Ranking the 5 Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows of All Time

Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and revisit the most iconic Super Bowl halftime shows of all time. From Michael Jackson to Beyoncé, these performances left an unforgettable impact on the entertainment industry.

Last Updated: 17/02/23 at 11:10 am

The Super Bowl is arguably the biggest highlight on the American sporting calendar. And, while the event delivers incredible sport, it is also famed for playing host to the iconic halftime show.

Securing a slot for the 15-minute long performance is one of the greatest honours a musician can receive as it indicates true stardom and puts them centre stage in front of millions of fans.

Over the years, the Super Bowl halftime show has welcomed a host of iconic performers who have delivered incredible awe-inspiring performances.

Therefore, whittling down the list of the best performances to five is not an easy task. But, don’t worry we have done the hard work for you!

Keep reading to discover our top picks, and find out how you can see Rihanna perform at the Super Bowl LVII from the best seats in the house with a VIP hospitality package.

The Evolution of Super Bowl Halftime Performances

The Super Bowl halftime show has not always been glitz, glamour and fireworks.

For the first few years of the Super Bowl, the show would play host to marching band performers who entertained crowds during the intermission. Years on, it has evolved and now prioritises performance art over instruments and simplicity.

Read on to see just how far the Super Bowl halftime show has come!

The Most Iconic Super Bowl Halftime Performances

Michael Jackson

The 'King of Pop' changed the Super Bowl halftime show game forever, putting on a show-stopping performance in 1993.

He began the performance standing in a power pose for two-minutes before treating the crowd to a medley of hit tracks including ‘Thriller’ and ‘Black Or White’.

Busting his staple moves such as the moonwalk and kick, he owned the stage and set the standards high for future Super Bowl performances.

In 2023, you can see the tribute performance ‘Michael Starring Ben’ and experience the best of MJ’s legacy. Check out private box tickets for the show at Leeds and secure your place for just £25 +VAT per person.

Prince

In 2007, pop icon Prince put on an incredibly high-energy performance during the Super Bowl halftime show.

He sang (and screamed) a combination of his greatest hits including ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ and ‘1999’ while fabulous fireworks were let off.

With guitar riffs galore, Prince entertained the crowd how he did best, and definitely deserves a spot on our top 5 Super Bowl halftime show list.

Madonna

The 'Queen of Pop', Madonna secured the halftime show slot in 2012 ahead of the release of her album MDNA.

The camp spectacular featured razor-sharp choreography and extreme theatrics as the ‘Vogue’ singer put on a Roman-inspired performance.

Despite lip-synching the performance, fans still lapped up the show as Madonna delivered a grand spectacle that oozed high-class entertainment.

Discover the latest speculation that Madonna could be heading out on a full-scale arena tour soon, and find out how to secure your place by checking out our blog, ‘Madonna: Could a 40th-anniversary tour be coming soon?’

Beyoncé

Queen Bey graced the Super Bowl halftime stage in 2016, and in true Beyoncé style, delivered a show-stopping performance.

The 15-minute set list featured back-to-back hits from ‘Love On Top’ to ‘Halo’ and even a few tracks from noughties R&B icons, Destiny’s Child.

Beyoncé's high-energy performance provided incredible vocals, smooth dance moves, and girl power as she reminded fans of what makes her one of the globe’s best performers.

As fans await the supporting tour of Beyoncé’s most recent album ‘Renaissance’, make sure to register your interest in VIP tickets now to be the first to secure the best seats in the house when she hits the road.

Dr. Dre & Co

In 2022, rap legend Dr. Dre put on a spectacular performance with fellow rap legends Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar and Mary J Blige.

The group put on the ultimate 90s/00s mashup performance to Super Bowl fans during the halftime show. During the show, the ‘Death Row Records’ stars performed in a Californian neighbourhood set up to hit tracks such as ‘The Next Episode’ and ‘California Love’.

The performance marked the first time that the NFL had welcomed a hip-hop act to its half time entertainment, and Dre and co did not let us down!

Rumours are flying that Eminem could be heading out on tour soon. Make sure that you secure your place when Slim Shady returns to the UK by registering your interest with us now.

Or, if you're a big fan of Snoop, check out VIP tickets for his Manchester and Birmingham tour dates now!

Coldplay: Special Mention

Coldplay deserves a special mention on our list as one of the only non-American artists to have been invited to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show.

The colourful musicians put on a classically uplifting and vibrant performance as they belted out fan favourites from ‘Paradise’ to ‘Viva La Vida’.

The group’s performance reached new heights when musicians Bruno Mars and Beyoncé were brought onto the stage with them.

Coldplay are set to bring their ‘Music of the Spheres’ world tour back to the UK in 2023. If you want to be there, why not check out VIP concert tickets for their upcoming shows now?

How to get Super Bowl LVIII tickets

Seat Unique will be able to offer fans the opportunity to enjoy the very best of Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas on February 11th 2024 with VIP hospitality packages.

There is no better way to enjoy the most spectacular event on the American sporting calendar than with a premium hospitality package, so check out available packages now and secure your unforgettable Super Bowl experience!

Interested in American football? Check out VIP ticket packages to NFL London 2023 now!