For a lot of people, the halftime show is the best part of the Super Bowl. Beyoncé in 2013, Bruno Mars in 2014, Prince in 2007 and Shakira with Jennifer Lopez in 2020 all put on performances people still talk about. This One Gotta Go card asks which show you would erase from Super Bowl history.
Think about the performances you rewatch online, the moments everyone talked about the next day and the songs you sang along to on the couch. Then make your pick and see who at the party agrees with you.
Beyoncé 2013 vs Bruno Mars 2014 vs Prince 2007 vs Shakira & J.Lo 2020
A. Beyoncé 2013
Beyoncé's 2013 halftime show in New Orleans was a high-energy performance that included a surprise Destiny's Child reunion. Not long after the show, a power outage stopped the game. The case against it is that the blackout is what some people remember most.
Keep it if: You love Beyoncé's energy, the Destiny's Child reunion and one of the most powerful halftime shows ever.
B. Bruno Mars 2014
Bruno Mars headlined in 2014 with a show that opened with his drum solo and brought out the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Fans loved his showmanship. The case against it is that it's sometimes overshadowed by the bigger, more famous shows on this card.
Keep it if: You love Bruno's dancing, his live band and a show that was pure fun from start to finish.
C. Prince 2007
Prince performed in 2007 in Miami during real rain, and playing 'Purple Rain' in a downpour became one of the most famous halftime moments ever. Many fans call it the best. The case against cutting it is huge, which is what makes this card so hard.
Keep it if: Prince playing 'Purple Rain' in the rain is the greatest halftime moment you've ever seen.
D. Shakira & J.Lo 2020
Shakira and Jennifer Lopez shared the stage in Miami in 2020, with dancing, big costumes and a celebration of Latin music. Fans loved the energy. The case against it is that two headliners meant less time for each, which some viewers felt.
Keep it if: You love Shakira and J.Lo together, the dancing and the celebration of Latin music on the biggest stage.
Our take
We'd cut Bruno Mars, which is tough because his show was a blast. But it's the one on this card people talk about least, while Prince's 'Purple Rain' moment is legendary, Beyoncé's show is remembered for her energy and the Destiny's Child reunion, and Shakira and J.Lo brought a joyful celebration of Latin music. Expect the most fun debate between the Prince fans and the Beyoncé crowd. For a bonus round, ask everyone who they would book for next year's halftime show.
How to play this card with friends
- Read the four choices out loud.
- Everyone picks the one they'd eliminate at the same time.
- Explain your pick. This is where the fun starts.
- Use the follow-up questions below to keep it going.
Follow-up questions to keep the debate going
- Which halftime show is remembered more for its big moment than the whole performance?
- Who would you book for next year's halftime show?
- Which performance would you rewatch tonight?
- Which halftime show deserves a spot on this card instead?
Want more debates like this? Get the One Gotta Go card game for game night, family dinners and road trips. Shop the decks.
Super Bowl Halftime Shows: quick answers
What is the best Super Bowl halftime show ever?
Prince's 2007 performance, with 'Purple Rain' in real rain, is often named the best Super Bowl halftime show ever. Beyoncé's 2013 show, Bruno Mars in 2014 and Shakira with Jennifer Lopez in 2020 are also fan favorites, which is why this card is such a close call.
Did it really rain during Prince's Super Bowl halftime show?
Yes. Prince performed at the 2007 Super Bowl in Miami during real rain, and his performance of 'Purple Rain' in the downpour became one of the most famous moments in halftime show history. Many fans say the weather made the show even more memorable.
