The Super Bowl isn’t just about the touchdowns, tough tackles and Hail Marys. Since Michael Jackson’s extravagant performance changed the halftime show game in the early '90s, viewers also have a show-stopping halftime performance to look forward to every year.
Not only has the NFL scored some major superstars like Prince,Madonna, Beyoncé, Britney Spears and The Rolling Stones, but the mid-game show is also known for its genre-crossing performances that take the stage. In honor of the upcoming Super Bowl LIV this Sunday (February 3), iHeartRadio has compiled a list of the most unexpected halftime performances to date. Before Jennifer Lopez and Shakira take the stage this Sunday, check out these one-of-a-kind collabs below.
10. Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, P. Diddy, Nelly, Kid Rock and Jessica Simpson - Super Bowl XXXVIII, 2004
Although the 2004 show had a lineup stacked with an unexpected collaboration of artists and a stellar performance from Janet Jackson, the real talk of the event was her infamous wardrobe malfunction with surprise-guest, Justin Timberlake.
9. Katy Perry, Missy Elliott and Lenny Kravitz - Super Bowl XLIX, 2015
Katy Perry pulled out all the stops for her theatrical halftime show. She performed "I Kissed A Girl" in a fiery dress with Lenny Kravitz on guitar. And if you weren’t paying close attention to the rumor mill in early 2015, you were probably surprised to see the pop singer joined by hip-hop legend Missy Elliott for an unexpected collaboration that we all loved to see. Missy performed her mega hit “Get Ur Freak On” with Katy as her hypewoman.
8. Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias and Toni Braxton - Super Bowl XXXIV, 2000
In 2000, the Super Bowl’s 10 minute halftime show was produced by Disney and named The Millennium Celebration. Designed to mirror the spectacular Millennium Celebration taking place at Walt Disney World's EPCOT park, original songs, with elements of their Reflections of Earth and Tapestry of Nations shows, were performed by Christina Aguilera,Phil Collins,Enrique Iglesias, and Toni Braxton for one of the most unique halftime shows in the last 20 years.
7. Maroon 5, Travis Scott and Big Boi - Super Bowl LIII, 2019
Although this lineup came as no surprise, due to an announcement by the NFL a month prior, the genre-crossing performance of Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode” with Maroon 5as a backing band is definitely a collaboration to remember.Big Boi also joined the halftime show in style as he rode up in a Cadillac convertible, performing his hit “I Like The Way You Move”.
6. Coldplay, Beyoncé and Bruno Mars - Super Bowl 50, 2016
Coldplay opened the Super Bowl 50 halftime show with a colorful display of hits like “Viva La Vida” and “Paradise”. Two years after his headlining halftime act, Bruno Mars crashed the show with a high-energy performance of “Uptown Funk” before engaging in a dance-off with Queen Bey herself. The three superstar acts closed the show together with Coldplay’s “Up&Up”.
5. Bruno Mars and Red Hot Chili Peppers - Super Bowl XLVIII, 2014
Bruno Mars’ halftime show broke records with it’s 115+ million viewers, making it the most watched performance at that time. He also delivered a surprise performance alongside The Red Hot Chili Peppers to collaborate on their track, "Give It Away”.
4. Black Eyed Peas and Slash - Super Bowl XLV, 2011
The Black Eyed Peas delivered a medley of their greatest hits and were joined by Usher to perform his song "OMG". Later on in the show, former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash ascended the stage from below to play the classic GNR track, "Sweet Child o' Mine” as BEP frontwoman Fergie sang alongside him.
3. Shania Twain, No Doubt and Sting - Super Bowl XXXVII, 2003
Country legend Shania Twain kicked off the 2003 halftime show before No Doubt’s duet with Sting for an updated “Message In A Bottle”.
2. Madonna, LMFAO, Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. - Super Bowl XLVI, 2012
Dressed as a Greek goddess, the singer performed crowd pleasers like “Vogue” and duets of “Like A Prayer” and “Express Yourself” with Cee Lo Green. The stage then turned into one big party with dance duo LMFAO for a mashup of “Party Rock Anthem” and her track, “Music”. Rappers Nicki Minaj and M.I.A.also joined the Queen of Pop onstage for their verses on "Give Me All Your Luvin”.
1. Britney Spears, *NSYNC, Aerosmith, Nelly and Mary J. Blige - Super Bowl XXXV, 2001
In 2001, when pop princesses and boy bands were ruling the world of music, it was fitting that Britney Spears and *NSYNC would come together on one of the biggest stages. What made this show legendary was the addition of Aerosmith,Mary J. Blige and Nelly for a performance of “Walk This Way”.