Usher will headline the halftime show in the Super Bowl match-up between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers
Fans are getting ready for a big night of football, fun, and music as Super Bowl LVIII game day is here.
While many people will be watching the game closely, lots of fans also look forward to the halftime show. The Super Bowl halftime show has featured big stars over the years, and Usher will be the latest to perform in 2024.
With over 50 years of Super Bowl halftime shows, many performances have amazed and sometimes bored fans. Shows by Prince, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and the performance by Shakira and Jennifer Lopez are often seen as some of the best over the years.
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Here are the top five halftime performances with the most viewership, according to Billboard:
- Rihanna, 2023
- Katy Perry, 2015
- Lady Gaga, 2017
- Coldplay, 2016
- Bruno Mars, 2014
1. Rihanna, 2023
Rihanna performed at Super Bowl LVII, where the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles competed for the Lombardi trophy. Her show at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona was watched by 121.017 million viewers.
During her performance, Rihanna sang popular songs like “Only Girl (in the World),” “We Found Love,” and “Work.”
It’s typical for headliners to invite surprise guests onstage during their show. However, it was surprising that Rihanna chose not to have any guests join her. Nevertheless, her performance was not short on surprises.
Rihanna performed while visibly pregnant, revealing her pregnancy with A$AP Rocky through her outfit.
2. Katy Perry, 2015
In 2015, Katy Perry held the record for the most-viewed halftime show for several years until Rihanna surpassed her after the 2023 performance.
Perry performed at Super Bowl XLIX, attracting 121 million viewers. Her performance included the Arizona State University marching band and surprise appearances by Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliot.
Known for her extravagant visual displays, props, dancers, and eye-catching outfits, Perry’s halftime show was no exception. Right from the start, she set a high standard, entering on a golden mechanical lion.
During the show, Perry sang fan favorites like “Roar,” “California Gurls,” “I Kissed A Girl,” and “Firework.”
3. Lady Gaga, 2017
Lady Gaga performed at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, for the Super Bowl LI halftime show, with 117.5 million viewers tuning in from home.
The show began with a pre-recorded segment of Gaga on the stadium roof, singing patriotic anthems like “God Bless America” and “This Land Is Your Land,” while drones formed the American flag behind her.
Songs like “Poker Face,” “Born This Way,” “The Edge of Glory,” and “Just Dance” were all part of the setlist for this performance.
While there were no special guests, Gaga’s halftime show featured her flying around the stadium with the help of cables.
4. Coldplay, 2016
Coldplay’s halftime performance attracted 115.5 million viewers.
Led by Chris Martin, the British band shared the stage with Beyoncé and Bruno Mars during the halftime show in 2016. The performance evolved into a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Super Bowl shows.
5. Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars headlined the Super Bowl XLVIII halftime show.
He kicked off his set with “Billionaire” and continued with hits like “Locked Out of Heaven,” “Treasure,” and “Just the Way You Are.”
The Red Hot Chili Peppers joined Mars onstage to perform “Give It Away.”
In addition to being one of the most-watched halftime shows in history, Mars is also the youngest person to headline a Super Bowl performance to date.