After Kendrick Lamar cinched the Song of the Year Grammy award earlier this week, hype for his Super Bowl halftime show is growing. Lamar will take centerfield this Sunday, February 9, during the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles’ third Super Bowl face-off. Lamar has been relatively quiet about his upcoming show, only hinting that frequent collaborator SZA will join him onstage. In anticipation of Lamar’s upcoming show, let’s take a look at the top five Super Bowl halftime shows of the 2000s—will Kendrick outperform these iconic artists?
Starting at number five is Rihanna’s 2022 Super Bowl debut. Her performance took place in Phoenix, Arizona, during the first matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. This show won the award for best dancing—the marshmallow-suited hip-hop dancers carried Rihanna’s performance. The show was simple and precise, made even more impressive by Rihanna’s surprise second pregnancy announcement. Songs performed included “Umbrella,” “All of the Lights,” and “Diamonds.”
This may be controversial, but Katy Perry’s 2015 show holds the Number Four spot. Taking place in Phoenix, Katy Perry’s performance was an interlude to the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks game. This performance was colorful and weird, but highly entertaining. With campy and creative elements like dancing chess pieces, an animatronic lion, and the instantly meme-able left shark, Katy Perry and crew make for a perfect pop halftime show. Perry was joined by Missy Elliot during the performance, who performed “Get Ur Freak On” and “Work It.” Highlights included “Roar,” “California Gurls,” and “Firework.”
Number Three is Prince’s rainy 2007 show, which took place at the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears game in Miami. For one performer to carry the show is a nearly impossible task, but Prince does it with ease. Opening with “Let’s Go Crazy” and using his time on the biggest stage in America to highlight classic rock covers, like “Proud Mary,” Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower, and the Foo Fighter’s “Best of You,” Prince’s show was instantly iconic. Prince closes with a tearjerking rendition of purple rain (in the rain!), Prince stares the haters in the face and reminds us exactly why he’s famous.
2022’s Ode to L.A. hip-hop culture comes in at number Two. This show wins the title of best set- projected onto the field is a map of LA, highlighting the impact the city has had on generations of hip-hop artists. The game itself was in honor of Los Angeles- taking place in L.A, and featuring the L.A. Rams and Cincinnati Bengals. This show’s ensemble cast of characters includes Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent, who perform a medley of iconic 90s and 2000s rap hits. Songs include “Alright,” “California Love,” and “Still D.R.E.” Kendrick Lamar’s short performance was a highlight, leading show organizers to invite Lamar back to host his own show.
Number One is Coldplay’s performance at the 2016 Superbowl between the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos in Southern California. Although Coldplay technically headlined the act, the English band was overshadowed by Mark Robson, Bruno Mars, and Beyonce, who came in with enough swag and stage presence to bring the house down. Mars and Beyonce’s mashup dance battle to “Uptown Funk” and “Formation” makes you forget Coldplay was even there.
