Super Bowl LVII is going to be a spectacle for the ages. From keeping track of Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs Odds to watching the spectacular halftime show, you can expect a thrilling day of football with a lot to look out for. Trying to rank the best super bowls of all time can be hard, but some obvious frontrunners are easy picks. In this article, we’re going to look at the best Superbowl halftime shows of all time.
1. Prince (Super Bowl XLI, 2007)
First off on our list, we have a halftime show that is widely considered one of the greatest of all time. Prince, an artist known for his eccentricity and unprecedented musicianship, was set to play and delivered an incredible performance. It started with just a silhouette of Prince playing the guitar, backed up by a purple-lit background. This evoked the cover of his timeless classic ‘Purple Rain,’ which was then played with masterful stage presence.
The design of the stage was simplistic, allowing for a total focus on Prince. He was later joined by a large band, including an entire brass section, which created an aura of grandeur around later parts of the performance. One of the main reasons why this event was seen as one of the best ever is because of the Prince’s versatility that was on display. Although the stage design was simple, the lighting was complex and layered.
In short, this is one of the most impressive performances ever to grace the Super Bowl halftime. This performance left a long-lasting impression on everyone in attendance and also on everyone watching at home from around the world.
2. Michael Jackson (Super Bowl XXVII, 1993)
Next up, we have what is considered to be an equally impressive performance from the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Bringing his patented mixture of electric energy and impressive dancing, he delivered a performance that is still remembered 20 years later.
Jackson performed some of his most iconic hits, including “Billie Jean,” and “Black or White.” Perhaps the most iconic part of the performance was his moonwalk, one of the signature moves everyone remembers. People typically remember the Michael Jackson Super Bowl performance as one of the highlights of his career, as well as one of the highlights of the sports event.
3. U2 (Super Bowl XXXVI, 2002)
Let’s move nine years into the future, where U2 played an unforgettable show. This was a very particular Superbowl halftime show as it served as a tribute to the recent September 11 attacks in New York City, with an especially American backdrop with a flag and a scrolling list of names to commemorate the victims of the attack. U2 was on top form during this performance, playing their hit song “MLK” and their undisputed classic “Where The Streets Have No Name.”
We’ve placed this performance as number 3 on our list because it was much more than your average Super Bowl halftime show—it was a tribute to the terrible tragedy of the September 11 attacks and an unwavering dedication to the resilience of the American spirit. Lead singer Bono revealed an American flag-lined jacket, which showed the band’s support for the nation.
4. Lady Gaga (Super Bowl LI, 2017)
The 2017 Superbowl halftime show showcased the versatility and range of one of the nation’s most unique artists. Lady Gaga displayed her impressive vocal range and dance abilities before some of the most high-tech and amazing set designs. The show began with Lady Gaga suspended in the air, whereupon she launched into a medley of some of her most iconic music, including “Poker Face,” “Just Dance,” and “Born This Way.”
One of the other things that made this performance so iconic was Gaga’s tribute to the late singer David Bowie. Lady Gaga played two of his classic hits “Heroes,” and “Space Oddity.” Gaga’s infectious energy and pristine stage presence captured everyone who watched this performance.
5. The Black Eyed Peas (Super Bowl XLV, 2011)
A lesser-known but equally incredible performance was the 2011 Super Bowl halftime show that featured The Black Eyed Peas. This is a band that, at the time, was at the very top of its game and showcased its electric mix of hip-hop, R&B, pop, and dance music.
This performance featured some of the most high-tech, stunning visuals of any year, and the band performed two hits from their groundbreaking album “THE END,” including “Boom Boom Pow,” and “I Gotta Feeling.” This is a great one to look back at if you want to see a turning point for music in America, where genres began to blend, and cutting-edge technology was used to create an unforgettable show.
Final Thoughts
So that was our list of the top 5 Super Bowl halftime shows of all time. We hope this article has outlined some of the most iconic moments and given you a taste of what you can expect in future years. There’s a lot to keep track of during Superbowl weekend, including FanDuel Super Bowl odds and rooting for the team of your choice, but make sure you take some time to watch and enjoy the spectacular halftime show. We’re sure that it will be unforgettable!
Featured Image by ivabalk from Pixabay
