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Top 10 Most Viewed Super Bowl Half Time Shows of All Time, We Demand a Recount!

By Melissa
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 12: Rihanna performs onstage during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Super Bowl is days away and many of us don’t even care who wins. We just look forward to the Super Bowl half time show. There have been so many teases and trailers for Usher’s upcoming performance that we REALLY can’t wait. The speculation has been ongoing as to who he may bring out with him and which songs he’ll perform. A new promo teasing the show have people convinced Lil’ Jon is one of the special guests. Regardless, this is poised to be one of the most watched Super Bowl half time shows in history.

This had us thinking: Which Super Bowl half time shows have been your favorites? Now, this is not opinion based. This is purely based on ratings. So, in actuality, this list is based on ratings alone. So how many people exactly viewed each one? After looking at the top 10, there is one glaring omission. And the fact that this omission is typically one that is mentioned as the best of all time is a little puzzling. PRINCE! How can Prince’s half time show in Super Bowl XLI not be mentioned as one of the 10 best of all time?

So enjoy this list of the top 10 Super Bowl half time shows of all time and let us know if you agree. Does this list do the half time show justice? Who did they omit?How would YOU rank them? Happy Super Bowl everyone!

  • #10 Shakira and Jennifer Lopez 2020 104.1 million views

    Now THIS was an iconic duo. Shakira and J Lo performed together and it was a moment. You’ll remember, J Lo actually documented the performance for Netflix in a show called “Halftime.” Jennifer was allegedly upset she couldn’t have the stage to herself.

  • #9 Justin Timberlake 2018 106.6 million views

    This one of course was AFTER the Janet Jackson controversy. That half time show was in 2004. So, some 14 years later, Justin came back and had one of the most viewed of all time.

  • #8 Black Eyed Peas 2011 110.2 million views

    It took place 2/6 2011. Special guest appearances included Slash and Usher. This show received much criticism. Originally, a country act was supposed to perform but the BEP ended up being the ones.

  • #7 Beyonce (2013): 110.8 million views

    The Queen herself performed in New Orleans as part of Super Bowl XLVII. Of course Kelly and Michelle of Destiny’s Child were special guests. You’ll remember the stadium ended up losing power following the performance.

  • #6 Madonna (2012): 114 million views

    This one took place in 2012 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. She brought out several special guests with her. Artists included  LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A. and CeeLo Green.  This half time show had more ratings than the game itself. 

  • #5 Bruno Mars (2014): 115.3 million views

    This took place in 2014. It was at Met Life stadium in New Jersey. He brought out special guests The Hooligans and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. It generated 2.2 million tweets. 

  • #4 Coldplay (2016): 115.3 million views

    This one took place on February 7, 2016, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara as part of Super Bowl 50. Special guests included Beyoncé, Gustavo Dudamel, Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson, the University of California Marching Band and the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles as guest performers. 

  • #3 Lady Gaga (2017): 118 million views

    The Super Bowl LI Halftime show took place on February 5, 2017, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Gaga headlined with NO special guests at all. It was nominated for multiple Emmys.

  • #2 Katy Perry (2015): 118.5 million views

    This one took place in 2015 and featured Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott. The show won two Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Special and Outstanding Costumes for a Variety Program or Special. Of course you’ll remember the infamous shark dancing too LOL.

    K.P🦋 on Instagram: "9 years ago was the best Super Bowl Halftime show🤌🏽 #katyperry #superbowl #halftimeshow"

    515 likes, 4 comments - katymyfeather on February 1, 2024: "9 years ago was the best Super Bowl Halftime show🤌🏽 #katyperry #superbowl #halftimeshow".

  • #1 Rihanna (2023): 118.7 million views

    Just last year, Rihanna had the most watched Super Bowl half time show ever. Not sure if anyone would have expected that.  It was the first Super Bowl halftime show to be sponsored by Apple Music. You’ll also remember, it was when we were speculating if Rihanna had a baby bump and was announcing a pregnancy.

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