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Thats the year when Michael Jackson turned the Super Bowl halftime show into must-watch television.
The mode has always been pastiche, combining disparate elements into a cohesive whole that celebrates American culture.
Thanks, but no thanks.
To make it worse, the people on the field appeared to be moving around carrying fluorescent light bulbs.
This was a halftime show to forget.
The whiplash between these artists was enough to give viewers a concussion disorder.
Also, the Stones only did three songs.
And one of them was their latest single, Rough Justice.
What didnt was lettingJim Belushising Soul Man and Gimme Some Lovin.
Yes, they let Jim Belushi sing.
Even with James Brown, this halftime show needed a whole lot more of something.
Two all-time greats wasted on a spectacle that was absolutely hollow at its core.
The Super Bowl is not the time for intimate numbers.
Lady Gaga jumped off the roof!
Katy Perry rode in on a giant lion!
Beyonce shot Kelly and Michelle through the floor to sing Single Ladies!
What a horrible way to ruin #JanetJacksonAppreciationDay.
The Who (2010)
There were lasers and some singing.
There was a faithful version of Baba ORiley and other songs used by CBS procedurals.
I guess the stage was kinda cool.
I Feel Like a Woman without even one backup dancer or costume change.
Next, Gwen Stefani performed Just a Girl with her backing band.
There has been no bigger whiplash between two bands in the history of the Super Bowl.
Finally, Sting appeared and Stefani joined him for Message in a Bottle.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (2008)
Tom Pettyis one of our countrys greatest underappreciated assets.
But, man, couldnt he have at least enlisted a few dancers to liven things up?
But hey, at least there was an LED stage!
Nine out of ten dentists say this is enough saccharine to give every American spontaneous cavities.
It was uninspired, plus it didnt seem like Mars had achieved Super Bowl headliner status.
21.U2 (2002)
What we needed wasBruce Springsteenand what we got was an Irishman yelling America!
in front of a giant banner printed with the names of everyone who died in the 9/11 attacks.
for the Weeknds first costume change into… another red sparkly jacket.
But, on the other hand, my mom now knows who the Weeknd is, so mission accomplished.
I want you to step away from the guacamole dip!
I want you to put the chicken wings down and turn your television all the way up!
he told the audience as his set started.
Usher, Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Lil Jon, Jermaine Dupri, will.i.am, H.E.R.
But at its worst, it felt lonely, small, and somehow undernourished.
He emerged to Caught Up, wearing a white sparkly outfit that was 90 percent brooch.
Their cooing My Boo was the sensual promise of an Usher set at the Super Bowl.
After that, he took center stage alone for a medley headed by Confessions, Part II.
Yet he seemed dwarfed by a darkened arena, even when magnificently shirtless.
Still this was wholesome family fun for all ages.
Now a fashion and beauty mogul rented out the entire Super Bowl to do hers.
I kid, Ms. Fenty.
That tactic was not onlybecause shes pregnant; its because its Rihanna her whole career is about vibes.
One of the few Disney-produced shows, this was pure camp insanity.
It sure wasnt the best show, but its still one of my favorites.
Kendrick Lamar, SZA (2025)
Kendrick Lamar was always going to do the halftime show his way.
Usually, we end up with performers who arent good enough for the Super Bowl.
Things moved on from that moment with the speed of Shakira shaking her hips.
before she had moved on to some other bit of whimsy (including thezaghroutaheard round the world).
With two superstars in top form, its hard not to be swaddled in their beautiful glittery embrace.
But we never got more than that polished public persona.
10.Michael Jackson (1993)
Just because youre the first doesnt mean you do it best.
For starters, the networks hadnt quite figured out how to broadcast a halftime show yet.
Thank God for those guest performances because Coldplays contribution was pure Technicolor vomit.
It was like a hippie van collided with a paint factory.
Too bad everything else had to drag her down.
Yes,Justin ripped off Janets boob coveringand we saw a bit of nip.
It was still a really good show.
Then you realize that Ross has changed her outfit forevery single song.
And then you realize thathelicopteris going to landin the middle of the field.
take a stab at top that, Gaga.
The fan interaction, which has since become a staple, brought a whole new energy to the proceedings.
Dr. Dre figured out a way to make it both.
and it all adds up to great show that was happy to revel in the hits.
It just barely loses a few points, though, because her performance didnt offer enough pastiche.
Yes, it was a totally awe-inducing performance, but it didnt include even one costume change.
Still, Beyonce only had women performers on that stage, an admirable change and a powerful message.
Maybe because it is.
Oh, and he did the whole thingin the pouring rain.
Who could ever top that?
