Over the years the Super Bowl halftime show has become more than a musical interlude; it has turned into a stage for political expression. From tributes to national tragedy to overt statements on race, gender and immigration, six performances stand out for their unmistakable political charge.
U2 – Super Bowl XXXVI (Latest Orleans, 3 Feb 2002)
Following the collapse of the World Trade Center on 11 Sept 2001, the league replaced its initial choice of Janet Jackson with U2 to address a shaken America. The Irish band opened with “Beautiful Day,” then performed “MLK” and “Where The Streets Have No Name” even as a veil displayed the names of the victims. At the close, Bono revealed an American flag lining inside his leather jacket.
Beyoncé – Super Bowl 50 (Santa Clara, 7 Feb 2016)
Coldplay headlined the show, but Beyoncé’s guest appearance stole the spotlight. She performed “Formation” backed by dancers dressed like Black Panthers and arranged in an X to evoke Malcolm X. Right‑wing figures, including New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, accused her of being anti‑police, sparking an online boycott campaign.
Lady Gaga – Super Bowl LI (Houston, 5 Feb 2017)
With Donald Trump newly inaugurated, Lady Gaga let her song choices speak. She sang Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land,” a folk critique of America, and “Born This Way,” an LGBTQ anthem that introduced the words “lesbian,” “gay,” “transgender” and “bi” to the Super Bowl audience for the first time.
Jennifer Lopez & Shakira – Super Bowl LIV (Miami, 2 Feb 2020)
The NFL highlighted Miami’s Latino community by featuring Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, who also brought Bad Bunny and J Balvin onstage. Lopez wore a cape stitched from Puerto Rico and United States flags, while dancers performed inside cage‑like structures, a visual interpreted as criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration and border policies.
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar & 50 Cent – Super Bowl LVI (Inglewood, 13 Feb 2022)
The 2022 show marked hip‑hop’s first full‑scale halftime showcase. Eminem closed his set with “Lose Yourself,” kneeling on one knee in a gesture echoing Colin Kaepernick’s protest against racial injustice during the national anthem. Kaepernick’s earlier stand had led to him never signing another NFL contract.
Kendrick Lamar – Super Bowl LIX (New Orleans, 9 Feb 2025)
Performing before roughly 143 million viewers, Lamar used “Not Like Us” to confront ongoing racial and social inequalities. The show featured Samuel L. Jackson dressed as Uncle Sam critiquing Lamar’s message, Serena Williams briefly doing the “crip walk,” and a dancer waving Sudan and Palestine flags before security intervened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do artists use the Super Bowl halftime show to build political statements?
The halftime show reaches a massive, diverse audience, giving performers a rare opportunity to broadcast messages about social issues, patriotism or protest to millions of viewers at once.
Which performances have sparked the most controversy?
Beyoncé’s 2016 “Formation” routine, Lady Gaga’s 2017 inclusion of “Born This Way,” and the 2022 kneel by Eminem are among the most contentious, drawing criticism from political figures and prompting public boycotts.
How has the NFL responded to politically charged halftime shows?
After the 9/11 attacks the league altered its artist selection, opting for U2 over Janet Jackson. In later years, the NFL has continued to book diverse acts, while the visibility of political symbolism has sparked debate about the league’s role in cultural discourse.
What political messages, if any, do you think will shape future Super Bowl halftime performances?
