- - The 20 Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows: Revisiting the Big Game's Most Controversial and Memorable Performances (from Janet Jackson to Left Shark!)

Diane J. Cho, Paris C., Carson BlackwelderFebruary 8, 2026 at 6:15 AM

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Rihanna performs onstage during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 12, 2023; Prince performs a surprise three-song set during the Super Bowl XLI press conference at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Fla., on Feb. 1, 2007; Lady Gaga performs during the Pepsi Zero Sugar Super Bowl 51 Halftime Show at NRG Stadium in Houston on Feb. 5, 2017

Gregory Shamus/Getty; Tannen Maury/EPA/Shutterstock; Ronald Martinez/Getty

Bad Bunny will grace the stage as the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show headliner on Feb. 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

The Puerto Rican singer-rapper is the latest superstar to take to the field during football's biggest night to perform

Over the years, artists such as Lady Gaga, Prince, Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Katy Perry and more have delivered some of the most iconic — and infamous — performances

With the countdown to the 2026 Super Bowl underway, all eyes are on Bad Bunny as he gears up for what's sure to be an electric halftime performance.

When he was announced as the performer, the Puerto Rican superstar said in a statement, "What I'm feeling goes beyond myself. It's for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown."

He also dedicated the opportunity to take the field at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Feb. 8, to "my people, my culture, and our history." Bad Bunny is fresh off a truly landmark year, with three Grammy Award wins, including Album of the Year and Best Música Urbana Album for his 2025 album Debí Tirar Más Fotos.

While fans don't know who will be joining him as guests (Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, J Balvin, Daddy Yankee, Rosalía or Ricky Martin, perhaps?) during the halftime show, Bad Bunny is the latest in a long line of artists to perform during one of the most-watched TV events.

Ahead of Bad Bunny gracing the Super Bowl stage, here's a look back at some of the most memorable halftime performances throughout the years.

01 of 20

Super Bowl LVIII: Usher

Usher performs during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII halftime show at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Feb. 11, 2024

Kevin Mazur/Getty

Usher, undoubtedly one of music's greatest showmen, set the Super Bowl stage ablaze in 2024, delivering a high-energy halftime show packed with his biggest hits and signature dance moves.

Performing at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, home to his 100-show residency, the R&B icon opened with "Caught Up" before gliding through classics like "Yeah!," "My Boo" and "U Got It Bad," to name a few.

The show featured dynamic choreography, a surprise roller-skating sequence and star-studded guest appearances — with Alicia Keys joining him for a sultry duet of "My Boo" and Lil Jon and Ludacris bringing the A-Town energy for "Yeah!"

02 of 20

Super Bowl LVII: Rihanna

Rihanna performs onstage during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVII halftime show at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 12, 2023 Ezra Shaw/Getty

In her highly anticipated 2023 Super Bowl halftime show, Rihanna delivered a performance to remember. Not only did she perform a medley of her hits from atop a floating stage, but she also silently confirmed she was pregnant with baby No. 2!

The star took the stage at Arizona's State Farm Stadium dressed head-to-toe in bright red, revealing a baby bump and becoming the first pregnant woman to headline the halftime show.

Rihanna and rapper A$AP Rocky welcomed their first child, RZA Athelston, in May 2022. Their second son, Riot Rose, arrived in August 2023. The couple welcomed Rocki Irish, their third child and first daughter together, in September 2025.

03 of 20

Super Bowl LVI: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent

From left: Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI halftime show at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Feb. 13, 2022 Gregory Shamus/Getty

Hip-hop took center stage at the 2022 Super Bowl at Inglewood's SoFi Stadium, bringing together some of the genre's biggest icons like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar with a medley of their hits — plus a surprise cameo from previously unannounced 50 Cent.

The crew also paid tribute to another Los Angeles legend, the late Tupac Shakur, performing his Dr. Dre-assisted 1995 hit single, "California Love." Lamar returned to the Super Bowl for a second time in 2025, becoming the first solo rapper to headline the coveted gig.

04 of 20

Super Bowl LIV: Shakira and Jennifer Lopez

(L-R) Shakira and Jennifer Lopez perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl LIV halftime show at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Feb. 2, 2020 Focus on Sport/Getty

Just before taking the stage with Shakira to deliver an exhilarating halftime show at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, Jennifer Lopez captioned a since-deleted photo of them together, captioning it: "Let's show the world what two little Latin girls can do." And they did just that.

The women delivered their high-energy 2020 set, showing off their amazing dance moves and musical talents — including a special cameo from Lopez's child, Emme, who was 11 at the time.

"Yes! Halftime was JOY!!!!!!!!! Yes!!!!! @shakira @JLo everything that's yes," Pink wrote in a now-deleted post on X, with endless celebs following suit in congratulatory posts on social media.

"It's a perfect moment in my life, honestly," Lopez told Vanity Fair shortly before the show. "But it's also a great time for Latina women to take the stage at the biggest all-American event, with everything that's going on in the country right now."

