Showing posts with label halftime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label halftime. Show all posts

Monday, February 13, 2023

Super Bowl Halftime Shows Ranked, 1967-2022

Super Bowl Halftime Shows:

1967-2022

Image from Mashable.com

Rihanna performed at the halftime show for Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023. She delivered a hit-driven setlist of a dozen songs: Bitch Better Have My Money / Where Have You Been? / Only Girl in the World / We Found Love / Rude Boy / Work / Wild Thoughts / Pour It Up / All of the Lights / Run This Town / Umbrella / Diamonds Click here to see full performance on YouTube.

While it’s too early to weigh in on where her performance stands compared to past Super Bowls, this page does offer a ranking of every previous halftime show. More than 100 lists have been aggregated to create this ranking.

Click here to see other media-based lists, such as best videos and best music books of all time.

Check out Dave’s Music Database podcast: The Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows. Premiere: February 15, 2022 at 7pm CST. Check out new episodes every Tuesday.

1. Prince (2007). No one was surprised that the Purple One delivered a kick-ass show, but covers of “Proud Mary,” “All Along the Watchtower,” and the Foo Fighters’ “Best of You” were surprising. What left everyone in awe, however, was Prince’s apparent God-like power to summon just the right weather to accompany a set list that ended with “Purple Rain.” Setlist: We Will Rock You / Let’s Co Crazy / Baby I’m a Star / Proud Mary / 1999 / All Along the Watchtower / Best of You / Purple Rain Click here to see full performance on YouTube.

2. U2 (2002). In the wake of 9/11, U2 was one of the biggest voices decrying the horrific attacks and eulogizing those lost. During a stirring performance of “Where the Streets Have No Name”, a banner behind the band listed the victims. Setlist: Beautiful Day / MLK / Where the Streets Have No Name Click here to see full performance on YouTube.

3. Michael Jackson (1993). As is so often the case with The King of Pop, this was a benchmark. It served as the standard for other shows to follow. With only a 12-minute set, MJ introduced the Super Bowl to the astonishing concept that a big-name, internationally-recognized pop artist could wow an audience more than marching bands, cheesy song-and-dance numbers. Setlist: Jam / Why You Wanna Trip on Me / Billie Jean / Black or White / Another Part of Me / We Are the World / Heal the World Click here to see full performance on YouTube.

4. Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band (2009). Personally, I’d be ecstatic to give The Boss the halftime show every year. He knows how to work crowds into frenzies, if not with his preacher-like introductions than with his adrenalin-fueled performances. That slide into the camera crotch-first could have ended things before they even got going, but Bruce powered on, seemingly unharmed. Setlist: Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out / Born to Run / Working on a Dream / Glory Days Click here to see full performance on YouTube.

5. Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child (2013). Beyoncé was a guest with Coldplay in 2016 (See #21), but this time got the stage all to herself. She was a big enough name that she didn’t need a slew of guest appearances, but she did have a very welcome reunion with Destiny’s Child bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Setlist: Run the World (Girls) / Love on Top / Crazy in Love / End of Time / Baby Boy / Bootylicious (Destiny’s Child) / Independent Women (Destiny’s Child) / Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) (Destiny’s Child) / Halo Click here to see full performance on YouTube.

6. The Kings of Rock and Pop (2001). This was an odd mix of artists suggesting the halftime committee wasn’t convinced Aerosmith would have enough appeal on their own (they absolutely would have) so they added N Sync, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly to the mix. Then again, the all-star version of “Walk This Way,” complete with Spears’ cleavage-baring Aerosmith T-shirt, was memorable. Also, the opening sketch with Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, and Chris Rock was worth the price of admission. Setlist: Bye Bye Bye (‘N Sync) / I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing (Aerosmith) / It’s Gonna Be Me (‘N Sync) / Jaded (Aerosmith) / Walk This Way (Aerosmith with ‘N Sync, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly) Click here to see full performance on YouTube.

7. Paul McCartney (2005). In the wake of “Nipple Gate” (see #9), the powers-that-be behind the Super Bowl halftime shows opted to go with a safe, well-known classic rocker. There is arguably no bigger musician on the planet than this ex-Beatle and he provided a Beatle-centric set list completely free of any “wardrobe malfunctions.” Setlist: Drive My Car / Get Back / Live and Let Die / Hey Jude Click here to see full performance on YouTube.

8. Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, et al (2004). No one remembers now, but this was actually another overstuffed show with too many performers. Instead, this one gave us the most infamous moment in Super Bowl halftime history when Justin Timberlake sang to Janet Jackson that he would have her naked by the end of the song “Rock Your Body” and then proceeded to tear off part of her costume, exposing her breast. Setlist: The Way You Move (Spirit of Houston and Ocean of Soul marching bands) / All of You (Janet Jackson) / Bad Boy for Life (P. Diddy) / Diddy (to the tune of “Mickey”) / Hot in Herre (Nelly) / Mo Money Mo Problems (P. Diddy) / Bawitdaba (Kid Rock) / Cowboy (Kid Rock) / Rhythm Nation (Janet Jackson) / Rock Your Body (Justin Timberlake with Janet Jackson) Click here to see full performance on YouTube.

9. Lady Gaga (2017). Setlist: God Bless America / This Land Is Your Land / Poker Face / Born This Way / Telephone / Just Dance / Million Reasons / Bad Romance Click here to see full performance on YouTube.

10. Diana Ross (1996). Doing a medley of her hits on a stage surrounded by hundreds of performers looked a little too much like some of the pre-Michael Jackson shows, but it was hard to deny her diva status when she departed in a helicopter. Setlist: Stop! In the Name of Love / You Keep Me Hangin’ On / Baby Love / You Can’t Hurry Love / Why Do Fools Fall in Love / Chain Reaction / Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand / Ain’t No Mountain High Enough / I Will Survive / Take Me Higher Click here to see full performance on YouTube.

11. Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar (2022). The announced all-star hip-hop lineup also included a surprise guest appearance from 50 Cent. Setlist: Dr. Dre with Snoop Dogg “The Next Episode” / Dr. Dre with Snoop Dogg “California Love” / 50 Cent “In Da Club” / Mary J. Blige “Family Affair” / Mary J. Blige “No More Drama” / Kendrick Lamar “M.a.a.d City” / Kendrick Lamar “Alright” / Kendrick Lamar with Eminem “Forgot About Dre” / Eminem “Lose Yourself” / Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg with Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, & 50 Cent “Still Dre” Click here to see full performance on YouTube.

12. The Rolling Stones (2006). The opening montage suggesting The Rolling Stones and the NFL had gone hand in hand over the years was a little odd. However, there was no arguing with picking what some have called the greatest rock and roll band of all time to keep viewers eyes peeled to the set for halftime, even if the band could long ago have applied for their AARP memberships in America. Besides, Jagger proved he could still prance about on stage like someone half his age. Setlist: Start Me Up / Rough Justice / (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction Click here to see full performance on YouTube.

13. Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Bad Bunny, J. Balvin, Emme, Muniz (2020)

14. Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz, Missy Elliott, Arizona State University Sun Devil Marching Band (2015)

15. Madonna with LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A, and Cee-Lo Green (2012)

16. Bruno Mars, Red Hot Chili Peppers (2014)

17. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers (2008)

18. Coldplay with Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson, Gustavo Dudamel, University of California Marching Band, Youth Orchestra L.A. (2016)

19. Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting (2003)

20. The Who (2010)

21. Salute to Motown’s 40th Anniversary: Boyz II Men, Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, The Temptations, Queen Latifah, Grambling State University Band; 1998)

22. Celebration of Soul, Salsa and Swing: Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan, Chaka Khan, KISS, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Savion Glover (1999)

23. The Weeknd (2021)

24. Rockin’ Country Sunday: Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, The Judds (1994)

25. Black Eyed Peas with Usher and Slash (2011)

26. The Blues Brothers Bash: The Blues Brothers, ZZ Top, James Brown, Catherine Crier (1997)

27. Justin Timberlake, the Tennessee Kids, University of Minnesota Marching Band (2018)

28. Something Grand: Chubby Checker, The Rockettes, 88 grand pianos, the Mighty CSUN Matador Wall of Sound (1988)

29. Tapestry of Nations: Phil Collins Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton, 80-person choir, Edward James Olmos (2000)

30. Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, Georgia State University Marching Band (2019)

31. University of Arizona, Grambling State University, & University of Michigan Marching Bands (1967) 32. Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye: Pattil LaBelle, Indiana Jones & Marion Ravenwood, Teddy Pendergrass, Tony Bennett, Arturo Sandoval, Miami Sound Machine (1995)

