Feb 2, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; A general view as fireworks go off during the half time show in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Bad Bunny has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show, set for Levi’s Stadium on February 8. The Puerto Rican superstar is also hosting Saturday Night Live tonight, underscoring his growing influence on American pop culture. While fans look ahead to his turn on the biggest stage in sports, it’s worth remembering the women who have already redefined what a halftime show can be. From Diana Ross’s dramatic helicopter exit to Shakira and Jennifer Lopez’s vibrant celebration of Latin music, these performances set the bar for spectacle, artistry, and cultural impact.
Diana Ross Takes Flight (1996)
Jan 28, 1996; Tempe, AZ, USA; FILE PHOTO; Diana Ross performs during the Super Bowl XXX halftime show at Sun Devil Stadium. The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Imagn Images © Copyright Imagn Images
In 1996, Diana Ross became the first solo female artist to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Her performance at Super Bowl XXX set a high standard for what the event could become. Ross performed a medley of her greatest hits, dazzling the crowd with her charisma and showmanship. The finale became one of the most memorable exits in halftime history: she was airlifted out of the stadium by helicopter. The dramatic sendoff cemented Ross’s place as a trailblazer, proving that a woman could command the world’s biggest stage with power and elegance.
Madonna’s Spectacle (2012)
Feb 5, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Recording artist Madonna performs during the halftime show for Super Bowl XLVI between the New York Giants and New England Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Madonna headlined the Super Bowl XLVI halftime show in 2012, bringing her signature theatricality to millions of viewers. She performed alongside guest stars Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., and CeeLo Green in a visually elaborate set filled with Roman-inspired costumes, choreography, and elaborate staging. Madonna’s halftime show highlighted her ability to merge pop spectacle with cultural commentary, blending nostalgia with reinvention. At age 53, she also demonstrated the enduring power of veteran female performers in a space often dominated by younger acts. Her performance remains one of the most-watched halftime shows in history.
Beyoncé Commands the Stage (2013 & 2016)
Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Recording artist Beyonce performs during the halftime show of Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Beyoncé first headlined the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show in 2013, delivering a high-energy performance that included a reunion with Destiny’s Child. Her commanding stage presence and flawless vocals set a new benchmark for halftime artistry. Just three years later, in 2016, she returned as a special guest during Coldplay’s show, where she performed “Formation.” That appearance carried powerful cultural significance, sparking national conversations on race, activism, and representation. Together, her two performances demonstrated how the halftime stage can be both an entertainment spectacle and a platform for meaningful expression.
Katy Perry and the “Left Shark” (2015)
Katy Perry’s Super Bowl XLIX halftime show in 2015 became an instant pop culture phenomenon. She entered the stadium on a giant lion prop, performed her biggest hits, and closed the set soaring above the crowd on a shooting star. But it was her backup dancer—“Left Shark”—who unexpectedly stole the spotlight with offbeat moves that went viral online. Perry was joined by Missy Elliott and Lenny Kravitz, creating a multigenerational lineup that balanced pop with hip-hop. Her show reinforced the idea that halftime performances should be as visually creative as they are musically dynamic.
Lady Gaga’s Sky-High Entrance (2017)
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Recording artist Lady Gaga performs at halftime during Super Bowl LI between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In 2017, Lady Gaga delivered one of the most ambitious halftime shows to date at Super Bowl LI. She began on the stadium roof, performing patriotic lines before leaping into the arena on suspension wires. Her 13-minute set showcased her vocal range, dance skills, and theatrical flair, moving seamlessly from ballads to pop anthems. The show also featured a fleet of synchronized drones that lit up the night sky with red, white, and blue imagery. Gaga’s solo headline performance reaffirmed her reputation as an innovative artist who pushes boundaries in both music and performance art.
Shakira and Jennifer Lopez Celebrate Latin Culture (2020)
Feb 2, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Recording artists Shakira (left) and Jennifer Lopez (right) perform at halftime in Super Bowl LIV between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Super Bowl LIV in 2020 made history with the first co-headlined show by two Latina superstars: Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. Their set was a vibrant celebration of Latin music, dance, and identity. Shakira brought Colombian rhythms and guitar work, while Lopez incorporated Puerto Rican pride and a powerful message about female empowerment. Their daughters also joined on stage, adding a generational touch. The performance was praised for its energy and cultural impact, as it showcased diverse influences rarely highlighted on the halftime stage. Together, the two stars created a milestone moment for representation at the Super Bowl.
