The 10 Most-Watched Super Bowl Halftime Shows of All Time

October 2, 2025 Kris Isaksen

The Super Bowl halftime show isn’t just a musical interlude—it’s a pop culture event that draws in hundreds of millions of viewers. Some artists even manage to outshine the game itself. Here's a countdown of the most-watched halftime performances ever, based on viewership since 2000.

10. Black Eyed Peas Energize with 110.2 Million Viewers

At Super Bowl XLV in 2011, the Black Eyed Peas delivered a futuristic, high-energy show. With tracks like “I Gotta Feeling,” “Boom Boom Pow” and “Where Is the Love?”, the group pulled in 110.2 million viewers. The performance marked the start of a new era of pop-dominated halftime shows.

9. Beyoncé Reunites Destiny’s Child – 110.8 Million Viewers

Queen Bey’s 2013 performance at Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans brought both power and nostalgia. She performed hits like “Run the World (Girls)” and “Halo” before reuniting Destiny’s Child for “Bootylicious” and “Single Ladies.” The show drew 110.8 million fans to their screens.

8. Madonna Delivers a Star-Studded Spectacle – 114 Million Viewers

Madonna took the stage at Super Bowl XLVI in 2012 with a glittering Roman-inspired performance. She was joined by LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., and CeeLo Green, performing hits like “Vogue,” “Music,” and “Like a Prayer.” The show pulled in 114 million viewers.

7. Bruno Mars Brings Soul & Fire – 115.3 Million Viewers

Bruno Mars proved his showman status at Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014. With an old-school vibe, he wowed audiences with “Locked Out of Heaven,” “Treasure” and “Runaway Baby,” and brought out the Red Hot Chili Peppers for a surprise rock twist. The set drew 115.3 million viewers.

6. Coldplay's Collaborative Celebration – 115.5 Million Viewers

Coldplay headlined Super Bowl 50 in 2016 with a colorful, emotional show. Hits like “Yellow,” “Viva la Vida” and “Fix You” were paired with special appearances from Beyoncé and Bruno Mars. The star power helped the show notch 115.5 million viewers.

5. Lady Gaga Takes the Leap – 117.5 Million Viewers

Lady Gaga made a dramatic entrance at Super Bowl LI in 2017, leaping from the roof of NRG Stadium in Houston. She performed a solo set of crowd favorites like “Poker Face,” “Born This Way,” and “Just Dance,” pulling in an impressive 117.5 million viewers.

4. Katy Perry Makes a Splash with 121 Million Viewers

Super Bowl XLIX in 2015 saw Katy Perry ride into the spotlight on a giant mechanical lion. She performed hits like “Roar,” “California Gurls” and “Firework,” and was joined by Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott. With help from the instantly viral Left Shark, her show drew 121 million viewers.

3. Rihanna Shocks and Shines – 121 Million Viewers

Rihanna stunned viewers during her 2023 Super Bowl LVII performance at Arizona’s State Farm Stadium—not only with her hit-filled set, but with a surprise baby bump reveal. She performed tracks like “We Found Love,” “Work,” and “Only Girl (In the World),” drawing 121 million viewers.

2. Usher Brings the Hits – 123.4 Million Viewers

In 2024, Usher lit up the stage at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas with slick dance moves and a smooth medley of R&B hits. His set included “U Got It Bad,” “Confessions Part II,” and “Love In This Club,” earning him 123.4 million viewers—just short of the all-time record.

1. Kendrick Lamar Makes History – 133.5 Million Viewers

Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 halftime show at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans wasn’t just a performance—it was a cultural moment. With hits like “HUMBLE.,” “Squabble Up” and “Not Like Us,” and guest appearances from SZA and Serena Williams, Lamar topped the list with a record-breaking 133.5 million viewers.