The Super Bowl Final has become a huge American football event that is arguably even more famous for its primetime halftime show, which has hosted some of the most iconic musicians in history.
When we think of the Super Bowl, the halftime show and its performers always steal the main show in our minds.
This might just be an unpopular opinion amongst true football fans who tune in to watch the big game.
But sports fan or not, there’s no denying the fact that the headliners are the ones so many people look forward to watching and also the ones that gain the most attention post-show.
From Michael Jackson to Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre to Rihanna’s big pregnancy announcement, there have been some pretty incredible acts entertaining the Super Bowl crowd and its 100 million TV viewers.
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However, some artists have had the opportunity to perform more than once on the halftime show stage, and there has been a lot of debate as to who deserves to be there and who is not.
The 2025 headliner announcement has sparked social media debate, with some hip-hop fans suggesting Lil Wayne should be the headliner instead of Kendrick Lamar.
Therefore, as we prepare for Kendrick Lamar’s second appearance, let’s take a peek at some of the artists who have performed as headliners at the Super Bowl halftime show.
1993: Michael Jackson
The legendary Michael Jackson performance from the 1993 Super Bowl served as a brilliant strategy to prevent the Super Bowl from losing viewers during halftime, as it did the year before.
The pop icon sang favorites like “Black or White,” “Jam,” and “Billie Jean.”
1995: Tony Bennett and Patti LaBelle
Legends Tony Bennett and Patti LaBelle performed together with energy in 1995.
1996: Diana Ross
When Diana Ross performed in 1996 and ended her set with the song “Take Me Higher,” she literally took the Super Bowl halftime show to new heights. When she was literally whisked off stage in a helicopter after performing the song.
1998: Boyz II Men, Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, The Temptations, and Queen Latifah
It was a Motown party on stage when Boyz II Men, Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, The Temptations, and Queen Latifah all performed together.
1999: Gloria Estefan & Stevie Wonder
Gloria Estefan performed in her hometown of Miami with Stevie Wonder in a performance filled with swing, soul, and salsa.
2000: Toni Braxton, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, and Phil Collins
Toni Braxton shared the stage with Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, and Phil Collins at Super Bowl XXXIV that took place in Atlanta.
2001: Mary J. Blige, Nelly, Aerosmith, NSYNC, and Britney Spears
The 2001 Superbowl halftime show hosted Aerosmith, NSYNC, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly all shared the stage in an event.
This much-anticipated performance was because Spears and Justin Timberlake of NSYNC were at the height of their relationship at the time and added to the excitement of the occasion.
2004: Janet Jackson, Kid Rock, Diddy, Nelly & Justin Timberlake
Following a wardrobe malfunction that became known as “Nipplegate,” Janet Jackson’s 2004 Super Bowl performance was rated the most controversial of all time.
Audiences were shocked when Timberlake unintentionally revealed her breasts by taking off a portion of Jackson’s outfit.
2007: Prince
Prince’s Super Bowl halftime show is delivered to be one of the best Super Bowl performances of all time, with hits like “Purple Rain,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” and “Baby, I’m a Star.”
2011: The Black Eyed Peas
Even though Will I AM and his group had technical difficulties that slightly derailed their 2011 Super Bowl performance.
The group, however, kept spirits up by welcoming Usher and Slash on stage, despite Fergie’s mic cutout and lighting issues.
2013: Beyoncé with Destiny’s Child
Beyoncé’s 2013 Superbowl halftime show was a mixture of a Destiny’s Child reunion and an electrifying performance.
2016: Coldplay With Special Guests Beyoncé and Bruno Mars
The 2016 Superbowl halftime show saw Coldplay bring Beyoncé and Bruno Mars on stage to deliver an energetic performance in California.
2015: Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz, and Missy Elliott.
Katy Perry was joined by Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott on stage to deliver a performance at the Super Bowl XLIX halftime show.
2021: The Weeknd
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Super Bowl had a limited capacity; however, The Weeknd had free rein in the stands. Together with a few of his clones, The Weeknd put on a run of hits solo.
2022: Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, & Mary J. Blige
From the stage to the performance, the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show was an amazing event.
Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and Mary J. Blige all performed together for Super Bowl LVI in a celebration of hip-hop and were even joined by surprise guest 50 Cent at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The group paid tribute to California icon Tupac Shakur with a take on his “California Love.”
2023: Rihanna
After a seven-year break from performing, Rihanna’s 2023 Super Bowl appearance was her eagerly anticipated comeback to the stage. In addition to producing an amazing performance,
Rihanna stunned everyone online by subtly disclosing she was expecting her second child. August 2023 marks Baby Riot’s birth month.
2024: Usher with Ludacris, Lil Jon, Jermaine Dupri, Will.i.am., Alicia Keys, & H.E.R.
Usher’s Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show performance on February 11, 2024, was dub the highest-watched show. He sang alongside Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Lil Jon, Jermaine Dupri, Will.i.am, and H.E.R.
2025: Kendrick Lamar
Apple Music and the NFL confirmed the news via Instagram. On Monday, September 8, Kendrick Lamar will be headlining the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.
