The Ultimate Super Bowl Halftime Show Ranking: From Kendrick Lamar's Upcoming Spectacle To The All-Time Legends

The Super Bowl Halftime Show has evolved from a simple college marching band interlude into the single biggest 13-minute musical performance on the planet, a cultural touchstone watched by over 100 million people annually. As of the current date in late 2025, the music world is buzzing with anticipation for the next installment, which promises to continue the recent trend of hip-hop and R&B royalty taking center stage for the coveted slot.

The spectacle is no longer just about the game; it's a high-stakes, career-defining moment for the artist, a global stage for a curated setlist of their greatest hits, and a showcase of cutting-edge production. From the surprise guest appearances to the viral moments, the Halftime Show is where legends are cemented and new standards are set for live entertainment.

Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show: Kendrick Lamar and The New Era of Hip-Hop Dominance

The biggest news in the Halftime Show universe is the official announcement for the upcoming Super Bowl LIX, set to take place in February 2026. The headliner is none other than Pulitzer Prize-winning hip-hop icon, Kendrick Lamar.

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This selection reinforces the NFL's commitment to showcasing modern, genre-spanning musical talent, following the successful hip-hop-centric shows of recent years. Lamar's performance is expected to be a politically charged, artistically complex, and lyrically dense spectacle, a departure from some of the more pop-focused shows of the past.

The Confirmed and Rumored Guest Lineup

A Super Bowl performance is rarely a solo act, and the guests are often as anticipated as the headliner. The first confirmed guest for Kendrick Lamar’s set is R&B superstar SZA. Given Lamar's extensive collaborations and his status as a key figure in the Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) collective, speculation is rampant about other potential surprise appearances.

• SZA: Confirmed to appear, a collaboration that is sure to feature hits like "All the Stars."
• Dr. Dre: Given his role in the 2022 show and his mentorship of Lamar, a cameo is highly plausible.
• Rihanna: A frequent collaborator and a fellow Halftime Show alum (2023), her presence would be a major moment.
• J. Cole or Drake: While less likely, a surprise appearance by another hip-hop titan would break the internet.

The pressure is immense, as Lamar follows a string of critically acclaimed performances, including the star-studded 2022 show headlined by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, and 50 Cent.

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The Standard Setter: Usher's Super Bowl LVIII Masterclass

The most recent performance, the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show in February 2024, was a dazzling, high-energy R&B revue headlined by Usher. The veteran performer crammed over three decades of hits into his 13-minute set, showcasing his signature smooth vocals and intricate choreography.

Usher’s performance was widely praised for its sheer entertainment value, featuring roller skates, a marching band, and several high-profile guest appearances that kept the energy soaring.

Super Bowl LVIII Guest Entities and Highlights

• Alicia Keys: Joined Usher for a powerful rendition of "My Boo."
• H.E.R.: Delivered a stunning guitar solo that was a major highlight.
• Ludacris and Lil Jon: Closed the show with the iconic party anthem "Yeah!"
• Jermaine Dupri: Made a cameo appearance, adding to the Atlanta-R&B flavor of the show.

The show was a testament to Usher's longevity and showmanship, proving that a single artist can still command the colossal stage with a focused, hit-packed performance.

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The Pantheon of Legends: Ranking the Most Iconic Super Bowl Halftime Shows of All Time

To truly appreciate the current era of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, one must look back at the performances that transformed the event from a niche spectacle into a global cultural phenomenon. The following are widely regarded as the most essential and iconic performances that set the standard for every artist who follows.

1. Prince (Super Bowl XLI, 2007) - The Unbeatable Masterpiece

Nearly every list of the greatest Halftime Shows places Prince at the top. Performing in a torrential downpour in Miami, he turned a potential disaster into a legendary moment. His finale of "Purple Rain," with the rain illuminated in purple light, is often cited as the single greatest moment in the history of the show. His sheer musicality and stage presence were unmatched.

2. Michael Jackson (Super Bowl XXVII, 1993) - The Game Changer

Before Michael Jackson, the Halftime Show was dominated by marching bands and themed ensembles. Jackson single-handedly redefined the event. His performance, which famously began with him standing motionless for nearly two minutes, captivated the world and made the show a must-watch event for non-football fans. The NFL has chased that level of global star power ever since.

3. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar (Super Bowl LVI, 2022) - Hip-Hop's Triumph

This ensemble performance was a monumental cultural moment, marking the first time hip-hop was fully embraced as the headlining genre. Featuring a stage set designed like a map of Compton, the show was a powerful tribute to West Coast hip-hop and featured some of the biggest names in music history. The sheer star power and nostalgia factor were off the charts.

4. Madonna (Super Bowl XLVI, 2012) - The Pop Extravaganza

Madonna delivered a dazzling Roman-themed spectacle that set a new standard for production value. She brought out a host of high-profile guests, including Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., CeeLo Green, and LMFAO, showcasing her decades-long reign as the Queen of Pop.

5. U2 (Super Bowl XXXVI, 2002) - The Emotional Tribute

Following the events of 9/11, U2's performance was a deeply moving and patriotic tribute. As Bono sang "Where the Streets Have No Name," the names of the victims were projected onto a massive screen, creating a moment of powerful, collective emotion that transcended the entertainment value of the show.

The Evolution of the Super Bowl Halftime Show

The modern, star-studded Halftime Show is a far cry from its humble beginnings. The first Super Bowl in 1967 featured the Arizona and Grambling State University marching bands. For decades, the show was largely a family-friendly, theme-based production, often involving performers like Up with People.

The shift began in the early 1990s when the NFL realized the massive potential of booking contemporary musical acts. The success of Michael Jackson's 1993 performance proved that the Halftime Show could be a massive draw in its own right, leading to subsequent bookings of superstars like Diana Ross, Aerosmith, Britney Spears, Paul McCartney, and The Rolling Stones.

Today, the production is sponsored by Apple Music, following a decade-long partnership with Pepsi. This corporate backing allows for the massive, stadium-shaking production values and global marketing campaigns that surround the event, solidifying its status as the most watched musical event of the year.

As Kendrick Lamar prepares to take the stage, he joins a legendary list of performers who have used their 13 minutes to make a lasting cultural statement. The Super Bowl Halftime Show remains the ultimate proving ground for musical greatness, blending athletic competition with world-class entertainment in a way that no other event can match.