6 Super Bowl halftime shows were better than the game

There are two types of Super Bowl viewers: those who watch the game and those who watch the halftime game.

But, every once in a while, along comes the electrifying halftime show, sure to overshadow the real sporting event. A good small-time show has the power to transcend borders, unite audiences around the world, and make, break, or revive a career. These shows also light up the internet with memes and takes (see: the shark on the left).

This is by no means an exhaustive list. But below, in no particular order, are some of the most memorable football stadium highlights. Actual football games are not included.

Kendrick Lamar’s Hateful Show (2025)

Super Bowl LIX between the Chiefs and Eagles was not a football game. Philly was up by 34 points in the blink of an eye, and regular spectators were all over the chips and dunks before the break. However, the break brought everyone’s attention back to TV because Kendrick Lamar unleashed an incredibly hateful energy on one of the best halftime shows in recent memory.

Of course, that’s not all that was on display. He’s had guest appearances by the likes of Serena Williams and not every Kendrick song is a world-famous diss song. But the one thing everyone wanted from his halftime show was a performance of “Not Like Us,” and he gave it to us in a big way.

The Prince (2007)

In Super Bowl XLI, the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears braved the pouring rain and the blowing wind (the Colts won 29-17). But Prince fought those things when he played ia live electric guitarA good metal movement that considers water and electricity is a dangerous combination.

Undeterred, Prince set the bar high for halftime performances. He started with Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” switched to his own “Let’s Go Crazy,” and finally brought down the stage with “Purple Rain.” Watching him tear through his signature Prince guitar in the rapidly falling rain was a sight to behold and cemented Prince’s status as one of the greatest players of all time.

Coldplay, Bruno Mars, and Beyoncé but really Beyoncé (2016)

Wait, the 2016 halftime show was headlined by Coldplay? We forgot because Beyoncé’s special guest appearance stole the show. The first Bruno Mars crashed the stage with “Uptown Funk,” to which Beyoncé responded by storming the stage with her perfectly synchronized backup dancers, performing “Formation.”

Dressed in a military-style getup, with a nod to Michael Jackson’s show attire, Bey hopped on stage and broke into (sorry) a dance with Bruno Mars. When Coldplay’s Chris Martin returned to the front, he also seemed to realize that this was Beyoncé’s time.

Katy Perry (2015)

(Stephano’s voice) This show had it everything: a giant lion puppet, an epic moment, inspired guest appearances, enough costume changes, and a shooting star. The 2015 halftime show may be best remembered for the left shark, but Katy Perry also put on one hell of a show. Perry came riding on a lion, then handed over to Lenny Kravitz singing “I Kissed a Girl.”

The left-handed shark then captivated the internet with his blasé dance moves. Through it all, Perry brought a strong energy and performed impressively live. When Perry brought in Missy Elliot who performed “Work It” and “Lose Control,” we knew this halftime show was one for the record books. Perry ended it all by singing “Firework” as she was lifted up to a shooting star. Well done.

Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent (2022)

In the comments for the official recording, one YouTuber said, “This is not just a concert, this is also a piece of history,” which sums it up pretty well. The influence of Rapper and producer Dr. Dre in hip hop cannot be overstated. He has been credited with launching the careers of Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Anderson .Paak, Kendrick Lamar, and many others. And during the 2022 hiatus he brought his famous friends on stage to play in the legends.

“History lesson” started with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg performed “Next Episode” and “California Love.” The show played on a West Coast vs. East Coast and New York native 50 Cent singing “In Da Club,” while. hanging upside down. Mary J. Blige then belted out “Family Affair” and “No More Pain,” followed by Kendrick Lamar delivering powerful singles “mAAd City” and “Alright,” and Eminem giving everyone goosebumps with “Lose Yourself.” Dre even equals 2Pac’s respectability. The show closed with everyone on stage performing “Still DRE” A closer look at Dre’s celebration of hip hop’s historic moments.

Diana Ross (1996)

Pyrotechnics, mass choreographed dance routines, and costume changes are de rigeur in mid-season shows these days. But not only was Diana Ross the first to do it, her performance still stands today. Ross performed a medley of his greatest hits including “Baby Love” and “Stop in the Name of Love” with his signature smile. Then, during a performance of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” his golden cape spread across the stage as he stood up to a terrifying height. Then, the stage came down and he belted out a version of Gloria Gaynor’s banger “I Will Survive.”

So far, Ross’ performance has been solid, but what happens next proves that she is the ultimate diva queen. Ross nonchalantly said “Oh, here’s how I got on,” as the helicopter came to pick it up. He sat on the edge of the chopper and waved to the crowd as we took him off, legs still dangling from the helicopter door. That’s how you go out.