Best Looks From Past Super Bowl Halftime Shows
Photo: Getty Images via ESPN
Super Bowl Sunday is this weekend: the Kansas City Chiefs will be taking on the Philadelphia Eagles at the Super Bowl LVII, the biggest sporting event in the U.S. While this is the 57th Super Bowl, the Halftime Show, an iconic event in its own right, has only been an unmissable part of the day since 1993, when Michael Jackson first performed.
Since then, each year has brought iconic performances, outfits, and pop culture moments. In anticipation of this year’s halftime show, at which Rihanna will be performing, we have compiled some of our favorite looks for past halftime shows.
Beyoncé, Super Bowl 2016
This performance of Formation, Beyonce’s look, and the looks of her backup dancers were all full of significant references which made this halftime show particularly powerful. Perhaps most obviously, Beyonce’s bodysuit was a direct homage to the military jacket that Michael Jackson wore during his 1993 performance. The backup dancers, all in black with the addition of black berets, clearly referenced the Black Panthers. The whole performance was in many ways a tribute to Michael Jackson, Malcolm X, and the Black Panthers as a whole. The clear political references added layers of meaning to this iconic moment in Super Bowl history.
Photo: Matthew Emmons via The Nation
Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, Super Bowl 2020
While both women look incredible in complementing gold and silver sparkly looks, it was Jennifer Lopez’s shiny silver bodysuit that really stole the show. The singer looked absolutely flawless in this beautiful piece, paired with matching fingerless gloves.
Gwen Stefani, Super Bowl 2003
The bedazzled bra top combined with a red, white and blue color palette was the perfect choice for a Super Bowl performance. The early 2000s clothing and bleached blonde only solidifies this as an iconic American look.
Photo: Dan Macmedan via Country Living
Diana Ross, Super Bowl 1996
The pioneer of the Super Bowl halftime show outfit change, Diana Ross stunned in not two but three incredible outfits. Though the gold cape and red sequined mini dress were great, her orange and pink gown stole the show.
Shania Twain, Super Bowl 2003
The cut out Matrix coat. The bedazzled bra. The knee high boots. The diamond choker. This show stopping look is simply incredible.
Photo: Getty images via Elle
Lady Gaga, Super Bowl 2017
This Versace bodysuit and matching boots, encrusted with jewels looked amazing. Combined with glamorous eye makeup and probably one of the most talked about and mocked opening acts, we will never forget Gaga’s sky high jump.
Photo: Getty images via Elle
Michael Jackson, Super Bowl 1993
Michael Jackson transformed the Super Bowl halftime show into a must see pop culture event. His outfit, while relatively simple, is still an iconic look that has since been recreated by performers such as Beyoncé in 2016.
Photo: Getty images via Elle
Black Eyed Peas, Super Bowl 2011
These football gear inspired outfits are the definition of camp. Totally American light-up, sparkly costumes are iconic in their own right.
Photo: Getty images via Elle