10 Most-Watched Super Bowl Halftime Show Performances Of All Time
The biggest sporting event in the U.S. is here!
Usher is just hours away from taking the biggest and brightest performance stage, with more than a hundred million viewers eager to see what he has in store for both his fans and football fans alike.
Every year, one (or several) of the biggest artists get the honor of performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. The likes of Michael Jackson, U2, The Rolling Stones and Prince have all graced that stage, each one wanting to mount a performance for the ages. Not everyone is successful though -- just ask the Black Eyed Peas.
Nonetheless, everyone can agree that millions of eyes are glued to their screens, waiting for the SB halftime show. And with Taylor Swift expected to attend the championship match between the San Francisco 49ers and her boyfriend Travis Kelce's Kansas City Chiefs, it's safe to say more people are going to watch the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show.
To whet your appetites while you wait for Usher's Super Bowl performance, we list down the 10 most-watched Super Bowl performances of all time.
10. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira (2020) - 104 million
Fans were treated to two of the biggest Latina singers at the Super Bowl LIV, as JLo and Shakira performed their hits. The 14-minute performance had some very memorable moments like JLo performing with her daughter Emme and Shakira's meme-worthy tongue wagging on camera.
Did we mention Bad Bunny and J. Balvin performed alongside the Latin divas?
JLo also released a short documentary on Netflix about her preparation process leading to the performance.
9. Justin Timberlake (2018) - 106.6 million
Justin brought sexy back on stage at the 2018 Super Bowl after his infamous performance with Janet Jackson in 2004. This time, no nipples were revealed.
Aside from performing his hits like "Can't Stop the Feeling" and "Rock Your Body," the "Mirrors" artist also paid music legend Prince a tribute with a video duet of "I Would Die 4 U."
8. Beyoncé (2013) - 110.8 million
We don't need any reason to watch Beyoncé do anything. But the icon on the brightest stage performing her biggest hits is the best formula for must-watch TV.
Considered one of the best Super Bowl performances ever, Beyoncé ran the world as she performed hit tracks like "Crazy In Love," "Halo" and "Love On Top." But the real treat that night was the reunion of Destiny's Child as Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams joined Bey on stage to perform “Bootylicious” and “Independent Women Part I.”
7. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar (2022) - 112 million
A stacked Super Bowl performance it was in 2022 when hip-hop icons Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and Queen of R&B, Mary J. Blige, took the Super Bowl stage.As if that wasn't enough star power, 50 Cent and Anderson Paak also joined the celebration.
With all this talent, the night was filled with iconic rap music that culminated with the icons performing "Still D.R.E." together.
6. Madonna (2012) - 114 million
No most-watched list is complete without the Queen of Pop herself. Twelve years ago, Madonna sang and danced in the middle of the football field, in front of 114 million viewers worldwide.
Aside from doing renditions of her most iconic tracks, she also welcomed guest performers LMFAO, CeeLo Green, Nicki Minaj and M.I.A.
In true Madonna fashion, the night ended with much controversy after M.I.A. flashed her middle finger on camera.
5. Bruno Mars (2014) - 115.3 million
Many questioned if Bruno Mars was a big enough star for the halftime show, but at the end of the night, he proved he was.
Belting hits like "Treasure" and "Runaway Baby" with his smooth dance moves, Mars was pure entertainment at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Add to that guest performers Red Hot Chili Peppers and you get for yourself one iconic performance.
4. Coldplay (2016) - 115.5 million
To mark 50 years of the Super Bowl, Coldplay painted the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, colorful. Known for their feel-good tracks and inspirational message, Coldplay was a real treat and special guest Beyoncé was the cherry on top. Performing the world premiere of "Formation," Queen Bey later joined the band and Bruno Mars in singing Coldplay's hit "Up&Up."
3. Lady Gaga (2017) - 117.5 million
The singer-turned-actress performed a medley of her hits at the 2017 Super Bowl without any crazy tricks.
While Gaga could be very controversial at times, especially during those years, she kept her Super Bowl gig safe and enjoyable for everyone.
2. Katy Perry (2015) - 118.5 million
Much like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry kept her Super Bowl 2015 Halftime performance "PG." Complete with dancing sharks.
Aside from belting out "Firework" and "Roar," Katy was also joined by Lenny Kravitz on stage to sing "I Kissed a Girl." Missy Elliot also made an appearance to perform "Lose Control." These sure made 118 million worldwide happy!
You can watch Katy Perry's full Super Bowl performance here.
1. Rihanna (2023) - 121.07 million
To say Rihanna brought the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, down is an understatement. RiRi put the stadium and millions of TV screens worldwide on fire!
The "Diamonds" hitmaker sang all her iconic tracks, accompanied by her army of dancers. The show also gave birth to some iconic dance moves that TikTok ate up.
The best part of that night, however, was Rihanna announcing to the world that she was pregnant with her second child with boyfriend A$AP Rocky.
You can watch the full performance here.