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NEED TO KNOW
Bad Bunny will grace the stage as the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show headliner on Feb. 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
The Puerto Rican singer-rapper is the latest superstar to take to the field during football's biggest night to perform
Over the years, artists such as Lady Gaga, Prince, Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Katy Perry and more have delivered some of the most iconic — and infamous — performances
With the countdown to the 2026Super Bowlunderway, all eyes are onBad Bunnyas he gears up for what's sure to be an electric halftime performance.
When he was announced as the performer, the Puerto Rican superstar said in a statement, "What I'm feeling goes beyond myself. It's for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown."
He also dedicated the opportunity to take the field at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Feb. 8, to "my people, my culture, and our history." Bad Bunny is fresh off a truly landmark year, with threeGrammy Awardwins,including Album of the Yearand Best Música Urbana Album for his 2025 albumDebí Tirar Más Fotos.
While fans don't know who will be joining him as guests (Cardi B,Jennifer Lopez,J Balvin,Daddy Yankee,RosalíaorRicky Martin, perhaps?) during the halftime show, Bad Bunny is the latest in a long line of artists to perform during one of the most-watched TV events.
Ahead of Bad Bunny gracing the Super Bowl stage, here's a look back at some of the most memorable halftime performances throughout the years.
Super Bowl LVIII: Usher
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Usher, undoubtedlyone of music's greatest showmen, set the Super Bowl stage ablaze in 2024, delivering a high-energy halftime showpacked with his biggest hitsand signature dance moves.
Performing at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas,home to his 100-show residency, the R&B icon opened with "Caught Up" before gliding through classics like "Yeah!," "My Boo" and "U Got It Bad," to name a few.
The show featured dynamic choreography, asurprise roller-skating sequenceandstar-studded guest appearances— withAlicia Keysjoining him for a sultry duetof "My Boo" andLil JonandLudacrisbringing the A-Town energy for "Yeah!"
Super Bowl LVII: Rihanna
In her highly anticipated 2023 Super Bowl halftime show, Rihannadelivered a performance to remember. Not only did she perform a medley of her hits from atop a floating stage, but she alsosilently confirmed she was pregnantwith baby No. 2!
The star took the stage at Arizona's State Farm Stadium dressed head-to-toe in bright red, revealing a baby bump and becoming the first pregnant woman to headline the halftime show.
Rihanna and rapperA$AP Rockywelcomed their first child,RZA Athelston, in May 2022. Theirsecond son,Riot Rose, arrived in August 2023. The couple welcomedRocki Irish, their third child and first daughter together, in September 2025.
Super Bowl LVI: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent
Hip-hop took center stageat the 2022 Super Bowl at Inglewood's SoFi Stadium, bringing together some of the genre's biggest icons likeDr. Dre,Snoop Dogg,Eminem,Mary J. BligeandKendrick Lamarwith a medley of their hits — plus a surprise cameo from previously unannounced50 Cent.
The crew also paid tribute to another Los Angeles legend, the lateTupac Shakur, performing his Dr. Dre-assisted 1995 hit single, "California Love." Lamar returned to the Super Bowl for a second time in 2025,becoming the first solo rapper to headlinethe coveted gig.
Super Bowl LIV: Shakira and Jennifer Lopez
Just before taking the stage withShakirato deliver an exhilarating halftime show at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium,Jennifer Lopezcaptioned asince-deleted photoof them together, captioning it: "Let's show the world what two little Latin girls can do." And they did just that.
The womendelivered their high-energy 2020 set, showing off their amazing dance moves and musical talents — including aspecial cameo from Lopez's child,Emme, who was 11 at the time.
"Yes! Halftime was JOY!!!!!!!!! Yes!!!!! @shakira @JLo everything that's yes,"Pinkwrote in a now-deleted post on X, with endless celebsfollowing suit in congratulatory postson social media.
"It's a perfect moment in my life, honestly," Lopez toldVanity Fairshortly before the show. "But it's also a great time for Latina women to take the stage at the biggest all-American event, with everything that's going on in the country right now."
Super Bowl LIII: Maroon 5
For their 2019 halftime show at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium,Adam Levineand hisMaroon 5bandmatesperformed a medley of their hits. They also brought out Georgia hip-hop icons likeBig Boiand Sleepy Brown, as well asTravis Scott.
Following the show, Levine wrote onInstagramat the time: "We thank the universe for this historic opportunity to play on the world's biggest stage. We thank our fans for making our dreams possible. And we thank our critics for always pushing us to do better. One Love."
Super Bowl LII: Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake's 2018 Super Bowl performance at Minneapolis' U.S. Bank Stadium went off without a hitch, helping to distance him from theinfamous 2004 wardrobe malfunction momentwithJanet Jacksonfurther into the past.
The pop star performed his greatest hits andpaid homage to "Purple Rain" singerPrincein the late artist's hometown.
Super Bowl LI: Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga's 2017 Super Bowl performance at Houston's NRG Stadium wowed fans across the country as she worked the crowd, belting hits like "Just Dance," "Born This Way" and "Million Reasons." Mother Monster evenpulled off a viral momentwhen she appeared to leap into the stadium to kick off her set.
Super Bowl 50: Coldplay
The star-studded 2016 halftime show — headlined byColdplayand featuring special guestsBeyoncéandBruno Mars— will go down as one of the most epic performances in Super Bowl history. Fans at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., erupted as the triodelivered a medley of their hits, and Beyoncé and Mars faced off in an epic dance battle for the Super Bowl's landmark 50th game.
Super Bowl XLIX: Katy Perry
Katy Perryarrived at the 2015 Super Bowl halftime stage at University of Phoenix Stadium (now State Farm Stadium) in Glendale, Ariz., riding atop a giant metallic lion.Lenny KravitzandMissy Elliottjoined the pop star during herhighly acclaimed set, while Perry seamlessly transitioned through several elaborate and colorful wardrobe changes.
