The Super Bowl halftime show has evolved from marching bands to world-class concerts. The show transformed forever when Michael Jackson performed in 1993. Today, halftime shows attract over 100 million viewers worldwide.
Kendrick Lamar performed the most-watched halftime show ever at Super Bowl LIX in 2025 with 133.5 million viewers. The halftime show is now the biggest concert in the world each year. Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl LX in 2026.
Modern Era Halftime Shows (2010-2026)
| Year | Super Bowl | Performer | Guest(s) | Location |
| 2026 | LX | Bad Bunny | TBA | Levi’s Stadium |
| 2025 | LIX | Kendrick Lamar | Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams, SZA | Caesars Superdome |
| 2024 | LVIII | Usher | Ludacris, Lil Jon, Alicia Keys, H.E.R. | Allegiant Stadium |
| 2023 | LVII | Rihanna | None | State Farm Stadium |
| 2022 | LVI | Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar | 50 Cent | SoFi Stadium |
| 2021 | LV | The Weeknd | None | Raymond James Stadium |
| 2020 | LIV | Shakira, Jennifer Lopez | Bad Bunny, J. Balvin | Hard Rock Stadium |
| 2019 | LIII | Maroon 5 | Travis Scott, Big Boi | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| 2018 | LII | Justin Timberlake | Chris Stapleton | U.S. Bank Stadium |
| 2017 | LI | Lady Gaga | None | NRG Stadium |
| 2016 | 50 | Coldplay | Bruno Mars, Beyoncé | Levi’s Stadium |
| 2015 | XLIX | Katy Perry | Lenny Kravitz, Missy Elliott | University of Phoenix Stadium |
| 2014 | XLVIII | Bruno Mars | Red Hot Chili Peppers | MetLife Stadium |
| 2013 | XLVII | Beyoncé | Destiny’s Child | Mercedes-Benz Superdome |
| 2012 | XLVI | Madonna | LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., Cee Lo Green | Lucas Oil Stadium |
| 2011 | XLV | Black Eyed Peas | Usher, Slash | Cowboys Stadium |
| 2010 | XLIV | Who | None | Sun Life Stadium |
The Jackson Era: When Everything Changed (1993)
Michael Jackson performed at Super Bowl XXVII in 1993 and transformed halftime forever. The NFL was losing viewers to competing shows like In Living Color. Jackson brought 3,500 local children to the Rose Bowl stage.
His performance featured hits like “Jam,” “Billie Jean,” and “Black or White.” The show was heavily advertised as a major event. Audiences realized the halftime show could be must-see television.
This decision saved the halftime show from mediocrity.
Early 1990s Transition
1991-1992 Transition:
- 1991: New Kids on the Block performed at Tampa Stadium
- 1992: Gloria Estefan headlined to counter In Living Color competition
- 1993: Michael Jackson changed the game permanently
The NFL needed star power. Jackson delivered like no one else could.
The Rock Era (1994-2002)
After Jackson, the NFL booked classic performers and rock legends. The shows featured established artists rather than contemporary pop stars.
Notable 1990s Shows:
- 1994: Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, Wynonna and Naomi Judd
- 1995: Tony Bennett, Patti LaBelle, Arturo Sandoval (Indiana Jones theme)
- 1996: Diana Ross flew away in a helicopter during “Take Me Higher”
- 1997: Blues Brothers, James Brown, ZZ Top
- 1998: Boyz II Men, Smokey Robinson, The Temptations (Motown tribute)
- 1999: Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
- 2000: Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton
- 2001: Aerosmith, N’Sync, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, Nelly
Post-9/11 Shift:
- 2002: U2 replaced Janet Jackson after 9/11 (heart-shaped stage, victim names scrolled)
The Classic Legends Era (2003-2010)
After the 2004 Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show incident with Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, the NFL changed strategy. The shows became more conservative and family-friendly.
Rock Legends Dominated:
- 2003: Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting
- 2004: Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake (Nipplegate controversy)
- 2005: Paul McCartney (Beatles and solo hits)
- 2006: Rolling Stones (Charlotte Coliseum)
- 2007: Prince (performed in heavy rain)
- 2008: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
- 2009: Bruce Springsteen, E Street Band
- 2010: The Who
This era proved classic rock legends drew massive audiences. Prince’s rain performance became instantly iconic. Paul McCartney signaled the NFL’s new direction.
Pop’s Return (2011-Present)
The NFL brought back contemporary pop and hip-hop performers starting with Black Eyed Peas in 2011. The format now features one headline act with guest performers.
Key Modern Shows:
2011-2015 Era:
- 2011: Black Eyed Peas with Usher, Slash
- 2012: Madonna with LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A.
