Top 10 Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows of the 21st Century

Super Bowl halftime shows have become a huge part of the event. Many people look forward to seeing the performances as much as the game itself. Some halftime shows get people talking for months, while others don’t quite live up to the hype.

In this list, we highlight the 10 best halftime shows of the 21st century.

All Super Bowl Halftime Performances in 21st Century

We’re now going to break down the top 10 Super Bowl halftime shows of the 21st century. Our picks are based on factors like popularity, crowd reaction, and the overall impact of each performance. These are the shows that really stood out over the years.

10. Aerosmith, NSYNC, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly (Super Bowl XXXV, 2001)

The 2001 Super Bowl halftime show featured Aerosmith, NSYNC, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly, creating a unique mix of rock, pop, and hip-hop. The performance had a lasting impact on the way Super Bowl halftime shows were viewed, pushing the boundaries of genre-blending on such a massive stage.

Key Highlights

• The show took place in Tampa, Florida, during Super Bowl XXXV, and became one of the first to feature multiple genres seamlessly combined.
• Aerosmith and NSYNC performed “Walk This Way,” a moment that became one of the most talked-about collaborations in Super Bowl history.
• Britney Spears joined Aerosmith for the performance, adding another level of excitement by bridging pop and rock.

Impact & Popularity

• Over 90 million people tuned in to watch the performance, making it one of the most-watched Super Bowl halftime shows of its time.
• After the performance, Aerosmith saw a 50% increase in album sales for “Just Push Play.” Similarly, NSYNC saw a significant rise in sales for “No Strings Attached.”

Cultural Influence

• The collaboration between rock and pop artists helped redefine the Super Bowl halftime show, proving that the stage could host artists from diverse musical backgrounds.
• The 2001 show set the stage for more genre-crossing performances in the years that followed, influencing the direction of future halftime shows.

9. The Weeknd (Super Bowl LV, 2021)

The Weeknd took a different approach in 2021. The performance was simple but effective, focusing on visuals and atmosphere rather than a traditional stage setup.

Key Facts

• The Super Bowl was in Tampa, and The Weeknd used $7 million of his own money to enhance the show.
• He performed hits like “Blinding Lights” and “Save Your Tears.”
• 96 million people watched the halftime show.

Impact

• “Blinding Lights” stayed at the top of the charts for weeks.
• “After Hours” saw a 30% rise in streaming following the performance.

Cultural Influence

• The performance showed that Super Bowl halftime shows don’t have to follow the usual big stage formula. The Weeknd made it personal and creative, changing the usual style.

8. U2 (Super Bowl XXXVI, 2002)

U2 delivered one of the most emotional halftime shows in history, performing just months after the 9/11 attacks. The show became a tribute to the lives lost and was a powerful moment for viewers.

U2 : Where the Streets Have No Name
– Super Bowl Halftime Show – New Orleans 2002#U2 #rock #alternativerock #neworleans #superbowl #halftime pic.twitter.com/2kGtV4LorM

— YEBISU_VIDEO (@yebisu63939) April 30, 2024

Key Facts

• Super Bowl XXXVI was in New Orleans, and U2’s set included songs like “Where the Streets Have No Name” and “Beautiful Day.”
• The show ended with the names of the 9/11 victims displayed on a screen, making it one of the most emotional moments in Super Bowl history.
• The performance had over 130 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched halftime shows at the time.

Impact

• U2’s album “All That You Can’t Leave Behind” saw a significant increase in sales after the show.
• The show was praised for its emotional depth, and many fans still regard it as one of the best in Super Bowl history.

7. Katy Perry (Super Bowl XLIX, 2015)

The performance of Katy Perry in 2015 was one of the most entertaining and talked-about halftime shows. It was big, bold, and featured some unforgettable moments.

Key Facts

• The show was in Glendale, Arizona, during Super Bowl XLIX.
• Katy Perry performed hits like “Roar” and “Teenage Dream”.
• The performance featured a giant mechanical lion, Left Shark, and a colorful, over-the-top set.
• 118 million people tuned in, making it one of the most-watched halftime shows of all time.

Impact

• The performance led to an immediate boost in music sales for Katy Perry, especially her hits that were performed during the show.
• Left Shark became a meme, further increasing the show’s reach and keeping it in the public eye for a long time.

6. Bruno Mars (Super Bowl XLVIII, 2014)

Bruno Mars delivered one of the most energetic and impressive halftime shows of all time.

Key Facts

• The performance was in East Rutherford, New Jersey, during Super Bowl XLVIII.
• Bruno Mars performed hits like “Locked Out of Heaven” and “Treasure.”
• The performance included a guest appearance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who played “Give It Away.”
• 115 million viewers tuned in to watch the show.

