When you think about one of the most watched musical performances in today’s age, one of the top performances is the halftime show for the Super Bowl. Some of the biggest names in recent history have headlined the show, like Michael Jackson, Prince, Beyoncé and recently the show by Dr. Dre, Eminem, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige and Snoop Dogg. However, with all of the good shows, there has been a fair share of bad shows. Here are four of the worst Super Bowl halftime shows of the modern era.
Worst Super Bowl halftime shows
The Black Eyed Peas (2011)
The Black Eyed Peas headlined the 2011 Super Bowl which featured the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite their immense popularity at the time, this halftime show is often regarded as one of the worst shows of all time. It featured The Black Eyed Peas, Fergie and a cameo by Slash (Main Guitarist of Guns and Roses). It is regarded as one of the worst because of the lackluster vocals and technical difficulties, including a cover of “Sweet O’ Child of Mine”.
Maroon 5 (2019)
Despite cameos from Travis Scott, Big Boi and Spongebob Squarepants, this halftime show is known as just a disappointment just like the game between the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots. The frustration was echoed after Spongebob Squarepants was used to introduce Travis Scott, where he went right into “Sicko Mode”. Overall, the inconsistent vocals and the absurdity of the show are why it’s considered one of the worst.
The Blues Brothers (1997)
Dan Aykroyd, John Goodman and Jim Belushi entered the halftime stage reprising the roles of The Blues Brothers but it fell flat. It just wasn’t the same without John Belushi, who had passed away from a heroin overdose in 1982 and they attempted to perform a show that highlighted the blues with a cameo from ZZ Top and singer James Brown. It is regarded as one of the most forgettable halftime shows and that’s why it’s on this list.
The Who (2010)
Not that The Who is bad, this show was just 10 years too late. Vocals were not up to what the legendary band is expected to have and it was clear that the performer’s age was showing. The show itself had some of the band’s best hits like Pinball Wizard, Baba O’Riley and Won’t Get Fooled Again, but it didn’t seem like it was popular for the big game’s halftime show.
2025 performer and conclusion
As of now, the only future Super Bowl halftime show announced is the 2025 Super Bowl which is being played in New Orleans at the Caesars Superdome. This year’s big game halftime show will be headlined by rapper Kendrick Lamar. Lamar made an appearance in the 2022 halftime show at SoFI Stadium alongside Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige and 50 Cent. The halftime show will have to follow up the 2024 halftime show that was headlined by Usher, which is the most-watched halftime show of all time.
With the Super Bowl being one of the biggest events that fans wager on, you can even wager on the halftime show. There are plenty of different props someone can wager on a no-verification betting site. Some of those are how long the set list is, the first song, the last song and even collaboration odds as well. With Lamar being the performer, it will be something to watch if he brings out anyone else or just headlines by himself.
Now the question is, who’s next? There are plenty of different options and it will be an interesting decision when it comes up next year.
Main Image: © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
