Top 10 Most-Watched Super Bowl Halftime Shows

10 Unforgettable Super Bowl Halftime Shows

The Super Bowl, a TV juggernaut, puts the spotlight on its halftime show. In 2023, Rihanna's comeback at Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Ariz., stole attention, reaching a historic 121.017 million viewers, just edging past Katy Perry’s 2015 show. A Nielsen review adjusted this year’s original 118.7 million viewership, citing encoding and out-of-home measurement issues. The revised report crowned Super Bowl LVII as the most-watched in history with 115.1 million viewers. Over the years, stars like Rihanna, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, and Justin Timberlake have hit the 100 million viewers mark, creating a legacy of unforgettable Super Bowl halftime shows.

1. Rihanna – Super Bowl LVII

Rihanna's 2023 Super Bowl LVII halftime show, watched by a record-breaking 121.017 million viewers, became the most-watched in history. Staged at Glendale, Ariz.'s State Farm Stadium, the performance held a personal touch as Rihanna revealed her second pregnancy with partner A$AP Rocky. Amidst the joyous announcement, she delivered a mesmerizing musical set featuring her Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits like "Only Girl (in the World)," "We Found Love," "S&M," "Rude Boy," and "Work." This historic moment not only captivated millions but also blended personal and musical triumphs, making it an unforgettable chapter in Super Bowl halftime show history.

2. Jennifer Lopez & Shakira – Super Bowl LIV

In a dazzling Super Bowl LIV showcase in 2020, the stage ignited with the powerhouse performances of two iconic Latin artists, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. They seamlessly traded off delivering their chart-topping hits, including Lopez's classics like "Jenny From the Block" and "Waiting for Tonight," and Shakira's electrifying numbers such as "She Wolf" and "Hips Don't Lie." The star-studded spectacle featured guest appearances by Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Lopez's daughter, Emme Muñiz, captivating an astounding 104 million viewers.

3. Justin Timberlake – Super Bowl LII

In the grand spectacle of Super Bowl LII in 2018, Justin Timberlake not only commanded the stage but also captured the attention of a staggering 106.6 million viewers. His electrifying performance was a masterclass in entertainment, featuring an impressive medley of chart-topping hits that included the infectious beats of "Sexy Back" and the uplifting vibes of "Can't Stop the Feeling!" Yet, what elevated this show to legendary status was Timberlake's heartfelt homage to the late Prince. In a poignant tribute, he skillfully performed a rendition of "I Would Die 4 U," creating a moment that resonated not just with the audience that night but leaving an indelible mark on the annals of Super Bowl history.

4. Black Eyed Peas – Super Bowl XLV

Boasting an impressive audience of 110.2 million viewers, the Black Eyed Peas left an indelible mark with their dynamic halftime show performance during Super Bowl XLV in 2011. The group unleashed a musical spectacle featuring iconic hits such as "I Gotta Feeling," the futuristic beats of "Boom Boom Pow," and the soulful resonance of "Where Is the Love?" This captivating show not only showcased the Black Eyed Peas' chart-topping prowess but also solidified its place among the top Super Bowl halftime performances, resonating with millions and leaving an enduring imprint on the memories of fans worldwide.

5. Beyoncé – Super Bowl XLVII

Beyoncé's commanding presence graced the Super Bowl stage not once, but twice, securing her status as a halftime show luminary. In her solo performance, she mesmerized the audience with hits like "Halo" and the empowering anthem "Run The World (Girls)." The pinnacle of the show, however, unfolded with an iconic Destiny's Child reunion alongside Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Together, they delivered an electrifying medley featuring "Bootylicious," "Independent Women Part I," and the infectious "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)." This unforgettable Super Bowl XLVII halftime show in 2013 etched itself into history, captivating a colossal viewership of 110.8 million and solidifying Beyoncé's legacy as a true entertainment icon on the grandest stage.

6. Madonna – Super Bowl XLVI

In a monumental Super Bowl XLVI performance in 2012 that captivated an astounding 114 million viewers, Madonna commanded the stage with a showcase of her timeless hits. The Queen of Pop not only graced the audience with her iconic melodies but also brought the energy to new heights by welcoming LMFAO onstage. Together, they delivered exhilarating renditions of "Music," the infectious beats of "Party Rock Anthem," and the cheeky anthem "Sexy and I Know It." Madonna's electrifying presence, coupled with these collaborative moments, made this halftime show an unforgettable spectacle. 

7. Bruno Mars – Super Bowl XLVIII

Bruno Mars set the Super Bowl XLVIII stage ablaze in 2014 with a sizzling performance that included hits like "Locked Out of Heaven," "Treasure," and "Runaway Baby." Adding to the excitement, he brought the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers on stage for a guest appearance. Mars' electrifying show not only showcased his musical prowess but also drew a staggering 115.3 million viewers, making it a standout moment in Super Bowl halftime history, coming just shy of Coldplay's impressive numbers.

8. Beyoncé' & Coldplay – Super Bowl 50

The 2016 Super Bowl halftime show became an unforgettable collaboration as Beyoncé and Bruno Mars joined Coldplay on stage. With performances of iconic hits like "Yellow," "Paradise," "Viva la Vida," and the emotional "Fix You," among others, the trio delivered a dynamic and memorable show. This star-studded performance attracted a massive audience of 115.5 million viewers, solidifying its place as one of the most-watched and celebrated moments in Super Bowl halftime history.

9. Lady Gaga – Super Bowl LI

In the dazzling spectacle that was Super Bowl LI in 2017, Lady Gaga took center stage at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, delivering a performance that transcended musical boundaries. Amidst the iconic halftime show, Gaga masterfully weaved together a medley of her biggest hits, each note resonating with the audience. From the pulsating beats of "Poker Face" to the anthem of self-empowerment in "Born This Way," and the high-energy dance vibes of "Just Dance," she created a sonic journey that spanned the spectrum of her illustrious career. In the end, Gaga's magnetic performance achieved more than just musical excellence; it united 117.5 million viewers in a shared experience of entertainment and left an enduring mark on the cultural tapestry of Super Bowl halftime shows.

10. Katy Perry – Super Bowl XLIX

Katy Perry's iconic 2015 Super Bowl XLIX halftime show, with 121 million views, ranks as the second most-watched in history. Beyond its massive viewership, the performance became a pop culture sensation, notably featuring the internet-famous Left Shark. Perry's dynamic showcase included special guests Lenny Kravitz, Missy Elliot, and the Arizona State University Sun Devil Marching Band. Hits like "Roar," "California Gurls," and the uplifting anthem "Firework" highlighted the musical diversity of the show. The collaboration with other artists and the marching band, combined with Perry's stage presence, made this halftime performance an unforgettable blend of entertainment and spectacle, solidifying its place in Super Bowl history.