Super Bowl Halftime Show Worst Performers: Controversial Picks

For every Prince or Beyoncé, there is a halftime show that left audiences underwhelmed or actively disappointed. Here is an honest look at the most criticized Super Bowl halftime performances in history — and why they fell short.

Black Eyed Peas (2011)

Super Bowl XLV's halftime show featured the Black Eyed Peas alongside Slash and Usher, but the performance was widely criticized for poor sound mixing, off-key vocals, and an overall lack of cohesion. The show featured extravagant light-up suits but little of the energy or vocal performance quality that the best halftime shows require.

Maroon 5 (2019)

Maroon 5's Super Bowl LIII halftime show was arguably the most criticized in modern memory. Adam Levine's decision to remove his shirt mid-performance was noted alongside generally flat energy and a setlist that failed to connect with the stadium crowd. Guest appearances by Travis Scott and Big Boi did little to rescue the overall impression.

Coldplay (2016)

Coldplay's Super Bowl 50 halftime show was criticized less for its performance quality — Chris Martin is a capable performer — than for the perception that Beyoncé and Bruno Mars (both guest performers) vastly outshone the headliner. Coldplay was seen as a safe choice that failed to generate the cultural moment the Super Bowl demands.

Bruno Mars/Red Hot Chili Peppers Context

In contrast to Coldplay, Bruno Mars' 2014 solo performance and his portion of the 2016 joint show are both considered among the best in recent halftime history — demonstrating how much individual performer quality matters. For the complete rankings of every show ever, see our best Super Bowl halftime shows guide.

What Makes a Good Halftime Show?

The best halftime shows share common elements: a performer at the peak of their cultural relevance, a setlist that balances well-known hits with deeper cuts, high-quality live vocal performance, and production that enhances rather than distracts from the music. For the full history of the Super Bowl halftime show, visit our dedicated hub.