win over the Rams, who were heavily tipped to win the Super Bowl. U2 came on at halftime to dish out a remarkable performance that included the names of 9/11 victims scrolling on a huge tapestry suspended from the ceiling of the Superdome.
Bono is remembered for saying “We play ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’ whenever we need God to walk through the room.” Trust Bono, right?
1. Super Bowl XLI Prince (XLI)
Location – Miami, Florida; February 4, 2007
Teams – The Indianapolis Colts beat the Chicago Bears
By far the best Super Bowl halftime show, Prince put on a hell of an act, dropping his “Purple Rain” while the real rain pelted down. His Royal Badness pulled out all the stops, turning a musical act into something sacred in the way only he could. It was almost as if he had planned for it to rain.
The show also saw the legend deliver a rendition of the Foo Fighters’ “Best of You” right after a dispute between himself and the Foo Fighters over the cover of their music.
The Purple One, as he was also known, was very protective of his work, which is why it used to be hard to find it online. But you could relive the performance right here.