Forgive me, but does anyone actually watch the Super Bowl for the football? I mean, of course NFL fans do. But I'm talking about the people who only recently discovered the term "tight end" thanks to Travis Kelce (and quite frankly, still find it a little ridiculous that it's a real position). My point is, an estimated 113 million people tuned into the annual football event last year – the most amount of eyes in Super Bowl history – but I'd bet half of them were there to see Rihanna perform in her red Loewe jumpsuit.
If you did, you were in for a treat. Rihanna hard-launched her second pregnancy and sang a short but comprehensive compilation of her best tracks – no new ones, though. The certified bad gal also confirmed what we already knew: the halftime show is the best part of the whole affair, and it's becoming a bigger spectacle every year.
From the headliner to the outfits to the selection of songs and in what order, like the Met Gala, the Super Bowl halftime show is the subject of much speculation in the weeks preceding it. In 2024, as Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers face off, Usher will take the coveted headline spot, an unexpected choice given the artist's music archives soundtracked our worst heartbreaks. We'll just dance through the tears, I guess? And while we don't know what or who Usher plans to wear, the Super Bowl is an event that calls for the ritziest costumes (think: Lizzie McGuire performing in the Colosseum), because we know Kelce and Taylor Swift will be doing the same.
With less than a fortnight to go before the 2024 Super Bowl, we're taking a moment to reflect on the previous halftime shows with a focus on fashion. Below, the best style moments from the Super Bowl halftime shows so far.
Rihanna in 2023
View this post on Instagram
Wearing a Loewe jumpsuit, Alaïa coat, and Maison Margiela x Salomon sneakers.
Snoop Dogg in 2022
View this post on Instagram
Performing alongside Eminem, Dr. Dre., Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige.
Bad Bunny in 2020
View this post on Instagram
Wearing custom Last Heirs and Swarovski Nike Blazers. Performing alongside JLo, Shakira and J Balvin.
Lady Gaga in 2017
View this post on Instagram
Wearing custom Versace.
Beyoncé in 2016 and 2013
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
In 2016 for her powerful Formation performance, a tribute to the Black Panthers and Michael Jackson, Beyoncé wore DSquared2, while she opted for a Rubin Singer bodysuit in 2013.
Madonna and Nicki Minaj in 2012
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Madonna wore three Givenchy Haute Couture looks while Nicki Minaj wore Fausto Puglisi.
Prince in 2007
View this post on Instagram
Wearing a turquoise and orange suit which is currently on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Paul McCartney in 2005
In a red star long-sleeve and pinstripe suit. I would like to make this my work uniform.
Janet Jackson in 2004
View this post on Instagram
Perhaps, the most notorious halftime outfit of all time. ICYMI: Janet Jackson and her stylist had engineered a wardrobe stunt, where the iconic Alexander McQueen bodysuit would be tugged to reveal a red corset underneath. Having not practiced the move and only informed of it on the day, Justin Timberlake pulled at her costume and exposed Jackson's breast. Disgraced former CBS CEO Les Moonves was up in arms about the accident, and did his best to bar Jackson from industry events like the 2004 Grammys. All these years later, we can't believe all the fuss. Janet is a queen.
No Doubt in 2003
View this post on Instagram
Gwen Stefani wears a bedazzled corset, red bra, low-rise pants and boxing boots.
Britney Spears in 2001
View this post on Instagram
Wearing a cropped Aerosmith band tee, metallic NFL-branded jeans, and a sock sleeve. Peak Y2K style.
Queen Latifah in 1998
In a paisley duster coat, lace corset, and corkscrew curls.
Diana Ross in 1996
Four outfit changes... mother.
Michael Jackson in 1993
View this post on Instagram
The best to ever do it. Wearing a military jacket which he later took off to reveal a white shirt and t-shirt underneath.
Images: @gaga_ism @beyhive_pl
