The 21 Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows: Revisiting the Big Game’s Most Controversial and Memorable Performances (From Janet Jackson to Left Shark!)

Mar. 15, 2025

Rihanna performing during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime show at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 12, 2023.Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation

With the countdown toSuper Bowl 2025in New Orleans underway, all eyes are onKendrick Lamaras he gears up for his historic halftime performance as the first solo rap artist to headline the show.TheGrammy-winning rapper will have some company atApple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime show, with former TDE labelmateSZAjoining him as a guest performerfor the big event, which will go down center field at the Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9, 2025.This marks the Pulitzer Prize recipient’s second appearance on the Super Bowl stage. He previously joinedDr. Dre,Eminem,Mary J. BligeandSnoop Doggat Super Bowl LVI in 2022, when the Los Angeles Rams faced off against (andultimately won over) the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.Ahead of Lamar taking the Super Bowl stage, here’s a look back at some of the most epic halftime performances from past decades.

With the countdown toSuper Bowl 2025in New Orleans underway, all eyes are onKendrick Lamaras he gears up for his historic halftime performance as the first solo rap artist to headline the show.

TheGrammy-winning rapper will have some company atApple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime show, with former TDE labelmateSZAjoining him as a guest performerfor the big event, which will go down center field at the Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9, 2025.

This marks the Pulitzer Prize recipient’s second appearance on the Super Bowl stage. He previously joinedDr. Dre,Eminem,Mary J. BligeandSnoop Doggat Super Bowl LVI in 2022, when the Los Angeles Rams faced off against (andultimately won over) the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.

Ahead of Lamar taking the Super Bowl stage, here’s a look back at some of the most epic halftime performances from past decades.

01of 21Super Bowl LVIII: Usher, Alicia Keys, Lil Jon and LudacrisUsher performing during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime show at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Feb. 11, 2024.Kevin Mazur/GettyUsherset the Super Bowl stage ablaze in 2024, delivering a high-energy halftime showpacked with his biggest hitsand signature dance moves. Performing at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the R&B icon opened with “Caught Up” before gliding through classics like “Yeah!,” “My Boo” and “U Got It Bad.“The show featured electrifying choreography, asurprise roller-skating sequenceandstar-studded guest appearances— withAlicia Keysjoining him for a sultry duetof “My Boo” andLil JonandLudacrisbringing the A-Town energy for “Yeah!“Proving his dominance asone of music’s greatest showmen, Usher’s halftime performance surpassedRihanna’s 2023 Super Bowl halftime show as the most-viewed halftime performance ever, drawing 123.4 million viewers,according toBillboard.

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Super Bowl LVIII: Usher, Alicia Keys, Lil Jon and Ludacris

Usher performing during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime show at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Feb. 11, 2024.Kevin Mazur/Getty

Kevin Mazur/Getty

Usherset the Super Bowl stage ablaze in 2024, delivering a high-energy halftime showpacked with his biggest hitsand signature dance moves. Performing at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the R&B icon opened with “Caught Up” before gliding through classics like “Yeah!,” “My Boo” and “U Got It Bad.”

The show featured electrifying choreography, asurprise roller-skating sequenceandstar-studded guest appearances— withAlicia Keysjoining him for a sultry duetof “My Boo” andLil JonandLudacrisbringing the A-Town energy for “Yeah!”

Proving his dominance asone of music’s greatest showmen, Usher’s halftime performance surpassedRihanna’s 2023 Super Bowl halftime show as the most-viewed halftime performance ever, drawing 123.4 million viewers,according toBillboard.

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Super Bowl LVII: Rihanna

Rihanna performing during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime show at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 12, 2023.Ezra Shaw/Getty

The Grammy winner and her boyfriend, rapperA$AP Rocky, welcomed their first child,RZA Athelston Mayers, in May 2022. Theirsecond son,Riot Rose, arrived in August 2023.

