When assessing the various forms of entertainment people tend to consume in an average year, the Super Bowl is one of the biggest. It’s an unmissable event for NFL fans filled with drama and excitement. It features the best teams, the most prominent players, and some world-famous performers during the half-time shows. The half-time shows tend to be popular in many households, with people who aren’t necessarily interested in football having something to marvel at.
While football purists might not care for Eminem or Michael Jackson, there is no denying that the Super Bowl wouldn’t be the same without including half-time shows. Sure, some fans are more interested in the half-time adjustments to come and seeing if the team they backed is likely to come out on top, given any enticing Super Bowl odds before the game starts, but millions of football fans love to watch the biggest names in music perform live.
Over the years, we’ve gone from charming marching bands to global superstars, with this year’s act, rapper Kendrick Lamar, well-received by fans. The biggest gig for most musicians, playing the Super Bowl, is one of the most significant milestones any music maker can achieve. With that in mind, below is a brief look at some delivered performances.
Prince (2007)
Kicking things off with a performance many fans of the sport regard as the best, Prince’s 2007 show is impossible to forget. While his guitar divided opinion, his stellar performance most definitely didn’t. From how he played his instrument and unique fashion sense to the classic songs he sang, like “Let’s Go Crazy”and “Purple Rain,” it had everything a Prince fan wanted and more. The considerable downpour added even more to the performance as Prince shone again on the biggest stage.
U2 (2002)
Given the global following the band has behind them, U2’s 2002 performance would always bring in a vast audience. It was delivered with tracks like “Beautiful Day” and was well received. The most powerful moment of the set came from their 9/11 tribute, though, with the victims’ names featured as the band played “Where the Streets Have No Name.” Widely regarded as one of the best performances the Super Bowl has ever seen, while the Irish rock band probably aren’t the biggest football fans on the planet, they knew what was needed.
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Dr. Dre & Friends (2022)
(Image via https://x.com/gothamhiphop)
The 2022 Super Bowl is memorable for multiple reasons, although it’s fair to say that the appearance of Dr. Dre and his iconic rapper friends probably stole the show. Hip-hop finally took center stage at the Super Bowl, with rap royalty helping to create a truly special feast of music featuring the likes of this year’s performers Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, 50 Cent, and Anderson . Paak, it felt like a blast from the past for many more senior NFL fans who enjoy rap music. As it proved, hip hop is more than suitable for the Super Bowl’s half-time show.
Beyoncé (2013)
When doesn’t Beyoncé deliver? Well, one of the most influential figures in music history did again in 2013, with millions of Super Bowl fans watching. The fact that Destiny’s Child joined her on stage for a reunion made it even more spectacular, with iconic tracks like “Independent Women” and “Single Ladies” going down a treat, especially given the fantastic dancers who also performed.