05 of 20

Super Bowl LIII: Maroon 5

From left: Big Boi, Adam Levine of Maroon 5 and Sleepy Brown perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl LIII Halftime Show at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Feb. 3, 2019

For their 2019 halftime show at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Adam Levine and his Maroon 5 bandmates performed a medley of their hits. They also brought out Georgia hip-hop icons like Big Boi and Sleepy Brown, as well as Travis Scott.

Following the show, Levine wrote on Instagram at the time: "We thank the universe for this historic opportunity to play on the world's biggest stage. We thank our fans for making our dreams possible. And we thank our critics for always pushing us to do better. One Love."

06 of 20

Super Bowl LII: Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII halftime show at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Feb. 4, 2018 Christopher Polk/Getty Images

Justin Timberlake's 2018 Super Bowl performance at Minneapolis' U.S. Bank Stadium went off without a hitch, helping to distance him from the infamous 2004 wardrobe malfunction moment with Janet Jackson further into the past.

The pop star performed his greatest hits and paid homage to "Purple Rain" singer Prince in the late artist's hometown.

07 of 20

Super Bowl LI: Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga performs onstage during the Pepsi Zero Sugar Super Bowl LI halftime show at NRG Stadium in Houston on Feb. 5, 2017 Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Lady Gaga's 2017 Super Bowl performance at Houston's NRG Stadium wowed fans across the country as she worked the crowd, belting hits like "Just Dance," "Born This Way" and "Million Reasons." Mother Monster even pulled off a viral moment when she appeared to leap into the stadium to kick off her set.

08 of 20

Super Bowl 50: Coldplay

From left: Beyoncé, Chris Martin of Coldplay and Bruno Mars perform onstage during the Pepsi Super Bowl 50 halftime show at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Feb. 7, 2016 Kevin Mazur/WireImage

The star-studded 2016 halftime show — headlined by Coldplay and featuring special guests Beyoncé and Bruno Mars — will go down as one of the most epic performances in Super Bowl history. Fans at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., erupted as the trio delivered a medley of their hits, and Beyoncé and Mars faced off in an epic dance battle for the Super Bowl's landmark 50th game.

09 of 20

Super Bowl XLIX: Katy Perry

Katy Perry (left) and Missy Elliott perform onstage during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLIX halftime show at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 1, 2015; Katy Perry and Lenny Kravitz perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLIX halftime show at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 1, 2015 Christopher Polk/Getty Images; Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Katy Perry arrived at the 2015 Super Bowl halftime stage at University of Phoenix Stadium (now State Farm Stadium) in Glendale, Ariz., riding atop a giant metallic lion. Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott joined the pop star during her highly acclaimed set, while Perry seamlessly transitioned through several elaborate and colorful wardrobe changes.

The night also introduced an unexpected viral sensation: Left Shark, whose offbeat, impromptu dance moves stole the show.

10 of 20

Super Bowl XLVIII: Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars (far right) and the Red Hot Chili Peppers perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVIII halftime show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Feb. 2, 2014 Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

In 2014, Mars brought Super Bowl fans to their feet at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., kicking off with his hit "Billionaire" alongside Gym Class Heroes frontman Travie McCoy. Mars sang, danced and played the drums, captivating the audience with his undeniable stage presence. The Red Hot Chili Peppers then joined him to perform "Give It Away."

11 of 20

Super Bowl XLVII: Beyoncé

From left: Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé and Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVII halftime show at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 3, 2013 Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Beyoncé pulled out all the stops for her 2013 halftime performance at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome (now Caesars Superdome) in New Orleans. It was entertainment at its finest as the star performed hit after hit before bringing out former girl group members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams for a long-awaited Destiny's Child reunion the world was waiting for.

"There haven't been that many women that have done Super Bowl halftime shows — I had to hold it down for the ladies," she told CBS, per Billboard.

The performance was so epic that the stadium's power temporarily went out afterward — though officials said the two events were not related, according to the Los Angeles Times.

12 of 20

Super Bowl XLVI: Madonna

From left: Nicki Minaj, Madonna and M.I.A. perform onstage during the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLVI halftime show at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Feb. 5, 2012 Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Pop icon Madonna took the stage at the 2012 Super Bowl at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, performing a string of hits, bookended by "Vogue" and "Like a Prayer." She was later joined by LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A. and CeeLo Green.

While fans and celebrities praised the performance, controversy erupted after M.I.A. flashed her middle finger on camera, sparking backlash that somewhat overshadowed the night. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the incident led to the NFL suing M.I.A. for millions of dollars. In 2014, ESPN reported the NFL settled the lawsuit confidentially with the British singer-rapper.

13 of 20

Super Bowl XLV: The Black Eyed Peas

Usher performs with the Black Eyed Peas during the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLV halftime show at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Feb. 6, 2011; Will.i.am, Fergie and Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas perform during the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLV halftime show at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Feb. 6, 2011; Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas performs alongside Slash during the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLV halftime show at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Feb. 6, 2011 Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic; Rob Carr/Getty Images; Al Bello/Getty Images

The Black Eyed Peas' 2011 halftime show at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, received lukewarm reviews, largely due to the various technical difficulties. At one point, Fergie's mic cut out, and lighting issues plagued parts of the performance. However, the crowd's mood and energy shifted when Slash and Usher helped revive the crowd with their surprise appearances.