03of 21Super Bowl LVI: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and 50 CentFrom left: Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show at SoFi Stadium on Feb. 13, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.Gregory Shamus/GettyHip-hop took center stage at the 2022 Super Bowl in Los Angeles, which brought together some of the genre’s biggest icons like Dr. Dre, Lamar, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Snoop Dogg with a medley of their hits — plus a surprise cameo from previously unannounced50 Cent. The crew also paid tribute to another L.A. legend, the lateTupac Shakur, performing his Dr. Dre-assisted 1995 hit single, “California Love.”

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Super Bowl LVI: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and 50 Cent

From left: Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show at SoFi Stadium on Feb. 13, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.Gregory Shamus/Getty

Hip-hop took center stage at the 2022 Super Bowl in Los Angeles, which brought together some of the genre’s biggest icons like Dr. Dre, Lamar, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Snoop Dogg with a medley of their hits — plus a surprise cameo from previously unannounced50 Cent. The crew also paid tribute to another L.A. legend, the lateTupac Shakur, performing his Dr. Dre-assisted 1995 hit single, “California Love.”

04of 21Super Bowl LV: The WeekndThe Weeknd performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Feb. 7, 2021.CBSFor the 2021 Super Bowl in Tampa, Fla. — which saw a limited capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic —The Weekndbuilt a stage in the standsand performed solo, taking fans through a string of his biggest hits. He inspired a wave of memes while running through a gold maze with a camera in his face during “Can’t Feel My Face” (and tweets about hissemi-creepy backup dancers) but ended the show with fireworks and a strong reception.

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Super Bowl LV: The Weeknd

The Weeknd performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Feb. 7, 2021.CBS

For the 2021 Super Bowl in Tampa, Fla. — which saw a limited capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic —The Weekndbuilt a stage in the standsand performed solo, taking fans through a string of his biggest hits. He inspired a wave of memes while running through a gold maze with a camera in his face during “Can’t Feel My Face” (and tweets about hissemi-creepy backup dancers) but ended the show with fireworks and a strong reception.

05of 21Super Bowl LIV: Jennifer Lopez and ShakiraShakira (left) and Jennifer Lopez perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Feb. 2, 2020.Focus on Sport/Getty"Let’s show the world what two little Latin girls can do,“Jennifer Lopezcaptioned a since-deleted photo of the pair on Instagram just before her exhilarating performance withShakira— and they did just that.The womendelivered their high-energy 2020 setin Miami, showing off their amazing dance moves and musical talents — including aspecial cameo from Lopez’s daughter,Emme Maribel, who was 11 at the time.“Yes! Halftime was JOY!!!!!!!!! Yes!!!!! @shakira @JLo everything that’s yes,“Pinkwrote in a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter), with endless celebsfollowing suit in congratulatory postson social media.“It’s a perfect moment in my life, honestly,” LopeztoldVanity Fairshortly before the show. “But it’s also a great time for Latina women to take the stage at the biggest all-American event, with everything that’s going on in the country right now.”

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Super Bowl LIV: Jennifer Lopez and Shakira

Shakira (left) and Jennifer Lopez perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Feb. 2, 2020.Focus on Sport/Getty

“Let’s show the world what two little Latin girls can do,“Jennifer Lopezcaptioned a since-deleted photo of the pair on Instagram just before her exhilarating performance withShakira— and they did just that.

The womendelivered their high-energy 2020 setin Miami, showing off their amazing dance moves and musical talents — including aspecial cameo from Lopez’s daughter,Emme Maribel, who was 11 at the time.

“Yes! Halftime was JOY!!!!!!!!! Yes!!!!! @shakira @JLo everything that’s yes,“Pinkwrote in a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter), with endless celebsfollowing suit in congratulatory postson social media.

“It’s a perfect moment in my life, honestly,” LopeztoldVanity Fairshortly before the show. “But it’s also a great time for Latina women to take the stage at the biggest all-American event, with everything that’s going on in the country right now.”

