Rihanna takes the stage for the first time in years tonight. Let’s just take that in for a second. To bask in the glory and before I end up adding her to my list of best Super Bowl Halftime show performances, here are my top five favorites in recent years.

Honorable Mention: 2021 – The Weeknd

Why: I love The Weeknd. Personally, I’d put him at No. 1, however, I want to make this list as unbiased and solely based on production as possible. So, I think The Weeknd’s halftime show was phenomenal, but he’s going to be an Honorable Mention.

5. 2018 – Justin Timberlake, The Tennessee Kids, University of Minnesota Marching Band

Why: I can’t lie, I probably really liked it just because the Eagles were in the Super Bowl. However, at the time I was a fan of Justin Timberlake. He put up a great performance during this show and – come on, I’m living for the fit.

4. 2016 – Coldplay, Beyonce, Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson, Gustavo Dudamel, UCal Marching Band, Youth Orchestra LA

Why: This was a fantastic production with iconic moments. The colorful performance, the dance battle between Beyonce and Bruno Mars, it was incredible. I really enjoy big Super Bowl halftime shows like these.

3. 2022 – Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, Anderson .Paak

Why: The show is just iconic. You have so many legendary artists on one cool stage in the Super Bowl who couldn’t be stopped by the NFL. I loved every second of it. It was put together well and the background dancers were sharp in their movements.

2. 2015 – Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz, Missy Elliott, ASU Sun Devil Marching Band

Why: Left shark. Missy Elliott. The Lion. All the great moments came from Katy Perry’s amazing halftime performance. The trio of stars put on a great show and it was something that people still remember and talk about. This is another one of those halftime shows that I appreciate the production that went into it.

1. 2017 – Lady Gaga

Why: Didn’t Lady Gaga JUMP into the stadium? What’s more iconic than that? Gaga knows how to put on a great show, and that’s why she has to be my No. 1 pick for top Super Bowl performances in recent years. She had inclusivity, amazing outfits and great overall production.