The night also introduced an unexpected viral sensation:Left Shark, whose offbeat, impromptu dance moves stole the show.
Super Bowl XLVIII: Bruno Mars
In 2014, Mars brought Super Bowl fans to their feet at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., kicking off with his hit "Billionaire" alongside Gym Class Heroes frontmanTravie McCoy. Mars sang, danced and played the drums, captivating the audience with his undeniable stage presence. TheRed Hot Chili Peppersthen joined him to perform "Give It Away."
Super Bowl XLVII: Beyoncé
Beyoncé pulled out all the stops for her 2013 halftime performance at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome (now Caesars Superdome) in New Orleans. It was entertainment at its finest as the star performed hit after hit before bringing out former girl group membersKelly RowlandandMichelle Williamsfor a long-awaitedDestiny's Childreunion the world was waiting for.
"There haven't been that many women that have done Super Bowl halftime shows — I had to hold it down for the ladies," she told CBS, perBillboard.
The performance was so epic that the stadium's power temporarily went out afterward — though officials said the two events were not related, according to theLos Angeles Times.
Super Bowl XLVI: Madonna
Pop iconMadonnatook the stage at the 2012 Super Bowl at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, performing a string of hits, bookended by "Vogue" and "Like a Prayer." She was later joined byLMFAO,Nicki Minaj, M.I.A. andCeeLo Green.
While fans and celebrities praised the performance, controversy erupted after M.I.A. flashed her middle finger on camera, sparking backlash that somewhat overshadowed the night. According toThe Hollywood Reporter, the incident led to the NFL suing M.I.A. for millions of dollars. In 2014,ESPNreported the NFL settled the lawsuit confidentially with the British singer-rapper.
Super Bowl XLV: The Black Eyed Peas
TheBlack Eyed Peas' 2011 halftime show at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, received lukewarm reviews, largely due to the various technical difficulties. At one point,Fergie's mic cut out, and lighting issues plagued parts of the performance. However, the crowd's mood and energy shifted whenSlashand Usher helped revive the crowd with their surprise appearances.
Super Bowl XLIII: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Bruce Springsteenhad turned down previous offers to perform at the Super Bowl. However, in 2009, "The Boss" finally bit the bullet to perform at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. — and he didn't disappoint. Springsteen and the E Street Band spent their 12-minute set ripping through hits like "Born to Run" and "Glory Days," making for an unforgettable night.
Super Bowl XLII: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
The beloved singer-songwriterTom Petty— who died in 2017 — put on a rock-solid performance at the 2008 Super Bowl halftime show at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. His setlist included "American Girl," "I Won't Back Down," "Free Fallin'" and "Runnin' Down a Dream."
Super Bowl XLI: Prince
Leave it to Prince to perform one of the most legendary Super Bowl halftime performances ever.
During the 2007 Super Bowl at Dolphin Stadium (now Hard Rock Stadium) in Miami Gardens, Fla., the "When Doves Cry" singer delivered a jaw-dropping set that consisted his hits "Let's Go Crazy," "Baby I'm a Star" and "1999" as well as several other popular songs from other artists, accompanied by the Florida A&M University Marching 100 Band.
Then, in a moment of pure magic, Prince sang "Purple Rain" just as it began to drizzle, making the halftime show all the more unforgettable and poignant since the late musician's death in April 2016 at the age of 57.
Super Bowl XL: The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stoneshad to censor their 2006 halftime show at Ford Field in Detroit at the request of the NFL,Ultimate Classic Rockreported.Mick Jaggerwas asked to tone it down during "Start Me Up" and "Rough Justice" due to their explicit lyrics, but the band still managed to put on an electrifying set, which ended with their hit "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction."
Super Bowl XXXIX: Paul McCartney
Paul McCartneyhad fans singing along throughout his grand one-man band set at the 2005 Super Bowl, which was held at the Alltel Stadium (now EverBank Stadium) in Jacksonville, Fla. After the music legend performed classics like "Live and Let Die" and "Hey Jude,"The Beatleslegend concluded his iconic set by lighting up the night sky with fireworks.
Super Bowl XXXVIII: Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Diddy, Nelly and Kid Rock
Jackson's 2004 Super Bowl halftime show remains one of the most infamous performances in history — and not for the guest appearances byKid RockandNelly.
All anyone could talk about that year was the now-infamous "wardrobe malfunction" between Timberlake and Jackson that spurred #Nipplegate. The shocking moment occurred when Timberlake accidentally pulled off part of the singer's outfit, exposing her right breast to the entire stadium and the tens of millions of viewers who had tuned in for the big show.
While Timberlake went on to headline the event in 2018, the blowback from the incident led Jackson to be effectively blacklisted from future halftime shows. The*NSYNCalum laterissued a public apologyto Jackson in 2021.
Fortunately, the two are on good terms. In the 2022 Lifetime and A&E documentaryJanet, Jackson said she and Timberlake are "very good friends" who "have moved on."
Jackson added, "It's time for everyone else to do the same."
Super Bowl XXXV: Aerosmith and *NSYNC
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In the most 2001 thing to ever happen,Aerosmithand *NSYNC co-headlined that year's halftime show at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., and were joined by the likes ofBritney Spears, Blige and Nelly.
The groups took turns performing their hits, *NSYNC with "Bye Bye Bye" and "It's Gonna Be Me" and Aerosmith with "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" and "Jaded," before they came together for the final song: Aerosmith's "Walk This Way." For this number, Spears, Blige and Nelly joined in on the fun for what was the most chaotic or brilliant — or both — moment in Super Bowl history.
Read the original article onPeople
