Super Bowl Halftime Shows That Almost Got Cancelled — and Why

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2006 – The Rolling Stones, 1991 – New Kids on the Block, 2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1993 – Michael Jackson, 2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen, 1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, 2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash, 2007 – Prince, 1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney, 1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”, 2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, 2021 – The Weeknd, 2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney), 1996 – Diana Ross, 2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, 2023 – Rihanna, 1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto, 2025 – Kendrick Lamar

The infamous “wardrobe malfunction” led to mass outrage. The FCC issued heavy fines and broadcasters tightened censorship. Sponsors threatened to pull out from future halftime shows. The NFL almost scrapped live performances permanently.

2006 – The Rolling Stones

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2006 – The Rolling Stones, 1991 – New Kids on the Block, 2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1993 – Michael Jackson, 2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen, 1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, 2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash, 2007 – Prince, 1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney, 1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”, 2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, 2021 – The Weeknd, 2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney), 1996 – Diana Ross, 2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, 2023 – Rihanna, 1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto, 2025 – Kendrick Lamar

The NFL feared controversy due to sexually suggestive lyrics. They forced a five-second delay and muted parts of two songs. Stones nearly pulled out over censorship disagreements. The entire segment teetered on cancellation during rehearsals.

1991 – New Kids on the Block

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2006 – The Rolling Stones, 1991 – New Kids on the Block, 2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1993 – Michael Jackson, 2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen, 1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, 2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash, 2007 – Prince, 1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney, 1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”, 2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, 2021 – The Weeknd, 2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney), 1996 – Diana Ross, 2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, 2023 – Rihanna, 1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto, 2025 – Kendrick Lamar

The Gulf War broke out just days before the Super Bowl. The live halftime show was replaced with a news segment. ABC delayed the performance to air later that night. Security fears nearly led to full cancellation.

2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2006 – The Rolling Stones, 1991 – New Kids on the Block, 2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1993 – Michael Jackson, 2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen, 1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, 2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash, 2007 – Prince, 1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney, 1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”, 2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, 2021 – The Weeknd, 2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney), 1996 – Diana Ross, 2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, 2023 – Rihanna, 1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto, 2025 – Kendrick Lamar

Criticism erupted over the Chili Peppers' unplugged instruments. Fans accused the NFL of staging a fake rock performance. Producers debated pulling live bands from future shows. It stirred so much backlash the show nearly didn’t happen.

1993 – Michael Jackson

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2006 – The Rolling Stones, 1991 – New Kids on the Block, 2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1993 – Michael Jackson, 2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen, 1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, 2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash, 2007 – Prince, 1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney, 1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”, 2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, 2021 – The Weeknd, 2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney), 1996 – Diana Ross, 2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, 2023 – Rihanna, 1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto, 2025 – Kendrick Lamar

Jackson made controversial gestures during rehearsals. The NFL feared backlash over his dance moves and wardrobe. Negotiations over choreography ran down to the wire. A last-minute compromise saved the King of Pop’s show.

2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2006 – The Rolling Stones, 1991 – New Kids on the Block, 2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1993 – Michael Jackson, 2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen, 1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, 2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash, 2007 – Prince, 1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney, 1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”, 2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, 2021 – The Weeknd, 2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney), 1996 – Diana Ross, 2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, 2023 – Rihanna, 1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto, 2025 – Kendrick Lamar

Artists boycotted due to the Colin Kaepernick controversy. Rihanna and Cardi B turned down the offer publicly. Maroon 5 reluctantly agreed under pressure and criticism. For weeks, the NFL had no confirmed performers.

2009 – Bruce Springsteen

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2006 – The Rolling Stones, 1991 – New Kids on the Block, 2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1993 – Michael Jackson, 2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen, 1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, 2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash, 2007 – Prince, 1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney, 1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”, 2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, 2021 – The Weeknd, 2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney), 1996 – Diana Ross, 2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, 2023 – Rihanna, 1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto, 2025 – Kendrick Lamar

Springsteen initially refused the invite multiple times. He cited a tight schedule and concerns about logistics. Only after NFL promises of full control did he accept. Without Bruce, producers considered replacing the show entirely.

