Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Recording artist Ludacris performs at halftime of Super Bowl LVIII between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

nfl

Michael Jackson To Beyoncé – The Top 5 Super Bowl Halftime Performances That Made History

Top 5 Super Bowl halftime shows, from Michael Jackson to Beyoncé.

The Super Bowl isn’t just a football game anymore. It’s an entertainment powerhouse, and the halftime show is its crown jewel. From marching bands to megastars, this spectacle now attracts millions of viewers who might not even care about the game. Over the years, we’ve seen unforgettable moments. Here’s a breakdown of the top five halftime performances that left fans and critics in awe.

Prince (2007)

Prince’s 2007 halftime show is the blueprint for greatness. In a torrential downpour, he turned adversity into art. Performing hits like Let’s Go Crazy and All Along the Watchtower, Prince closed with Purple Rain as rain soaked the stadium.

Prince's halftime performance at Super Bowl XLI in 2007 is widely regarded as one of the greatest Super Bowl halftime shows of all time. pic.twitter.com/GHYVrKzeDx
— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) February 12, 2024

His control over the moment was legendary. The weather became part of the act, heightening the drama. That show wasn’t just a performance—it was a moment that set the bar for all future halftime shows.

Beyoncé (2013)

Beyoncé’s 2013 performance wasn’t just about singing. It was pure, calculated showmanship. She kicked off with Crazy in Love and ran through a setlist that included Halo and Single Ladies. Midway, she brought out Destiny’s Child for a surprise reunion that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Beyoncé delivers a spectacular NFL halftime show. pic.twitter.com/AcsWIOHeQG
— Pop Base (@PopBase) December 25, 2024

Her stage presence was unmatched. Every move, every note hit with precision. This wasn’t just a concert—it was a statement. Beyoncé proved why she’s one of the most revered performers in music history.

Michael Jackson (1993)

Michael Jackson revolutionized the Super Bowl halftime show in 1993. Before him, these performances were mostly filler. Jackson turned it into an event of epic proportions.

32 years ago Michael Jackson performed at Superbowl till today still the most watched half time show!

Michael Jackson put the superbowl on the map pic.twitter.com/JPUEneRnOU
— Angel Faith (@PavlaS23308678) January 31, 2025

He stood motionless on stage for over a minute, letting the anticipation build before launching into Jam and Billie Jean. His star power pulled in a record-breaking audience, making halftime just as crucial as the game itself. Jackson’s set paved the way for future megastar performances, turning halftime into a global entertainment phenomenon.

Shakira & Jennifer Lopez (2020)

In 2020, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez delivered a celebration of Latin pride. Shakira opened with Hips Don’t Lie, and J.Lo followed with hits like Jenny from the Block. The duo brought dynamic choreography, electric stage presence, and high-profile guest appearances from Bad Bunny and J Balvin.

The Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show, featuring Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and 50 Cent, has now surpassed Shakira and Jennifer Lopez's Pepsi Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show in views on YouTube, with 320 million views compared to 319 million. This… pic.twitter.com/89V9193Dnj
— EminemData (@EminemData) January 12, 2025

This show wasn’t just about music. It was a declaration of cultural significance and empowerment. By the time they closed with a joint performance, they had made history on one of the biggest stages in the world.

U2 (2002)

U2’s halftime show in 2002 came just months after 9/11. It was more than a performance; it was a moment of collective mourning and resilience. The band played Beautiful Day and Where the Streets Have No Name as a scrolling backdrop displayed the names of 9/11 victims.

The simplicity of their staging made the message hit harder. It was a somber reminder of loss but also of unity. U2 showed that halftime could go beyond spectacle and connect deeply with audiences.

It's been 15 years since U2 gave us the best #SuperBowl halftime show ever https://t.co/CWatQljXi1 pic.twitter.com/zIuJFBbzbb
— GQ Magazine (@GQMagazine) February 5, 2017

Michael Jackson’s 1993 show pulled in 133.4 million viewers, proving that halftime performances could be bigger than the game itself. Since then, stars like Beyoncé, Prince, and Rihanna have drawn massive audiences and created cultural moments that live on in Super Bowl lore.

Today, performers use the halftime stage to send messages, break records, and showcase their artistry. In 2025, Kendrick Lamar and SZA have the spotlight. Will they deliver a performance worthy of this list? Time will tell.

Image: Imagn Images

Michael Jackson

Super Bowl halftime show

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
Got into sports media the same way most people do: by (fortunate) accident. Started with SEO writing, took on a few sports gigs, and now here we are! I cover games, trades, player drama—whatever needs words.
Favorite part? The chaos. One day it’s a blockbuster trade, the next it’s a goat running onto the field. Never boring.
Message to readers: If you want deep analysis, there are people for that. If you want sharp, no-BS writing that actually makes sense, stick around.