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A look back at the best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time
Discover the best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time. From Prince’s legendary performance in the rain to Shakira & JLo’s Latin pop spectacular, relive the most unforgettable moments of Super Bowl’s halftime shows.
The Super Bowl is not just a sporting event. It’s a cultural phenomenon packed with entertainment, music, and shared memory-making.
In fact, the famous halftime show has become even bigger than the game itself, with millions of non-football fans tuning in for this mini-concert. Every year, anticipation builds as fans and music lovers alike wait to see who will take the stage.
The performances are ALWAYS truly spectacular, but over the years, some have stood out more than others.
In this article, we’re sharing the best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time. These are the ones that:
- Fans still rewatch and talk about years later
- Delivered show-stopping vocals, choreography, and stage production
- Made cultural statements and sparked meaningful conversation
- Set new standards for halftime shows to come
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#7: Lady Gaga (2017), Houston, NRG Stadium
Lady Gaga’s 2017 halftime show was iconic from the very first moment.
She opened her set by singing “God Bless America” on the rooftop of Houston’s NRG Stadium, before leaping down to the stadium platform. This electrifying entrance helped put Houston on the map as one of the best USA weekend trip destinations.
Gaga gave a technically solid performance of many of her top hits, including Poker Face, Bad Romance, and Telephone, delivering strong live vocals and polished execution.
Unlike other halftime shows, Lady Gaga’s performance was free from cultural messages. Instead, she focused solely on vocals, choreography, and staging, all of which ranked 10/10, and so, Gaga’s performance was practically controversy-free.
#6: Shakira & Jennifer Lopez (2020), Miami, Hard Rock Stadium
Next up on the best Super Bowl halftime shows ranked list is Shakira & Jennifer Lopez’s joint performance in 2020, which brought Latin pop to the center of the world.
Shakira opened with “She Wolf” before grabbing a guitar and rocking it out to a remix of “Empire,” which sent the crowd wild. After 6 minutes, JLo entered singing her iconic “Jenny from the Block” tune.
Later on, Shakira, JLo, and her daughter Emme performed “Let’s Get Loud” together, alongside a chorus of young girls and Latin dancers. This turned the halftime show into a vibrant celebration of Latin culture and female empowerment.
Both Shakira & Jennifer Lopez brought extremely high-energy choreography to the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. This resulted in one of the most talked-about modern-day halftime shows and helped put Miami on the map as one of the best tourist destinations in the USA.
#5: Dr. Dre, Eminem & friends (2022), Los Angeles, SoFi Stadium
2022’s halftime performance was rooted entirely in hip-hop culture, making this historic moment one of the best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time.
The show was led by Dr. Dre, who opened the set in what looked like a music studio before the walls came down, revealing a stylized neighborhood block straight out of Compton.
Dre was accompanied by legends like Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and Eminem. There was even a surprise appearance from 50 Cent, who appeared hanging upside down. The performance blended sharp production with cross-generational appeal, resetting expectations for genre representation at the Super Bowl.
The 2022 halftime show at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles featured one of the coolest stage designs ever, designed to feel like a miniature version of Los Angeles. This was not just to pay tribute to the city hosting the Super Bowl that year, but also to the city that shaped West Coast hip-hop, delivering a profound cultural message.
#4: Rihanna (2023), Glendale, State Farm Stadium
Rihanna’s halftime performance at Glendale’s State Farm Stadium in 2023 was less about flashy spectacle and more about pure star power.
The show opened with one of the most talked-about moments in halftime history: Rihanna, suspended high above the stage, revealing her pregnancy to millions of viewers worldwide.
Compared to other halftime shows, Rihanna’s staging was decidedly minimalist. Her dancing was also very toned down due to her pregnancy, but this didn’t make the performance any less incredible.
In fact, it served as a reminder that it’s a star’s voice and presence that take center stage, not elaborate sets or rapid outfit changes. The sleek platform, controlled lighting, and carefully curated song sequence from “Bitch Better Have My Money” to “Rude Boy” felt intentionally crafted to showcase confidence, charisma, and control.
#3: Beyoncé (2013), New Orleans, Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Taking third place in the best Super Bowl halftime shows ranked list is Beyoncé’s 2013 performance at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
From the opening moment to the last second, Beyoncé delivered a perfect blend of powerhouse vocals, intricate choreography, and dynamic production. She oozed electrifying bad-ass energy throughout her set, which included “Love on Top”, “Single Ladies,” and “Crazy in Love.”
However, one of the most iconic moments was Destiny’s Child’s reunion on stage. The surprise reunion created instant media buzz and turned the solo performance into a nostalgic cultural event, showing exactly why New Orleans is renowned as one of America’s most cultured cities.
#2: Michael Jackson (1993), Pasadena, Rose Bowl
Despite taking place over 30 years ago, Michael Jackson’s 1993 halftime performance in Pasadena is still talked about today. In fact, many people believe he created the blueprint for every modern halftime show.
The show opened with pure theatrical magic: Jackson appeared atop two giant screens before descending to the center stage. He then built anticipation and suspense by standing in stillness for what felt like forever, as if he knew he was about to transform the halftime show into a global event.
Throughout his set, Jackson’s precision choreography, signature moves, and flawless vocals created a performance that forever shifted the NFL’s approach to entertainment.
#1: Prince (2007), Miami, Dolphin Stadium
Prince’s 2007 performance tops the list of the best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time for many reasons.
Firstly, he delivered a flawless live performance in the pouring rain of the open-air Dolphin Stadium in Miami. The rain didn’t hinder him; it added to the drama and visual spectacle, making every note of “Purple Rain” feel electrifying.
Then there were his jaw-dropping guitar solos. Each solo was perfectly timed, adding drama and intensity while keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
Prince’s combination of showmanship, technical skill, and emotional power set a new standard, making this performance the ultimate halftime show benchmark.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show
This year’s Super Bowl is set to be another unforgettable event, with Bad Bunny taking the stage at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Expect high-energy choreography, an electric party atmosphere, and a celebration of Latin culture reminiscent of Shakira and Jennifer Lopez’s iconic 2020 halftime show.
If you don’t have a ticket, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to experience the Super Bowl in Santa Clara without tickets, from official NFL fan events to public watch parties, rooftop screenings, and sports bars.
However, one thing you need to know to enjoy the Super Bowl is this: stay connected. Santa Clara and the wider San Francisco Bay Area are set to be extremely crowded, so public Wi-Fi will likely be slow and unreliable.
That’s why we recommend getting an eSIM before you head to Santa Clara.
With a Holalfy eSIM, you’ll have fast, reliable, and unlimited data wherever you go. You can follow live updates, stream the performance, and share the best halftime moments with friends and family in real-time.
Get your Holafly eSIM for the USA here.
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Hey, I’m Mika! I’m an SEO specialist with 7+ years of experience and a passion for travel info that actually helps you explore smarter. I write travel guides and tips backed by SEO insights so you can spend less time searching and more time adventuring.
