NFL

20 Super Bowl Halftime Performers We’d Rather See Than Katy Perry

20 Super Bowl Halftime Performers We'd Rather See Than Katy Perry

Katy Perry
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Singer Katy Perry has been chosen by the NFL to perform at the 2015 Super Bowl halftime show. There are mixed reviews about the announcement, especially since Perry isn’t the type of performer who caters to the standard football fan. Of course, the Super Bowl stretches further than that, which is why the NFL believes her energy and popularity is the perfect recipe for success. With that said, these 20 performers would have been better choices.

20. Coldplay

Coldplay
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20. Coldplay

Coldplay
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Coldplay was reportedly in the running for this season’s Super Bowl halftime show. However, the NFL apparently wanting them to pay to play turned them off. Still, we wish the league hadn’t done that because Coldplay certainly would have been a better choice than Perry.

19. Madonna

Madonna
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19. Madonna

Madonna
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Yes, Madonna played the Super Bowl halftime in 2012, which may seem too recent for most people. On the other hand, it happened to be one of the better halftime performances in recent memory. There’s no denying that the international star can bring it when performing live. Even though Perry will be channeling Madonna in her performance, it would still be better to see the original Queen of Pop once again.

18. The Who

The Who
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18. The Who

The Who
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I know The Who played the Super Bowl XLIV halftime in 2010. I’m also aware that it was less than an ideal performance. This is more optimism than anything else, but I am confident The Who would be able to use their undeniable experience to rock the roof off the University of Phoenix Stadium.

17. Rage Against the Machine

Rage Against the Machine
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17. Rage Against the Machine

Rage Against the Machine
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The reason why Rage Against the Machine isn’t an option to perform during the Super Bowl is because the NFL would never allow it. We think that’s a big mistake. Despite not releasing any new music since 2000, their hits bring so much intense energy that no one would think twice about it. Not to mention, it would be a great way to bring the band out of hiatus.

16. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
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16. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
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Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band rocked the halftime of Super Bowl XLIII. His numerous thrilling hits are reason alone to want him to play again. However, it’s his ability to feed off the energy of the crowd that makes him one of the best live performers around. If that isn’t worthy of a Super Halftime show, then what is?

15. Avicii

Avicii
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15. Avicii

Avicii
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Avicii would be an unconventional choice for the NFL simply because his electro dance/house music isn’t something that is going to relate with the older crowd. With that said, the DJ has proven that he has what it takes to unleash a party atmosphere like no other to sold-out concerts and music festivals all over the world. His ability to pump up the crowd at any given moment would be something worth seeing on the world’s biggest stage.

14. Arcade Fire

Arcade Fire
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14. Arcade Fire

Arcade Fire
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Look no further than Arcade Fire as one of the best live bands of the past 10 years. The indie rock group brings an assortment of musical instruments together to combine a dance-rock set list. Even though they have several good songs, “Wake Up” would single-handedly be worth it, especially if David Bowie made a surprise appearance.

13. Mumford and Sons

Mumford and Sons
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13. Mumford and Sons

Mumford and Sons
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Some people may be getting tired of Mumford and Sons due to their tremendous amount of popularity and radio play over the last few years. Of course, those same people have probably never seen the band play live. The four-man acoustic group plays every show like it’s their last. The uplifting atmosphere combined with confident vocals makes the audience completely engulfed in their performance.

12. The Black Keys

The Black Keys
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12. The Black Keys

The Black Keys
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The Black Keys have steadily grown from a small-time band from Ohio to a group that is capable of knocking the socks off sold-out arenas. Sure, it’s probably the most unconventional band the NFL could pick from any performer on this list. At the same time, where does it state the band playing the Super Bowl halftime has to be tremendously popular? People want to see jaw-dropping performances, nothing more and nothing less.

11. The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones
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11. The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones
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Who wouldn’t want to see a group of 70-year-old men rock out at halftime of the Super Bowl? If it’s The Rolling Stones then it’s a must. Despite not needing the money, the band continues to tour. It’s that kind of dedication that would nearly guarantee a phenomenal performance on the world’s grandest musical stage.

10. Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake
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10. Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake
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Speaking of jaw-dropping performances, Justin Timberlake knows all about that. Everyone knows he has a good voice and knows how to get the crowd involved, but it takes seeing him live in person to know how talented he truly is. Timberlake has proven time and again he can handle the big stage, putting the Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction aside. There’s no question he would dominate the Super Bowl halftime far better than Perry would.

9. Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters
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9. Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters
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If the NFL is looking for a high-energy band to get the crowd pumped up, they should look no further than the Foo Fighters. The David Grohl-led band is by far one of the best stadium acts of this generation. The effort that goes into each song is soaked with passion, which is evident in their unbelievable live performances.

8. U2

U2
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8. U2

U2
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U2’s emotionally charged halftime performance five months after 9/11 is one of the best in Super Bowl history. The way the band paid tribute during “Where the Streets Have No Name” was awe-inspiring. It has been too long since Bono and pals played on the international stage, which is why we wish the NFL had looked their way this season.

7. The Roots

The Roots
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7. The Roots

The Roots
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The Roots is hands down one of the best hip-hop bands in the world, if not the best. Even if their popularity is not at the level of worthiness for halftime of the Super Bowl, and that’s despite being the Tonight Show band, I still see no reason why that should matter. They are a talented group who crush every show they perform. The Roots would blow the roof off the University of Phoenix Stadium and become overnight, international hits.

6. Radiohead

Radiohead
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6. Radiohead

Radiohead
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Radiohead’s ability to rock anyone of their songs and make the crowd feel like it’s a hit is exactly why they need to play the Super Bowl halftime.

5. Muse

Muse
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5. Muse

Muse
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Muse is the kind of band that was born for stadium concerts. They combine lasers, creative set design, intense energy and a solid compilation of music to form an unforgettable act. At this point, it’s shocking that Muse hasn’t played the Super Bowl halftime yet considering there aren’t many bands that could do a better job.

4. Eminem

Eminem
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4. Eminem

Eminem
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Say what you want about Eminem because I know everyone has an opinion. One of the greatest rappers of all time also just so happens to know how to leave a crowd stunned and wanting more after a performance. A combination of his hit songs that stretch two decades with his experience on the big stage makes him an ideal candidate, despite the fact that he’s not a choice the NFL is willing to go with while cleaning up their image.

3. Jay-Z

Jay-Z
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3. Jay-Z

Jay-Z
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Speaking of great rap performers, Jay-Z knows how to bring it every time he takes the stage. He keeps every act fresh, which is why he would bring a different element to the Super Bowl halftime show. What also makes his performances wild is that his live band always seems to up the tempo.

2. Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers
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2. Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers
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One of the greatest bands of the last three decades also just so happens to be one of the best live bands around. The Red Hot Chili Peppers not only know how to rock out on any given night, but they also bring a unique twist to their act. Plus, somewhat new addition Josh Klinghoffer brings a fresh energy to the group that really lets the band flourish.

1. Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney
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1. Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney
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Did you really expect anyone else at No. 1 on this list? I had the privilege of seeing Paul McCartney live last summer. I walked away knowing I will never see a better live performance for the rest of my life. Despite his age, McCartney can still move around the stage and amp up the crowd. Not to mention, his legendary status can carry its own weight. McCartney is the halftime performance we need, but unfortunately, the NFL won’t give it to us.

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