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Super Bowl LIII: Maroon 5, Big Boi and Sleepy Brown

From left: Big Boi, Adam Levine of Maroon 5 and Sleepy Brown perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl LIII Halftime Show at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Feb. 3, 2019.

For their 2019 halftime show in Atlanta,Adam Levineand hisMaroon 5bandmatesperformed a medley of their hits. They also brought out Atlanta hip-hop icons like Big Boi and Sleepy Brown, as well asTravis Scottand the Georgia State University Panther Band.

07of 21Super Bowl LII: Justin TimberlakeJustin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Feb. 4, 2018.Christopher Polk/Getty ImagesJustin Timberlake’s 2018 Super Bowl performance in Minneapolis at U.S. Bank Stadium went off without a hitch, helping to distance him from theinfamous 2004 wardrobe malfunction momentwithJanet Jacksonfurther into the past. The pop star performed his greatest hits andpaid homage to “Purple Rain” singerPrince(and former Super Bowl headliner) in the late artist’s hometown.

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Super Bowl LII: Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Feb. 4, 2018.Christopher Polk/Getty Images

Justin Timberlake’s 2018 Super Bowl performance in Minneapolis at U.S. Bank Stadium went off without a hitch, helping to distance him from theinfamous 2004 wardrobe malfunction momentwithJanet Jacksonfurther into the past. The pop star performed his greatest hits andpaid homage to “Purple Rain” singerPrince(and former Super Bowl headliner) in the late artist’s hometown.

08of 21Super Bowl LI: Lady GagaLady Gaga performs onstage during the Pepsi Zero Sugar Super Bowl LI Halftime Show at NRG Stadium in Houston on Feb. 5, 2017.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagicLady Gaga’s 2017 Super Bowl performance in Houston at NRG Stadium wowed fans across the country as she worked the crowd, belting hits like “Just Dance,” “Born This Way” and “Million Reasons.” She evenpulled off a viral momentwhen she appeared to leap into the stadium to kick off the show.

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Super Bowl LI: Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga performs onstage during the Pepsi Zero Sugar Super Bowl LI Halftime Show at NRG Stadium in Houston on Feb. 5, 2017.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Lady Gaga’s 2017 Super Bowl performance in Houston at NRG Stadium wowed fans across the country as she worked the crowd, belting hits like “Just Dance,” “Born This Way” and “Million Reasons.” She evenpulled off a viral momentwhen she appeared to leap into the stadium to kick off the show.

09of 21Super Bowl 50: Coldplay, Beyoncé and Bruno MarsFrom left: Beyoncé, Chris Martin of Coldplay and Bruno Mars perform onstage during the Pepsi Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Feb. 7, 2016.Kevin Mazur/WireImageThe star-studded 2016 halftime show — featuring headlinersColdplay,BeyoncéandBruno Mars— will go down as one of the most epic performances in Super Bowl history. Fans at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., erupted as the triodelivered a medley of their hits, and Beyoncé and Mars faced off in an epic dance battle for the Super Bowl’s landmark 50th game.

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Super Bowl 50: Coldplay, Beyoncé and Bruno Mars

From left: Beyoncé, Chris Martin of Coldplay and Bruno Mars perform onstage during the Pepsi Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Feb. 7, 2016.Kevin Mazur/WireImage

The star-studded 2016 halftime show — featuring headlinersColdplay,BeyoncéandBruno Mars— will go down as one of the most epic performances in Super Bowl history. Fans at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., erupted as the triodelivered a medley of their hits, and Beyoncé and Mars faced off in an epic dance battle for the Super Bowl’s landmark 50th game.

