15 best-ever NFL Super Bowl half-time concert outfits: from Rihanna’s Loewe-dressed baby bump and Beyoncé’s ‘Michael Jackson jacket’ to Madonna’s Givenchy crown and Shakira and J.Lo’s Versace looks

Feb 15 , 2023

Madonna, Rihanna, Diana Ross, Prince and Michael Jackson all wore epic costumes during their respective Super Bowl half-time performances. Photos: AP; Getty Images; TNS

Rihanna rocked a red Loewe outfit for her Super Bowl half-time show, joining a long line of fashion history-makers, like Lady Gaga’s iconic Swarovski-emblazoned Versace bodysuit

The Weeknd wore a crystal jacket by Givenchy, Bruno Mars stunned in a gold jacket by Saint Laurent – Katy Perry, Janet Jackson, Prince, Diana Ross and NSync all make our list of memorable looks

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 performs during the half-time show as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII at the Rose Bowl in 1993, in Pasadena, California. Photo: Getty Images

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 performs during the half-time show of Super Bowl XXX between the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1996, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. Photo: Getty Images

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

American performers NSync (Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick) perform during the half-time show in 2001, at Super Bowl XXXV between the Baltimore Ravens and the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Photo: Newsmakers

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.