Impact

• Bruno Mars saw a significant increase in album sales after the performance, particularly for his album “Unorthodox Jukebox.”
• The halftime show helped solidify his place as one of the top entertainers of the decade.

5. Lady Gaga (Super Bowl LI, 2017)

Lady Gaga performed in 2017 with a powerful and energetic show. Known for her strong vocals and stage presence, she made a huge impact.

Key Facts

• The performance was in Houston, Texas, during Super Bowl LI.
• Lady Gaga opened with “God Bless America” and then performed hits like “Poker Face” and “Bad Romance.”
• She made a dramatic entrance by diving from the roof of the stadium.
• 117 million viewers tuned in to watch.

Impact

• Lady Gaga saw a spike in streams after the performance, particularly for “Bad Romance” and “Poker Face.”
• The halftime show helped strengthen her position as one of the biggest entertainers in the world.

4. Shakira & Jennifer Lopez (Super Bowl LIV, 2020)

Shakira and Jennifer Lopez brought a high-energy performance to the 2020 Super Bowl. The show was a celebration of Latin music and culture, full of powerful moments.

Key Facts

• The performance was in Miami, Florida, during Super Bowl LIV.
• Shakira opened with “She Wolf”, followed by “Hips Don’t Lie”. Jennifer Lopez performed hits like “Jenny from the Block” and “On the Floor.”
• Both artists were joined by guests like Bad Bunny and J Balvin.
• 104 million viewers watched the halftime show.

Impact

• The performance boosted music sales for both Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, with a noticeable increase in streams of their songs.
• The show received praise for its celebration of Latin culture and its impressive choreography.

3. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar (Super Bowl LVI, 2022)

The 2022 halftime show brought together legends of hip-hop in a powerful performance that had a massive impact. The show highlighted West Coast rap and featured a star-studded lineup.

Key Facts

• The performance took place in Inglewood, California, during Super Bowl LVI.
• Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar performed hits like “California Love”, “Lose Yourself”, and “Family Affair.”
• 103 million viewers tuned in to watch the show.
• Eminem made a statement by taking a knee during his performance of “Lose Yourself,” a moment that sparked a lot of attention.

Impact

• The performance generated a huge surge in streaming for the featured artists, especially Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Eminem.
• The show was praised for bringing hip-hop to the forefront of the Super Bowl stage and showcasing the genre’s cultural significance.

2. Beyoncé (Super Bowl 50, 2016)

Beyoncé delivered one of the most electrifying halftime shows in 2016. With her powerful performance and iconic moments, she set a new standard for Super Bowl shows.

Key Facts

• The performance was in Santa Clara, California, during Super Bowl 50.
• Beyoncé performed “Formation”, “Crazy in Love”, and “Uptown Funk” with Bruno Mars.
• 111 million viewers watched the performance, making it one of the most-watched halftime shows ever.
• Beyoncé also made a statement with her politically charged performance of “Formation”, which drew a lot of attention.

The #BeyonceBowl #Formation was EVERYTHING! #SB50 pic.twitter.com/Htgjf8xFaO

— Hollywood Reporter Style (@thrstyle) February 8, 2016

Impact

• “Formation” became a huge hit after the show, and Beyoncé saw a significant increase in music sales and streams.
• The performance is still widely regarded as one of the best, both for its energy and its cultural significance.

1. Prince (Super Bowl XLI, 2007)

Prince’s 2007 halftime show is often considered the best in Super Bowl history. His performance was iconic, with memorable moments that have lasted long after the game ended.

Key Facts

• The performance took place in Miami, Florida, during Super Bowl XLI.
• Prince performed hits like “Purple Rain”, “Let’s Go Crazy”, and “Baby I’m a Star.”
• The most memorable moment was when he performed “Purple Rain” in the pouring rain, adding an emotional element to an already powerful show.
• 140 million viewers watched the halftime show, setting a record for the most-watched Super Bowl performance at that time.

Impact

• “Purple Rain” saw a spike in sales following the performance, and it remains one of the most iconic halftime moments ever.
• The performance is widely regarded as one of the best due to its emotional depth, Prince’s incredible musicianship, and his ability to connect with the audience.

Kendrick Lamar Set to Headline Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in New Orleans

Kendrick Lamar will headline the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show. The game will take place on February 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Known for his powerful music and unforgettable performances, Lamar is expected to deliver a show fans will talk about for years.

