The Super Bowl halftime show has become just as much of a spectacle as the game itself. From fireworks and pyrotechnics to surprise guest appearances and stadium-shaking performances, the halftime show has captured the attention of millions of viewers across the world.
Unfortunately, not every halftime show has been met with universal praise. In fact, there have been several Super Bowl halftime shows that have been downright controversial. Here are some of the most talked-about Super Bowl halftime shows of all time.
Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake (2004)
Perhaps the most infamous Super Bowl halftime show of all time, the 2004 performance by Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake became known as the “wardrobe malfunction” heard around the world. During Timberlake’s performance of “Rock Your Body”, he ripped off a part of Jackson’s costume, revealing her breast and sparking outrage among viewers, the NFL, and the FCC.
M.I.A. (2012)
During Madonna’s headline performance at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2012, rapper M.I.A. made headlines for flipping off the camera during her verse in Madonna’s hit song “Give Me All Your Luvin’”. The incident led to a legal battle between M.I.A. and the NFL, although it was ultimately settled out of court.
Prince (2007)
While Prince’s performance at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2007 was widely praised for its musical prowess, it was the visual representation of his performance that generated controversy. Prince performed his hit song “Purple Rain” as a backdrop of images depicting various phallic symbols and suggestive poses.
Beyoncé (2016)
Beyoncé’s Super Bowl halftime show in 2016 was a hotbed of controversy before she even took the stage. Some critics accused her of “race-baiting” during her performance of “Formation”, a song that many interpreted as a political statement about racial injustice and police brutality.
Adam Levine (2019)
Adam Levine’s Super Bowl halftime performance in 2019 was met with mixed reviews, with some applauding his vocal performance and others criticizing his lackluster stage presence. However, it was his choice of outfit that drew the most controversy, with many viewers taking to social media to express their outrage over his bare-chested performance.
The Super Bowl halftime show has always been a source of entertainment, surprise, and controversy. While some performances have gone down in history as legendary moments in music and pop culture, others have sparked heated debates and legal battles. Regardless of the outcome, it’s safe to say that the halftime show will continue to be a focal point of Super Bowl Sunday for years to come.
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