The Ultimate List: Every Super Bowl Halftime Performer From The Beginning To Kendrick Lamar (2025)

The Super Bowl Halftime Show has evolved from a modest performance by college marching bands into arguably the most coveted 15 minutes of stage time in the world, a cultural spectacle watched by over 100 million people globally. As of today, December 10, 2025, the buzz is already building for the next monumental performance, following a decades-long history of legendary artists who have taken the field.

This article provides the complete, year-by-year list of every Super Bowl halftime performer, diving deep into the recent headliners, the iconic shows that changed the game forever, and the future star set to take the stage in 2025. From Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking moment to Usher’s dazzling R&B masterclass, prepare for a definitive look at music’s biggest stage.

The New Era of Halftime Shows: 2010–2025 Headliners

The modern Super Bowl Halftime Show is defined by massive production value, guest appearances, and record-breaking viewership. Since the turn of the decade, the NFL has consistently booked the biggest names in music, turning the 12-minute set into a career-defining moment for any artist. The recent shows, now officially sponsored by Apple Music, continue to push the boundaries of live entertainment.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

Super Bowl LIX (2025) Headliner: Kendrick Lamar

In a highly anticipated announcement, the NFL confirmed that hip-hop icon Kendrick Lamar will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in New Orleans. Lamar, known for his politically charged and critically acclaimed music, has previously appeared as a guest performer in the 2022 show. His solo headlining set is expected to be a monumental moment for the genre and a powerful statement on the world's biggest stage, continuing the trend of hip-hop dominance in the show's lineup.

Super Bowl LVIII (2024) Headliner: Usher

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

Usher delivered a high-energy, R&B-focused performance at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. The show was a celebration of his 30-year career, featuring an impressive roster of guest stars. The performance included a spectacular roller-skating segment and appearances by Alicia Keys, H.E.R., will.i.am, Lil Jon, and Ludacris.

A Definitive List of Super Bowl Halftime Performers (2010–2025)

• Super Bowl LIX (2025): Kendrick Lamar
• Super Bowl LVIII (2024): Usher (with guests Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Lil Jon, Ludacris, will.i.am)
• Super Bowl LVII (2023): Rihanna
• Super Bowl LVI (2022): Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, and Anderson .Paak
• Super Bowl LV (2021): The Weeknd
• Super Bowl LIV (2020): Shakira and Jennifer Lopez (with guests Bad Bunny and J Balvin)
• Super Bowl LIII (2019): Maroon 5 (with guests Travis Scott and Big Boi)
• Super Bowl LII (2018): Justin Timberlake
• Super Bowl LI (2017): Lady Gaga
• Super Bowl L (2016): Coldplay (with guests Beyoncé and Bruno Mars)
• Super Bowl XLIX (2015): Katy Perry (with guests Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott)
• Super Bowl XLVIII (2014): Bruno Mars (with guest Red Hot Chili Peppers)
• Super Bowl XLVII (2013): Beyoncé (with guest Destiny's Child)
• Super Bowl XLVI (2012): Madonna (with guests LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., and CeeLo Green)
• Super Bowl XLV (2011): The Black Eyed Peas (with guests Usher and Slash)
• Super Bowl XLIV (2010): The Who

The Most Iconic and Controversial Halftime Shows of All Time

While every Super Bowl Halftime Show is a major event, a select few have achieved legendary status, either by fundamentally changing the format of the show or by sparking massive cultural controversy. These performances are essential viewing for anyone interested in the history of the Super Bowl spectacle.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

The Game-Changers: Performances That Defined the Spectacle

Before the 1990s, the halftime show primarily featured college marching bands and drill teams. The paradigm shifted with two crucial performances that set the stage for the modern pop star era:

• Super Bowl XXVII (1993): Michael Jackson. Jackson’s performance is widely credited with transforming the show into a must-watch pop culture event. His set, which included "Billie Jean" and "Black or White," saw a massive spike in viewership, proving that the halftime show could be as big a draw as the game itself.
• Super Bowl XLI (2007): Prince. Often cited as the greatest halftime show ever, Prince delivered a transcendent performance in a torrential downpour. His rendition of "Purple Rain" in the rain-soaked stadium cemented his status as a legendary live performer and an unforgettable Super Bowl moment.
• Super Bowl XLVII (2013): Beyoncé. Following a brief reunion with Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé’s solo set was a masterclass in stage presence and vocal power. The performance was so intense that it reportedly caused a power surge at the New Orleans Superdome.

The Controversies That Made History

Not all memorable moments are positive. Several halftime shows have been etched into history due to unexpected and widely discussed controversies, leading to stricter broadcast regulations.

• Super Bowl XXXVIII (2004): Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake. The infamous "wardrobe malfunction" during the performance of "Rock Your Body" led to an immediate, massive media frenzy and the term "Nipplegate." The incident resulted in a crackdown on broadcast indecency and a significant delay in the use of contemporary pop and rock acts for several years.
• Super Bowl XLVI (2012): M.I.A. While performing with Madonna and Nicki Minaj, rapper M.I.A. made an obscene gesture to the camera. This resulted in the NFL and the rapper facing legal issues with the FCC, highlighting the intense scrutiny placed on the live performance.
• Super Bowl XLIX (2015): "Left Shark." While not a controversy in the traditional sense, Katy Perry's backup dancer, dressed as a shark, went viral for his seemingly improvised and off-beat choreography. "Left Shark" became an instant meme and a cultural shorthand for unexpected live performance moments.

A Complete History: Every Super Bowl Halftime Show Performer (1967–2009)

From the early days of university bands to the arrival of global superstars, this comprehensive list tracks the evolution of the Super Bowl Halftime Show. The early years showcase a strong emphasis on patriotic themes, drill teams, and jazz ensembles, before the shift to rock and pop headliners in the 1990s.

Super Bowl Halftime Performers: The Full List

The history of the Super Bowl Halftime Show is a perfect mirror of American popular culture, moving from traditional fanfare to global pop dominance. With Kendrick Lamar set to take the stage for Super Bowl LIX, the tradition of delivering an unforgettable, high-stakes performance continues, ensuring the halftime show remains one of the most-watched musical events of the year.