The Super Bowl halftime show gives artists a chance to shine on the biggest stage in the world and create performances that millions will remember. However, not every show has been a hit. Here’s a look at the five-worst Super Bowl halftime shows.
5. Super Bowl XXXVII (2003): Shania Twain, No Doubt, and Sting
The 2003 Super Bowl XXXVII halftime show featured Shania Twain, No Doubt, and Sting. While No Doubt and Sting received praise, Twain’s performance drew criticism. Rolling Stone called it a “career-freezing” flop, noting she was overshadowed by the other performers. Controversy arose over her vocals, which Twain later confirmed were pre-recorded for better sound quality.
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4. Super Bowl XX (1986): Up with People
Up with People headlined the Super Bowl halftime show four times, with their 1986 performance being widely considered their worst. The show, titled “Beat of the Future,” earned widespread criticism for being “ridiculous” and “one of the dumbest halftime shows ever conceived.” Decades later, retrospective reviews remain just as brutal, with many still describing it as one of the worst halftime shows of all time.
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3. Super Bowl LIII (2019): Maroon 5
Maroon 5’s 2019 performance drew widespread criticism for being boring and uninspired. Dominic Patten of Deadline Hollywood called it “terrible,” noting it had no lift-off and lacked “soul.” Lyndsey Parker of Yahoo! Entertainment dubbed it the “dullest… most underwhelming and instantly forgettable halftime show of all time.” Critics also noted the show’s failure to honor Atlanta’s rich musical heritage by not featuring local talent.
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2. Super Bowl XLV (2011): The Black Eyed Peas
The Black Eyed Peas’ 2011 Super Bowl XLV performance failed to impress both fans and critics. Reviews called it “uninspiring” and “pathetic,” with only the visuals receiving mild praise. In an ESPN poll, 35% of voters gave it an F grade. In 2020, Rolling Stone’s Rob Sheffield named it the worst Super Bowl halftime show in history.
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1. Super Bowl XXIII (1989): Elvis Presto and the 3D Magic Show
The 1989 Super Bowl XXIII halftime show featured “Elvis Presto,” an Elvis Presley impersonator performing magic tricks with 3D effects that required special glasses. While it may have sounded promising, the execution fell flat. Spectators found the show confusing, and the 3D effects proved disappointing. Critics lambasted the performance for relying on gimmicks instead of live music, and many consider it the worst halftime show ever.
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