10of 21Super Bowl XLIX: Katy Perry, Missy Elliott and Lenny KravitzLeft: Katy Perry and Missy Elliott perform onstage during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Show at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 1, 2015; Right: Katy Perry and Lenny Kravitz perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Show at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 1, 2015.Christopher Polk/Getty Images; Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesKaty Perryarrived at the 2015 Super Bowl halftime stage at University of Phoenix Stadium (now State Farm Stadium) in Glendale, Ariz., riding atop a giant metallic lion.Lenny KravitzandMissy Elliottjoined the pop starduring her highly acclaimed set, while Perry seamlessly transitioned through several elaborate and colorful wardrobe changes.The night alsointroduced an unexpected viral sensation: Left Shark, whose offbeat, impromptu dance moves stole the show.

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Super Bowl XLIX: Katy Perry, Missy Elliott and Lenny Kravitz

Left: Katy Perry and Missy Elliott perform onstage during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Show at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 1, 2015; Right: Katy Perry and Lenny Kravitz perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Show at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 1, 2015.Christopher Polk/Getty Images; Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Katy Perryarrived at the 2015 Super Bowl halftime stage at University of Phoenix Stadium (now State Farm Stadium) in Glendale, Ariz., riding atop a giant metallic lion.Lenny KravitzandMissy Elliottjoined the pop starduring her highly acclaimed set, while Perry seamlessly transitioned through several elaborate and colorful wardrobe changes.

The night alsointroduced an unexpected viral sensation: Left Shark, whose offbeat, impromptu dance moves stole the show.

11of 21Super Bowl XLVIII: Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili PeppersBruno Mars (far right) and the Red Hot Chili Peppers perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVIII Halftime Show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Feb. 2, 2014.Jamie Squire/Getty Images)In 2014, Mars brought Super Bowl fans to their feet at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., kicking off with his hit “Billionaire” alongside Gym Class Heroes frontman Travie McCoy. The star sang, danced and played the drums, captivating the audience with his undeniable stage presence. TheRed Hot Chili Peppersthen joined the 15-time Grammy winner to perform “Give It Away.“The unforgettable set brought in a record high of 115.3 million viewers, the largest audience in Super Bowl history at the time,Billboardreported.

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Super Bowl XLVIII: Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers

Bruno Mars (far right) and the Red Hot Chili Peppers perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVIII Halftime Show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Feb. 2, 2014.Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

In 2014, Mars brought Super Bowl fans to their feet at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., kicking off with his hit “Billionaire” alongside Gym Class Heroes frontman Travie McCoy. The star sang, danced and played the drums, captivating the audience with his undeniable stage presence. TheRed Hot Chili Peppersthen joined the 15-time Grammy winner to perform “Give It Away.”

The unforgettable set brought in a record high of 115.3 million viewers, the largest audience in Super Bowl history at the time,Billboardreported.

12of 21Super Bowl XLVII: Beyoncé with Destiny’s ChildFrom left: Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé and Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 3, 2013.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagicBeyoncé pulled out all the stops for her 2013 halftime performance at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. It was entertainment at its finest as the star performed hit after hit before bringing out former group membersKelly RowlandandMichelle Williamsfor a long-awaitedDestiny’s Childreunion the world was waiting for.“There haven’t been that many women that have done Super Bowl halftime shows — I had to hold it down for the ladies,” she told CBS,perBillboard.The performance was so epic that the stadium’s power temporarily went out afterward — though officials said the two events were not related,according to theLos Angeles Times.

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Super Bowl XLVII: Beyoncé with Destiny’s Child

From left: Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé and Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 3, 2013.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Beyoncé pulled out all the stops for her 2013 halftime performance at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. It was entertainment at its finest as the star performed hit after hit before bringing out former group membersKelly RowlandandMichelle Williamsfor a long-awaitedDestiny’s Childreunion the world was waiting for.

“There haven’t been that many women that have done Super Bowl halftime shows — I had to hold it down for the ladies,” she told CBS,perBillboard.

The performance was so epic that the stadium’s power temporarily went out afterward — though officials said the two events were not related,according to theLos Angeles Times.

