Five memorable Super Bowl halftime surprises
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Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé and Michelle Williams perform at Super Bowl XLVII in 2013. Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Part of the fun of the Super Bowl halftime show is not knowing what will happen or who will show up.
Driving the news: Kendrick Lamar headlines Sunday's festivities with rumors he'll be joined by R&B star SZA.
The intrigue: Should anyone else show up, it would add to a list of halftime cameos that are usually amazing (and occasionally regrettable).
- Here are five from halftimes' past:
5. Britney Spears
When: XXXV (2001)
Where: Tampa
Flashback: Aerosmith and NYSNC headlined the halftime show billed as "The Kings of Rock and Pop."
Yes, but: Spears' surprise appearance during "Walk This Way," along with Mary J. Blige and Nelly, drew the biggest roar from the crowd.
4. 50 Cent
When: LVI (2022)
Where: Inglewood, California
Flashback: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar were all billed for the big game.
Yes, but: 50 Cent surprised everyone when he hung upside down to perform his hit "In da Club," creating one of the most popular memes of 2022.
3. Destiny's Child
When: XLVII (2013)
Where: New Orleans
Flashback: Beyoncé alone was enough to induce excitement for 2013's halftime show.
Yes, but: An estimated 104 million viewers got a long-awaited Destiny's Child reunion when Bey's former groupmates, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, joined her on stage.
2. Lil Jon and Ludacris
When: LVIII (2024)
Where: Las Vegas
Flashback: You knew that, at some point during his halftime show, Usher would perform his biggest hit, "Yeah."
Yes, but: Lil Jon and Ludacris showing up to perform his iconic guest spots on the song ("Look out, my outfit's ridiculous … ") took things to the next level.
1. Beyoncé
When: 50 (2016)
Where: Santa Clara, California
Flashback: Headliner Coldplay called in some serious back-up for Super Bowl 50, including Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson.
Yes, but: Beyoncé stole the show when she was joined by the University of California Marching Band for a stunning performance of "Formation."
