Most Loved Super Bowl Halftime Shows of the Last Decade: Bruno Mars, Timberlake Top Public's List
Key Takeaways
Bruno Mars’ 2014 halftime performance was the most popular with a favorability rating of 59%.
Madonna’s performance with LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A. and Cee Lo Green in 2012 was the least popular, with 44% of respondents having a favorable rating and 32% having an unfavorable rating.
As The Weeknd prepares to face the blinding lights of Super Bowl LV’s halftime stage, new polling shows which previous halftime headliners he’ll have to top to win the hearts of viewers on Feb. 7.
A Jan. 25-26 Morning Consult survey asked 963-1,039 U.S. adults if they had a favorable or unfavorable view of Super Bowl halftime performers of the past decade, starting with The Who’s performance at Super Bowl XLIV in 2010 and ending with Shakira and Jennifer Lopez’s 2020 performance, which also featured Bad Bunny and J Balvin.
Super Bowl XLVIII’s 2014 halftime show, headlined by Mars and featuring the Red Hot Chili Peppers, was the most popular show, with a favorability rating of 59 percent.
Mars also contributed to the poll’s second-most popular event: Super Bowl 50’s halftime show led by the rock band Coldplay in 2016. Mars and Beyoncé made special appearances, with the three acts teaming up to sing “Uptown Funk,” Mars’ hit collaboration with producer Mark Ronson.
The Weeknd is reportedly contributing $7 million of his own money to “make this halftime show be what he envisioned.”
Sarah Shevenock previously worked at Morning Consult as a reporter covering the business of entertainment.