33. Salute to New Orleans & 40th Anniversary of Peanuts: Pete Fountain, Doug Kershaw, Irma Thomas, Nicholls State University Marching Band, Southern University Marching Band, USL Marching Band (1990)

34. Salute to Louis Armstrong: Ella Fitzgerald, Carol Channing, Al Hirt, & USMC Drill Team (1972)

35. Grambling State University Marching Band (1968)

36. Disney’s Salute to Superstars of Silver Screen: University of Florida and Florida State University Marching Bands (1984)

37. Tribute to Duke Ellington: Mercer Ellington, Grambling State University Marching Band (1975)

38. A Salute to the 1960s and Motown: Up with People (1982).

39. From Paris to Paris of America: Tyler Apache Belles Drill Team, Apache Band, Pete Fountain, Al Hirt (1984)

40. America Thanks: Florida A&M University (1969)

41. Small World Tribute to 25 Years of the Super Bowl: New Kids on the Block, Disney characters, Warren Moon, 2000 local children, audience card stunt (1991)

42. Winter Magic and Salute to 1992 Winter Olympics: Gloria Estefan, Brian Boitano, Dorothy Hamill (1992)

43. Salute to Hollywood’s 100th Anniversary: George Burns, Mickey Rooney, Grambling State University Marching Band, Disney characters, Southern California-area High School drill teams with dancers (1987)

44. KaleidoSUPERscope: Los Angeles Drill Team (1983)

45. Mardi Gras Festival: Southern University Marching Band, Helen O’Connell (1981)

46. A Salute to the Big Band Era: Up with People, Grambling State University Marching Bands (1980)

47. Salute to the Caribbean: Ken Hamilton, various Caribbean bands (1979)

48. Tribute to Mardi Gras: Carol Channing, Southern University Marching Band (1970)

49. Southeast Missouri State Marching Band (1971)

50. 200 Years and Just a Baby – A Tribute to America’s Bicentennial: Up with People (1976)

51. Happiness Is: University of Michigan Marching Band, Woody Herman, Andy Williams (1974)

52. World of Children’s Dreams: United States Air Force Tops in Blue (1985)

53. Beat of the Future: Up with People (1986)

54. Be-Bop Bamboozled in 3-D: Elvis Presto, South Florida-area dancers and performers with 3-D effects (1989)

55. A Musical America: University of Texas Marching Band, Judy Mallett – Miss Texas 1973 (1974)

56. It’s a Small World: Los Angeles Unified All-City Band & audience card stunt (1977)

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First posted 2/2/2013; last updated 2/13/2023.

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Monday, February 6, 2012

Madonna’s Super Bowl Halftime Performance






Nicki Minaj, Madonna, and M.I.A.



The last couple days’ blog posts focused on the Super Bowl halftime shows with one post focused on the 5 worst halftime shows of all time and another post dedicated to the top 10 halftime shows. To wrap things up, today we’ll revisit Madonna’s halftime performance from last night in which she delivered a football-themed “high-energy spectacle packed with Roman warriors, Cirque du Soleil dancers, marching bands, cheerleaders, and some very famous guests.” MTV

She entered in “Cleopatra mode” MTV on a throne accompanied by Roman warriors while she sang “Vogue”. She segued into “Music”, complete with dancers doing acrobatics on bleachers, a tightrope walker doing flips on a wire, and a mash-up with LMFAO and brief bits from their #1 hits “Party Rock Anthem” and “Sexy and I Know It”.

In continuing the guest star parade, she trotted out Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. in cheerleader outfits to contribute to “Give Me All Your Luvin”, the new Madonna single on which the pair also sing. By aligning herself with some of today’s biggest names in music, Madonna seemed to “position herself as the queen of a new generation of pop stars.” CBS

Finally, Cee-Lo Green entered as a drum major, backed by dancers in maching band attire. After brief interludes of “Open Your Heart” and “Express Yourself”, Madonna, Cee-Lo, and the dancers shifted into gospel wear and closed out the show with “Like a Prayer”. After that, she disappeared in a puff of smoke down a trap door and the field lit up with the words “World Peace”.

