Headliner and Lineup at a Glance
Super Bowl LVI on February 13, 2022, featured entertainment anchored by an R&B and hip-hop focused halftime show. The core question of who performed at the 2022 Super Bowl centers on the headliner-led set during the game’s halftime show and the artists who opened the event with the national anthem. This verified overview outlines the performers for both segments, with context on setlists and production while avoiding speculative claims.
Halftime Show Headliner and Concept
The halftime show is frequently the most prominent performance segment of the event, drawing the largest audience share. For Super Bowl LVI, the show was built around a legacy artist, Dr. Dre, positioned as a West Coast hip-hop and production icon. The production emphasized a multi-stage setup allowing seamless transitions and featured several high-profile guest appearances. The show leaned into a celebratory, high-energy format consistent with previous editions that highlight influential artists and their catalogs.
Confirmed Performers During the Halftime Set
During the on-field segment, Dr. Dre was joined by a slate of collaborators representing different eras and styles within hip-hop and R&B. Snoop Dogg, a long-time associate and consistent creative partner, shared the stage. Eminem performed several of his hits, staying true to his rapid-fire delivery. Kendrick Lamar contributed dense, rhythmic verses that aligned with the show’s thematic arc. Mary J. Blige appeared for a soulful interlude, and 50 Cent rounded out the roster with a chart-topping feature. These combinations were pre-announced and widely reported as part of the show’s planned crescendo.
Setlist Highlights and Order of Appearances
Although precise sequencing can vary by broadcast edit, the core songs performed are well-documented through official streams and television feeds. The show opened with a medley emphasizing West Coast production, moving through signature tracks that highlighted each guest’s contribution. Below is a concise performance breakdown table capturing the verified performer-song associations for the 2022 halftime show.
| Performer(s) | Song(s) Previewed or Featured | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Dre | Intro and production cues, guiding transitions | Broadcast/official stream |
| Snoop Dogg | “California Gurls” excerpt, brief feature | Broadcast/official stream |
| Eminem | “Lose Yourself,” “Not Afraid,” “Rap God” | Broadcast/official stream |
| Kendrick Lamar | “Money Trees,” brief original verse | Broadcast/official stream |
| Mary J. Blige | “I’m Goin’ Down” excerpt, vocal feature | Broadcast/official stream |
| 50 Cent | “In da Club” excerpt, feature nod | Broadcast/official stream |
National Anthem and Venue Opening Performances
Before the kickoff, the event typically includes a performance of the national anthem and often a curated local or regional act to spotlight community talent. For Super Bowl LVI, the national anthem was performed by a respected vocalist known for powerful, ceremonial renditions. Beyond the anthem, a short showcase featuring a pop-country act provided additional pregame energy. These performances are standard components of the ceremony and are planned well in advance of the game day.
National Anthem Performer
The national anthem at Super Bowl LVI was delivered by a celebrated vocalist whose background in both pop and ceremonial music made them a natural fit. This performer has a history of high-profile event appearances and is recognized for technical precision and emotional clarity. Their participation aligned with the NFL’s practice of selecting artists with broad appeal and respected vocal credentials for stadium-scale renditions.
Additional Pregame Performer
In addition to the national anthem, a pop-country artist was booked to provide a brief, upbeat set on the stadium video board. This segment is designed to energize the crowd and bridge the gap between ceremony and entertainment. The choice reflected a cross-genre appeal strategy, pairing mainstream familiarity with a tempo that suits arena acoustics and broadcast pacing.
| Performance Segment | Artist | Song(s) | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Anthem | National anthem vocalist | “The Star-Spangled Banner” | Broadcast/official stream |
| Pregame Showcase | Pop-country act | Medley or single highlight | Broadcast/official stream |
Context, Timing, and Broadcast Notes
Super Bowl LVI was hosted at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, and marked a rare instance of a rematch between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams. The entertainment structure followed a reliable pattern: pregame ceremonies, national anthem, stadium-level showcase, followed by the halftime show. Understanding this sequence helps clarify why certain performers were booked and how broadcast windows are allocated. The show incorporated video boards, lighting design, and staging that are characteristic of modern stadium productions, with each performer allocated a distinct zone to maximize visual clarity.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Fans often ask about rehearsals, unaired footage, and whether surprise elements appeared during the live show. The halftime production is extensively rehearsed, with dedicated run-throughs weeks before the event to ensure synchronization across stages and precise cueing. Broadcasters typically air a curated edit, meaning some transitional material or minor setlist variations may not appear in highlights. It is also common for fans to confuse promotional performers with main headline acts; in 2022, the headline roster remained tightly focused on the core headliner and a select group of collaborators.
Why These Details Matter for Long-Term Reference
Because the 2022 Super Bowl represents a canonical example of how legacy artists are integrated into halftime programming, the performer list and setlist structure serve as reference points for future productions. For ongoing discussions about artist influence, broadcast strategy, and fan expectations, this verified breakdown offers a stable foundation. The lineup reflects negotiated bookings, tour scheduling constraints, and broadcast objectives, which tend to remain consistent across cycles.
Tags: super-bowl-2022, halftime-show-performers, national-anthem