#10 – Super Bowl XL (2006): The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones continued the trend of veteran rockers taking the stage at halftime. Instead of bashing out a number of their classics, they opted to play a new song, “Rough Justice,” in their short three-song set. Still, watching Mick Jagger prance around the stage at Ford Field in Detroit is better by itself that some of the performances on this list.
#9 – Super Bowl XXVII (1993): Michael Jackson
The halftime show that changed everything hasn’t aged well, but it still shows that Michael Jackson was one of the best performers in the world. Unfortunately, it also shows how creepy Jackson could be when he repeatedly plays with a boy’s head during the closing number “Heal the World.”
https://youtu.be/idg8TNknvDU
#8 – Super Bowl XXXIII (1999): Gloria Estefan, Stevie Wonder, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
This halftime show is a huge party from beginning to end. It is also a kind of rare occurrence, in which one of the performers (Gloria Estefan, returning for another shot) is performing in her hometown (Miami). But the greatest thing about it is that this show features Stevie Wonder “driving” a car and tap-dancing with Savion Glover.
#7 – Super Bowl XLII (2008): Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
No bells or whistles with this one. Tom Petty comes out, plays four of his hits really well, and the show’s over. This is quietly one of the better Super Bowl halftime performances, similar to Petty’s career.
#6 – Super Bowl XXXIX (2005): Paul McCartney
In response to Janet Jackson’s performance a year earlier, the NFL went the safe route with Paul McCartney, which is pretty much a guaranteed stellar performance from one of history’s best. McCartney plowed through three hits before closing with “Hey Jude,” which is perfect for large group sing-a-longs.
#5 – Super Bowl XLVIII (2014): Bruno Mars and Red Hot Chili Peppers
Bruno Mars gave it his all on one of music’s biggest stages, making for a great, fun performance from him and his group. The addition of the Red Hot Chili Peppers adds to the fun atmosphere, even if the group caught some flak for their instruments not being plugged in. Apparently, people haven’t been watching Super Bowl halftime shows over the past 20 years.
https://youtu.be/F2i0Bc3f7jk
#4 – Super Bowl XXXVI (2002): U2
U2 performed only three songs, including the lesser known “MLK,” but the image of the band underneath the names of the lives lost on Sept. 11 is one of the most important in Super Bowl history. The most poignant performance on this list.
https://youtu.be/Zqtkik7nTik
#3 – Super Bowl XLVII (2013): Beyonce and Destiny’s Child
Beyonce commands the stage at the Superdome throughout this entire performance, including the reunion with former Destiny’s Child members Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland. Unlike the overstuffed medley from Diana Ross in 1996, the pacing from Beyonce works during this medley, creating one of best halftime performances ever.
#2 – Super Bowl XLI (2007): Prince
Prince might be the biggest football fan on this list. He regularly attends Minnesota Vikings games, and even penned a song for the team, “Purple and Gold.” His performance during a downpour in Miami was a mix of his hits, and some interesting covers including Foo Fighters, “Best of You.” It also wouldn’t be a performance by the “The Purple One” without someone complaining that Prince’s silhouette with his guitar was phallic.
(This halftime show is not available online, so here’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” from the 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.)
#1 – Super Bowl XLIII (2009): Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
It would be almost shocking if one of the best live performers in the country didn’t nab the number one spot, but since we’re talking about Bruce Springsteen, of course he landed at number one. This performance features the best intro, the tightest set, and Springsteen letting everyone know where he’s going after the game. Easily the best performance in Super Bowl halftime history, and it’s not really close.
Super Bowl 50 from Santa Clara, Calif. will feature Coldplay with Beyonce and Bruno Mars as the halftime entertainment. Where will that show rank on this list? Let us know this coming Sunday.