As expected, the 12-minute show was very visual and heavily choreographed. As one blogger said, everyone knew she’d make it “dazzling and unforgettable” NJ and the show “was probably the most impressive Super Bowl halftime performance ever.” NJ Despite how nervous she’d said she was before hand, Madonna tore “through her hits with plenty of superstar swagger.” MTV Unlike last year’s Black Eyed Peas, who looked like “awkward amateurs,” NJ Madonna looked like “she belonged there.” NJ

Critics were quick to suggest that her “vocals were not strong throughout” CBS and simultaneously rip on her for her “vocals being lip synched or augmented by tapes.” WSJ She also appeared to slip on the stage during “Music”, but quickly recovered. For those fearing a “wardrobe malfunction” or other deliberate controversy-baiting moments, Madonna managed several costume changes, but all without incident. However, M.I.A. flipped the bird while belting out a line with an expletive bleeped out.

One of the strangest pre-show criticisms was that Madonna wouldn’t appeal to football fans. For those uttering such rumblings, perhaps they need a reminder that this is the most televised event of the year attracting the eyeballs of more than 100 million viewers. There are a lot more than just football fans tuning in. The halftime show should feature an iconic singer who can provide solid entertainment. Given that criteria, Madonna was a perfect fit.



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Saturday, February 4, 2012

The Five Worst Super Bowl Halftime Shows

Super Bowl Halftime Shows:

The Five Worst

Warren Moon, Minnie Mouse, and a slew of kids at Super Bowl XXV

With Super Bowl XLVI kicking off this weekend, fans all over the world are prepping for the big event by making runs to the grocery store for beer and chips. They’re also engaging in another tradition which has become pretty integral to the annual NFL showcase – grousing about halftime shows. For roughly 25 years, the midway point of the biggest game in football was devoted to cheesy themes, lots of marching bands, and four too many shows featuring Up with People. In 1993, sagging ratings lead to a long overdue concept – tapping the biggest artists in the world to perform. They couldn’t have kicked things off any bigger than with Michael Jackson.

However, there have been some real stinker shows before and after then. Today’s blog focuses on five of them, as determined by an aggregate of 16 lists which ranked the worst Super Bowl halftime shows.

5. Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye (1995). Patti LaBelle, Teddy Pendergrass, Tony Bennett, and Miama Sound Machine performed. The performers weren’t the worst choices in the world, but the goofy Indiana Jones storyline was completely transparent as a shameless promotion of Disney’s newest Indiana Jones attraction.

4. The Black Eyed Peas (2011). There seemed to be a lot of venom targeted at this performance. I’m not entirely sure why. Since Janet Jackson’s infamous “wardrobe malfunction” in which Justin Timberlake exposed her breast to the world, the halftime show had pretty much been entrusted to classic rock artists who were past their prime, but weren’t likely to do anything embarrassing. The Black Eyed Peas were the biggest current group around and made for a logical choice to go after a contemporary audience. Apparently someone told them they had to still go after a classic rock audience, though, so they trotted out Slash to play guitar while Fergie strutted about doing a very unnecessary remake of Guns N’ Roses “Sweet Child O’ Mine”.

3. Winter Magic (1992). As a sort of last hurrah to the halftime shows which crammed as many performers on the field as possible for cheesy song-and-dance numbers, we got an odd medley of tunes traditionally associated with Christmas. In the second half, macho football fanatics everywhere were treated to figure skating from Brian Boitano and Dorothy Hamill in a tribute to the 1992 Winter Olympics before things wrapped up with Gloria Estefan.

2. Small World Tribute to 25 Years of the Super Bowl (1991). I’m sure prancing on to a stage with Minnie Mouse is the highlight of Warren Moon’s football career. Look, I don’t subscribe to the idea that the halftime show should cater to the average NFL fan, but they also shouldn’t go to the other extreme with a show full of Disney characters, dancing and singing children, and New Kids on the Block.

1. Be-Bop Bamboozled in 3-D (1989). I can’t help but imagine a planning committee joking about what would make for the worst halftime show ever – and then having those notes fall into the hands of someone who thought it was real. Yes, folks, not only did we get an Elvis impersonator/magician (Elvis Presto!) performing the world’s biggest card trick, but we the show was presented in 3-D! At least in introducing the show, Bob Costas acknowledged the goofiness of it all with his line, “This is the single proudest moment of my life.”

Thankfully, there have been plenty of good halftime shows as well. You can see all of the halftime shows ranked here.

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First posted 2/4/2012; last updated 2/8/2022.

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