5 Iconic Super Bowl Halftime Performances That Redefined the Big Game

The music set to be played at the halftime of the NFL’s Super Bowl is always a hot topic, and the upcoming game on February 8, 2026, in California is no exception. With tickets officially going on sale today, British crooner Adele is rumored to be the scheduled performer, though artists like Taylor Swift and Metallica have also been speculated.

Halftime at the Super Bowl has often gone down as a significant cultural event, with rapper Kendrick Lamar joining those artistic ranks with his much-discussed performance earlier this year (that seemed to confirm who won Lamar’s rap beef with Drake). U2 also historically rocked the halftime stage decades ago with one of their most important performances.

Will Adele wind up being the latest name to define what it means to be a Super Bowl halftime performer? The list of musicians who changed the game within the format is a steep group of talent.

Kendrick Lamar (2025 Super Bowl LIX)

After the much-hyped feud with fellow rapper Drake and the surprise release of Lamar’s sixth studio album GNX just a few months prior to the Super Bowl, expectations were high for the Compton, California native’s performance. And, no matter what side of the beef you were on, Lamar ultimately delivered a gripping, thematic, shapeshifting setlist.

Comprised heavily of GNX tracks (with hits like “DNA” and “All The Stars” in the mix as well), Lamar pulled out all the stops, with collaborators SZA and Mustard making appearances (along with actor Samuel L. Jackson and tennis player Serena Williams). While the style wasn’t for everyone, the vision was clear and artistically defining for Lamar.

Beyoncé (2013 Super Bowl XLVIII)

Beyoncé roared with her trademark brand of fierceness through a halftime set at the 2013 Super Bowl that ran through plenty of hits (like “Crazy in Love”) in just over ten minutes of stage time. In typical fashion for the performer, she had the vocals, dance moves, and signature stage presence that didn’t let you forget how she got there.

The biggest moment, though, was arguably when Queen Bey brought out former Destiny’s Child cohorts Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams to run through DC songs “Bootylicious” and “Independent Woman, Pt. 1” as well as Beyoncé’s solo track “Single Ladies.” Nothing like a little nostalgia to cap off a few moments spent in Beyoncé’s world.

Lady Gaga (2017 Super Bowl LI)

Lady Gaga pulled out all the stops for her performance at the 2017 Super Bowl halftime show. She jumped from the stadium’s roof (and off the stage at halftime’s conclusion to catch a glittering football) and had drones, fireworks, flamethrowers, and technical achievements galore in the first female-headlined SB show without special guests since 1996 at that point.

Gaga also incorporated hit songs like “Poker Face,” “Born This Way,” and “Telephone” (along with the then recently released “Million Reasons”). The display was a brilliant, proficient mix of both the technical and the talented in a way that could only be described as Gaga. She carried the Super Bowl stage to even greater heights with one swing (or jump).

Michael Jackson (1993 Super Bowl XXVII)

Much like Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson also went all-out for his 1993 Super Bowl set. Using body doubles to look as though he was jumping up to two stadium Jumbotrons, the real Jackson suddenly appeared in the middle of the field. The reaction was so exuberant the “King of Pop” simply stood still as he received a rousing standing ovation.

This moment went on for multiple minutes, as Jackson seemingly drank in the scene (cool as a cucumber), only turning slightly to the left. The glasses then came off, and his guitarist kick-started the legendary performance.

Running quickly through catalog staples like “Billie Jean” and “Black or White,” Jackson transformed the entire stadium with a stirring, closing rendition of “Heal the World.” The resulting viewership would not only break records for the Super Bowl halftime show but would also define the practice of popular, hit-making artists appearing on it going forward.

Prince (2007 Super Bowl XLI)

Prince’s Super Bowl XLI performance in 2007 (viewable here) was, in typical Prince fashion, the stuff legends are made from. Taking place on a stage shaped like the Purple One’s trademark symbol, he and his band got originals like “Let’s Go Crazy” and “Baby I’m A Star” into the mix, along with segments of covers fitting perfectly into the set.

There was Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Proud Mary,” Bob Dylan’s “All Along The Watchtower,” and even the Foo Fighters’ “Best of You.” Prince showed he could do it all while shredding on the guitar, his band and dancers not missing a beat either.

This wasn’t entirely easy, either, as rainy weather had created fears for both the footings of performers on stage and the electrical equipment. Prince was never phased, reportedly asking organizers if they “could make it rain harder.” It even did during the closing anthem “Purple Rain,” making for a heaven-sent Super Bowl halftime-defining juggernaut.