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Though the Super Bowl is perhaps the biggest sporting event of the year, the Halftime show often steals the general public’s attention. As practically everyone knows, this year’s Super Bowl Halftime performer is Rihanna. Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance will be the star’s first time on stage in quite a while.
Fans are highly anticipating what is sure to be a spectacular Halftime Show. Though not every year is the most exciting, there are many iconic moments from the modern era of the Super Bowl Halftime event. In fact, some fairly recent performances are heralded as some of the best.
5 Greatest Modern Super Bowl Halftime Show Performances
Of course, as is the music itself, what performances rank as the greatest is subjective. This is understandable as people have different tastes in music. However, some Super Bowl Halftime shows stand out from others for various reasons. Perhaps the performance included an iconic reunion or collaboration. Or, maybe it simply stands out because it united millions through music and spectacle. The best Super Bowl performances are big and exciting but also display real heart and passion from the performers. We’re sure Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance will rank as one of these very soon.
Over the last several years, several performances at the Super Bowl fit the bill to rank as one of the best from the modern era of the event. Here are 5 of the Best Modern Super Bowl Halftime show performances in no particular order.
Beyoncé In 2013
As usual, Beyoncé set a pretty high standard for Super Bowl performances. Though she has taken to the iconic Super Bowl stage since then, her 2013 performance ranks as one of the best recent performances in the show’s history. This is true for several reasons. For one, she performed her mega-hit songs and really put on a show that once again proved to the world that she is an otherworldly performer.
The other main reason Beyoncé’s Super Bowl performance from 2013 rules is that she brought out Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams from Destiny’s Child. This was a huge surprise, and people at home across America went wild with nostalgia as they performed hits such as Bootylicious and Independent Women. The show was such a spectacle that it caused a blackout. People still discuss how Beyoncé’s 2013 Super Bowl performance was one of those events you had to see when it happened. It’s what some fans refer to as a pop culture reset. What’s also special about it is that Beyoncé reuniting with the ladies of Destiny’s Child was kept a surprise.
Lady Gaga In 2017
Gaga took to the Super Bowl stage in 2017 and delivered one of the best modern performances. Always the dazzling performer, Lady Gaga bungee jumped into the arena for the performance and maintained her energy as she moved from hit to hit out of her stellar music catalog. She also made the performance patriotic by performing God Bless America and This Land Is Your Land. It’s also important to note that this is one of the many performances from her career that showed the world outside her fanbase that she is the real deal on stage. Her live vocals were spectacular as she danced her heart out and put on a show-stopping performance without any special guests.
People have even wanted Lady Gaga to return to the Super Bowl Halftime stage though it hasn’t been that long since she performed. Lady Gaga’s performance that year was also notable because she performed the National Anthem the year before at the event. That year, she became the first artist in history to perform at the Oscars, the Grammys, and the Super Bowl in the same year. Not that she needs it, but we wonder if Rihanna has talked to Gaga about her upcoming performance on the Super Bowl stage since they have always been friendly with each other.
Prince In 2007
Prince is one of the most eclectic entertainers of all time, so it makes sense that his 2007 Super Bowl Halftime performance would rank as one of the best of not only the modern era but of all time. The show starts with an incredible light show. Then, you see Prince being raised from below the stage as he begins to sing and play the guitar like the legend he will always be. In addition to Prince singing some of his biggest hits, there’s also a marching band off to the side. Prince’s Super Bowl Halftime show is also notable because it took place during a storm. This was actually the first time in Super Bowl history that it rained during the show.
Sadly, Prince passed away in 2016. However, his legacy lives on, and he is still regarded as one of the best performers ever. His Super Bowl Halftime performance is one of the shining examples of his showmanship.
Michael Jackson In 1993
Though not the most modern performance, Michael Jackson’s Super Bowl Halftime show ranks as one of the all-time greatest. Many would even rank it the best from the show’s history. In fact, he is largely considered to have significantly enhanced the show’s overall legacy. Michael set a new standard for performers to come. Before Michael Jackson’s Super Bow performance, the event was much smaller in scale. However, this performance is also one of the events that show the level of superstardom Michael Jackson had and maintained throughout his entire career. To start things off, he stands there gazing into the crowd as they cheer before delivering his iconic dance moves and vocals that earned him the King of Pop title.
Michael Jackson’s 1993 Super Bowl performance is also special because it presented a sense of unity. This was especially true when he sang Heal The World. His iconic show is one example that all Super Bowl Halftime show performers should look to for inspiration.
Madonna In 2012
Often cited as the Queen of Pop, Madonna towers as one of the most influential figures in music. This makes it surprising that the star didn’t do the halftime show until 2012. However, Madonna’s Super Bowl Halftime performance is one of the best in the show’s history. She begins with Vogue and works her way through many of her biggest hits. In addition, Madonna had a new album coming out at the time, so she also performed new music, which featured Nicki Minaj and MIA. What made Madonna’s Super Bowl Halftime show so special is that it emphasized the singer’s multifaceted nature as a performer. Not only did it have 1980s influences, but it helped prove that Madonna is a timeless performer. She collaborated with many newer artists during the spectacle, including LMFAO.
Madonna is one of those artists who people know for pushing the envelope. She did so with her Super Bowl performance, but in a more family-friendly way than many fans are used to from the Queen of Pop. Overall, she delivered an exciting show. Plus, Madonna introduced younger people to some of her earlier songs, such as Like A Virgin.
Performing at the Super Bowl is a massive undertaking for any artist. But, when done right, it’s always a career-defining moment. We can’t wait to see Rihanna’s Super Bowl Halftime Show this year. We’re sure the recent Oscar nominee has much up her sleeve to dazzle the crowd.