This Sunday, the Super Bowl will take over the Bay Area as the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots come together to compete in one of the biggest sporting events of the year. The last time the Super Bowl took place in San Francisco was for Super Bowl 50 in 2016, when the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers.
Millions of viewers watch the Super Bowl every year, and not just to cheer on (or mourn) their favorite team. While many tune in to the event just for the commercials, there's also no denying that the Super Bowl halftime show is just as popular as the game itself.
Since its inception, the Super Bowl halftime show has featured some of the biggest names in popular music. The halftime show is a highly sought-after opportunity, giving artists the chance to deliver a show with insane set designs, special guest performers, and a worldwide audience - all on one of entertainment's biggest platforms.
Who has played the Super Bowl halftime show
Over the years, the halftime shows have resulted in unforgettable pop culture moments. Prince is often said to have delivered one of the greatest Super Bowl halftime show performances of all time, while Janet Jackson's infamous "wardrobe malfunction" with Justin Timberlake is still argued about to this day.
Last year, Kendrick Lamar was the headliner for the halftime show, using his set to speak on racism in America, amplify Black culture, and unapologetically call out fellow rapper Drake. For this year's halftime show, Puerto Rican rapper -- and recent Grammy Award winner for album of the year -- Bad Bunny will be the headliner.
While many of the biggest musical stars have headlined the Super Bowl, there are just as many performers who have never graced the halftime show stage. Here are the artists that both music and sports fanatics will find surprising to know have never headlined the Super Bowl.
Metallica
Arguably the greatest metal band of all time, one would think that Metallica -- a band known for its explosive live shows -- would have performed at the Super Bowl by now. However, the Bay Area thrashers have never graced the stage, but that's not to say they aren't willing to do so.
During an appearance on The Howard Stern Show last year, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich said that to perform at the Super Bowl -- especially in their home city of San Francisco -- would be a dream come true; it's just a matter of when they'll be asked to do so.
Cher
As the "Goddess of Pop," Cher's impact and fanbase span across generations of music lovers. While she did perform the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999, Cher has never headlined any halftime show for the event.
Both her music and her live shows are known to be anthemic and larger-than-life, making Cher the perfect performer for a stage like the Super Bowl.
Miley Cyrus
One of the biggest names in modern pop music, Miley Cyrus has never shied away from dramatic sonic experimentation, deep songwriting, and a dazzling musicality. With a career now spanning nearly two decades, Cyrus has reached a point in her career where it's somewhat surprising that she hasn't ever graced the Super Bowl halftime stage.
Whether it's through glam rock-inspired hits like "Prisoner" and "Angels Like You," or pop classics like "Party In The U.S.A." and "Wrecking Ball," Cyrus' signature smoky voice and onstage presence would kill it at a halftime set.
AC/DC
One of the biggest international rock groups of all time, AC/DC are still going strong after nearly 50 years. To this day, the Australian rock outfit is known for its unwavering onstage energy and high-octane live shows. The fact that they've never brought their signature hard-hitting songs to the Super Bowl is quite the surprise.
No question hits like "Back In Black," "Stiff Upper Lip," and "Highway To Hell" were made to be played for large stadiums and screaming fans, and what better stage to light up than that of the Super Bowl?
Elton John
One of music's greatest performers, with hits that touch the hearts of music fans of all ages, it's hard to imagine that Sir Elton John has never played the Super Bowl halftime show. One can already envision a potential stage design and setlist so clearly that it's truly a shock the "Candle In The Wind" singer has never brought his piano to music's biggest platform.
However, John has actually been offered the chance to play at the Super Bowl, but he's declined. Typically, halftime show performers sing over pre-recorded music, and John refuses to not play his music completely, 100% live, so he has turned down the offer to headline.
Guns N' Roses
A rock band that is pretty used to selling out stadiums, one hopes for the chance that one day Guns N' Roses will bring their signature grit and glamor to the Super Bowl halftime stage. The band has countless hits that would be perfect to play, whether it's the yearning "November Rain" or the ferocious "Welcome To The Jungle."
Guns N' Roses are instantly recognizable, not just through hits like "Paradise City" and "Sweet Child O' Mine," but also through the untouchable musicianship from the likes of guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan, making them a band that would be well-received and highly anticipated by the masses should they ever play the Super Bowl.
Kesha
Kesha's hyperpop hits dominated the pop music world in the early 2000's, and she has faced a significant career revival following the release of her 2025 album Period. Her first album after leaving her longtime labels RCA and Kemosabe Records, Period, found Kesha once again embracing the hard-hitting pop artistry she became known for.
Whether it's through recent hits like "Joyride" or namesake classics like "TikTok" and "Die Young," Kesha would be a great contender for a Super Bowl halftime show headliner.
Dolly Parton
Honestly, who doesn't love Dolly Parton? A true national treasure, country music legend Dolly Parton is loved not just for her music, but for her bubbly personality, quick wit, and large charity work she has done over the years.
Even those who aren't country music fans turn up the volume when "Jolene" comes on the radio, making Parton a perfect choice when it comes to who should headline a Super Bowl halftime show.