From Beyoncé to Prince: Legends Reveal Their Ultimate Super Bowl Halftime Showstoppers

Billboard's 2025 Sports & Music Power Players Reveal Legendary Halftime Show Performances

In an exciting retrospective, Billboard's top music and sports industry leaders have shared their most memorable Super Bowl halftime show performances, highlighting the artists who have transformed this iconic musical moment into an unforgettable cultural experience.

Unforgettable Halftime Legends

The power players unanimously praised several standout performers who have set the bar for halftime entertainment:

  • Prince: Widely considered the most electrifying halftime performer, his 2007 performance in the rain became an instant classic that redefined the entire concept of a live musical spectacle.
  • Dr. Dre: His 2022 performance brought West Coast hip-hop to the forefront, creating a nostalgic yet groundbreaking show that celebrated California's musical legacy.
  • Rihanna: Her 2023 performance, which revealed her pregnancy, was both a musical triumph and a cultural moment that captivated millions worldwide.
  • Lady Gaga: Her 2017 performance showcased her incredible vocal and athletic abilities, delivering a high-energy show that seamlessly blended music and choreography.
  • U2: Their emotional and powerful performance following the 9/11 attacks in 2002 remains one of the most poignant moments in halftime show history.

These artists have not just performed; they've transformed the Super Bowl halftime show from a simple musical interlude into a global entertainment phenomenon.

Legendary Halftime Performances: When Music Meets Sports Spectacle

In the electrifying world of entertainment, few moments capture the collective imagination quite like the Super Bowl halftime show. These extraordinary musical performances have transcended mere entertainment, becoming cultural touchstones that define generations and showcase the most iconic artists of our time.

Epic Musical Moments That Defined Sporting History

The Purple Reign: Prince's Unforgettable Performance

Prince's 2007 Super Bowl XLI halftime show remains an unparalleled masterpiece of musical performance. Battling torrential rain, the legendary artist transformed adverse conditions into a mythical moment of artistic brilliance. His electrifying rendition of "Purple Rain" while literally performing in a downpour became an iconic image that transcended music and sports, symbolizing artistic resilience and pure musical genius. The performance was more than just a musical set; it was a transformative cultural moment. Prince's ability to command the stage, manipulate his guitar like an extension of his very being, and create an almost supernatural connection with the audience demonstrated why he was considered a once-in-a-generation talent. His selection of covers and original tracks created a musical narrative that spoke to the raw emotion and technical mastery he possessed.

Modern Halftime Innovators: Redefining Musical Spectacle

Contemporary halftime shows have evolved into complex, multimedia experiences that blend cutting-edge technology with musical performance. Artists like Dr. Dre, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga have transformed these moments from simple musical interludes into elaborate artistic statements that capture global attention. Dr. Dre's performance, for instance, was a celebration of West Coast hip-hop culture, bringing together legendary artists and creating a nostalgic yet contemporary musical journey. Rihanna's pregnancy-revealed performance during her 2023 show demonstrated how these moments can become personal statements of empowerment and artistic expression.

The Emotional Power of Musical Performance

These halftime shows represent more than entertainment; they are cultural rituals that unite millions of viewers across different backgrounds. U2's emotionally charged performances, particularly their post-9/11 tribute, showcased how music can heal, unite, and transcend mere performance. Each artist brings a unique narrative to the stage, transforming 15 minutes into a compressed epic of musical storytelling. They challenge technical limitations, push artistic boundaries, and create moments that become instantly memorable in the collective cultural consciousness.

Technical Mastery Meets Artistic Vision

Behind these performances lies incredible technical complexity. Choreographers, sound engineers, lighting designers, and stage managers work in intricate synchronization to create seemingly seamless experiences. The logistics of transforming a sports field into a world-class concert stage in mere minutes represents a remarkable feat of human coordination and technological innovation. These performances require months of preparation, intricate planning, and a level of artistic vision that goes far beyond traditional concert experiences. Artists must consider camera angles, stadium acoustics, live audience engagement, and millions of television viewers simultaneously.

The Global Impact of Halftime Performances

What began as a simple sporting intermission has become a global cultural phenomenon. These performances are watched by hundreds of millions worldwide, creating shared experiences that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. They represent moments of pure artistic expression where music, technology, and human creativity converge in spectacular fashion. The halftime show has become a platform for artistic statement, cultural commentary, and pure entertainment—a unique space where musicians can showcase their most ambitious creative visions to a truly global audience.