Top 5 Super Bowl Halftime Shows
Usher's Halftime Show at the Super Bowl proves he's an R&B legend, sparking a debate on the best performances ever. We discuss it here!
Prince performed during the halftime show of Super Bowl XLI, which took place at Dolphins Stadium in Miami, Florida, United States, featuring the Indianapolis Colts vs. Chicago Bears.
Photo Credit: Jeff Kravitz/ Getty Images
By: Joshua Martin
No less than a mega star is considered to headline the coveted Super Bowl Halftime Show. For most artists, that 13-min time slot is a career high point. What we witnessed Sunday was an R&B legend giving us hit after hit and proving that his name undeniably belongs at the top of the genre. Yes, recency bias is a thing but we can’t deny that Usher’s halftime show was definitely one of the best the event has ever had. Not unfair to say it may be the best.
The easiest way to settle this argument would be with a list of our own. Let's end the debate! Here are our top 5 Super Bowl halftime performances of all time.
5. Rihanna - 2023
Rihanna’s FULL Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show
Rihanna’s performance was memorable for several reasons, most notably of how many bangers the Grammy-winning singer has in her arsenal. “Diamonds,” “Umbrella,” “We Found Love” were just a few of the whopping 12 singles the Barbados-born singer performed. The set was her first live performance in five years up to that point and the revelation of her being pregnant with her second child made the event an overall joyous occasion.
4.J.Lo & Shakira - 2020
Shakira & J. Lo's FULL Pepsi Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show
The dynamic duo of Jennifer Lopez and Shakira didn't disappoint. Filled with LatinX representation and other surprising elements which included rope dancing, cameos from Bad Bunny and J. Balvin, J. Lo’s child singing “Born in the USA” and their stance on immigration, made this one of the more memorable Halftime Shows ever. Shakira’s physical fluidity and J.Lo’s work ethic also gave us that iconic dance off that had the entire world shook.
3. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem and Kendrick Lamar - 2022
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar & 50 Cent FULL Pepsi SB LVI Halftime Show
This one stands out because it was the first time the halftime show featured an exclusive hip-hop line up that featured some of the genre’s greatest. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar, with a surprise appearance by 50 Cent, served up some of their most iconic songs with flair. Mary J. captivated the crowd with her electric performances of “Family Affair” and “No More Drama,” while Dre and Snoop proved their staying power by performing classics such as “The Next Episode” and “California Love.” Kendrick Lamar lit up the stage with “Alright” as the performance ended with a passionate Eminem taking a knee amid the country’s political issues. All in all, the music took center stage and we were able to witness Snoop Dogg crip walk on live television. Iconic!
2. Michael Jackson - 1993
Michael Jackson - Super Bowl XXVII 1993 Halftime Show (Remastered Perfomance)
The King of Pop was definitely in his performer bag at the 1993 Super Bowl. Doubles entered the stadium from each corner before the real Michael Jackson stood up and performed hits like “Jam” and “Billie Jean.” The finale was epic to say the least. Michael sang the single “ Heal the World” while the onlooking audience held cards that created images of children from across the globe. The truly big production also included a video montage of his various humanitarian efforts around the world and a choir of 3,500 local LA kids.
Prince - 2007
Prince - Super Bowl XLI 🏈 | Halftime Sh
This performance has reached mythical status, partly due to the rain and the fact that not even Mother Nature could stop the “The Purple One”. A spirited rendition of “Purple Rain” and an amazing medley of songs that included Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” his hits “Let’s Go Crazy” and “Baby, I’m a Star” all crescendoed into a downpour on his logo-shaped stage. A special appearance of the Florida A&M marching 100 band and his back band the “New Power Generation” was the icing on the cake which was an unforgettable night Prince and those of us who witnessed it.
Unfortunately, the 8 time Grammy winner didn't crack the top 5. Also, Much apologies to the Queen Bee and her fantastic performance in 2013. Reuniting with Destiny’s Child was what the culture needed at the moment.
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ASAP Rocky Stars In Fenty Skin Campaign For Lux Balm
From the beginning, ASAP Rocky has been Rihanna’s biggest fan and he took his support to the next level by starring in the latest Fenty Skin campaign for the new 'Lux Balm.' We discuss it here!
