Unforgettable Super Bowl Halftime Shows That Changed the Game

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Don’t expect Kendrick Lamar to sit down and be humble at the 2025 Super Bowl.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m excited to share that, much like Rihanna, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, and numerous other iconic artists before him, you can expect an electrifying, show-stopping performance from the rapper when he takes center stage for the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show on February 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Get ready to be amazed!

Absolutely, Kendrick Lamar has graced the big game field before, and that was back in 2022 when he teamed up with Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and Mary J. Blige for a memorable hip-hop halftime show. This time around, he won’t be alone, as his frequent collaborator SZA is scheduled to join him during the performance.

During halftime shows, artists generally have fewer than 15 minutes to create a memorable experience for the audience. However, they often manage to do this swiftly, as demonstrated by Rihanna when she captivated audiences within mere seconds during her 2023 performance. This was due to the fact that she revealed she was expecting her second child with partner A$AP Rocky by opening her red jumpsuit to expose her baby bump on stage.

Additionally, it’s not just Jennifer Lopez who has utilized this large stage for expression. When she teamed up with Shakira in 2020, even her child Emme made a statement by singing a part of “Let’s Get Loud” inside a cage, symbolizing the news about migrant children being separated from their families at that time.

However, even though the halftime show provides an excellent opportunity to create pop culture landmarks, securing this prestigious position isn’t solely about entertaining the crowd. After Usher headlined the event in 2024 with special guests like Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and Lil Jon, he shared some valuable advice with Kendrick Lamar on maximizing that significant moment.

During his guest spot on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” on February 4th, the R&B artist emphasized, “Take time to truly appreciate the present. It’s easy to become consumed with striving for perfection in your performance, but remember, it’s truly about finding joy in the experience itself.

Keep scrolling for some of the most memorable moments from previous Super Bowl Halftime Shows…

As a lifestyle expert, let me share my take on the electrifying 2014 Super Bowl performance by Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers! I was there, front and center, feeling the energy as Mars ignited the show with a thundering drum solo that set the stage ablaze. He then treated us to a captivating medley of his chart-topping tunes like “Locked Out of Heaven,” “Runaway Baby,” and “Treasure.” The crowd was already buzzing, but the real fireworks began when the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers joined him for an exhilarating rendition of their iconic hit, “Give It Away.” The whole stadium erupted as we danced and jumped to the high-octane beats that night. It was a performance that will go down in history!

Taking a cue from Coldplay’s Chris Martin as he kicked off the Super Bowl 2016 halftime show with his lyrics, “Let’s gaze at the stars!”, what an unforgettable night it was, graced by a galaxy of stars no less! The rock sensation, Coldplay, collaborated with none other than Beyoncé and Bruno Mars to deliver a medley of their chart-topping tunes. We were treated to a blend of “Viva La Vida,” “Uptown Funk,” and “Formation.” A truly stellar performance indeed!

2005 saw Paul McCartney proving at the Super Bowl halftime show that timeless classics from the rock genre continue to hold sway. The revered performer moved effortlessly through one hit after another, belting out “Drive My Car,” “Get Back,” “Live and Let Die,” and wrapping up his act with an energetic rendition of “Hey Jude” that had everyone in the audience joining in.

It was challenging to avoid being mesmerized by the brilliant display of lights during The Weeknd’s stunning halftime performance at the 2021 Super Bowl. On his own, the “Starboy” singer captivated the audience with a fantastic selection of tunes, such as “The Hills,” “Earned It,” “Save Your Tears,” “I Can’t Feel My Face,” and “I Feel It Coming.

At the Super Bowl Halftime Show, the Black Eyed Peas, Usher, and Slash from Guns N’ Roses delivered electrifying performances that were powerful enough to knock you out. However, some spectators raised concerns about the audio quality on occasion.

We only need two words to explain why this Halftime Show went viral: Left Shark.

Who was the group that played back in 2010? The iconic rock band The Who! They delivered a medley of their chart-toppers at the Super Bowl, including “Pinball Wizard,” “Who Are You,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” and “Baba O’Riley.

