As the excitement builds for Bad Bunny's upcoming performance at the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, fans are reflecting on the rich history of these iconic spectacles that have defined American pop culture for decades. According to Us Weekly, the halftime show has evolved from simple entertainment to a global stage where musicians deliver unforgettable moments, from wardrobe malfunctions to surprise reunions. With Bad Bunny set to take the stage this weekend, the publication's recent ranking of the 10 best Super Bowl halftime shows offers a timely reminder of the performances that have left an indelible mark on audiences.
The list, compiled by Us Weekly's entertainment team, highlights shows that combined spectacle, emotion, and sheer talent, often turning mishaps into memes or history-making triumphs. At number 10 is Katy Perry's 2015 performance, described as "one of the campiest Super Bowl performances ever." Perry's set at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, featured vibrant visuals including dancing palm trees, robot lions, and beach balls with teeth, but it was the viral "Left Shark" dancer that stole the spotlight, turning the show into an instant internet sensation. A surprise cameo by Missy Elliott added to the energy, as Perry performed hits like "Roar" and "Firework" to a crowd of over 70,000.
Moving up to number nine, Rihanna's 2022 show at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, stands out for its personal milestone. Rihanna, who was pregnant at the time, revealed her pregnancy live on stage during the performance, marking the first-ever Super Bowl pregnancy announcement. According to Us Weekly, it was a "truly groundbreaking moment," with Rihanna delivering twelve hit songs in a bare-bones production that emphasized her vocals and stage presence. Songs like "Umbrella" and "Work" resonated with viewers, and the intimate setup contrasted with the grandeur of previous years, earning praise for its authenticity amid the Super Bowl's high-stakes environment.
Paul McCartney's 2005 halftime show at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, ranks at number eight for its straightforward appeal. The former Beatle performed solo with his guitar, delivering classics such as "Drive My Car," "Live and Let Die," and "Get Back." Us Weekly noted that "it's hard to go wrong with a concert from a living legend," and the stripped-down nature of the set culminated in tens of thousands of fans singing along to "Hey Jude," creating a communal moment that echoed the Beatles' enduring legacy. This performance came during Super Bowl XXXIX, where the New England Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21.
At number seven, Bruce Springsteen's 2009 show at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, brought rock energy to the halftime slot. Springsteen and his E Street Band opened with a dramatic full-stage slide into the camera, followed by renditions of "Glory Days" and "Born to Run." The publication described it as bringing "just the right amount of energy" to a game that ended in a close victory for the Pittsburgh Steelers over the Arizona Cardinals, 27-23. Springsteen's knee-first dive became a highlight, symbolizing the raw, unpolished excitement that has characterized many memorable halftimes.
Lady Gaga's 2017 performance tops the list at number six, remembered for its daring start. She dove from the roof of NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, kicking off a set filled with acrobatics, high-wire acts, multiple costume changes, and powerful vocals on songs like "Poker Face" and "Bad Romance." Us Weekly praised her as having "positively immaculate vibes as one of our best pop star performers," noting the absence of special guests allowed Gaga to shine solo, ending with a mic drop that capped Super Bowl LI's halftime before the New England Patriots' historic comeback win against the Atlanta Falcons.
Ranking fifth is Madonna's 2012 show at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, which Us Weekly called a "bold, beautiful and boundary-pushing" spectacle. Madonna entered as an Egyptian pharaoh on a golden throne pulled by warriors, performing hits with guests including Nicki Minaj, LMFAO, CeeLo Green, and M.I.A., who controversially flipped off the camera during "Give Me All Your Luvin'." The set closed with a riveting "Like a Prayer," setting a high bar for production values during Super Bowl XLVI, where the New York Giants upset the New England Patriots 21-17.
The number four spot goes to the 2022 hip-hop extravaganza at SoFi Stadium, headlined by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar. This performance, which also featured Anderson .Paak and 50 Cent, boasted a record number of headliners and multiple stage sets for an ambitious production. According to Us Weekly, it included hits like Eminem's "Lose Yourself" and Lamar's "Alright," earning three Emmy Awards, including the first for Outstanding Live Variety Special. The show celebrated 1990s hip-hop during Super Bowl LVI, where the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 on their home turf.
Michael Jackson's groundbreaking 1993 performance at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, claims the number three position. Jackson appeared on two scoreboards before emerging from beneath the stage, then stood silent for over a minute, drawing gasps from the audience. Us Weekly stated that this "laid the groundwork for all future halftime performances," with Jackson's set during Super Bowl XXVII—including "Jam" and "Heal the World"—revolutionizing the format as the Dallas Cowboys beat the Buffalo Bills 52-17. It was a show-stopping production of spectacle that shifted the halftime from marching bands to superstar concerts.
Beyoncé's 2013 halftime at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans ranks second, iconic for reuniting Destiny's Child. Beyoncé's complex choreography and powerhouse vocals on tracks like "Single Ladies" and "Halo" demonstrated her as a "consummate performer," per Us Weekly. She maintained eye contact with the camera throughout, channeling an otherworldly energy. The show during Super Bowl XLVII was followed by a 34-minute power outage, adding to the drama as the Baltimore Ravens edged the San Francisco 49ers 34-31.
Topping the list at number one is Prince's 2007 performance at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, hailed as potentially "the absolute apex of Prince’s career." Amid a rainstorm, Prince ended with "Purple Rain," turning the weather into a magical finish. Us Weekly noted that while others might see rain as a derailment, Prince leveraged it brilliantly, performing covers like "Proud Mary," "All Along the Watchtower," and the Foo Fighters' "Best of You," showcasing his vocals and guitar skills. This set during Super Bowl XLI preceded the Indianapolis Colts' 29-17 win over the Chicago Bears and remains a benchmark for emotional depth.
These rankings, drawn from Us Weekly's analysis, underscore how the Super Bowl halftime has grown from its 1993 Jackson milestone into a cultural phenomenon blending music, visuals, and unpredictability. Elements like the 2004 wardrobe malfunction involving Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, or Kendrick Lamar's bold 2024 call-out of Drake in "Not Like Us," highlight the show's capacity for controversy and virality, as mentioned in the publication's overview.
Looking ahead, Bad Bunny's 2026 appearance—announced recently—promises to continue this tradition at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, during Super Bowl LX. As a global reggaeton star, he joins a lineage of artists who have used the platform to break records and make statements. While past shows have won Emmys and sparked debates, the halftime remains a neutral ground where football pauses for pop's biggest moments.
The evolution reflects broader trends in entertainment, where streaming and social media amplify these 13-minute sets to millions worldwide. Us Weekly ties this history to ongoing anticipation, noting related events like standout national anthem performances by Beyoncé, Gaga, and Whitney Houston. As fans tune in this weekend, the legacy of these top-ranked shows ensures the 2026 edition will be measured against legends like Prince and Michael Jackson.
In total, the Super Bowl halftime has featured over 50 unique productions since 1967, transitioning from university marching bands to multimillion-dollar extravaganzas sponsored by brands like Pepsi. This year's focus on Bad Bunny signals a continued push toward diverse genres, potentially including Latin influences that could rival the hip-hop tribute of 2022. Whether through rain-soaked triumphs or viral dances, these performances remind viewers why the halftime show often overshadows the game itself.