1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2006 – The Rolling Stones, 1991 – New Kids on the Block, 2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1993 – Michael Jackson, 2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen, 1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, 2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash, 2007 – Prince, 1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney, 1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”, 2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, 2021 – The Weeknd, 2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney), 1996 – Diana Ross, 2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, 2023 – Rihanna, 1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto, 2025 – Kendrick Lamar

A bungee jumper died during a pre-show rehearsal. The incident sent shockwaves through the production crew. Segments involving stunts were immediately pulled. The NFL almost called off the entire halftime show.

2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2006 – The Rolling Stones, 1991 – New Kids on the Block, 2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1993 – Michael Jackson, 2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen, 1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, 2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash, 2007 – Prince, 1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney, 1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”, 2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, 2021 – The Weeknd, 2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney), 1996 – Diana Ross, 2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, 2023 – Rihanna, 1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto, 2025 – Kendrick Lamar

Fergie’s vocals during rehearsal were panned by critics. Technical glitches threatened Slash’s guitar segment. The NFL debated cutting the show into two halves. Backstage tension nearly led to a scaled-down version.

2007 – Prince

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2006 – The Rolling Stones, 1991 – New Kids on the Block, 2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1993 – Michael Jackson, 2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen, 1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, 2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash, 2007 – Prince, 1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney, 1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”, 2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, 2021 – The Weeknd, 2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney), 1996 – Diana Ross, 2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, 2023 – Rihanna, 1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto, 2025 – Kendrick Lamar

A thunderstorm hit just before the show began. Slippery stage floors posed a danger to dancers and Prince. Producers suggested delaying or canceling for safety. Prince refused and turned it into an unforgettable moment.

1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2006 – The Rolling Stones, 1991 – New Kids on the Block, 2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1993 – Michael Jackson, 2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen, 1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, 2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash, 2007 – Prince, 1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney, 1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”, 2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, 2021 – The Weeknd, 2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney), 1996 – Diana Ross, 2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, 2023 – Rihanna, 1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto, 2025 – Kendrick Lamar

Disney’s tie-in performance was poorly rehearsed. Harrison Ford refused to appear; an impersonator was used. NFL officials thought it looked too childish and chaotic. The show was nearly pulled a day before kickoff.

1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2006 – The Rolling Stones, 1991 – New Kids on the Block, 2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1993 – Michael Jackson, 2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen, 1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, 2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash, 2007 – Prince, 1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney, 1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”, 2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, 2021 – The Weeknd, 2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney), 1996 – Diana Ross, 2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, 2023 – Rihanna, 1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto, 2025 – Kendrick Lamar

Mardi Gras themes clashed with pre-game delays. Technical crews warned of float malfunctions and timing issues. The blimp footage failed mid-broadcast. NBC executives almost asked the NFL to cut it short.

2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2006 – The Rolling Stones, 1991 – New Kids on the Block, 2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1993 – Michael Jackson, 2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen, 1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, 2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash, 2007 – Prince, 1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney, 1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”, 2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, 2021 – The Weeknd, 2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney), 1996 – Diana Ross, 2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, 2023 – Rihanna, 1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto, 2025 – Kendrick Lamar

Beyoncé’s “Formation” sparked political backlash in rehearsals. Police unions threatened to boycott the Super Bowl. Coldplay’s team considered withdrawing from the collaboration. NFL security nearly vetoed the performance altogether.

2021 – The Weeknd

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2006 – The Rolling Stones, 1991 – New Kids on the Block, 2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1993 – Michael Jackson, 2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen, 1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, 2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash, 2007 – Prince, 1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney, 1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”, 2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, 2021 – The Weeknd, 2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney), 1996 – Diana Ross, 2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, 2023 – Rihanna, 1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto, 2025 – Kendrick Lamar

COVID-19 regulations heavily restricted live performers. There were talks of scrapping the show entirely. The Weeknd put $7 million of his own money in. Without that, the halftime show wouldn’t have existed.

