The Ultimate List: Every Super Bowl Halftime Show Performer, From Iconic Legends To The Shocking 2026 Headliner
The Super Bowl Halftime Show has evolved from a simple collegiate marching band performance into the single most-watched musical event in the world, a 15-minute spectacle that defines pop culture and generates global headlines. As of December 2025, the anticipation for future performances is already building, with the NFL and Apple Music making major announcements that ensure the show's continued reign as a must-see event.
This deep dive provides the most current and comprehensive list of every major performer, detailing the recent showstoppers like Usher and Rihanna, and revealing the groundbreaking announcements for Super Bowl LIX (2025) and Super Bowl LX (2026). The legacy of the halftime show is one of star power, technical marvels, and unforgettable, often controversial, moments that continue to be debated years later.
The Complete Halftime Show Performers List (1991–2026)
The modern era of the Super Bowl Halftime Show began in 1991 with New Kids on the Block, shifting the focus from military bands and themed productions to major pop and rock acts. The following list showcases the headliners who have defined the spectacle, including the most recent and future announcements, providing over 30 relevant entities for topical authority.
- Super Bowl LVIII (2024): Usher (with guests Alicia Keys, H.E.R., will.i.am, Lil Jon, and Ludacris)
- Super Bowl LVII (2023): Rihanna
- Super Bowl LVI (2022): Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar (with guest 50 Cent)
- Super Bowl LV (2021): The Weeknd
- Super Bowl LIV (2020): Jennifer Lopez and Shakira
- Super Bowl LIII (2019): Maroon 5 (with guests Travis Scott and Big Boi)
- Super Bowl LII (2018): Justin Timberlake
- Super Bowl LI (2017): Lady Gaga
- Super Bowl 50 (2016): Coldplay (with guests Beyoncé and Bruno Mars)
- Super Bowl XLIX (2015): Katy Perry (with guests Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott)
- Super Bowl XLVIII (2014): Bruno Mars (with guest Red Hot Chili Peppers)
- Super Bowl XLVII (2013): Beyoncé (with guests Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child)
- Super Bowl XLVI (2012): Madonna (with guests LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., and CeeLo Green)
- Super Bowl XLV (2011): The Black Eyed Peas (with guests Usher and Slash)
- Super Bowl XLIV (2010): The Who
- Super Bowl XLIII (2009): Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
- Super Bowl XLII (2008): Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
- Super Bowl XLI (2007): Prince
- Super Bowl XL (2006): The Rolling Stones
- Super Bowl XXXIX (2005): Paul McCartney
- Super Bowl XXXVIII (2004): Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, P. Diddy, Kid Rock, and Nelly
- Super Bowl XXXVII (2003): Shania Twain, No Doubt, and Sting
- Super Bowl XXVII (1993): Michael Jackson
- Super Bowl XXV (1991): New Kids on the Block
Breaking News: The Future of the Halftime Show
The NFL has solidified its commitment to blockbuster entertainment with two major, forward-looking announcements that ensure the halftime show remains a global phenomenon.
- Super Bowl LIX (2025): Kendrick Lamar has been announced as the headliner for the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show. This selection, announced on September 8, 2024, brings one of the most critically acclaimed and influential hip-hop artists of his generation to the world stage.
- Super Bowl LX (2026): Global sensation Bad Bunny is set to headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show. This groundbreaking announcement, made recently, signifies a massive step in featuring Latin trap and reggaeton at the pinnacle of American sports entertainment, guaranteeing massive international viewership.
The Most Iconic and Controversial Halftime Show Moments
Beyond the impressive list of performers, the Super Bowl Halftime Show is defined by moments of pure spectacle, unexpected technical failures, and cultural controversy. These events have shaped how the show is produced and regulated today, becoming essential parts of pop culture history.
The "Nipplegate" Incident (2004)
The performance at Super Bowl XXXVIII remains the most controversial moment in halftime show history. During a duet of "Rock Your Body," Justin Timberlake removed a piece of Janet Jackson's costume, briefly exposing her breast in what was later termed a "wardrobe malfunction." The incident led to massive public outcry, a major FCC investigation, and the implementation of a five-second delay for all future live Super Bowl broadcasts.
Prince’s Purple Rain in the Rain (2007)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest halftime shows ever, Prince’s performance at Super Bowl XLI was a masterclass in showmanship. Despite a torrential downpour, the legendary artist delivered an electrifying set, culminating in a stunning rendition of "Purple Rain" with his silhouette famously projected onto a large curtain. When asked about the rain, Prince reportedly told producers, "Can you make it rain harder?"
The Moments That Shocked and Delighted Audiences
While some moments caused controversy, others simply became viral sensations or demonstrated the sheer power of the live spectacle. These events added layers of depth and conversation to the Super Bowl experience.
The Blackout Bowl and Destiny’s Child Reunion (2013)
Beyoncé’s powerful performance at Super Bowl XLVII included a highly anticipated reunion with her Destiny's Child bandmates, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. However, the show was immediately followed by a partial power outage at the stadium, plunging half the Superdome into darkness. The incident, dubbed the "Blackout Bowl," briefly overshadowed the performance but ultimately added to the show’s legendary status.
The Rise of the Left Shark (2015)
Katy Perry's vibrant, colorful performance at Super Bowl XLIX is best remembered not for the headliner, but for an unexpected backup dancer. During her song "Teenage Dream," one of the two costumed sharks dancing behind her, later dubbed "Left Shark," appeared to forget the choreography, dancing haphazardly and spawning one of the most famous internet memes of the decade.
The Hip-Hop Showcase and Star Power (2022)
The Super Bowl LVI show, headlined by Dr. Dre, was a historic moment, marking the first time the show was dedicated to a celebration of hip-hop culture. The collective star power of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar delivered a monumental performance that paid tribute to the genre's West Coast roots, featuring iconic hits and a powerful closing message from Eminem.
The Halftime Show’s Impact on Global Stardom
The Super Bowl Halftime Show is more than just entertainment; it's a massive, free marketing platform. Performers who take the stage often see a dramatic spike in music sales, streaming numbers, and social media engagement immediately following the broadcast. For instance, Rihanna's performance at Super Bowl LVII in 2023, where she also revealed her second pregnancy, led to a surge in streams of her back catalog. Similarly, Usher's energetic, roller-skating performance in 2024 saw his music re-enter global charts. The platform’s influence is undeniable, transforming a 15-minute slot into a career-defining moment for every artist involved, setting the stage for the next decade of musical spectacles.
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