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Super Bowl Super Bowl XLVI: Madonna, Nicki Minaj and MIA

From left: Nicki Minaj, Madonna and MIA perform during the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Feb. 5, 2012.Kevin Mazur/WireImage

While fans and celebrities praised the performance, controversy erupted after MIA flashed her middle finger on camera, sparking backlash that somewhat overshadowed the night — and costing the NFL a reported $16.6 million in damages,perThe Hollywood Reporter.

14of 21Super Bowl Super Bowl XLV: Black Eyed Peas, Usher and SlashUsher performs with the Black Eyed Peas during the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show at Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Feb. 6, 2011; Will.i.am, Fergie and Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas perform during the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show at Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Feb. 6, 2011; Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas performs alongside Slash during the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show at Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Feb. 6, 2011.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic; Rob Carr/Getty Images; Al Bello/Getty ImagesTheBlack Eyed Peas' 2011 halftime show at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, received lukewarm reviews, largely due to the various technical difficulties. At one point,Fergie’s mic cut out, and lighting issues plagued parts of the performance. However, the crowd’s mood and energy shifted whenSlashand Usher helped revive the crowd with surprise appearances.

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Super Bowl Super Bowl XLV: Black Eyed Peas, Usher and Slash

Usher performs with the Black Eyed Peas during the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show at Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Feb. 6, 2011; Will.i.am, Fergie and Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas perform during the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show at Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Feb. 6, 2011; Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas performs alongside Slash during the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show at Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Feb. 6, 2011.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic; Rob Carr/Getty Images; Al Bello/Getty Images

TheBlack Eyed Peas' 2011 halftime show at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, received lukewarm reviews, largely due to the various technical difficulties. At one point,Fergie’s mic cut out, and lighting issues plagued parts of the performance. However, the crowd’s mood and energy shifted whenSlashand Usher helped revive the crowd with surprise appearances.

15of 21Super Bowl XLIV: The WhoFrom left: Roger Daltrey, Zak Starkey and Pete Townshend of The Who perform onstage during the Super Bowl XLIV Halftime Show at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Feb. 7, 2010.Kevin Mazur/WireImageLike other halftime show performers, The Who also faced technical difficulties at the 2010 Super Bowl, which was held at Sun Life Stadium (now Hard Rock Stadium) in Miami Gardens, Fla. Despite a sound delay between the broadcast and visuals, fans were still amazed as the legendary rockers managed to shred out classics like “Pinball Wizard” and “Baba O’Riley” — all while proving they could command the stage well into their 60s.

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Super Bowl XLIV: The Who

From left: Roger Daltrey, Zak Starkey and Pete Townshend of The Who perform onstage during the Super Bowl XLIV Halftime Show at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Feb. 7, 2010.Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Like other halftime show performers, The Who also faced technical difficulties at the 2010 Super Bowl, which was held at Sun Life Stadium (now Hard Rock Stadium) in Miami Gardens, Fla. Despite a sound delay between the broadcast and visuals, fans were still amazed as the legendary rockers managed to shred out classics like “Pinball Wizard” and “Baba O’Riley” — all while proving they could command the stage well into their 60s.

16of 21Super Bowl XLIII: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street BandBruce Springsteen and the E Street Band perform at the Bridgestone halftime show during Super Bowl XLIII on Feb. 1, 2009, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesBruce Springsteenhad turned down previous offers to perform at the Super Bowl, but in 2009, The Boss finally bit the bullet to perform at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. — and he did not disappoint. Springsteen and the E Street Band spent their 12-minute set ripping through hits like “Born to Run” and “Glory Days,” making for an unforgettable night.

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Super Bowl XLIII: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band perform at the Bridgestone halftime show during Super Bowl XLIII on Feb. 1, 2009, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Bruce Springsteenhad turned down previous offers to perform at the Super Bowl, but in 2009, The Boss finally bit the bullet to perform at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. — and he did not disappoint. Springsteen and the E Street Band spent their 12-minute set ripping through hits like “Born to Run” and “Glory Days,” making for an unforgettable night.

