where will rihanna's super bowl halftime show rank among the greats?

By: Justin Zulu

Ahead of the 2023 Super Bowl matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs and the halftime show performed by Rihanna, let’s take a look at the top-5 Super Bowl halftime shows of the past two decades.

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5. Lady gaga (2017)

Lady Gaga performed some of her popular  hits, starting with a modified version of the “Star-Spangled Banner“ and also including her song “Born this Way.”
What I especially enjoy about this performance: Her vocals stole the show and she blew the performance away. 
Why it’s worth the watch (or re-watch): Gaga's energy and unique costumes really made this performance one to remember. 

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4. The weeknd (2021)

An eccentric but also intriguing show, The 2021 performance reminded viewers of a music video that was stuck inside a haunted house of mirrors. The halftime show mainly took place in the upper pavilion of Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, and the Weeknd didn’t appear on the field until he performed “Blinding Lights.”
What I especially enjoy about this performance: The Weeknd used props to send a message about the culture of Hollywood celebrities and people manipulating themselves for superficial reasons to be validated. 
Why it’s worth the watch (or re-watch): The Weeknd used a style and format that was different from previous halftime shows.

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3. Katy Perry (2015)

Perry did not disappoint with her performance in 2015. She arrived on the back of a giant lion puppet, then she was “dragged” through the sky as she sang “Firework.” It still holds the spot as the most viewed halftime show. 
What I especially enjoy about this performance: Perry’s energy and stage presence carried the show and set it ablaze. 
Why it’s worth the watch (or re-watch): You can hear the passion in Perry’s singing and the confidence she exudes.

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Michael jackson (1993)

For his performance, Jackson performed “We Are the World” with a children's choir and then his song “Heal the World” with a gigantic globe in the middle of the stage. He also performed one of his classic songs “Billie Jean.” He has, without a doubt, the most memorable performance of the 90s.
What I especially enjoy about this performance: Jackson’s dancing and suave demeanor did not disappoint and he made sure to bring the energy to his performance. 
Why it’s worth the watch (or re-watch): Jackson’s vocals and rhythm exceeded expectations, and he wowed everyone who was watching.

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prince (2007)

Sung in the rain, and arguably the most legendary performance of all time, Prince played his heart out on the guitar and did mashups of other songs such as Queen’s “We Will Rock You” with his own songs, bringing a different type of dynamic and flair to Super Bowl halftime shows.   
What I especially enjoy about this performance: Prince’s voice and his singing set the bar high for future Super Bowl halftime shows and his intensity impressed all viewers alike.
Why it’s worth the watch (or re-watch): The different components made this performance #1 for me. The different mashups of songs and the guitar really brought the performance together and it is still an iconic performance today.