15 of the most iconic Super Bowl half-time outfits, from Rihanna to Beyoncé (2024)

The Super Bowl attracts millions of viewers every year, mainly for the sport, of course – but here at STYLE, we’re infinitely more interested in the incredible performances that take place during the half-time show.

This year saw the return of Rihanna and her “special guest” ... which turned out to be her surprise new baby bump. The pop star dazzled in head-to-toe red attire, with her jumpsuit coming from Loewe.

The half-time artists’ costumes are among the most talked-about topics of the annual event. From Michael Jackson’s 1993 headline in a gold harness suit jacket to Lady Gaga’s epic Versace bodysuit in 2017, here are 15 of the best costumes worn by performers during the NFL Super Bowl’s half-time show.

1. Michael Jackson, 1993

Michael Jackson’s 1993 military-style jacket and gold harness suit jacket with gold is still one of the most iconic Super Bowl half-time show costumes in history. His costume went on to inspire Beyoncé’s look during her guest appearance at the half-time show in 2016.

2. Diana Ross, 1996

Diana Ross was one of the first half-time show performers to sport multiple outfits within her musical set. Ross went from rocking a giant gold cloak to making waves in an orange floor-length gown with purple detailing during her Super Bowl show performance in 1996.

3. NSync, 2001

NSync wore a rainbow of colours when they headlined the Super Bowl half-time show alongside Aerosmith in 2001. Justin Timberlake’s lime green jacket added a pop of colour.

They were collectively the epitome of noughties fashion during their performance. Each member wore wide-cut pants, T-shirts and jackets, but it was the lime colouring of Justin Timberlake’s look that really stood out.

4. Janet Jackson, 2004

Janet Jackson’s 2004 Super Bowl half-time show costume should be remembered for more than just her unfortunate wardrobe malfunction. The viral mishap, which involved Justin Timberlake, shouldn’t detract from the PVC bustier that she wore twice throughout the show.

She began wearing it on top of a flowing white shirt with a train, which upped the drama, but then swapped to seamlessly blend into an all-black outfit with a fringed leather skirt.

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5. Prince, 2007

Even though his 2007 half-time show was hit with rain (sadly not purple, unlike his customised guitar), Prince brought sunshine to the Super Bowl stage by wearing a striking turquoise blue suit and jacket layered over a tangerine-coloured dress shirt.

6. Black Eyed Peas, 2011

The Black Eyed Peas rocked an array of bling, coordinating black leather outfits and flashing lights during their 2011 Super Bowl half-time performance. Taboo’s purple LED lights were incredible but it was Fergie’s American football-inspired bedazzled shoulder pads that stole the show.

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7. Madonna, 2012

For her 2012 half-time performance, Madonna’s bespoke Givenchy Haute Couture look was comprised of a hand-embroidered gown and crown, a gladiator-style belt and thigh-high boots, according to British media.

8. Destiny’s Child, 2013

Destiny’s Child’s Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams reunited at the 2013 Super Bowl half-time show – and they did it in style, wearing all leather coordinating playsuits with distinguishing features.

All wore different versions of gloves and thigh-high boots, managing to show off their individual style while performing as a trio.

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9. Bruno Mars, 2014

Bruno Mars and his musical group wore matching gold jackets to his 2014 Super Bowl half-time show. The singer and his band wore distressed gold jackets, designed by Saint Laurent, paired with black pants, a white shirt and a skinny French-style tie, according to Billboard.

10. Katy Perry, 2015

Katy Perry wore a total of four outfits during her 12-minute half-time show set in 2015.

From her flame entrance dress, to her playful California girl beach ball look and her Missy Elliot-inspired jersey, the outfits designed by Moschino’s creative director Jeremy Scott brought a new level of fun in fashion to the Super Bowl stage.

11. Coldplay feat Beyoncé, 2016

Coldplay headlined the 2016 Super Bowl half-time show, but guest star Beyoncé‘s Michael Jackson-inspired outfit was the most memorable. Twenty-three years after MJ headlined the show wearing a criss-cross gold harness on top of a military-style jacket, Beyoncé paid homage by turning up in a similar look. According to Essence’s interview with stylist Marni Senofonte, who worked with the pop star for the show, Beyoncé “wanted to pay homage to Michael [Jackson]”.

“She has always said he is her biggest music influence and Michael’s half-time performance marked a change in global interest for the half-time show,” she said.

12. Lady Gaga, 2017

Lady Gaga dived into her Super Bowl half-time show in 2017 wearing a bedazzled Versace bodysuit and matching boots. The pop star proved that wild looks can still be wearable when performing massive stunts.

The singer changed midway through the performance into an equally eye-catching American football-inspired look, but it was her Swarovski-emblazoned Versace bodysuit with matching boots that set the bar high.

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13. Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, 2020

Shakira and Jennifer Lopez wore an array of Peter Dundas and Versace outfits during their joint Super Bowl half-time show set in 2020, but their final looks coordinated perfectly without being too matchy-matchy. According to Elle, Shakira’s last outfit was a Peter Dundas creation and consisted of a gold bralette and high-waisted pants with frills. Her matching jacket had two large “S” letters emblazoned into it.

Meanwhile, Lopez wore silver-lined tights beneath her silver bodysuit, which also came with frilly embellishments, and paired the look with silver gloves.

14. The Weeknd, 2021

Although his 2021 Super Bowl half-time show didn’t have multiple outfit changes, it doesn’t mean his look wasn’t any less memorable, especially among similarly dressed backup dancers wearing bandage-style masks.

According to GQ’s interview with the star, the look took over 25o hours to make and was designed by Matthew Williams of Givenchy. The result was a dazzling crystal crimson jacket, which The Weeknd paired with black pants, a shirt and leather gloves.

15. Rihanna, 2023

Rihanna wore a bright red jumpsuit that was unzipped below her belly button, showing her pregnant belly. A representative for the 34-year-old singer confirmed her pregnancy to The Hollywood Reporter.

She completed the look with a bright red bra. The outfit was designed by Loewe, according to a post on the brand’s Instagram account.

This article originally appeared on Insider.