17of 21Super Bowl XLII: Tom Petty and the HeartbreakersTom Petty and the Heartbreakers perform during the Super Bowl XLII halftime show at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 3, 2008.Ron Antonelli/NY Daily News Archive/Getty ImagesThe beloved singer-songwriterTom Petty— whodied in 2017— put on a rock-solid performance at the 2008 Super Bowl halftime show at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. His setlist included “American Girl,” “I Won’t Back Down,” “Free Fallin'” and “Runnin' Down a Dream.”

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Super Bowl XLII: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers perform during the Super Bowl XLII halftime show at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 3, 2008.Ron Antonelli/NY Daily News Archive/Getty Images

The beloved singer-songwriterTom Petty— whodied in 2017— put on a rock-solid performance at the 2008 Super Bowl halftime show at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. His setlist included “American Girl,” “I Won’t Back Down,” “Free Fallin'” and “Runnin' Down a Dream.”

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Super Bowl XLI: Prince

Left: Florida A&M University’s Marching 100 Band perform during the Super Bowl XLI Halftime Show at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Feb. 4, 2007; Right: Prince performs in the rain during the Super Bowl XLI Halftime Show at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Feb. 4, 2007.Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images; ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images

Leave it to Prince to perform one of the most legendary Super Bowl halftime performances ever.

Then, in a moment of pure magic, Prince sang “Purple Rain” just as it began to drizzle, making the halftime show all the more unforgettable and poignant since the singerdied at 57in 2016.

19of 21Super Bowl XL: The Rolling StonesFrom left: Ron Wood, Charlie Watts and Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones perform at halftime during Super Bowl XL at Ford Field in Detroit on Feb. 5, 2006.Theo Wargo/WireImageThe Rolling Stoneshad to censor their 2006 halftime show at Ford Field in Detroit at the request of the NFL,Ultimate Classic Rock reported.Mick Jaggerwas asked to tone it down during “Start Me Up” and “Rough Justice” due to their explicit lyrics, but the band still managed to put on an electrifying set.

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Super Bowl XL: The Rolling Stones

From left: Ron Wood, Charlie Watts and Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones perform at halftime during Super Bowl XL at Ford Field in Detroit on Feb. 5, 2006.Theo Wargo/WireImage

The Rolling Stoneshad to censor their 2006 halftime show at Ford Field in Detroit at the request of the NFL,Ultimate Classic Rock reported.Mick Jaggerwas asked to tone it down during “Start Me Up” and “Rough Justice” due to their explicit lyrics, but the band still managed to put on an electrifying set.

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Super Bowl XXXIX: Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney performs during the Super Bowl XXXIX Halftime Show at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., on Feb. 6, 2005.Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

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Super Bowl XXXVIII: Janet Jackson, Kid Rock, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Nelly and Justin Timberlake

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs (left) and Nelly perform during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Feb. 1, 2004; Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake perform during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Feb. 1, 2004; Kid Rock performs during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Feb. 1, 2004.Frank Micelotta/Getty Images; KMazur/WireImage; Andy Lyons/Getty Images

All anyone could talk about that year was the now-infamous “wardrobe malfunction” between Timberlake and Jackson that spurred#Nipplegate. The shocking moment happened the second Timberlake accidentally pulled off part of the singer’s outfit, exposing her right breast to the entire stadium and the 140 million viewers who had tuned in for the big show.

While Timberlake went on to headline the event in 2018, the blowback from the incident led Jackson to be effectively blacklisted from future halftime shows. The*NSYNCalum laterissued a public apologyto Jackson in 2021.

Fortunately, the two are on good terms. In the 2022 Lifetime and A&E documentaryJanet, Jackson said she and Timberlake are “very good friends.”

source: people.com