Last 10 Super Bowl Halftime Performers (2016–2025)

By Sarah Miller · January 3, 2032

The last 10 Super Bowl halftime performers (from 2016 to 2025) are: Coldplay (2016), Lady Gaga (2017), Justin Timberlake (2018), Maroon 5 with Travis Scott and Big Boi (2019), Shakira and Jennifer Lopez (2020), The Weeknd (2021), Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar (2022), Rihanna (2023), Usher with Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and others (2024), and Kendrick Lamar (2025).

Overview of the Last Decade of Super Bowl Halftime Shows

The Super Bowl halftime show has evolved into one of the most anticipated musical events in the world. Over the past decade, the NFL and its partners have featured a diverse range of artists spanning genres from pop and R&B to hip-hop and rock. These performances not only entertain over 100 million viewers annually but also serve as cultural milestones.

Why the Halftime Show Matters

One of the most-watched live music events globally
Represents peak exposure for recording artists
Showcases American music culture on an international stage
Historically marked shifts in genre dominance, especially the rise of hip-hop

Year-by-Year Breakdown of Performers (2016–2025)

Each year's performance brings unique staging, guest appearances, and memorable moments. Below is a detailed look at each show, including key collaborators and standout elements.

2016 – Coldplay with Beyoncé and Bruno Mars

Held at Levi's Stadium, this performance emphasized unity and global celebration. Coldplay delivered hits like "Viva La Vida," while Beyoncé debuted "Formation" during her guest appearance, sparking widespread discussion.

2017 – Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga opened with a dramatic jump from the roof of the stadium, launching into a medley of her greatest hits. Her technically flawless solo performance set a new benchmark for vocal precision in live stadium shows.

2018 – Justin Timberlake

Returning after his controversial 2004 appearance, Timberlake headlined without Janet Jackson. He used holograms to include Prince in the performance, though it received mixed reviews due to lack of audience engagement.

2019 – Maroon 5 with Travis Scott and Big Boi

Amid controversy over artists declining to perform in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, Maroon 5 shared the stage with Travis Scott and OutKast’s Big Boi. The show leaned heavily into rap and trap influences despite Maroon 5’s pop-rock roots.

2020 – Shakira and Jennifer Lopez

A landmark dual-headliner show celebrating Latin music and culture. Both delivered high-energy routines with dancers, political imagery, and tributes to their heritage. Widely praised as one of the best halftime shows ever.

2021 – The Weeknd

During the pandemic, The Weeknd created a surreal, cinematic experience with over 700 masked performers. His performance highlighted themes of fame and isolation, featuring hits from "After Hours."

2022 – Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar

This West Coast hip-hop tribute was historic—marking the first time rap was the sole focus of the halftime show. With surprise appearances and iconic tracks, it celebrated 50 years of hip-hop culture.

2023 – Rihanna

Rihanna performed while pregnant, making headlines worldwide. She floated above the stage in a spherical pod and delivered a career-spanning medley. It was her first major performance in nearly five years.

2024 – Usher with Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and H.E.R.

Usher brought energy, dance precision, and emotional depth. Joined by Alicia Keys for a piano duet and Ludacris for a nostalgic rap reunion, the show blended R&B, gospel, and hip-hop seamlessly.

2025 – Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar returned as a solo headliner, delivering a politically charged, visually striking performance rooted in Black identity and resistance. Backed by live instrumentation and choreography, it was hailed as a masterpiece of modern storytelling through music.

Year	Headliner(s)	Guests	Venue	Viewership (Millions)	Notable Moment
2016	Coldplay	Beyoncé, Bruno Mars	Levi's Stadium	115.5	Beyoncé debuts "Formation"
2017	Lady Gaga	N/A	NRG Stadium	117.5	Roof dive opening stunt
2018	Justin Timberlake	Prince (hologram)	U.S. Bank Stadium	103.4	Holographic Prince tribute
2019	Maroon 5	Travis Scott, Big Boi	Mercedes-Benz Stadium	98.2	Protest-related controversy
2020	Shakira & J.Lo	Bad Bunny, J Balvin	Hard Rock Stadium	103.0	Latin pride celebration
2021	The Weeknd	N/A	Raymond James Stadium	96.5	700+ masked dancers
2022	Dr. Dre et al.	Snoop Dogg, Eminem, etc.	SoFi Stadium	98.8	All-hip-hop lineup debut
2023	Rihanna	N/A	State Farm Stadium	118.7	Pregnancy reveal mid-show
2024	Usher	Alicia Keys, Ludacris	Allegiant Stadium	115.2	Gospel choir segment
2025	Kendrick Lamar	Samuel L. Jackson (narrator)	Caesars Superdome	120.1	Spoken-word civil rights theme

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows a steady increase in viewership over the decade, peaking in 2025 with 120.1 million viewers—the highest in Super Bowl halftime history. The shift toward hip-hop and culturally significant performances correlates with rising engagement, particularly among younger demographics. Notably, Rihanna’s 2023 show achieved the second-highest viewership ever, underscoring star power's impact.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Last 10 Super Bowl Halftime Performers

Who were the performers at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show?

Kendrick Lamar was the sole headliner for the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, delivering a powerful, narrative-driven performance that included spoken-word segments narrated by Samuel L. Jackson. The show focused on themes of racial justice and Black excellence.

Which recent halftime show had the highest viewership?

The 2025 Super Bowl halftime show starring Kendrick Lamar drew 120.1 million viewers, making it the most-watched halftime performance in history. This surpassed Rihanna’s 2023 show, which previously held the record with 118.7 million viewers.

Has any artist performed at the Super Bowl halftime show more than once in the last 10 years?

Yes, Snoop Dogg performed in both 2022 (as part of the Dr. Dre-led lineup) and made a guest appearance in 2024 during Usher’s performance. Similarly, Ludacris appeared in 2019 with Maroon 5 and again in 2024 with Usher.

Why was the 2019 halftime show controversial?

The 2019 halftime show was controversial because many top artists declined to perform in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick’s protests against racial injustice. Maroon 5 faced criticism for accepting the gig, though they shared the stage with Travis Scott and Big Boi to add diversity and credibility.

Did any halftime performer return after a long break?

Yes, Rihanna returned in 2023 after nearly five years away from live performances. Her appearance was highly anticipated and marked her comeback as a global superstar, further amplified by her pregnancy announcement during the show.