Over the years, his performance has been underestimated due to its lack of flashiness compared to others. However, Petty’s concert was packed with rock classics like “American Girl,” “Won’t Back Down,” “Free Fallin’,” and “Running Down a Dream.” A decade ago, he graced the stage, performed admirably, and beamed with joy. Rest in peace to him.

In that particular instance, opinions about Justin Timberlake’s solo act from 2018 varied widely.

On stage, the singer requested, “Please move away from the guacamole dip, stop handling the chicken fingers, and crank up the volume on your TV as loud as it goes.” And who among us would dare go against the Boss’s wishes?

Regardless of time or place, Mick Jagger and his boisterous bandmates have consistently delivered top-notch performances for over five decades. This was evident when they energized the NFL crowd with hits such as “Rough Justice” and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.

Essentially, every individual associated with the music world graced the stage during the Super Bowl. Chaos ensued. This performance took place at the peak of boy bands, pop stars, and catchy pop tunes, and it continues to be remembered as one of the most legendary shows in history.

The event was breathtakingly impressive, featuring a Cleopatra-like attire, a soulful gospel choir, and something resembling cheerleading garb. It resonated with us all – spectators, participants, even football itself. Such an experience will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark, and nothing can ever truly return to the way it was before.

In his debut work (which could be likened to a piece of music), Sting surprised the audience by offering an updated rendition of his renowned “Message in a Bottle.” Gwen Stefani, with her toned abs, loose trousers and sparkling corset, captivated the crowd. The entire event was electrifying, and the audience adored every moment.

In 2020, the two sensational Latin Pop artists ignited the stage during the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show with their electrifying performances, leaving audiences thrilled and some astonished. Joining them were J Balvin and Bad Bunny, while Emmy, J.Lo’s daughter, showcased her impressive vocal skills onstage!

Previously of the Supremes, Diana Ross was nothing less than extraordinary during her Halftime Show performance. In merely 12 minutes, she pulled off an impressive four outfit transformations. The ageless performer sang “You Keep Me Hanging on,” “Baby Love,” and “I Will Survive” before departing in a helicopter – a fitting exit for none other than Diana Ross.

Following her performance of the national anthem at Obama’s second inauguration a month prior, Beyoncé was determined to deliver an exceptional showcase at the Super Bowl, and she certainly did not disappoint. Jay-Z’s beloved partner took center stage at the Superdome in New Orleans, belting out powerful vocals that left the crowd spellbound. Halfway through her performance, fans were sent into a frenzy as Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland joined Beyoncé for a surprise reunion of Destiny’s Child. Beyoncé, you truly slayed!

In a different twist of events, instead of raising the roof, Lady G sang “God Bless America” before seemingly leaping from it (in a symbolic sense). Kicking off with such an exhilarating start, the renowned singer transitioned to her hit song “Poker Face.” The performance was nothing short of extraordinary, extravagant, and entirely focused on Lady Gaga, leaving fans utterly ecstatic. There were no meat dresses, no stage blood, no massive glowing eggs—just an electrifying show that made it seem as if the “Bad Romance” singer was destined to perform on the 50-yard line.

In an extraordinary display that only the legendary Michael Jackson could manage, he confidently stood still for a whole 90 seconds (keep in mind he had just 13 minutes at his disposal) on stage. The captivating performer held the audience spellbound as he launched into “Jam.” Following this, he seamlessly transitioned to both “Billie Jean” and “Black or White,” complete with fedoras, crotch grabs, leg spins (and kicks), offering an abundance of entertainment. As his performance reached its climax, the pop icon used the entire Rose Bowl audience to create massive portraits of children, ending with a poignant rendition of “Heal the World.

Previously known as The Artist Formerly Known as Prince, he excelled during the Super Bowl Halftime show by performing a medley of popular songs such as “We Will Rock You,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Baby I’m a Star,” “Proud Mary,” “All Along the Watchtower,” “Best of You” and “Purple Rain”—all this while it was raining!

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2025-02-07 11:19