Why Prince’s Super Bowl Halftime Performance Remains One of the Greatest of All Time

This year’s Super Bowl halftime show broke new ground by focusing solely on rap and hip-hop, marking a historic moment in the event’s history. The performance, headlined by Kendrick Lamar, was a hit, especially among Gen-Xers and Millennials. Social media buzzed with praise for Lamar’s energy and artistry. However, amidst the excitement, comparisons to past halftime shows inevitably surfaced. One show in particular kept coming up: Prince’s unforgettable performance in 2007. Many agreed that, even after all these years, Prince’s halftime show remains unmatched, and there’s good reason for that.

This Year’s Super Bowl Halftime Performance

The Super Bowl halftime show often strives to feature music’s biggest stars, but not always when they’re at their peak. This year was different. Kendrick Lamar, already one of the most respected figures in rap, became a household name after his 2024 hit “Not Like Us.” The song not only dominated the charts but also elevated Lamar’s career to new heights, making him a perfect choice for the halftime spotlight.

With great expectations, though, comes the pressure to deliver. Lamar performed with precision and confidence, but the bar for halftime greatness remains set by Prince. His performance was not just about the music; it was about how he made the moment unforgettable.

Prince’s Iconic 2007 Super Bowl Halftime Show

In 2007, Prince performed on a stage that could only be described as iconic. Designed in the shape of his famous “Love Symbol,” it was bold and instantly recognizable. But what truly elevated his show was the weather. The rain started just before he was set to take the stage. Organizers, worried about the slippery surface, asked Prince if he wanted to cancel or adjust the performance. Don Mischer, the producer of the halftime show, recalled Prince’s response. Instead of hesitating, Prince asked, “Can you make it rain harder?” That moment alone captured his fearless spirit and unmatched stage presence.

The rain didn’t stop Prince; it became part of the performance. As he played “Purple Rain,” the downpour created an almost otherworldly atmosphere. The image of him standing on stage, guitar in hand, while rain cascaded around him, remains etched in the memories of millions who watched that night. It wasn’t just a performance—it felt like a moment of pure magic.

Watch Prince’s full Super Bowl Halftime Performance below:

While Kendrick Lamar and other recent halftime performers have delivered exciting shows, Prince’s 2007 set stands out for its raw authenticity and adaptability. The Super Bowl halftime show thrives on spectacle, but few artists have turned a challenging situation into something that added to the experience like Prince did.