Celebs who rocked the Super Bowl Halftime show in the last 6 years: From Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, to The Weeknd
Music fans everywhere were counting the hours and couldn’t keep calm anymore. Why? Bad Bunny is set to headline the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. And it indeed is a huge deal for Latin music. For starters, he’s the first solo Latin and Spanish-language artist to lead the show, and honestly, it’s about time. Three Grammys on his shelf, millions of fans, and now the NFL’s brightest spotlight. This isn’t just a concert. It’s a statement. Global fans are already expecting wild energy, big visuals, and a full-on celebration of his roots that goes way beyond just playing hits.
For the unversed, the Super Bowl halftime show started in 1967 as a spot for marching bands and themed pageants, but those days are long gone. Now, after almost six decades, it’s a global music event, watched by millions. During the Super Bowl halftime show, artists don’t just perform — they set the tone for the year, cut across genres, and rack up streams and headlines. It’s a career moment, a culture-shaping spectacle.
With Bad Bunny’s big moment coming up, let’s take a look back at the last few years and the stars who’ve turned halftime into the world’s biggest stage.
Kendrick Lamar lit up Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, bringing SZA along for the ride. The show had everything — artistry, storytelling, the kind of energy that pulls you in, whether you’re in the stadium or on your couch. And then, there was that stellar performance of his superhit track ‘Not Like Us’—which is supposedly a diss-track for fellow rapper Drake—that expectedly grabbed all the attention of a roaring crowd. In fact, over 133 million tuned in worldwide, which broke records. Lamar’s show proved again that the NFL knows how to pick artists who feel right for the moment.
Usher brought the house down in 2024 at Super Bowl LVIII, surrounded by a dream team: Alicia Keys, Jermaine Dupri, H.E.R., will.i.am, Lil Jon, Ludacris, and the Sonic Boom of the South. The show was a wild blend of nostalgia and pure showmanship, mixing classic R&B and hip-hop with slick choreography. Usher reminded everyone why he’s a legend — the whole thing just worked.
Rihanna owned the stage at Super Bowl LVII in Arizona. Her set felt effortless — a string of hits, bold styling, and her signature confidence. She’s not just a pop star; she’s a cultural force, and the show was another reminder of just how big her reach is. Cherry on top? She used that platform to announce her second pregnancy. She arrived in an all-red Loewe jumpsuit, stole the show, and became the first pregnant woman to headline the show. Talk about such spectacular show-woman-ship!
Super Bowl LVI in LA turned into a celebration of hip-hop history. Think Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar — all appearing on a single stage! Yes, the biggest stars from the world of hip-hop took over, with surprise appearances from 50 Cent and Anderson. Paak. The whole performance was a statement — hip-hop front and center, finally getting the Super Bowl treatment it deserved. Fans loved it, and it made waves far outside the stadium.
The Weeknd took over Super Bowl LV in Tampa, mixing his haunting vocals with a full-blown visual spectacle. The Weeknd’s show highlighted cinematic design, rhythmic choreography, along with a series of his biggest hits. He was riding a creative high, and one could tell that from his spectacular performance.
Jennifer Lopez and Shakira took over the Super Bowl LIV halftime show in 2020, and honestly, they didn’t hold back. Miami’s energy matched theirs: just pure Latin music, nonstop dancing, and wild, joyful chaos on stage. Bad Bunny and J Balvin jumped in, turning the party up even higher. Then Jennifer Lopez’s daughter Emme showed up and stole the moment. The whole thing was a bright, electric celebration of Latin pop and reggaeton, and it made you feel how massive and worldwide the Super Bowl has become.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”
With Bad Bunny’s big moment coming up, let’s take a look back at the last few years and the stars who’ve turned halftime into the world’s biggest stage.
2025: Kendrick Lamar ft. SZA (Super Bowl LIX)
Kendrick Lamar lit up Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, bringing SZA along for the ride. The show had everything — artistry, storytelling, the kind of energy that pulls you in, whether you’re in the stadium or on your couch. And then, there was that stellar performance of his superhit track ‘Not Like Us’—which is supposedly a diss-track for fellow rapper Drake—that expectedly grabbed all the attention of a roaring crowd. In fact, over 133 million tuned in worldwide, which broke records. Lamar’s show proved again that the NFL knows how to pick artists who feel right for the moment.
2024: Usher (Super Bowl LVIII)
2023: Rihanna (Super Bowl LVII)
Rihanna owned the stage at Super Bowl LVII in Arizona. Her set felt effortless — a string of hits, bold styling, and her signature confidence. She’s not just a pop star; she’s a cultural force, and the show was another reminder of just how big her reach is. Cherry on top? She used that platform to announce her second pregnancy. She arrived in an all-red Loewe jumpsuit, stole the show, and became the first pregnant woman to headline the show. Talk about such spectacular show-woman-ship!
2022: Hip-Hop Legends (Super Bowl LVI)
Super Bowl LVI in LA turned into a celebration of hip-hop history. Think Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar — all appearing on a single stage! Yes, the biggest stars from the world of hip-hop took over, with surprise appearances from 50 Cent and Anderson. Paak. The whole performance was a statement — hip-hop front and center, finally getting the Super Bowl treatment it deserved. Fans loved it, and it made waves far outside the stadium.
2021: The Weeknd (Super Bowl LV)
The Weeknd took over Super Bowl LV in Tampa, mixing his haunting vocals with a full-blown visual spectacle. The Weeknd’s show highlighted cinematic design, rhythmic choreography, along with a series of his biggest hits. He was riding a creative high, and one could tell that from his spectacular performance.
2020: Jennifer Lopez & Shakira with Guests (Super Bowl LIV)
Jennifer Lopez and Shakira took over the Super Bowl LIV halftime show in 2020, and honestly, they didn’t hold back. Miami’s energy matched theirs: just pure Latin music, nonstop dancing, and wild, joyful chaos on stage. Bad Bunny and J Balvin jumped in, turning the party up even higher. Then Jennifer Lopez’s daughter Emme showed up and stole the moment. The whole thing was a bright, electric celebration of Latin pop and reggaeton, and it made you feel how massive and worldwide the Super Bowl has become.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”
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