The Super Bowl halftime show isn’t just a break in an NFL game - it’s one of the biggest stages in the world. Watched by millions, it has become a legendary spectacle, delivering performances that go down in history. Ahead of Super Bowl LIX, where rapper Kendrick Lamar will take center stage alongside R&B star SZA, let’s take a look back at some of the most unforgettable Super Bowl halftime performances of all time.
Rihanna
Rihanna performed at the 57th Super Bowl halftime show in Arizona’s State Farm Stadium. She began the performance on a raised platform at the center of the stadium, wearing a full-red jumpsuit and a matching breastplate. The most iconic moment came when the camera panned down, and she placed her hand on her belly, revealing she was pregnant with her second child. The internet went wild and commended her for executing such a massive performance while carrying a baby. She was surrounded by talented dancers, all dressed in matching white puffer outfits. The show pulled in over 121 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched halftime shows in history.
Dr. Dre and Friends
This performance held such significance as it was the first halftime show centered around rap and R&B. Dr. Dre brought out all the R&B and rap icons: Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent. The stage was designed to resemble a massive Los Angeles neighborhood, complete with lowriders and a recording studio. Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg opened the show on the rooftop with the song The Next Episode. 50 Cent then surprised the crowd by rapping his hit song In Da Club upside down. Mary J. Blige dazzled in an all-white, crystal-embellished bodysuit, and Kendrick Lamar’s segment featured a highly choreographed routine with military-style dancers. The show drew over 103 million viewers and definitely made history!
Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake
In 2004, Janet Jackson took the stage at the 38th Halftime Show along with special guest Justin Timberlake. The performance quickly became one of the most talked-about for its controversial moment. Janet Jackson wore a black leather bustier with a red lace bra underneath. In the final moments of the performance during the song Rock Your Body, Timberlake pulled at Jackson’s costume, resulting in a brief exposure of her right breast. This wardrobe malfunction became viral before viral was even a thing and dominated headlines for months. However, despite this, the performance was full of energy, featuring pyrotechnics and well-choreographed routines. Justin Timberlake returned to the halftime show stage as a solo headliner in 2018, but his first appearance remains the most memorable.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga is known for her extravagant performances, and her Super Bowl halftime show was no exception. She began the show on the roof of NRG Stadium in Texas, performing Woody Guthrie’s This Land Is Your Land as hundreds of drones lit up the sky to illustrate the American flag. Then, in true Gaga fashion, she took a daring leap off the roof, landing on a futuristic-looking stage below. The performance had everything you’d expect from a legendary show—fire, smoke, dazzling costume changes, and dozens of shimmering dancers. She even took a moment to slow things down at the piano, showcasing her raw talent. As the show neared its finale, Gaga caught a football mid-air, symbolising the Super Bowl spirit, before dramatically leaping off the stage. The show ended with a dazzling firework display, solidifying it as one of the most iconic halftime performances ever.
As we reflect on these unforgettable performances, it’s thrilling to look forward to tonight’s show at Super Bowl LIX. Kendrick Lamar, who only had a brief segment in 2022, is now headlining a full 15-minute set - making history as the first solo hip-hop artist to take center stage. He’ll be joined by SZA, and their performance is expected to be a masterclass in storytelling, blending powerful lyrics, visuals, and stagecraft into something truly unforgettable.