Since the Super Bowl began, the half-time show has evolved into a major spectacle. Each musician who graces the field’s stage seems to outdo the last, their sets filled with extravagant pyrotechnics and even more stunning costumes. For every performer from Diana Ross to Shania Twain to Beyoncé, the fashion is what makes the show a spectacle. With the Super Bowl rapidly approaching, VALLEY is looking back on some of our favorite costumes from halftime shows over the years.
1996: Diana Ross
Ross started her show in 2003 wearing a red sequin mini dress, and after a few songs, changed into a sweeping orange and purple number. However, one of her last costume changes, a giant gold coat, made the biggest fashion statement of the night—its sweeping stature and length that appeared to go on for miles incorporated her costume into the set, making it a true spectacle.
2003: Shania Twain
In 2003, Twain wore one of her trademark high-fashion outfits. Twain wore a long black leather coat, a leather mini skirt and thigh-high boot, all embellished with silver sequins. The look was bold and incorporated some pop into her country background.
2007: Prince
Another historical fashion moment occurred in 2007 when Prince performed in a turquoise suit, bright orange shirt and leopard-print guitar strap—a stylish ensemble that the late singer continued to wear even during an unexpected downpour.
2012: Nicki Minaj, Madonna and M.I.A.
Halftime officially went high fashion during the 2012 Super Bowl. Madonna enlisted designer Riccardo Tisci, then creative director of Givenchy, to design her costumes to add an extra layer of dark glamour to her performance. The bespoke outfits included an embellished gold cape and a gladiatorial black mini skirt with a studded belt. She accessorized with an Egyptian-inspired headpiece by British milliner Philip Treacy and was inspired by looks Tisci had designed for the French fashion house.
Minaj and M.I.A. followed suit with matching studded outfits, each representing their own personal style.
2013: Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé, and Michelle Williams
Beyoncé reunited with Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2013. All dressed in black leather, the trio made a major statement while singing a brief medley of their iconic songs.
2017: Lady Gaga
Who can forget the moment in 2017 when Gaga began her performance by jumping off the stadium’s roof, supported only by thin wires? Her Donatella Versace-designed bedazzled bodysuit and matching knee-high boots turned the death-defying stunt into high fashion. Lady Gaga followed her entrance with two more outfits—one, merely covering up the bedazzled bodysuit with a spiked golden jacket, and the other a white jacket that resembled football shoulder pads with matching hot pants.
What’s your favorite Super Bowl halftime look? Tweet us, @VALLEYmag, and let us know!
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