Whether you watch the Super Bowl for the ads, snacks, halftime show or for the game itself, there is much to look forward to as this year’s Super Bowl arrives next weekend. The game is set for Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Last weekend, the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots both punched their tickets to the big game, joining Bad Bunny, whose headlining slot was secured months ago. His selection was met with enthusiasm and controversy online, as previously reported by Deseret News.
The halftime show has come a long way since 1967, when the University of Arizona and Grambling State marching bands performed at the first Super Bowl. Since then, the stage has hosted dozens of acts, from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in 2008 to Coldplay and Beyoncé in 2016.
It is no longer simply about a mere musical set but a high-tech spectacle. While many artists have graced the 50-yard line, only a few have mastered the stagecraft that leaves spectators in awe.
As the nation prepares for Bad Bunny, here is a look back at some of the most memorable halftime performances defined by pure spectacle.
Prince (2007)
During the 2007 Super Bowl, a downpour began just before Prince took the stage. While the weather wasn’t planned, the “divine intervention” of performing “Purple Rain” during a storm created what many consider one of the greatest Super Bowl halftime performances ever. Mother Nature provided the moment of improvisation that took Prince’s set to the next level.
Lady Gaga (2017)
The show began on the roof with a fleet of drones — a Super Bowl first — before Lady Gaga jumped into the arena. Between the wire-work, her upbeat setlist, several costume changes and flashing lights all around, the singer kept the energy high.
Billboard described it as “one of the most visually stunning and vocally impressive halftime shows in Super Bowl history.”
Katy Perry (2015)
Katy Perry made a grand entrance, riding in on a gold animatronic tiger. Featuring guest appearances from Missy Elliott and Lenny Kravitz, along with the viral “Left Shark,” her performance felt like a fever dream that seemed to have it all.
You can watch Katy Perry’s performance here.
U2 (2002)
U2’s set was less a spectacle of technology and imagination and more one of emotion. The band’s Super Bowl performance paid tribute to the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. As the band played, the names of the victims scrolled across a massive screen reaching toward the stadium roof.
Sports Illustrated reported that the NFL was looking for a replacement for Janet Jackson (who backed out that year); and they found it in U2, whose performance offered a healing moment for a mourning nation.
Michael Jackson (1993)
Before Lady Gaga jumped from the roof, Michael Jackson pioneered the big entrance. He used stage doubles to appear on top of the Jumbotrons before catapulting through the floor of the main stage. He then stood frozen, in his statue pose, for nearly 90 seconds while the crowd went crazy.
Diana Ross (1996)
If Jackson pioneered a spectacle entrance, Diana Ross provided a master class on the big exit. After multiple costume changes and her biggest hits, a helicopter landed inside as Ross sang her final song of the night. Ross hopped in and waved goodbye while dangling out the open door as the helicopter took off.
Dr. Dre & Friends (2022)
This was the first halftime show to win a Primetime Emmy for outstanding variety special, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Hip-hop finally got its halftime stage moment as Dr. Dre was joined by Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and Eminem. The set, built to look like a block of houses, featured a surprise guest appearance from 50 Cent, who rapped “In Da Club” while hanging upside down.
Watch the award-winning Super Bowl halftime show here.
Kendrick Lamar (2025)
Complete with an introduction from Samuel L. Jackson, Kendrick Lamar’s solo headlining set featured dancers piling out of a classic car and guest appearances by SZA, DJ Mustard and even tennis superstar Serena Williams. Lamar’s performance “dazzled with metaphoric wordplay,” according to USA Today.
Beyoncé (2013)
Beyoncé’s Super Bowl show began with her silhouette engulfed in flames, where she emerged from a cloud of smoke. Backed by dozens of female dancers and an all-female band, screens created “duplicate” Beyoncés across the stage.
Rihanna (2023)
A pregnant Rihanna hit the stage for the first time in seven years in 2023. She made a return to performing after a seven-year hiatus and five years since her last album release. The star’s floating show became the most-watched halftime show ever, according to Billboard, though it was later surpassed by Kendrick Lamar’s performance in 2025.