The Super Bowl halftime show has become one of the biggest stages in music, and Lamar’s inclusion highlights his status as one of the most influential artists today. Songs like “HUMBLE.” and “Alright” have made him a voice of a generation, and fans are already speculating which hits will make the setlist.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar)

The NFL announced Lamar as the headliner while also revealing pregame performances from Louisiana artists like Jon Batiste and Trombone Shorty. The goal is to highlight New Orleans’ rich musical culture while bringing a global star to the stage.

The halftime show is expected to draw over 110 million viewers worldwide, making it one of the most-watched performances of the year. Previous headliners like Dr. Dre and Shakira saw major boosts in music sales and streaming after their performances, and Lamar is likely to experience the same.

Tickets for the game range from $5,000 to $22,000, and the halftime show budget is rumored to exceed $15 million. With Lamar’s track record of delivering high-energy, meaningful performances, the show is set to be a highlight of the year.

Super Bowl LIX will air on Fox and NFL+, with millions tuning in to see Kendrick Lamar take one of the biggest stages in the world.

Now Check Out 22 Fun Facts About Super Bowl

1. The first Super Bowl took place on January 15, 1967, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where the Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs.
2. The term “Super Bowl” was coined by Lamar Hunt, owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, inspired by his children’s toy, the “Super Ball.”
3. The first three Super Bowls were known as the “AFL-NFL World Championship Game.” The term “Super Bowl” was officially adopted for the fourth championship game in 1970.
4. The Super Bowl is consistently the most-watched television event in the United States, with over 100 million viewers annually.
5. A 30-second commercial spot during the Super Bowl can cost up to $7 million due to the massive viewership.
6. Super Bowl Sunday is the second-largest food consumption day in the United States, only behind Thanksgiving.
7. Americans consume over 1.4 billion chicken wings on Super Bowl Sunday.
8. The halftime show has featured top artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, and Beyoncé, becoming a major attraction alongside the game itself.
9. The most valuable Super Bowl ticket ever sold fetched $155,000 at auction.
10. Designing and making the Super Bowl rings can take up to four months, with each ring valued at over $36,500.
11. Miami has hosted the most Super Bowls, with a total of 11 games.
12. No team had ever played the Super Bowl in their home stadium until the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did in 2021.
13. Super Bowl XXIX, with a total of 75 points, is the highest-scoring Super Bowl in history.
14. The longest play in Super Bowl history is a 108-yard kickoff return by Jacoby Jones in Super Bowl XLVII.
15. The Super Bowl trophy is named after Vince Lombardi, the legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers, who won the first two Super Bowls.
16. Phil Simms was paid $75,000 to shout “I’m going to Disney World” after his team’s victory in Super Bowl XXI.
17. Four NFL teams have never appeared in a Super Bowl: the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
18. The New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos are tied for the most Super Bowl losses, each having lost five times.
19. The Green Bay Packers were the first team to receive Super Bowl rings, following their victory in Super Bowl I. Each ring was made of gold and featured a single diamond.
20. Super Bowl LI in 2017 was the first Super Bowl to go into overtime, with the New England Patriots defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34-28.
21. The “Super Bowl Indicator” suggests that if a team from the original NFL wins, the stock market will rise, and if a team from the old AFL wins, the market will fall. This theory has been debunked as mere coincidence.
22. The tradition of dousing the winning coach with Gatorade began with the New York Giants in the mid-1980s and has become a common celebration.

FAQs

What team has won the most Super Bowls?

The New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers are tied for the most Super Bowl wins, with each team having won 6 championships.

Who was the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl?

Ben Roethlisberger became the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl at the age of 23, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to victory in Super Bowl XL.

What is the largest margin of victory in Super Bowl history?

The largest margin of victory was in Super Bowl XX, when the Chicago Bears defeated the New England Patriots 46-10.

How much do players on the winning team earn for a Super Bowl victory?

As of 2025, players on the winning team earn $150,000 each, while players on the losing team receive $75,000.

What is the coldest Super Bowl ever played?

Super Bowl VI, held in New Orleans in 1972, was the coldest on record, with the temperature dropping to 39 degrees Fahrenheit inside Tulane Stadium.

Final Thoughts

The Super Bowl is more than just a football game. It brings together sports, music, and traditions that people enjoy every year. Halftime shows have become a key part of the event, giving fans performances that are talked about long after the game ends.

Kendrick Lamar is set to bring his energy to the 2025 halftime stage, adding to the long list of unforgettable moments. The Super Bowl remains a celebration that connects millions of people, offering excitement, entertainment, and memories for all who watch.

Read Next – How Hip-Hop Turned NBA Players Into Cultural Ambassadors