The “Big Game” is arguably one of the most anticipated events in sports history, given that well-known artists perform during this thing called a “halftime show.” Halftime performers have been dominating the main stage since 1976, when The Three Stooges, Al Hirt, the marching band of Grambling State University, and the University of Arizona Symphonic Marching Band took the spotlight. 

There have been a lot of performers throughout the history of halftime shows in existence. Of course, the ones that took place in the 70s were not as entertaining as the ones we witness today. 

Who were the most popular halftime performers since 2000?

While there were countless legendary artists that performed in the 90s, there is no denying that the 20th century was when halftime shows evolved into an entirely different thing—as the saying goes, out with the old and in with the new. 

For some of you who may not know, halftime shows were not always flashy. Instead, in the past, they featured marching bands as a form of entertainment.

It is obvious now that changes were made as time went by. Performances are now composed of lights, fireworks, dance numbers, and handpicked artists from a list of the best in the music industry. 

From 2000 to 2022, the following artists have provided entertaining performances during halftime shows were Phil Collins (Super Bowl XXXIV, 2000); Britney Spears and Steven Tyler (Super Bowl XXXV, 2001); Bono (Super Bowl XXXVI, 2002); Shania Twain (Super Bowl XXXVII, 2003); the iconic Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson duo (Super Bowl XXXVIII, 2004); Paul McCartney (Super Bowl XXXIX, 2005); Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones (Super Bowl XL, 2006); Prince (Super Bowl XLI, 2007); Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (Super Bowl XLII, 2008); Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (Super Bowl XLIII, 2009); and Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of The Who (Super Bowl XLIV, 2010). 

To continue the list, from 2011 onwards, the Black Eyed Peas performed at the (Super Bowl XLV, 2011); Madonna (Super Bowl XLVI, 2012); former members of Destiny’s Child, Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé, and Michelle Williams (Super Bowl XLVII, 2013); Bruno Mars and Red Hot Chili Peppers singer Anthony Kiedis (Super Bowl XLVIII, 2014); Katy Perry (Super Bowl XLIX, 2015); Chris Martin from Coldplay, Beyoncé, and Bruno Mars (Super Bowl 50, 2016), Lady Gaga (Super Bowl LI, 2017); Justin Timberlake (Super Bowl LII, 2018); Maroon 5 (Super Bowl LIII, 2019); Shakira and Jennifer Lopez (Super Bowl LIV, 2020); The Weeknd (Super Bowl LV, 2021); and Dr. Dre, Mary J. Bilge, Eminem, and 50 Cent performed during the halftime show of Super Bowl LVI this year. 

Who is going to perform at the Super Bowl LVII?

It has been announced that Rihanna will be the artist featured during the Super Bowl LVII halftime show. This has been confirmed by the NFL and the artist herself, based on the posts uploaded on their official Twitter accounts. 

Seth Dudowsky, the head of music for the NFL, gave an explanation for his decision to book Rihanna for the halftime show, calling her a “once in a generation artist.” 

There have been no further updates as of late regarding which artists would join her on stage, should there be any. Aside from this exciting news, Apple will now be sponsoring the Super Bowl in 2023, replacing the former sponsor, Pepsi. 

This is a first for the Super Bowl since they have been sponsored by Pepsi since 2012, but the company’s 10-year agreement with the NFL is set to expire after the 2022 season. 

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