2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney)

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2006 – The Rolling Stones, 1991 – New Kids on the Block, 2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1993 – Michael Jackson, 2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen, 1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, 2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash, 2007 – Prince, 1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney, 1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”, 2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, 2021 – The Weeknd, 2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney), 1996 – Diana Ross, 2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, 2023 – Rihanna, 1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto, 2025 – Kendrick Lamar

A Disney-heavy show drew harsh criticism during rehearsal. Executives said it felt more like an EPCOT promo. The NFL considered scaling it back to 5 minutes. Collins and Aguilera threatened to walk if edits were made.

1996 – Diana Ross

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2006 – The Rolling Stones, 1991 – New Kids on the Block, 2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1993 – Michael Jackson, 2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen, 1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, 2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash, 2007 – Prince, 1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney, 1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”, 2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, 2021 – The Weeknd, 2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney), 1996 – Diana Ross, 2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, 2023 – Rihanna, 1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto, 2025 – Kendrick Lamar

Ross was supposed to exit in a helicopter. High winds made the stunt unsafe during rehearsal. Producers debated scrapping the entire finale. The flight team gave last-minute clearance minutes before live.

2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2006 – The Rolling Stones, 1991 – New Kids on the Block, 2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1993 – Michael Jackson, 2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen, 1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, 2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash, 2007 – Prince, 1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney, 1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”, 2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, 2021 – The Weeknd, 2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney), 1996 – Diana Ross, 2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, 2023 – Rihanna, 1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto, 2025 – Kendrick Lamar

There were soundcheck issues with Sting’s mic feed. Conflicts over setlist changes created backstage tension. Twain almost walked out after being pushed to lip-sync. NFL nearly aired a pre-recorded backup version.

2023 – Rihanna

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2006 – The Rolling Stones, 1991 – New Kids on the Block, 2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1993 – Michael Jackson, 2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen, 1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, 2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash, 2007 – Prince, 1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney, 1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”, 2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, 2021 – The Weeknd, 2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney), 1996 – Diana Ross, 2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, 2023 – Rihanna, 1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto, 2025 – Kendrick Lamar

She performed while pregnant, shocking everyone. The NFL was unaware and had contingency plans if she dropped out. Concerns over her stamina led to emergency backups. She pushed through — but it was almost canceled last-minute.

1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2006 – The Rolling Stones, 1991 – New Kids on the Block, 2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1993 – Michael Jackson, 2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen, 1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, 2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash, 2007 – Prince, 1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney, 1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”, 2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, 2021 – The Weeknd, 2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney), 1996 – Diana Ross, 2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, 2023 – Rihanna, 1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto, 2025 – Kendrick Lamar

A failed 3D magic trick confused millions of viewers. Some stations even dropped the feed due to complaints. NFL officials called it “embarrassing” and debated axing halftime acts. The backlash nearly killed live music at Super Bowls.

2025 – Kendrick Lamar

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2006 – The Rolling Stones, 1991 – New Kids on the Block, 2014 – Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1993 – Michael Jackson, 2019 – Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen, 1997 – Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, 2011 – Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash, 2007 – Prince, 1995 – Indiana Jones-themed Halftime by Disney, 1990 – “Salute to New Orleans”, 2016 – Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, 2021 – The Weeknd, 2000 – Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera (Disney), 1996 – Diana Ross, 2003 – Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting, 2023 – Rihanna, 1989 – “BeBop Bamboozled” with Elvis Presto, 2025 – Kendrick Lamar

Multiple reports suggested a last-minute cancellation over protests. Rumors said a guest performer wanted to display a controversial flag. NFL gave last-minute approval after media pressure. Security threats almost led to a full show freeze.

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