Canadian superstar The Weeknd is starring in the 2021 Super Bowl Halftime Show this coming Sunday. I bet he’ll do a fantastic job! Ahead of his moment in the big sporting event spotlight, I have put together my own personal Super Bowl Halftime Show Top Ten performance list. I’m even including videos so you can watch and judge for yourself!
First….some honourable mentions that didn’t quite make the grade for me…
Janet Jackson – 2004
This performance is remembered with one word…nipplegate. The scandal of Justin Timberlake accidentally ripping off the front of Janet’s costume caused such a stir, that we often forget that JT wasn’t the only guest star here. P. Diddy, Nelly, Jessica Simpson and even Kid Rock took part.
The Who – 2010
This was a classic rock offering in a long line of nostalgia acts that the NFL trotted out in the wake of the Janet Jackson fiasco. A group like The Who were considered “safe”. I feel like their performance here was a little lackluster, but they are an incredible band, so I get why they were chosen.
The Rolling Stones – 2006
To me, Mick and Keith and the guys underwhelmed a little bit here, but they are still one of the biggest bands of all time, so it makes sense to have them at one of the biggest events of all time.
U2 – 2002
An Irish band playing the biggest American sporting event just months after 9/11 seems like a strange choice, but at least there was a tribute.
Jennifer Lopez & Shakira – 2020
These Latin ladies took center stage and really showed off their amazing talent here! They invited J Balvin and Bad Bunny in as as guest performers. Even J-lo’s daughter Emme showed off her singing skills.
Katy Perry – 2015
Katy rides in on a huge tiger puppet and invites Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott to get in on the fun. This is a performance that had everyone on social media talking about the “Left Shark”.
And now for the Top Ten…
10) Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars – 2016
This is one show where the sum of its parts makes it a solid performance. Colplay were officially the headliners, but Bruno and Mark Ronson brought the mega hit “Uptown Funk” to the stage while The Queen Bey slayed and stole the spotlight.
Here’s an extra link to watch Bruno and Beyonce…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDPITj1wlkg
9) Paul McCartney – 2005
Sir Paul was the first halftime performer to follow the Janet Jackson escapade from the year before. He began a long line of classic rock acts that the NFL put in place so that they would just play the music and not get too risque. There is no one safer or more likable than this former Beatle.
8) Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band – 2009
Bruce brings so much fun and energy to the stage here. You can’t help but get swept up in all the fun he appears to be having. When “The Boss” tells you to ignore the food at the party at home and pay attention, you listen!
7) Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers – 2008
Tom Petty is an artist who I never fully appreciated until he was gone. One of the greatest rockers of all time. “Free Fallin” shows off how he can touch your emotions with his music as well. Hearing him play it live on this stage still gives me goosebumps.
6) Aerosmith & NSYNC – 2001
I must admit that I like this performance because I was still in high school at the time and it just feels very nostalgic to watch it. Also I had a MASSIVE crush on Britney Spears at the time. She guests starred here along with Mary J. Blige and Nelly. Ben Stiller also brings a dose of comedy to the festivities.
5) Lady Gaga – 2017
I’ll bet this was a moment where a lot of people who had not been paying attention to Gaga had to give her credit where credit was due. She brought it with ever bit of her voice, her body and her soul here!
4) Justin Timberlake – 2018
I remember watching this live and hoping for a surprise NSYNC reunion. When that never happen I felt underwhelmed. However, watching this back, JT was really great here. The talking point online the day after this was the young lad who got to take a selfie with Justin during the show.
3) Bruno Mars – 2014
This felt like a broader audience taking notice of how just how talented Bruno really is. There was an old school James Brown vibe to some of this. Red Hot Chili Peppers were also guest starring to satisfy the rock fans.
2) Michael Jackson – 1993
Up until this point the Halftime Show at the Super Bowl had mostly consisted of marching bands and little known groups like Up With People. The King of Pop took to the stage and the big act format of the event has never looked back.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBkNQZ-6QHg
1) Prince – 2007
Minnesota’s favourite pop star didn’t let the wet weather dampen his performance. We got “Purple Rain” while it rained! Plus he threw in some amazing and unexpected covers of other artists songs like Jimmy Hendrix and The Foo Fighters.