- 2013: Beyoncé with Destiny’s Child (most-watched pre-Rihanna)
- 2014: Bruno Mars with Red Hot Chili Peppers
- 2015: Katy Perry with Lenny Kravitz, Missy Elliott
2016-2020 Hip-Hop and Latin Shift:
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- 2016: Coldplay with Bruno Mars, Beyoncé (Super Bowl 50 celebration)
- 2017: Lady Gaga (flew into stadium, iconic dive)
- 2018: Justin Timberlake with Chris Stapleton
- 2019: Maroon 5 with Travis Scott, Big Boi
- 2020: Shakira and Jennifer Lopez with Bad Bunny, J. Balvin (first all-Latin show)
Recent Years (2021-2026):
- 2021: The Weeknd (handheld camera, introspective performance)
- 2022: Hip-Hop Celebration with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent (won Emmy)
- 2023: Rihanna (most-watched ever until Kendrick, pregnancy announcement)
- 2024: Usher with Ludacris, Lil Jon, Alicia Keys, H.E.R., will.i.am
- 2025: Kendrick Lamar (133.5 million viewers, most-watched)
- 2026: Bad Bunny (upcoming, second appearance after 2020)
The Pre-Jackson Era (1967-1992)
Before Michael Jackson, halftime shows featured marching bands and variety acts. This era is largely forgotten but historically important.
Early Decade Performances (1967-1975):
- 1967: University of Arizona Symphonic Marching Band
- Multiple college marching bands throughout early years
- Drill teams and performance ensembles
Late 1970s and 1980s:
- Up with People performed in four different halftime shows
- 1976: Up with People (America’s Bicentennial tribute)
- 1980: Up with People again
- 1982: Up with People (another appearance)
- 1988: Rockettes and Chubby Checker (88 grand pianos)
- 1989: Elvis Presto (magician performing Elvis)
These shows lacked star power compared to today. The NFL realized it needed bigger names.
Most-Watched Halftime Shows
All-Time Records:
Top 3 Viewership:
- Kendrick Lamar (2025): 133.5 million viewers
- Rihanna (2023): 113 million viewers
- Beyoncé (2013): 110.7 million viewers
YouTube Records:
- Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar (2022): 322 million YouTube views
- First halftime show to win Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special
Most Popular Per TicketSource:
- Shakira and Jennifer Lopez (2020): Named “world’s most popular” halftime show
Iconic Halftime Moments
Unforgettable Performances:
Michael Jackson (1993):
- Changed halftime shows forever
- Set standard for production value
U2 (2002):
- 9/11 tribute with scrolling victim names
- Bono showed American flag lining in jacket
Prince (2007):
- Performed in heavy rain
- Purple stage design iconic
- Halftime show was legendary
Diana Ross (1996):
- Helicopter exit during “Take Me Higher”
- One of most-talked-about moments
Janet Jackson (2004):
- Nipplegate controversy
- Changed NFL production approach
- Led to six years of conservative shows
Lady Gaga (2017):
- Dove off stadium into security net
- Performed “God Bless America”
- Instantly iconic entrance
FAQs
Who performed the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show?
Kendrick Lamar at Super Bowl LIX in 2025 with 133.5 million viewers, the most-watched halftime show in history.
When did Michael Jackson perform at the Super Bowl halftime show?
Michael Jackson performed at Super Bowl XXVII in 1993 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, transforming halftime shows.
Which Super Bowl halftime show won an Emmy Award?
The 2022 Super Bowl LVI halftime show featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar won the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special.
Who will perform at Super Bowl LX in 2026?
Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
What was the Nipplegate incident during the Super Bowl?
Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake performed at Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 when a wardrobe malfunction exposed Jackson’s breast, causing major controversy.
Has the Super Bowl halftime show always featured big music acts?
No. From 1967-1992, halftime shows featured college marching bands and variety acts. Michael Jackson changed everything in 1993.
Which halftime show is most popular on YouTube?
The 2022 Super Bowl LVI hip-hop showcase with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar has over 322 million YouTube views.
Did Rihanna announce her pregnancy during the Super Bowl?
Yes. At Super Bowl LVII in 2023, Rihanna revealed her pregnancy with her second child during the halftime performance by showing her belly.
How many times has Kendrick Lamar performed at the Super Bowl halftime show?
Twice. Kendrick Lamar co-headlined Super Bowl LVI in 2022 and headlined Super Bowl LIX in 2025.
Does the NFL pay halftime show performers?
No. The NFL covers all expenses including band members, crew, security, and travel, but does not pay an appearance fee.