Rihanna and ASAP Rocky pose for the new Fenty campaign.
Photo Credit: Fenty Skin
We all wish for a partner who supports us like ASAP Rocky supports Rihanna. From the beginning, he has been Rihanna’s biggest fan and took his support to the next level by starring in the latest Fenty Skin campaign for the new 'Lux Balm.' The collaboration is very fitting for obvious reasons as Rocky is known to be that ‘pretty muthaf*cka’ with manicured nails, perfect skin, white teeth, and stylish clothes.
The news broke earlier this afternoon (January 4th, 2024) after the Fashion Killa rapper appeared in a promotional reel on both Fenty Skin and Fenty Beauty’s Instagram pages.
The new addition to the Fenty Skin family is a Barbados Cherry lip balm that promises to 'bring dry lips back to life with instant hydration.' The promotional reel also features ASAP’s single 'RIOT,' where he flexes about the collaboration with his queen.
Photo Credit: FentyBeauty.Com
In recent interviews, both Rihanna and ASAP have been asked about their collaborations. They express confidence that anything they touch together turns into magic. During Rocky’s Puma x F1 launch last November, he sat down with Complex and said, 'I think we do a real great job at collaborating and making children. I think that's our best creation so far.'
Rihanna, at the launch party for her Puma collaboration in December 2023, told Complex, 'It’s a no-brainer. We're literally a house full of creatives, and it doesn’t matter what aspect that is from.' She passionately shared how they always contribute ideas to each other's concepts.’
Excitingly, it seems we can anticipate more collaborations from the couple beyond their family ventures! Prepare to embrace the magic of their first collaboration in business. Fenty Skin’s new Lux Balm is available now for $16 on FentyBeauty.com. Shop now!
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Rihanna celebrates the release of the new Fenty x Puma Creeper Phatty in LA
On December 18th, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky graced Hollywood's Neue House to celebrate Rihanna's latest sneaker collaboration with Puma, the Creeper Phatty as part of the FENTY x PUMA exclusive line. We discuss it here!
Photo Credit: Gilbert Flores / Getty Images
On December 18th, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky graced Hollywood's Neue House to celebrate Rihanna's latest sneaker collaboration with Puma, the Creeper Phatty as part of the FENTY x PUMA exclusive line. Rihanna provided creative direction and design for this line, pushing the boundaries of both fashion and sport since its inception in 2015.
As guests entered the venue, they were met with a mirrored wall illuminated by green neon lights spelling out Creeper Phatty. Inside, the atmosphere resembled an adult arcade, featuring claw machines offering a chance to win a pair of the new kicks, step mania, and a professional photo opp in front of the iconic Fenty x Puma shoe display. The bar served refreshing cocktails named to match the celebration: "Creeper Phatty" for tequila lovers, "The Outcast" for vodka enthusiasts, and the "Baby Phatty" mocktail for those in a dry December. Female DJs curated the playlist, ensuring the crowd stayed lit—it was truly a memorable experience.
Numerous celebrities and influencers showed their support, including comedian Affion Crockett, model Slick Woods, actor Evan Ross, and Jason Lee. A$AP Rocky stood by, supporting his "Good Girl Gone Bad" as she engaged with the media and posed for pictures.
Rihanna, the style icon herself, accessorized her outfit with purple and red Creeper Phatty sneakers. She sported a lavender fur coat, a leather purple jacket underneath, slouchy blue jeans, and a white t-shirt. Completing her look, Rihanna styled her hair in a honey-blonde fashion, complemented by a striking red and purple cosmetic palette. Notably, Rihanna intentionally introduced kid sizes in this new sneaker line so that her sons could participate in the world of fashion their parents have shaped.
Rihanna shows off the new Creeper Patty's at the Fenty x Puma launch event in Los Angeles.
Photo Credit: Gilbert Flores / Getty Images
Available in three colorways—"PUMA black and warm white," "speed blue and lime pow," and "lavender alert and burnt red"—the redesigned classic silhouette retails for $140 for adults and $75 for children. If your Christmas shopping isn't complete, worry not—these sneakers make the perfect addition to any list! The Creeper Phatty is currently available for purchase on Puma.com.
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