Black Historic Halftime Performances On Tremendous Bowl Sunday

[ad_1] by Ahsan Washington February 8, 2026

The halftime stage is a cultural indicator of who dominates American music

The halftime stage at Tremendous Bowl Sunday is a cultural indicator of who dominates American music and media energy on the most important sports activities evening of the yr. 12 months-after-year, Black artists have constantly outlined the Tremendous Bowl’s most iconic halftime performances via their contributions, performing R&B and hip-hop classics center-stage.

Performances by modern artists comparable to Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar had been culturally impactful, bringing in main audiences and income progress to Tremendous Bowl Sunday. Notably, they aren’t the one ones. Over time, historic music moments have demonstrated how Black inventive expertise maintains its place as the worldwide commonplace for showmanship, storytelling and musical innovation throughout Tremendous Bowl Sunday. Test them out.

Michael Jackson

The 1993 Tremendous Bowl halftime present featured Michael Jackson, who created the modern format for contemporary halftime exhibits. The Rose Bowl in Pasadena California hosted the Tremendous Bowl halftime present on Jan. 31, of that yr. Jackson’s efficiency dramatically elevated halftime viewership and turned the phase into a serious cultural occasion. The manufacturing method and medley that Jackson carried out established the blueprint for halftime performances for the next years.

Prince

On Feb. 4, 2007 Prince carried out a career-defining halftime present throughout Tremendous Bowl XLI. Regardless of the wet circumstances Prince delivered a legendary efficiency at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Prince’s halftime present acquired important approval for its musical excellence and Prince’s stamina throughout the “Purple Rain” efficiency. It turned one of the memorable occasions in sports activities historical past.

Beyoncé (and Future’s Baby)

In 2013, Beyoncé carried out with fellow Future’s Baby members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams on the Tremendous Bowl XLVII halftime present to ship a high-energy throwback efficiency. The present offered Beyoncé’s distinctive pop-R&B music type via a set of hit songs that mesmerized the group. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans hosted the Tremendous Bowl that yr.

Diana Ross

At Tremendous Bowl XXX in 1996, legendary entertainer Diana Ross carried out a solo halftime present. By a number of medleys and theatrical staging, Ross showcased her musical showmanship and through her halftime efficiency. The occasion happened at Solar Satan Stadium in Tempe, Arizona on Jan. 28, and demonstrated the richness of Black efficiency artwork via its elaborate staging and choreography.

Stevie Surprise

On the 1999 Tremendous Bowl XXXIII halftime present, Stevie Surprise offered a soulful musical efficiency. He blessed soccer followers along with his musical legacy and performances with different artists. The occasion occurred at Professional Participant Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Jan. 31.

Rihanna

On Feb. 12, 2023, Rihanna carried out as the principle act of the Tremendous Bowl LVII halftime present at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The worldwide hitmaker’s efficiency turned one of the seen and mentioned halftime exhibits of latest years. Rihanna revealed her being pregnant throughout the present and demonstrated her dedication to efficiency artwork

Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, Eminem & 50 Cent

On Feb. 13, 2022, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, and 50 Cent, all took the stage on the Tremendous Bowl LVI halftime present at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The hip-hop artists and R&B legend, led by Dr. Dre, carried out the primary halftime present that centered completely on hip-hop tradition, combining nostalgic parts with cultural affect to redefine halftime present conventions.

Kendrick Lamar

On the 2025 Tremendous Bowl LIX halftime present, Kendrick Lamar and SZA carried out a dynamic and theatrical halftime set. The present mixed hip-hop music with social commentary. The efficiency went down at Caesar’s Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9, 2025 and attracted a big viewers attributable to Kendrick’s extremely publicized hip-hop battle with Drake.

Usher

Usher carried out because the headline act for the Tremendous Bowl LVIII halftime present at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Feb. 11 2024. The efficiency showcased three a long time of Usher’s R&B musical dominance. The occasion made it clear that Usher’s music continues to endear audiences each commercially and culturally, extending and increasing his world tour.

Janet Jackson

The Tremendous Bowl XXXVIII halftime present featured Janet Jackson as a co-headliner to Justin Timberlake on Feb. 1, 2004 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. The efficiency resulted in a efficiency malfunction that left Jackson’s bosom uncovered after Timberlake snatched a part of her brassiere prime, and created lasting results on broadcast requirements and censorship debates whereas rising the scrutiny of Black ladies who carry out on main phases.

Whitney Houston

At Tremendous Bowl XXV in 1991, Whitney Houston carried out what many individuals regard as the best rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The efficiency turned considered one of Houston’s finest and achieved industrial success whereas receiving widespread acclaim. The efficiency established new requirements for vocal excellence and emotional influence in anthem performances.