MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 02: A general view of Hard Rock stadium as fireworks go off during the half-time show performed by music artists Jennifer Lopez and Shakira in game action during the Super Bowl LIV game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers on February 2, 2020 at Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
We rank the 5 best Super Bowl halftime shows in NFL history
One of the biggest sporting events in the American sporting calendar is the Super Bowl. Football fans around the world tune in to see the two best teams of the NFL season battle it out. Interestingly, millions of people across the US and UK watch the half-time show which has had some memorable performances in recent history. We have earlier come up with the list of Top 5 NFL commercials as well.
In 1960, the debut of the Super Bowl Halftime show took place. The opening performance was conducted by the University of Arizona Symphonic Marching Band. Things took a drastic turn in 1993, when Michael Jackson arrived and changed the landscape in Hollywood.
The Super Bowl LVI halftime will feature Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar. Super Bowl 56 will take place on Sunday, February 13, 2022 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Rams will face the Cincinnati Bengals in the showpiece event. The Rams will become the first team to play a conference title game and Super Bowl in their home stadium.
We take a look at some of the best performances in the history of the Super Bowl since its inception in 1960:
Katy Perry performed at Super Bowl XLIX in 2015. The singer entered on the back of a giant lion puppet, singing to “Firework.” The event also had Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott. The performance was one of the most scintillating 15 minutes by any artist.
Perry’s time also included dancing sharks, glowing orbs and fireworks in a beautiful experience at half-time.
The 2021 Super Bowl halftime performance was a classic Weeknd performance. The halftime show mainly took place in Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Weeknd appeared on the field while performing “Blinding Lights.”
His songs included the best of most of his albums, even teasing more music for the next calendar year. The 31-year-old singer performed a mix of his best songs at 21-6 between the Chiefs and Buccaneers. He spent $7m (£5m) of his own money on the production.
Beyoncé delivered one of the best performances in Super Bowl history. Joining her were Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams for a long-awaited reunion of Destiny’s Child in 2013.
The songs included: “Bootylicious,” “Single Ladies,” and “Independent Women.” Beyonce showed no signs of stopping, but the fans were not fulfilled in the short time frame.
There was also a 33-minute, 55-second blackout after her performance which is remembered to date.
In 1993, Michael Jackson was at the peak of his powers. The surprise appearance at Super Bowl did wonders for the future of half-time shows. He performed “We Are the World” with a children’s choir, “Heal the World” and “Billie Jean” and displayed his signature moves.
The new era of performances in the 15 minutes is greatly due to Jackson’s impact almost 30 years ago. Even after his unfortunate demise, he continues to mesmerise the world with his eternal presence.
Prince revolutionized the half-time shows at Super Bowl XLI, making it the greatest halftime show of all time. The performance also gained fame after his demise in 2016.
He performed Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower,” Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” and Foo Fighters’ “Best of You” with his own songs. He ended with Purple Rain with a mind-blowing guitar solo to end it on the highest of highs.
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