A countdown of the most memorable outfits in the history of the Super Bowl halftime show — from WTF to OMFG!
20
Phil Collins, 2001
There is a long tradition of men phoning it in at the Super Bowl halftime show when it comes to style, but Phil Collins, in his black sweater and khaki cargo pants, is by far the worst. He looks like a Teamster doing a mic check. And those shoes are just unforgivable.
19
Rolling Stones, 2006
The early 2000s saw a lot of old dudes taking the stage at the Super Bowl halftime show. None of them dressed with any particular flair, but the Rolling Stones showed the most midriff. I'm not sure if that is a strike for or against them, but it certainly distinguishes them from acts like Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen who wore similarly blah outfits but kept their tummies fully covered.
18
Travis Tritt, 1994
It's bad, but at least it's really bad. Props to Tritt for really leaning into the awfulness with this one.
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17
These Dancers, 1991
What is this? No idea. Hard to believe they wore these in 1991 though. They look like a band of hippie go-go dancers doing sign language at an outdoor jazzercise class.
16
These Other Dancers, 1986
Aaaaah! At least these outfits are sparkly. That's something, I guess.
15
These Dancers With Washboards, 1997
I'm not saying these outfits are any better than the ones that came before them, but these ladies have washboards and I've decided to see that as a good thing. Never underestimate the power of a good prop, people. Or a bad prop. Either way.
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14
Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, 2004
This should really rank higher, given what a stir it caused at the time, but I'm penalizing these two for claiming after the fact that the boob cup tore off by mistake. Oh, yeah, Janet just happened to be wearing a matching metal pastie under there. Uh huh. Suuuure. Also, Justin is pulling a total Phil Collins here. It feels like he didn't even try, except that of course we all know he was trying really, really hard, which just makes his dude-who-just-wandered-in-off-the-street look feel that much more desperate and sad.
13
'N SYNC, 2001
These outfits are bad too, but at least they are bad with flair!
12
Destiny's Child, 2013
This isn't bad by any means, but head-to-toe black feels a little safe for Beyoncé, Kelly, and the one they are ignoring over there on the right.
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11
Shania Twain, 2003
Still all black, but what a difference some rhinestones can make, amiright? Also, notice the sparkly scrunchie on Shania's high pony — talk about pizzazz!
10
Britney Spears, 2001
It's not the most theatrical costume ever, but Brit looks damn good in it and you have to give her credit for the sporty vibe of the outfit, which, at the very least, fits the occasion.
9
Blockhead Backup Dancers, 2011
Weird. Nice!
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8
LMFAO, 2012
Madonna's whole black and gold, Egypt-meets-ancient-Rome thing was kind of chic, but these guys brought the freak, which, for a big-ass show like the Super Bowl, is worth a lot more in my book.
7
M.I.A., 2012
M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj wore very similar outfits, but M.I.A.'s had just a little bit more oomph. She also flipped off the camera, which pissed off a bunch of people, so she gets extra points for that too.
6
Black Eyed Peas, 2011
Considering how disappointing most of the male performers at the Super Bowl have been, you really have to give it to the men of the Black Eyed Peas. Those dudes turned it out! Especially Taboo with that LED leather suit of his. Fergie, of course, also looks amazing. Killing it all around.
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5
Toni Braxton's Backup Giant, 2000
I can't even look at Toni Braxton with that majestic creature standing behind her. He looks like a tax collector from the land of Oz and I am ready to pay up!
4
Katy Perry, 2015
Four costume changes and more color and sparkle than you can shake a whipped cream boob cannon at. Yas, gurl. Yaaaaaas!
3
Beyoncé and Her Crew, 2016
Beyoncé and her formation dancers were such a moment. Power, grace, and general badassitude all rolled into one. The very definition of the word "slay."
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2
Michael Jackson, 1993
Of course, as good as Beyoncé's look was, you gotta give credit where credit is due. Michael. Jackson.
1
Left Shark, 2015
As if it could be any other way.
Charles Manning
Style Director
I'm 30 percent bunnies, 40 percent of the time.