Already have an account?
Get back to the

Relive the Best Super Bowl Halftime Show Performances Ever: Beyonce, Prince, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson and More

Get the beer and wings ready! As Super Bowl LI quickly approaches and Lady Gaga prepares for the biggest 12 minutes of her life, Us Weekly is looking back at the most iconic halftime show performances through the years. Watch the video above to relive some of the most memorable sets!

Related: PHOTOS: Super Bowl Halftime Performers Through the Years

Beyonce
Beyonce performs onstage during the Pepsi Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show at Levi’s Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Beyoncé (2013)

Beyoncé had football fans across the globe feeling crazy in love when she commanded the Super Bowl XLVII stage at New Orleans’ Mercedes-Benz Superdome in 2013. The pop superstar ran through a gamut of hits from her catalog, including “Love on Top” and “Baby Boy,” before bringing out her surprise guests and former Destiny’s Child bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Together, the trio entertained the crowd with “Bootylicious” and “Independent Women Part I.”

Prince
Prince during Super Bowl XLI – Indianapolis Colts vs Chicago Bears – Half Time Show at Dolphins Stadium in Miami, Florida, United States. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Prince (2007)

Prince exceeded all expectations — and then some — as he performed in the middle of a rainstorm at Super Bowl XLI at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens in 2007. The music legend, who died in April 2016, wowed fans with covers of Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” Creedence Clearwater Revival’s rendition of “Proud Mary,” Bob Dylan‘s “All Along the Watchtower” and the Foo Fighters’ “Best of You.” He also, of course, jammed out to his own hits “Let’s Go Crazy” and “Baby, I’m a Star” before fittingly concluding the set with “Purple Rain” while being showered in rain.

Related: PHOTOS: Best Celebrity Music Video Cameos Ever!

Michael Jackson
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 31: Michael Jackson performs at the Super Bowl XXVII Halftime show at the Rose Bowl on January 31, 1993 in Pasadena, California. Steve Granitz/WireImage

Michael Jackson (1993)

Before the halftime show was what it is today, the NFL hired global superstar Michael Jackson to headline Super Bowl XXVII at Pasadena, California’s Rose Bowl in 1993. The gig, which aired days before the King of Pop’s well-known interview with Oprah Winfrey, resurged Jackson’s career. The performance began with the entertainer, who died in June 2009, standing still for 90 seconds as the crowd roared. He then launched into some of his biggest hits, including “Billie Jean,” “Black or White” and “Heal the World.”

Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake during Super Bowl XXXVIII Halftime Show at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas, United States.
Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake during Super Bowl XXXVIII Halftime Show at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas, United States. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Janet Jackson (2004)

More than a decade after Michael’s performance, his younger sister Janet Jackson made headlines on the NFL stage when she coined the term “wardrobe malfunction” at Super Bowl XXXVIII at Houston’s Reliant Stadium. After performing chart-toppers “All for You” and “Rhythm Nation,” Janet was joined on stage by special guest Justin Timberlake. As the former ‘NSync member sang the final line of his song “Rock Your Body,” he pulled part of Janet’s costume off, briefly revealing her pierced nipple and right breast. The incident led to a crackdown by the FCC as well as the implementation of a five-second broadcast delay during live performances.

Related: PHOTOS: Hollywood's Hottest Football Fans

Watch the video above for more legendary Super Bowl performances!

In this article

Got a Tip form close button
Got a tip for US?
We're All Ears for Celebrity Buzz!