Super Bowl (Halftime Show) Superlatives
The Super Bowl halftime show has been a pop culture staple for years, seamlessly blending sports and entertainment. The inaugural show took place in 1967 and featured two college bands, but Michael Jackson's performance in 1993 transformed it into the extravaganza we know today.
As we prepare for this year's show featuring Kendrick Lamar and SZA, let's look at the past decade of performances and highlight some noteworthy features and superlatives.
2015: Katy Perry ft. Lenny Kravitz & Missy Elliott
Most Likely To Go Big or Go Home
As soon as Katy Perry sang the first note of “Roar” atop a giant mechanical lion, it was evident that this show would be extraordinary. The performance unfolded as a dazzling spectacle, filled with vibrant colors and nonstop action. The stage transformed into a 3D chessboard, dancers dressed as sharks entertained the crowd, and Katy soared above the field attached to a shooting star. Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott also had their moments in the spotlight. Overall, the pop princess was unafraid to go big, delivering what is still remembered as one of the best halftime performances ever, solidifying her status as the clear winner in this category.
2016: Coldplay ft. Beyoncé & Bruno Mars
Best Collab
Coldplay kicked off the show with an enjoyable medley featuring "Yellow," "Viva la Vida," "Paradise," and "Adventure of a Lifetime." However, it was evident that Beyoncé and Bruno Mars were the standout stars of the event. Bruno Mars brought high energy to the stage with his hit "Uptown Funk," while Beyoncé dazzled the audience with her performance of "Formation," which she had just released the day before. Together, these vibrant stars made powerful appearances that elevated the show and earned it wide acclaim.
2017: Lady Gaga
Most Thrilling Entrance
Lady Gaga brought all the good vibes with her lively show, which featured a touching patriotic moment and plenty of sparkles. However, the most impressive aspect of the performance occurred at the very beginning. After reports surfaced that Gaga planned to start the show from the roof, fans everywhere were left in suspense, wondering how the singer would pull off such a feat. What followed has now become a part of Super Bowl halftime show history. After playing a prerecorded video culminating in Gaga jumping from the rooftop, she was shown descending from the sky, even performing an acrobatic flip midair. This incredible opening earned the show the title of “Most Impressive Entrance.”
2018: Justin Timberlake ft. The Tennessee Kids
Best Internet Reaction
Justin Timberlake reminded viewers everywhere of their love for his early-2000s hits as he danced his way through a captivating performance. The highlight of the show came when he ventured into the stands to interact with the crowd. During this moment, 13-year-old Ryan McKenna glanced down at his phone, preparing to snap an iconic selfie with the performer. The teenager quickly became a meme as the internet exploded with jokes about what he might be doing on his phone. The phenomenon known as "Super Bowl Selfie Kid" was born instantly, giving this halftime show a memorable superlative.
2019: Maroon 5 ft. Travis Scott & Big Boi
Least Likely to Have Coordinating Outfits
Maroon 5’s halftime show is rarely included in the lists of the best or most memorable performances. However, the choice of outfits did create an amusing moment. As Maroon 5’s lead singer, Adam Levine, performed, he progressively shed his clothing, going from a trench coat to a jacket, then to a tank top, and finally to a bare chest. This was particularly funny because just before he went sleeveless, he was performing alongside Big Boi, who arrived in a Cadillac wearing a fashionable and thick fur coat. Their contrasting styles, side by side, evoked jokes about not sending a "what are we wearing" text in the girls' group chat, which is why the show earned the title of “Least Likely to Have Coordinating Outfits.”
2020: Shakira & Jennifer Lopez ft. Bad Bunny, J Balvin, & Emme Muñiz
Most Patriotic
The halftime show was truly a full-blown dance party. International superstars Shakira and Jennifer Lopez showcased their vibrant Latino culture, expressing their pride and earning the title of “Most Patriotic.” All four celebrities—Shakira and J Balvin from Colombia, Bad Bunny from Puerto Rico, and JLo, who has Puerto Rican parents—celebrated their heritage by performing in English and Spanish while dancing to lively rhythms. To top it off, Jennifer Lopez’s daughter, Emme Muñiz, performed a rendition of her mom’s “Let’s Get Loud” and included a few verses of Bruce Springsteen's “Born in the U.S.A.” JLo made a stunning statement wearing a reversible feathered cape adorned with American and Puerto Rican flags.
2021: The Weeknd
Most Likely To Match The Vibe
In an era where large-scale events faced numerous challenges, it would have been understandable if the Super Bowl halftime show had been a flop. Fortunately, The Weeknd was the perfect choice for a COVID-restricted performance, earning the title “Most Likely to Match the Vibe.” Known for his enigmatic presence, viewers were in for a treat as he primarily performed from the stands, captivating us with his intense gaze fixed on the camera. Even when he engaged with a crowd of dancers wearing face bandages, the moment felt intimate due to his focused attention and the use of a handheld camera. Rather than feeling limited or underwhelming, The Weeknd understood the assignment with a toned-down yet captivating performance.
2022: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige & Kendrick Lamar ft. 50 Cent.
Best Breakthrough
As the first-ever hip-hop halftime show, these rap legends brought their A-game to the field. The six artists created an electric atmosphere as they seamlessly performed classic tracks from decades of the genre, leaving the audience with a sweet sense of nostalgia. The viewers were reminded of Dr. Dre's pivotal role in the music industry and the rise of rap music. Each performance exuded confidence and pride, earning the show the title of “Best Breakthrough” as rap finally had its moment to shine at the Super Bowl.
2023: Rihanna
Most Exciting Reveal
While most pregnancies are announced on social media these days, Rihanna chose one of the country’s biggest sporting events as her platform. There was a lot of excitement surrounding her return to the stage since she had not released an album since 2016, and many fans wondered if she would announce a new album or a world tour. Instead, as the audience noticed her slightly changed appearance, she reminded everyone that, although she is an iconic and amazing performer, she also enjoys a private life. However, her pregnancy did not stop her from delivering a stunning performance, as she confidently sang some of her biggest hits. Immediately after her remarkable return to the stage, Rihanna’s representative confirmed her pregnancy, earning her the title of “Most Exciting Reveal.”
2024: Usher ft. Alicia Keys, Jermaine Dupri, H.E.R., will.i.am, Lil’ Jon & Ludacris
Most Likely To Have A Hidden Talent
Last year’s halftime show had a little bit of everything. It began with a beautifully serene duet featuring Usher and Alicia Keys, followed by an epic guitar solo by H.E.R. that showcased Usher's impressive abs. The show ended with an enthusiastic block party culminating in the classic hit, “Yeah!” We all know Usher is a master showman with incredible dance moves, but he raised the bar even higher by joining the background dancers on roller skates for a segment of “OMG.” His smooth moves demonstrated that you never know what to expect from Usher, which is why this show earned the title of “Most Likely To Have A Hidden Talent.”
