The Super Bowl LIX is on its way, and much like its many predecessors, we expect there to be a rockin’ halftime show. Over the last few decades, there have certainly been halftime performances to remember from some of the top global icons. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the top 5 most well-known and cherished Super Bowl halftime performances, including what Super Bowl year they took place, who performed, and why it was so special to fans and players.

#5 – Beyonce (2013)

Cutting into her amazing halftime performance right on cue during the Ravens vs. 49ers showdown was the famed Beyonce during the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in February of 2013. Emerging from a cloud of smoke to start the show, Beyonce performed many of the top global songs right out the gate, including “Crazy in Love” and “Love on Top”.

Even if you forgot her roots and where she came from, she’d have her old girl group band (along with many backup dancers), Destiny’s Child, pop out on the stage to perform many top chart songs from over the years, such as “Single Ladies”, “Bootylicious” and “Independent Women”, making this performance an easy #1 for many of the Beyonce fans looking at her memorable halftime NFL performance.

#4 – Dr. Dre, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent (2022)

For hip-hop fans and the literal top rap artists of our lifetime, the Super Bowl LVI Rams vs Bengals halftime performance by Dre. Dre, Eminem, and friends in SoFi Stadium in 2022 make the list as one of the most legendary performances of all time coming Straight Outta Compton. 

While there may have been too many artists performing to simply zero in on 1, their performances were each impeccable, with Eminem performing “Lose Yourself”, 50 Cent performing “In Da Club”, Dre performing “Still D.R.E” and Kendrick performing “Family Affair”, you better not have blinked. Not only was this show packed with legendary hit songs from legendary artists, but it was the first Super Bowl halftime show to receive an Emmy Award.

#3 Michael Jackson (1993)

Next on the list is the late 90’s early 2000s king of pop, Michael Jackson, and his Super Bowl XXVII halftime show in January 1993. You might’ve forgotten the Cowboys were taking on the Bills in this one, as many fans were starstruck by the Smooth Criminal appearing in the flesh.

Performing hit songs such as “Billie Jean”, “Jam”, “Black and White” and “We Are the World”, MJ managed to create a bolstered sense of unity among fans and players with his “Heal the World” message with around 3,500 youngins surrounding him on the field, making it a truly memorable Super Bowl halftime performance for all.

#2 U2 (2002)

As one of the many bands to grace the NFL Championship during the Super Bowl, U2 comes in at our #2 spot during the Super Bowl XXXVI in February of 2002 at the Superdome in New Orleans between the Rams and Patriots. 

Within 5 months of the horrific 9/11 tragedies in 2001, the Irish band began their notable halftime show with the song “Beautiful Day” on a heart-shaped stage to promote peace and unity in such a scary time. To follow it up, they’d perform “Where the Streets Have No Name” with a scrolling backdrop of the names of everyone who perished in the incident, making this halftime performance transcend just football to remind the world that peace is achievable.

#1 Prince (2007)

Taking the #1 spot and having one of the best Super Bowl halftime performances during Super Bowl XLI between the Colts and Bears in 2007 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens was the legendary Prince. 

He’d come out wielding his unforgettable purple guitar, which he’d play “Let’s Go Crazy”, “Proud Mary”, “All Along the Watchtower” and plenty of other hit songs, ending with the obvious “Purple Rain”, which had the crowd hysterical waving their arms, especially considering it was pouring rain at the joint. The stars aligned for fans and Prince himself, as there may hardly ever be a better halftime performance than this.