Football, Who? These Halftime Performers Stole the Show Every. Single. Time.

Feb 1, 2019 2:16 pm

By Megan Heintz

The New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams are going head-to-head in the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 3, blah blah, but we’re far more excited about Maroon 5 and Travis Scott, y’all. The “What Lovers Do” singers and Kylie Jenner‘s baby daddy will hit the stage during the NFL halftime show, and honestly, that’s all we really care about. Along with the commercials, of course. But before we witness these dudes crushin’ it on stage, we’re bringing you the best halftime shows in history. Ya know, to refresh your memory. Keep scrolling and prepare to yell out at least one “OMG, I forgot about that!”

1 of 15

1993: Micahel Jackson

Only the King of Pop could pull off standing on stage for 90 seconds … without moving … when they’re only given 13 minutes to perform! By the time he busted into “Jam,” fans were on the edge of their seats. Of course, there was plenty of crotch-grabbing to be had.

2 of 15

1996: Diana Ross

I’ve got nothing but ~endless love~ for Diana Ross! The former Supremes singer was indeed, supreme, at the 1996 halftime show. She belted out tunes like, “You Keep Me Hanging On,” “Baby Love” and “I Will Survive” before heading out on a helicopter. Ya know, as one does.

3 of 15

2001: Aerosmith, Britney Spears, ‘NSync, Nelly and Mary J. Blige

I mean, can you get any more epic than this?! The powerhouse performers were all on the stage at the same time, and I wish my then 9-year-old self appreciated this more.

4 of 15

2002: U2

TBH, I’ve never listened to their album (remember when everyone was FORCED into it on iTunes??), but they’ve been around forever and certainly know how to get the crowd going.

5 of 15

2003: Sting, Shania Twain and No Doubt

No doubt this was the greatest halftime show of all time! Are you sick of my puns yet?? I may or may not have seen Shania Twain in concert three times, so I’m a lil biased.

6 of 15

2005: Paul McCartney

Do we even need to explain this one?

7 of 15

2006: The Rolling Stones

The fact that these dudes have been around for 50+ years is honestly mind-boggling.

8 of 15

2007: Prince

Y’all, he played “Purple Rain” in a straight-up downpour. Iconic.

9 of 15

2008: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

No bells and whistles here! Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers‘ performance was underrated because he (gasp!), just let his talent shine. The then 57-year-old offered up hits like “American Girl,” “Free Fallin” and “Won’t Back Down.”

10 of 15

2009: Bruce Springsteen

Who doesn’t love a Jersey boy? “I want you to step back from the guacamole dip, I want you to put the chicken fingers down and turn your television all the way up,” he told the crowd. Sure thing, Boss!

11 of 15

2010: The Who

A classic choice.

12 of 15

2012: Madonna, Ceelo Green and LMFAO

Remember the Cleopatra costume and church choir? Oh yeah, and some type of cheerleader outfit? It’s safe to say no one was bored during this spectacle.

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2013: Beyoncé

Football fans, let’s get in formation! JK, that song didn’t actually come out until 2016. But #FBF to when Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland joined Bey onstage for a Destiny’s Child reunion. Yeah, pretty much everyone had a heart attack. Then again, the star knew she had to bring the heat after lip-synching the national anthem at Barack Obama‘s second inauguration the month before.