The NFL Super Bowl halftime shows are not just a performance; they are a cultural moment. It’s where music legends cement their status and sometimes even reinvent their careers.
We’ve seen artists rise, fall, shock, and electrify—giving us shows we still talk about decades later. With game-changing visuals, historic collaborations, or straight-up pure performance energy, the Super Bowl halftime shows are one of the biggest platforms in entertainment.
Inspired by this past 2025 halftime show featuring Kendrick Lamar, we’re diving into the Top 10 Greatest Super Bowl Halftime Shows of All Time and breaking down K.Dot’s 2025 performance—analyzing what worked, what didn’t, and where it ranks in the history of halftime greatness.
Top 10 Super Bowl Halftime Shows of All Time
10. Lady Gaga (2017 – Super Bowl LI)
Few artists could have pulled off what Gaga did. Kicking off the performance by literally jumping off the roof of Houston’s NRG Stadium, she combined spectacle with raw vocal talent. With hits like “Poker Face,” “Born This Way,” and “Bad Romance,” she balanced pop glitz with powerful statements on inclusivity. No controversies, no guest artists—just pure energy and one of the cleanest halftime sets ever.
9. Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers (2014 – Super Bowl XLVIII)
Bruno Mars had skeptics wondering if he had the gravitas to carry a halftime show on his own. Spoiler: he did. He opened with a drum solo (yes, a drum solo) and then went full-on James Brown with high-energy dance moves and live instrumentation. The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Give It Away” added a raw, rock-driven moment, but it was Bruno’s showmanship that made this one of the most unexpected halftime successes.
8. Beyoncé (2013 – Super Bowl XLVII)
Beyoncé came to remind everyone why she’s the Queen. The show was a masterclass in live performance. The vocals, the choreography, and that moment when Destiny’s Child reunited? Perfection. The only reason this one isn’t ranked higher is because she somehow managed to top herself a few years later.
7. Michael Jackson (1993 – Super Bowl XXVII)
The halftime show as we know it? Invented by Michael Jackson. Before MJ, halftime performances were mostly marching bands and forgettable spectacles. The King of Pop changed the game. That iconic moment when he stood still for almost two minutes before launching into “Billie Jean”? Chills. This performance laid the foundation for everything we expect from a modern halftime show.
6. Shakira & Jennifer Lopez (2020 – Super Bowl LIV)
Latin excellence on full display. This show was a celebration of culture, energy, and flawless execution. Shakira reminded the world she’s one of the most underrated performers alive, while J.Lo brought out a pole-dancing moment that nobody saw coming. Add in Bad Bunny and J Balvin, and this show became an unforgettable moment for reggaeton and Latin music at the Super Bowl.
5. U2 (2002 – Super Bowl XXXVI)
One of the best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time, this was a halftime show that wasn’t just entertainment—it was healing. Just months after 9/11, U2 turned their performance into a tribute to those lost, projecting victims’ names on a massive screen while playing “Where the Streets Have No Name.” Bono’s America flag jacket reveal at the end? Pure emotional weight. One of the most moving halftime shows of all time.
4. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar & 50 Cent (2022 – Super Bowl LVI)
The first hip-hop headlined halftime show ever, and it didn’t disappoint. Dr. Dre orchestrated a West Coast symphony, with Snoop crip-walking, Eminem kneeling, and Kendrick bringing pure lyricism. Mary J. Blige owned her moment, and 50 Cent’s surprise entrance had the crowd hyped. This was for the culture—no debate.
3. Katy Perry (2015 – Super Bowl XLIX)
Katy Perry had Left Shark, a giant mechanical lion, and a firework finale that melted screens—she understood the assignment. A perfect mix of pop absurdity and Super Bowl spectacle.
2. Prince (2007 – Super Bowl XLI)
Purple Rain. In the rain. Nothing else needs to be said. Prince’s halftime show was music perfection, with guitar solos, jaw-dropping vocals, and a vibe so untouchable that it still gives people chills today.
1. Beyoncé & Destiny’s Child (2016 – Super Bowl 50)
If the 2013 performance was Beyoncé proving her dominance, this was her owning the throne. From the politically charged “Formation” to the battle of the titans moment with Coldplay and Bruno Mars, Beyoncé shut down Levi Stadium like no one before or since. This is the greatest Super Bowl halftime show of all time—no question.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show: The Breakdown
Kendrick Lamar had a mountain to climb following the legacy of previous halftime greats. But if anyone could do it, it’s K.Dot. A storyteller, a lyricist, a performer—he’s always brought depth and artistry to every stage he’s stepped on. So how did this year’s halftime show measure up?
The Good
- Set Design: Kendrick’s show felt cinematic. The visuals took inspiration from To Pimp a Butterfly and Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, blending jazz, funk, and hip-hop aesthetics into a performance art piece.
- Tracklist: He went deep into his catalog, performing “Alright,” “HUMBLE.,” and “DNA.” while also bringing a soulful rendition of “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst.”
- Surprise Guests: While many expected a solo set, he brought out André 3000, Thundercat, and Baby Keem, making it a showcase of modern artistry.
The Could-Be-Better
- Energy Levels: While the show was visually and lyrically stunning, it lacked the high-energy spectacle of past hip-hop halftime shows like Dre’s 2022 performance.
- Crowd Engagement: Kendrick is a deep performer, but sometimes the Super Bowl stage needs mass appeal moments—there weren’t enough of those here.
Final Score: 8.5/10
This was one for the hip-hop heads and music purists. While it wasn’t as explosive as some past performances, it was a statement—and that alone made it memorable.
What do you think?
Did Kendrick deliver or was it too conceptual for the Super Bowl stage?
Drop your takes in the comments and let the Respect My Region know who should headline next year’s show!
