Super Bowl Halftime: the best, worst and controversial

The Super Bowl is incomplete without its halftime shows. It was recently announced that Kendrick Lamar, who previously performed at the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show, will headline the halftime show again in 2025. Today the halftime show contains high profile acts and performances but during its humble beginnings and first decade, the halftime show featured a college marching band, drill teams and other performance ensembles. Starting in the 1990s, the Super Bowl halftime show aimed to attract viewers by featuring popular music acts and iconic artists including New Kids on the Block, Michael Jackson, Gloria Estefan, Clint Black, Patti LaBelle, and Tony Bennett.The Super Bowl halftime show has become a unique and highly anticipated event in the music world. With a massive audience of 150 million people, it offers artists a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their talent and solidify their legacy. However, the challenge lies in capturing the attention of a distracted audience and delivering a performance that rises to the magnitude of the moment. And it has its fair share of best, worst and controversial shows, even in the 21st century. Few notable ones are:During the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show, Justin Timberlake accidentally exposed a part of Janet Jackson's body that was not meant to be seen on television. This brief incident, known as "Nipplegate," caused a significant controversy. It had far-reaching consequences. It tarnished the reputations of Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, fueled political debates, and marked a significant turning point for MTV.The Bush administration, especially Colin Powell's son, Michael at the FCC, spearheaded a negative campaign against MTV and Janet Jackson, demonizing them in the public eye. Due to their support for Colin Kaepernick's protest against police brutality, several musicians refused to perform at the Super Bowl LIII halftime show, citing the NFL's alleged collusion against him. Jay-Z, Cardi B and Rihanna rejected offers to perform at the halftime show in order to show solidarity with him. Fans and critics expressed disappointment in Maroon 5, Big Boi, Scott, and Gladys Knight for accepting the invitation to perform at the halftime show. Adam Levine's shirtless segment caused a stir among audiences, leading to comparisons and criticism similar to the backlash surrounding Janet Jackson's controversial 2004 performance. Scott agreed to participate in the halftime show, but only if the NFL would contribute $500,000 to Dream Corps, a social justice organization.The Black Eyed Peas' Super Bowl XLVI halftime show was widely criticized for its deviation from its indie rap roots and its perceived commercial nature. The performance was ranked among the worst halftime shows, with many viewers finding it underwhelming and lacking the authenticity and energy of previous shows. It was widely criticized despite its efforts to appeal to a younger audience. The show featured a medley of the band's hits, with guest appearances from Slash and Usher. The performance was further overshadowed by Christina Aguilera's botched rendition of the national anthem, making it a memorable day for all the wrong reasons, particularly for Steelers fans.The Who's performance at the Super Bowl XLIV halftime show was widely criticized for its lacklustre quality and the band's apparent lack of preparation. Neither Pete Townshend nor Roger Daltrey had any experience with American football or the Super Bowl, and their performance reflected this lack of understanding. The band's medley of classics was poorly executed, with Daltrey's vocals sounding strained and the crowd sing-along cues seeming artificial. The overall impression of the performance was one of disappointment and sadness, as many fans had hoped for a more memorable and energetic show. Beyoncé's Super Bowl XLVII halftime show was a dazzling display of her talent and charisma. She delivered a powerful performance, showcasing her vocal prowess, dance moves, and the iconic "Single Ladies" routine. The surprise appearance of her Destiny's Child bandmates added to the excitement, and Beyoncé's final performance of "Halo" was a breathtaking climax to the show. The brief blackout that followed her performance served as a fitting testament to her dominance, as Jay-Z's confident comment, "Lights out. Any question?" highlighted her undisputed status as a superstar.Rihanna's Super Bowl LVII halftime show was a remarkable achievement that showcased her talent, artistry, and cultural impact. The performance was a highlight of the event and continues to be remembered as one of the greatest halftime shows in Super Bowl history. The performance marked Rihanna's return to the stage after a five-year hiatus, generating significant excitement and anticipation among fans. Her setlist included a carefully curated selection of her biggest hits, spanning her entire career. The medley was designed to appeal to a wide audience and showcase her versatility as an artist. The transitions between songs were seamless, allowing for a smooth flow and maintaining the energy of the performance. The medley was arranged to highlight the different moods and styles of Rihanna's music. The show also served as a platform for Rihanna to reveal her pregnancy with her second child, making it a memorable and significant moment in her career.