5 Tremendous Bowl halftime exhibits that had been higher than the sport

There are two sorts of Tremendous Bowl watchers: those that look ahead to the sport and those that look ahead to the halftime present.

However, from time to time, a halftime present comes alongside that’s so electrifying, it definitively overshadows the precise sporting occasion. An excellent halftime present has the ability to transcend boundaries, unite viewers everywhere in the world, and make, break, or revitalize a profession (no strain, Rihanna). These exhibits additionally mild up the web with memes and takes (see: left shark).

That is under no circumstances a complete listing. However under, in no specific order, are a number of the most memorable performances to grace the soccer area. Precise soccer performances not included.

Prince (2007)

For Tremendous Bowl XLI, the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears braved the pouring rain and driving winds (Colts gained 29-17). However Prince fought those self same parts whereas enjoying a reside electrical guitar, a reasonably metallic transfer contemplating water and electrical energy are a harmful mixture. 

Unfazed, Prince set a excessive bar for halftime exhibits. He began with Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” and transitioned into his personal “Let’s Go Loopy,” finally bringing the stadium down with “Purple Rain.” Watching him shred on his signature Prince image guitar within the pouring rain immediately turned an iconic sight and solidified Prince’s standing as one of many best performers of all time. 

Coldplay, Bruno Mars, and Beyoncé however actually simply Beyoncé (2016)

Wait, the 2016 halftime present was headlined by Coldplay? We forgot as a result of Beyoncé’s particular visitor look utterly stole the present. First Bruno Mars crashed the stage with “Uptown Funk,” to which Beyoncé responded by storming the sphere together with her completely synchronized backup dancers, performing “Formation.” 

Carrying a military-style getup, a nod to Michael Jackson’s halftime present outfit, Bey strutted to the stage and slayed (sorry) in a dance-off with Bruno Mars. By the point Coldplay’s Chris Martin got here again to the entrance, even he appeared to appreciate this was Beyoncé’s second.

Katy Perry (2015)

(Stefon(Opens in a brand new tab) voice) This present had every thing: an enormous lion puppet, a historic viral second, impressed visitor appearances, ample costume modifications, and a taking pictures star. The 2015 halftime present could also be best remembered for the left shark, however Katy Perry additionally placed on a hell of a present. Perry got here driving within the lion, then handed it off to Lenny Kravitz singing “I Kissed a Woman.”

Then the left shark captivated the web with its blasé dance strikes. By means of all of it, Perry introduced sturdy power and impressively sang reside. By the point Perry introduced on Missy Elliot who carried out “Work It” and “Lose Management,” we knew this halftime present was one for the document books. Perry capped all of it off by singing “Firework” as she was lifted up onto a taking pictures star. Bravo.

Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent (2022)

Within the feedback of the official recording, one YouTuber mentioned, “This isn’t only a live performance, that is additionally a historical past class,” which sums it up fairly properly. Rapper and producer Dr. Dre’s affect on hip hop can’t be overstated. He’s credited with launching the careers of Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Anderson .Paak, Kendrick Lamar, and lots of others. And throughout the 2022 halftime present he introduced his well-known associates to the stage for a legendary efficiency. 

The “historical past lesson” began with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg performing “The Subsequent Episode” and “California Love.” The present performed off the West Coast vs. East Coast rivalry with New York native 50 Cent rapping “In Da Membership,” whereas hanging the wrong way up. Then Mary J. Blige belted out “Household Affair” and “No Extra Ache,” adopted by Kendrick Lamar delivering highly effective renditions of “m.A.A.d Metropolis” and “Alright,” and Eminem giving everybody goosebumps with “Lose Your self.” Dre even slot in a tribute to 2Pac. The present closed out with everybody on stage performing “Nonetheless D.R.E.” An ideal near a celebration of Dre and historic hip hop moments.

Diana Ross (1996) 

Pyrotechnics, mass-coordinated dance routines, and costume modifications are de rigueur for halftime exhibits lately. However not solely was Diana Ross the primary to do it, her efficiency nonetheless holds up right now. Ross carried out a medley of a few of her largest hits together with “Child Love” and “Cease within the Identify of Love” together with her signature smile. Then, in the course of singing “Ain’t No Mountain Excessive Sufficient,” her gold cape unfold throughout all the stage as she rose on a scarily excessive platform. Then, the platform descended and he or she lined a banger model of Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.” 

Up till this level, Ross’s efficiency was strong, however what occurred subsequent proves she is the last word diva queen. Ross casually mentioned “Oh, right here comes my journey,” as a helicopter actually got here to choose up. She sat on the sting of the chopper and waved to the gang because it ferried her away, legs nonetheless dangling from the open helicopter door. That’s the way you make an exit.