14 of 20

Super Bowl XLIII: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band perform at the Bridgestone halftime show during Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Feb. 1, 2009 Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Bruce Springsteen had turned down previous offers to perform at the Super Bowl. However, in 2009, "The Boss" finally bit the bullet to perform at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. — and he didn't disappoint. Springsteen and the E Street Band spent their 12-minute set ripping through hits like "Born to Run" and "Glory Days," making for an unforgettable night.

15 of 20

Super Bowl XLII: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers perform during the Super Bowl XLII halftime show at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 3, 2008 Ron Antonelli/NY Daily News Archive/Getty Images

The beloved singer-songwriter Tom Petty — who died in 2017 — put on a rock-solid performance at the 2008 Super Bowl halftime show at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. His setlist included "American Girl," "I Won't Back Down," "Free Fallin'" and "Runnin' Down a Dream."

16 of 20

Super Bowl XLI: Prince

Florida A&M University Marching 100 perform during the Super Bowl XLI halftime show at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Feb. 4, 2007; Prince performs in the rain during the Super Bowl XLI halftime show at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Feb. 4, 2007 Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images; ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images

Leave it to Prince to perform one of the most legendary Super Bowl halftime performances ever.

During the 2007 Super Bowl at Dolphin Stadium (now Hard Rock Stadium) in Miami Gardens, Fla., the "When Doves Cry" singer delivered a jaw-dropping set that consisted his hits "Let's Go Crazy," "Baby I'm a Star" and "1999" as well as several other popular songs from other artists, accompanied by the Florida A&M University Marching 100 Band.

Then, in a moment of pure magic, Prince sang "Purple Rain" just as it began to drizzle, making the halftime show all the more unforgettable and poignant since the late musician's death in April 2016 at the age of 57.

17 of 20

Super Bowl XL: The Rolling Stones

From left: Ron Wood, Charlie Watts and Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones perform at halftime during Super Bowl XL at Ford Field in Detroit on Feb. 5, 2006 Theo Wargo/WireImage

The Rolling Stones had to censor their 2006 halftime show at Ford Field in Detroit at the request of the NFL, Ultimate Classic Rock reported. Mick Jagger was asked to tone it down during "Start Me Up" and "Rough Justice" due to their explicit lyrics, but the band still managed to put on an electrifying set, which ended with their hit "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction."

18 of 20

Super Bowl XXXIX: Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney performs during the Super Bowl XXXIX halftime show at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., on Feb. 6, 2005 Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Paul McCartney had fans singing along throughout his grand one-man band set at the 2005 Super Bowl, which was held at the Alltel Stadium (now EverBank Stadium) in Jacksonville, Fla. After the music legend performed classics like "Live and Let Die" and "Hey Jude," The Beatles legend concluded his iconic set by lighting up the night sky with fireworks.

19 of 20

Super Bowl XXXVIII: Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Diddy, Nelly and Kid Rock

Sean "Diddy" Combs (left) and Nelly perform during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Feb. 1, 2004; Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake perform during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Feb. 1, 2004; Kid Rock performs during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Feb. 1, 2004 Frank Micelotta/Getty Images; KMazur/WireImage; Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Jackson's 2004 Super Bowl halftime show remains one of the most infamous performances in history — and not for the guest appearances by Kid Rock and Nelly.

All anyone could talk about that year was the now-infamous "wardrobe malfunction" between Timberlake and Jackson that spurred #Nipplegate. The shocking moment occurred when Timberlake accidentally pulled off part of the singer's outfit, exposing her right breast to the entire stadium and the tens of millions of viewers who had tuned in for the big show.

While Timberlake went on to headline the event in 2018, the blowback from the incident led Jackson to be effectively blacklisted from future halftime shows. The *NSYNC alum later issued a public apology to Jackson in 2021.

Fortunately, the two are on good terms. In the 2022 Lifetime and A&E documentary Janet, Jackson said she and Timberlake are "very good friends" who "have moved on."

Jackson added, "It's time for everyone else to do the same."

20 of 20

Super Bowl XXXV: Aerosmith and *NSYNC

*NSYNC, Aerosmith, Britney Spears and Nelly perform during the Super Bowl XXXV halftime show at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fl., on Jan. 28, 2001

Doug Pensinger/ALLSPORT

In the most 2001 thing to ever happen, Aerosmith and *NSYNC co-headlined that year's halftime show at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., and were joined by the likes of Britney Spears, Blige and Nelly.

The groups took turns performing their hits, *NSYNC with "Bye Bye Bye" and "It's Gonna Be Me" and Aerosmith with "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" and "Jaded," before they came together for the final song: Aerosmith's "Walk This Way." For this number, Spears, Blige and Nelly joined in on the fun for what was the most chaotic or brilliant — or both — moment in Super Bowl history.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”