The Super Bowl is one of the biggest single sporting events in the world and the 2022 Super Bowl had an audience of 112.3 million total viewers, the amusement it brings to its spectators is almost unparalleled but you can get close to the excitement by playing the Starburst slot. While the focus of fans is mostly on the game, there is a special segment of the Super Bowl separate from the actual game of football. The Super Bowl halftime show has become a major event in its own right and below you will find the most iconic NFL Super Bowl halftime shows in history.
Prince
The 2007 Super Bowl was held in Dolphin Stadium, California and the halftime show was performed by Prince. The organisers moved from quantity to quality and Prince was the only performer, which made the show more special. As the rain came down from the sky, Prince delivered a perfect rendition of “Purple Rain” and he also included mashups of songs from other artists, with Foo Fighters’ “Best of You” and Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” being good examples. The flamboyant purple suit and guitar completed a stunning show.
Beyoncé
Fast forward to 2013 and we come to Super Bowl XLVII. This game featured an incredible halftime performance by Beyoncé at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. In terms of dancing, screen graphics, and pyrotechnics, Beyoncé made every effort to impress. She was also joined by other members of Destiny’s Child and performed songs including “Crazy in Love,” “Bootylicious,” and “Halo.”. There was not a single costume change and the black outfit against the giant image of Beyoncé above looked magnificent.
Shakira and J-Lo
The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami was the venue of the NFL Super Bowl LIV in 2020 and the star duo of Shakira and Jennifer Lopez delivered a mesmeric performance of 17 songs. The ladies sang together and individually on stage, with “Whenever, Wherever,” “Jenny from the Block,” “Waiting for Tonight,” and “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” being the standout songs. Shakira and J.Lo were the first female duo to perform at the Super Bowl. They followed in the footsteps of first Latin performer, Gloria Estefan.
Katy Perry
We must go back to 2015 for the Super Bowl halftime show featuring Katy Perry. During Super Bowl XLIX, contested at the University of Phoenix Stadium, Arizona. Perry was joined on stage by Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott for songs including “I Kissed a Girl,” “Get Ur Freak On,” and “Work It.” The technical elements matched the high level of performance. Perry entered the stadium on the back of a giant lion puppet singing “Roar.” Perry also shot across the sky on top of the “More You Know” shooting-star logo. No one will ever forget the dance moves of “Left Shark.”
U2
Perhaps the most iconic NFL Super Bowl halftime shows of all time was performed by U2 in 2002. This was Super Bowl XXVI. It was an emotional occasion as the show was a tribute to the people who lost their lives on September 11. This show was performed in the Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans. The names of those who sadly lost their lives also scrolled across the screen. Bono opened his jacket to reveal an American flag lining. The show was a perfect combination of upbeat hits and emotion, with “Where the Streets Have No Name” being the final song. The set, costumes, and stage design fit the mood of the nation perfectly.
Conclusion
The halftime shows highlighted above are some of the best in Super Bowl history. However, there have been many other tremendous halftime performances, including Michael Jackson in 1993, Diana Ross in 1996, Aerosmith and NSYNC in 2001, Madonna in 2012, Coldplay in 2016, and Lady Gaga in 2017.
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