The 5 Best Half-Time Shows
Prince – Super Bowl XLI (2007)
The gold standard. Playing “Purple Rain” in an actual downpour turned a great performance into rock mythology. Musicianship, emotion and sheer presence have never been topped.
Beyoncé (with Destiny’s Child) – Super Bowl XLVII (2013)
Precision, power and star dominance. Beyoncé owned the stage from the first beat, capped by a surprise Destiny’s Child reunion that sent the crowd into overdrive.
U2 – Super Bowl XXXVI (2002)
A moving, understated masterpiece. The post-9/11 tribute projected the names of victims behind the band, proving the halftime show could be emotional and meaningful.
Michael Jackson – Super Bowl XXVII (1993)
The performance that changed everything. Jackson transformed the halftime show into a must-watch global pop event and set the template every act since has followed.
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige & Kendrick Lamar – Super Bowl LVI (2022)
A cultural moment. This West Coast hip-hop showcase blended hits, legacy and social impact, earning near-universal critical praise and redefining modern halftime standards.
