Top 10 Artists Who Should Play The Super Bowl Halftime Show

 
Led by the incomparable Dave Grohl, this collective evolved from one of rock music’s most influential bands. Over the years, Foo Fighters have built a reputation for their unforgettable live shows, and given their playful personalities, they’re an ideal choice to keep millions upon millions of Super Bowl viewers entertained. A Foo Fighters halftime show would be explosive - literally and figuratively - and it would most definitely be LOUD. These guys are true professionals, but not so much that they can’t loosen up and just let ‘er rip. With the right amount of preparation, Foo Fighters could produce a timeless Super Bowl performance.
 
 

 
While some younger Mojoholics may be slightly unfamiliar with this legendary rock band, chances are you can identify at least one of their songs. Sure, Bon Jovi is more of a throwback selection, and Richie Sambora has left the group, but they’re a reliable act given their continuing success on the road. They’re simply pure rock stars through and through. In fact, Bon Jovi has so many hits that a chopped-up medley would probably be necessary, but their pop culture anthems would undoubtedly please the 30 and older demographic. To please younger Super Bowl viewers, well, Bon Jovi would likely need a special guest to maintain a millennial connection, but you can bet that plenty of stars would immediately offer up their services.
 
 

 
Not long ago, this artist was known more for his sharp haircut rather than his vast collection of pop bangers. Yet, The Weeknd suddenly became a pop superstar, as he slowly but surely dominated the charts before dropping “Starboy” in 2016. In other words, The Weeknd has rapidly evolved from an R&B name into a global star. In 2016, he dated Bella Hadid, an emerging supermodel and the sister of supermodel Gigi Hadid. So, The Weeknd has more than a few connections beyond the realm of music. He’s a logical choice for the Super Bowl halftime show, and his popularity will likely only increase in the future.



 

 
Regardless of whether you enjoy this band’s music or not, you can’t deny their influence on pop culture. Maroon 5 is one of those bands people claim to hate … yet they still sing “She Will Be Loved” in private. Consider this: Adam Levine’s band continues to sell millions of records, and his own personal brand has further expanded as one of the original judges on “The Voice.” So, there’s a certain charm to Maroon 5 that makes for a feel good Super Bowl halftime show. Plus, Adam and company always deliver the goods on stage and have the musical capabilities to cover songs across various genres of music.
 
 

 
Before you take out your pitchforks, we do acknowledge the wildcard factor of Nicki Minaj. Some of you may even call it the “WTF” factor – we get it. But Nicki is boisterous, colorful and loud – AND she knows how to pump out the hits. Yeah, her unpredictable personality could be problematic, but there’s way around that, especially if Super Bowl producers could keep her focused more on performing than talking trash. This halftime act may not please everybody, of course – what act does? - but Nicki would surely keep it 100 with her bubbly alter ego and wild performance style. She may not be the most logical choice, but she’s certainly in the conversation.
 
 

 
Raised in the American heartland, this country superstar won the fourth installment of “American Idol.” She’s kind of a big deal. But aside from her fame and success as a crossover artist, Carrie is well versed in hosting awards shows, which only increases her value. She’s got the vocal chops to keep millions of viewers engaged, and her endearing personality makes her truly enjoyable to watch as well. Incidentally, her vocal range allows her to work outside the country genre, so she’s the ideal duet partner for both younger and older musicians. Just her name alone makes her a bankable choice, and she’s a legit superstar that can handle the pressure.
 
 

 
Believe it or not, this woman has been an integral part of pop culture for the entire 21st century. In addition, Pink’s record sales continue to increase, too. She’s not always trending, so to speak, but she’s always relevant in one form or another, and her epic live shows make her an ideal candidate for the Super Bowl halftime show. Some acts have that warm and bubbly appeal, and while Pink is certainly relatable, she’s got a bit more edge than most female pop stars. More importantly, she’s authentic and passionate about the scope of her productions. She’s a crowd pleaser and one of the more undervalued American artists of her time.




 
In terms of global appeal, there’s probably no other artist timelier than Rihanna. Yeah, she’s got the sex appeal – and that is important for a Super Bowl halftime show – but she’s got the talent to complement her cultural persona. She’s perhaps the most relevant female pop star of her time, on par with Beyoncé in her ability to command a stage. You really can’t go wrong with Rihanna, and her connections within the music industry would probably lead to one of the more entertaining Super Bowl halftime shows as well.
 
 
 

 
If there’s one artist that could take Super Bowl halftime shows in a new direction, it would be this lyrical wizard. Kendrick Lamar is not only supremely gifted, but he understands the importance of connecting with his audience. He flies under the radar a bit, as he’s not keen on being a “celebrity,” and if given the chance, he would undoubtedly orchestrate a show that would transcend the usual shtick. He’s both a lyrical and visual artist, and there’s a high ceiling given his creativity and ability to inspire. Kendrick Lamar may not yet be able to change the world, but he could most definitely change the structure and purpose of Super Bowl halftime shows.
 
 
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
 
Pharrell
 
 
Elton John
 

Skrillex
 
 

 
Bridging the gap between older and younger demographics, this French group has true global appeal. More popular than ever, Daft Punk has worked with a variety of current pop stars, and the commercial success of their 2013 album makes them easily identifiable in both style and musical substance. A Daft Punk Super Bowl halftime show could go a number of ways, but you could probably expect a few surprises, along with some show-stopping renditions of their most popular collaborations. Their sound is universal, and they’re more than capable of outshining the event itself.
 
 
So, do you agree with our selections? Which artist do you want to see play the Super Bowl halftime show? For more musical Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.