Feature Image: Courtesy of Billboard.com
From the inception of Superbowl halftime shows, performances included marching bands from renowned historically black colleges. Not until the early 1990’s were the halftime shows popularized by rock, pop, and R&B music artists. For me, the Superbowl commercials and halftime show performances are some of the most anticipated events leading up to the conclusion of the NFL season. Next to the actual game, the halftime shows are my guilty pleasure. As we anticipate this year’s Superbowl performances, I’ll recollect my top favorites of all times.
5. Michael Jackson: Superbowl XXVII
Superbowl XXVII-Michael Jackson headlined this halftime show performing world renowned singles like Black and White, Billie Jean, and Heal The World. This was more of a rebound performance from all the failed halftime shows. Nonetheless, my predilection for Michael Jackson’s famous moonwalk on the Superbowl stage compelled me to include him in my favorites.
4. Janet Jackson: Superbowl XXVIII
Superbowl XXVIII-The infamous “Nipplegate” allowed the FCC to crackdown on explicit content but it did not take from Janet Jackson’s performance until after the performance. Her signature moves from Rhythm nation brought nostalgia to Pop music fanatics all around the world. Even though her heavily scrutinized duet with Justin Timberlake made headlines, this was still arguably one of the best half time shows. Hip Hop rapper Nelly also performed his sexually driven single “Hot In Here” which included hyper-sexualized cheerleaders as his dancers. He referenced getting naked in the explicit lyrics. Unlike Janet, he didn’t received any backlash from his “rehearsed” performance, but that’s another topic for a different story.
3. The Black Eyed Peas: Superbowl XLV
Superbowl XLV- The Black Eyed Peas are futuristic geniuses. Although Fergie’s vocals were less than flattering, the visuals were sick in the entire halftime show. The plethora of illuminating lights that hopped off of the shirts of the background dancers made the entire show a glow up session!
2. Katy Perry: Superbowl XLIX
Superbowl XLIX-Pop star Katy Perry’s performance was literally lit! From over-sized beach balls and lanterns,to the incredibly huge Megatron tiger that she entered the dome in, I was given my life, twice. Missy Elliot accompanied and performed Lose Control from her 2005 album Hit Factory. Missy and Perry’s creative vision are always over the top so this duo meshed well together, unsurprisingly.
1. Beyoncé: Superbowl XLVII
Superbowl XLVII-/ Beyoncés all female ensemble brought a different type of energy to the Superbowl while performing a hit list of some of Bey’s most notable tunes. Her performance in six-inch heels alone deemed it necessary to rank this show number one. Elated to say the least, the long awaited reunion of Destiny’s child was a fulfillment for DC fans.
