2023 Super Bowl: The History of Black Halftime Performances

Before the most popular artists in the world were lining up to perform at halftime of the Super Bowl, university marching bands were the main attraction between halves. The Grambling State University Marching Band performed at Super Bowl II and performed at six overall.

Although the Grambling State University Marching band has performed more times than any other, other HBCUs had an opportunity, such as the Florida A&M Marching band, which performed at Super Bowl III. They performed again at the big game in 2005 during the pre-game show.

Ella Fitzgerald became the first African-American woman to perform at the halftime show of Super Bowl VI. She performed “Mack the Knife” along with trumpeter Al Hirt.

The last halftime show that featured Jazz music, this performance included the Grambling State Marching Band and the Mercer Ellington Orchestra doing “A Tribe to Duke Ellington” at Super Bowl IX in 1975.

It only made sense that the Southern University Marching Band performed at Super Bowl XV at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans in 1981. The theme for this particular show was “Mardi Gras Festival.” They would perform again at Super Bowl XXIV which was also in the Superdome.

Michael Jackson’s performance at Super Bowl XXVII set the standard for pop stars performing at football’s biggest night. He showed up singing his biggest hits including, “Billie Jean,” “Black or White,” and his verse on “We Are the World” along with the children’s choir. For the first two minutes of the show, MJ stood absolutely still as fans went crazy. That should tell you everything about the stage presence Michael Jackson had.

Patti LaBelle and Teddy Pendergrass collaborated for a performance at Super Bowl XXIX with Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye as inspiration for the show.

The legendary Diana Ross had an incredible halftime show that displayed every part of her diva personality. She started the show wearing a stunning shiny red dress and made an outfit change in the middle of the show. A true diva. She sang classic R&B ballads like Stop In “The Name of Love,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” and “Baby Love.” But also switched up with pop bangers like “I Will Survive” and “Take Me Higher.”

Whitney Houston is one of the greatest singers of all time. Arguably, the greatest. So it’s no surprise her rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl XXV was the greatest of all time.

Toni Braxton, along with Christina Aguilera, sang a beautiful cover of “We Go On” by Kellie Coffey.

Mary J. Blige and Nelly popped out at Super Bowl XXXV to assist Aerosmith, NSYNC, and Britney Spears with their performance.

Everyone remembers this performance for the wrong reason. But, Janet Jackson still had a great performance. Nelly showed up at the Super Bowl stage for a second time at Super Bowl XXXVIII.

One of the best live TV performances of all time and arguably one of the best halftime performances in Super Bowl history, Prince showed up to do what he does and gave an incredible performance. His performance of “Purple Rain” at Super Bowl XLI is perfect.

Jennifer Hudson’s booming voice was perfect for the “Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl XLII.

Usher and the Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm assisted the Black Eyed Peas with their halftime performance at Super Bowl XLV. Usher sang his hit record, “OMG” along with will.i.am.

The halftime show at Super Bowl XLVI was stacked. The list of performers was insane. LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, and Cee Lo Green all appeared at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis to assist Madonna with her performance.

Alicia Keys gave a memorable performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” in 2013 at Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans. The talented singer impressively showed off her voice and her piano skills

Queen Bey literally shut the Super Bowl down when she performed at the Superdome in New Orleans. To no surprise, she had an endless supply of hits she could, including her bangers with Destiny’s Child. Kelly Rowland and Michelle Willaims also made a surprise appearance at the show, performing hits such as, “Bootylicious” and “ Independent Women Part I.”

Three years later at Super Bowl 50, Beyoncé did it again. Although Coldplay was the headliner, Queen Bey might’ve one-upped herself with this legendary performance inspired by the Black Panthers. Although it pissed people off in the NFL, fans loved it.

Gladys Knight gave a breathtaking rendition of the National Anthem at Super Bowl LIII in 2019, showcasing her iconic voice.

Super Bowl LIII was in Atlanta, so it’s only fitting an Atlanta legend came out to perform. Along with Sleepy Brown, Big Boi gave an enjoyable performance of “The Way You Move.” Travis Scott’s appearance at the Super Bowl halftime show was brief but still solid. He performed parts of his verse from “SICKO MODE.”

If you haven’t Jazmine Sullivan performed live, this might be the next best thing. Her incredible voice rang through TVs across the country as she sang the National Anthem at Super Bow LV along with Eric Church, although it doesn’t one-up her performance at the World Series.

Not the most memorable halftime performance in recent memory, but still a solid one from the Canadian pop star. His 2020 album, After Hours, was incredible, so many were excited to hear him perform some of the songs live.

In the return to full stadiums at the Super Bowl, country singer Mickey Guyton gave a wonderful rendition of the National Anthem.

Probably the Blackest Super Bowl halftime performance of all time, this show was magical. It was absolute perfection that Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles featured so many West Coast legends, led by Dr. Dre. The show was a nonstop hip-hop party and Black people across the country loved it.