Super Bowl: the most remembered halftime shows

Here’s a review of the Super Bowl halftime shows that went down in history.

Michael Jackson – Super Bowl XXVII

The show put on by Jackson marked the first time halftime was more watched than the game itself. What made this show one of the best was sheer talent and the energy in each of the presentations that Jackson gave to the public. It featured a medley of hits that included “Jam,” “Billie Jean,” “Black or White,” “Another Part of Me” and “Heal the World” and a children’s choir that sang “We Are the World.”

NSYNC and Aerosmith, with Britney Spears, Nelly, and Mary J. Blige – Super Bowl XXXIV

The show began with an introduction by Ben Stiller as his “Dodgeball” character. As NSYNC danced and played their hit “Bye, Bye, Bye,” Aerosmith joined in with their hit “I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing.” Britney Spears later joined the act, singing “Walk This Way”, with Mary J. Blige joining even later and making a brief singing appearance.

Madonna – Super Bowl XLVI

Featuring LMFAO, Cirque du Soleil, Nicki Minaj, MIA, Cee Lo Green, Andy Lewis, Avon High School Drumline, Center Grove High School Drumline, Fishers High School Drumline, Franklin Central High School Drumline, Southern University Dancing Dolls, 200-person choir Made up of Indianapolis locals. Madonna was the first female headliner to perform since Diana Ross in 1996.

The Rolling Stones – Super Bowl XL

Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones at the Super Bowl: The legendary group performed on a stage in the shape of their logo, and only played three songs. They started it with “Start Me Up”, “Satisfaction” and completed it with “Rough Justice”.

Lady Gaga – Super Bowl LI

Lady Gaga is one of the most eclectic artists in history and everyone was waiting for what her halftime performance was going to reveal. Gaga decided to play it safe and performed some of her uncontroversial hits, starting with an arrangement of the Star Spangled Banner, but she made sure to include her LGBTQ+ anthem, “Born This Way.” .

Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Simpson, P. Diddy, Nelly, Kid Rock – Super Bowl XXXVIII

There were four other stars performing at the 2004 halftime show, but no one remembers anything except the biggest scandal in recent halftime history. During a performance of “Rock Your Body” with Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, Timberlake ripped off a piece of her clothing, exposing her chest. Criticism and controversy were immediate, and Jackson’s career suffered far more than Timberlake’s.

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The Weeknd – Super Bowl LV

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was the first time the part-time artist had been forced to perform with health protocols and socially distanced fans. The Weeknd also made a flashback reference in tribute to Michael Jackson’s performance in 1993. His heavily bandaged face and cartoonish appearance in the show was a comment on the state of plastic surgery in Hollywood and the need to be validated by superficial reasons.

Prince – Super Bowl XLI

Prince’s performance is often considered one of the best halftime shows in all of history. Prince, a true professional, continued to deliver the performance of a lifetime by him even when it started to rain, during “Purple Rain.” It became a magical moment in Super Bowl halftime history.

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