It doesn’t matter if you’re not a huge football fan or not, as you’re more than likely going to tune in to Super Bowl XLVIII this weekend.
As one of the most passionately watched televised events in America, the NFL and corporations around the globe all make bank during the iconic sporting event known as the Super Bowl. With the press hyped and sports fans drooling to see who’ll win between the Richard Sherman‘s Seattle Seahawks and Peyton Manning‘s Denver Broncos, all eyes shift towards the impending halftime show.
This year, Grammy award winning singer Bruno Mars will have the honor and distinction of taking to the stage on February 2 to headline the Super Bowl XLVIII halftime at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. Instantly, he joins a list of performers such as Bruce Springsteen and Madonna, who have made the night their own and embolden their legend.
While the fedora hat wearing singer-songwriter won’t pull a Beyonce and cause a blackout at Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, it’s clear that he’ll be another intriguing footnote to the history of the performance.
With that said, we flashback to the 10 Best R&B Super Bowl Halftime Shows over the years and ask you to tell us who will take home the Vince Lombardi trophy?!
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Photo: NFL
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We start off with…
Diana Ross, Super Bowl XXX
The 30th year of the Super Bowl found Americans watching a tribute to a pop music icon, Diana Ross. Produced by New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, the setlist was a medley of the best and most known songs all performed by the former Motown legend.
Patti LaBelle, Super Bowl XXIX
Themed after Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, the Disney produced halftime show featured performances from jazz trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, the Miami Sound Machine, Tony Bennett and Patti LaBelle.
Stevie Wonder, Super Bowl XXXIII
The Pro Player Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida played host to a celebration of soul, salsa and swing. Led by the incomparable Stevie Wonder, the Super Bowl halftime show was pure fuego as he knocked out “Sir Duke,” “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life,” and “I Wish” with relative ease.
Tina Turner, Super Bowl XXXIV
The E-Trade sponsored Super Bowl halftime show was a tribute to the tapestry of nations. Produced by Disney, the big budget performance featured an 80-person choir, Toni Braxton, Enrique Iglesias, and Phil Collins. Capping off the celebration was Ms. Tina Turner who rocked out the Georgia Dome with “When the Heartache is Over” and “Proud Mary”.
Usher, Super Bowl XLV
Branding with the Super Bowl hit its apex in 2011 when producer Ricky Kirshner tied Tron: Legacy into the halftime show. Led by the futuristic Black Eyed Peas, Will.i.Am and Usher. The audience at Cowboys Stadium went absolutely nuts when the latter two performed “OMG”.
‘N Sync, Super Bowl XXXV
The 2001 Super Bowl at the Raymond James Stadium attempted to pay tribute to the Kings of Rock and Pop. Leading this cavalcade of charisma were Aerosmith and ‘N Sync. The two engaged in a medley battle of hits, but eventually Britney Spears, Nelly and Mary J. Blige joined to “Walk This Way” with the Tampa, Florida crowd.
Justin Timberlake / Janet Jackson, Super Bowl XXXVIII
Falling upon an election year, the MTV produced halftime show aimed to “Rock the Vote” with Janet Jackson performing. Kicking off with “Rhythm Nation,” everything seemed to be going according to plan. As Diddy, Nelly, and Kid Rock all made appearances, most people will remember the events at the Reliant Stadium as “nipplegate” with Justin Timberlake.
The Temptations, Super Bowl XXXII
Saluting Motown’s 40th year of existence at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium, legends such as Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, and Boyz II Men all paid tribute to that soulful sound. Buoyed by the performance of The Temptations, the gang performed “My Girl,” “Get Ready,” and “Sugar Pie Honey Bunch” to an already raucous crowd.
Beyonce, Super Bowl XLVII
Headlining the 2013 Super Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Bey killed the game and upped her status as an icon with her blackout-inducing performance. Themed as female empowerment, the late Vince Lombardi championed Mrs. Carter’s excellence as she performed a medley of blockbuster hits and reunited with Destiny’s Child.
Michael Jackson, Super Bowl XXVII
Prior to this moment in Super Bowl history, the halftime shows were mostly done by college marching bands and boring musical acts. On January 31, 1993, all that changed forever when Michael Jakson performed at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Still regarded as one of the most watched events in American television history, MJ’s halftime show increased the TV ratings and forced future productions to deliberately go after top performers for the halftime show.
Who were your favorite Super Bowl halftime performances? Share with us below!
