The 9 Moments That Left Us Gagging During Beyoncé, Bruno Mars & Coldplay's Super Bowl Half Time Show
Coldplay may have come to play Super Bowl 50, but Bruno Mars and Beyoncé came to shut the house down.
This year's halftime show was so exciting -- complete with a 50 yard standoff, a dance battle, and a horn and strings section with young kids playing instruments. In a few words, it was dope. It wasn't the best halftime performance ever in the history of halftime shows, but it landed on the top 10 unofficial rankings of awesome sauce Super Bowl performances.
Check out nine moments from this year's halftime show that got us hype from start to finish.
BRUNO MARS GAVE US SERIOUS #SQUADGOALS
We knew Bruno came ready to serve when he and his crew came on stage rocking all black everything and gold chains. With Mark Ronson on the 1's and 2's, Bruno Mars pulled out his cleanest version of the Nae Nae to kill his Grammy Award winning hit, Uptown Funk.
He was so live that when he stopped singing to introduce Beyoncee, we already knew she was going to make a statement we wouldn't forget.
BEYONCé'S MICHAEL JACKSON/BLACK POWER FLOW
Beyoncé said a thousand words without even opening her mouth for the first few seconds of her performance. This time it was she and her dancer's outfits and their stances that stood out. With her dancers wearing black berets and leather, while the queen herself rocked a custom D Squared black leather jacket, with gold criss cross detailing across her chest, Beyoncé used her star power to reiterate that #BlackLivesMatter.
Not only did she rock a cold, modern-looking Black Panther-esque outfit, she used the nation's most televised event to spread a social message. What was even more slick about her outfit was that it paid homage to the Black Panthers 50 years after the organization launched in 1966.
The only other person who was able to flawlessly pull off the look, coupled with a social message, was Michael Jackson.
Speaking of which, Beyoncé's standout outfit was a tribute to the late King of Pop, who wore something similar during his 1993 Super Bowl performance.
BY THE WAY, BEYONCé KILLED HER PERFORMANCE (AS ALWAYS)
"I did not come to play with you hoes"
That's what she said in her day-old hit, "Formation," but she solidified those words with her performance, and you already know she went hard.
By this time time Beyoncé got two minutes into her set, Super Bowl halftime watchers at home were wondering if it was the Coldplay, Beyoncé, and Bruno Mars show, or just the Bruno Mars and Beyoncé show. Or may it was just the Beyoncé show. Regardless, she slaughtered her set, and had us all screaming out loud, "Yasssssss!"
But that wasn't the end of the excitement.
BRUNO MARS TURNED HIS SWAG UP TO 120, AND BEYONCé MATCHED HIS FLY
Bruno Mars was very ready for the next part of the show, which was a dance battle. Of course, he couldn't just walk up and challenge Bey all willy nilly. He had to make sure he didn't overheat the stage as he approached her for battle. Thank goodness his squad was there to cool him off.
Talk about lighting up the stage! By the time Beyoncé and Bruno finished their dance off, everyone was just laid out. Seriously, no one knew what to do with all of that slayage.
THE TRIP SEEN AROUND THE WORLD
I don't think Bruno Mars got Beyoncé's message yesterday - the queen isn't one to be messed with. They had a brief "You don't want none of this" standoff before finishing the rest of the performance. Then we got all of our lives!
THE FINALE ENDED WITH A LOT OF INSPIRATION
The concert ended with Chris Martin, Bruno, and Bey joining up to harmonize to Uptown Funk before Coldplay returned to the stage for "Fix You." As they sang, clips of past Super Bowl performers like Whitney Houston, James Brown, Michael Jackson, and the Rolling Stones were displayed. The songs played during the video tribute, like "Purple Rain," and "Independent Woman," gave depth to the short tribute video, before the group wrapped the performance with a message of love.
This display in the stands was also similar to the one Michael Jackson used in his Superbowl Halftime show performance.
Needless to say, it left everyone feeling all the feels.
AND THEN BEYONCé ANNOUNCES HER NEXT TOUR
The halftime show was lit, but the moment that had black girls grabbing their chest feeling all the feels was the above photo of Miss Tina holding up a Black Power fist with Beyoncee's dancers. This photo alone holds so much #BlackGirlMagic and power, that it may scare a few people. To which I say, good. There's nothing in the world more fierce than a strong black woman empowering more strong black women. #Boom.
Watch the best moments from the halftime show below:
What did you think of this year's performance? Sound off in the comments.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Curate The Vibes With These Black-Owned Candles For Every Mood
Black women of the 90s and early 2000s had incense, and Black women of today are fully embracing our luxury candle era. Candles have become just as important as our perfume selections, and as a luxury candle connoisseur, I keep all of my favorites in stock in my storage closet.
Whether you’re moving out for the first time and want to try new scents or looking to set the mood for a self-care day or sexy evening, consider these Black-owned candle brands to curate the vibe you’re looking for.
If You’re Feeling Bad & Bougie
The Original Candle
If you’re the bougie friend of the group, this candle is for you. Hanifa has become a staple luxury brand; with celebs like Tracee Ellis Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Naomi Campbell, and Danielle Brooks seen in her designs, they have become everyone's favorite brand. They recently launched their first candle, The Original. The candle is infused with notes of mandarin, orange blossom, caramel, sandalwood, jasmine sambac, and vanilla.
When Wash Day Comes...
"Wash Day" Candle
Cavo
Need some inspiration to get up and section that hair so you can get to washing? Not to worry. This pineapple, mango coconut milk, and sugar candle will have your house smelling as good as your favorite conditioner.
Wellness Girl Necessity
Sunday in Brooklyn Candle
If you’re a girl who loves clean scents that clear the energy in your home and feel like the best Sunday you ever had, you need this candle. Infused with wild basil and lemongrass, it’s guaranteed to help you find your zen.
For Sunday Brunch If You’re Hosting
Champagne Showers
Champagne Showers is the perfect candle for a birthday celebration, Sunday brunch night in, or toast to your next big win! The candle includes a blend of bright bergamot, peach fizz, and creamy woods. It’s a bubbly fragrance that’s as sophisticated as our girl, Jackie Aina.
After You Listen To SZA
"After A Good Cry" Candle
Cavo
Let the tears flow, and let the healing begin. This rainwater, lavender, vanilla, and bean and bourbon candle is just what the doctor ordered if you’re getting over a breakup. But once you’re done crying, just remember you're worthy of much more, okay?
For The Lover Girl Era
"Love" Luxury Candle
If you’re done crying and have found the one you’ve been waiting for, let this candle burn as warm as your love for your new boo. Harlem Candle Co.'s "Love" fragrance represents a dramatic, romantic theme with both masculine and feminine accords melding beautifully together, infused with crisp apple and watery green notes.
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Featured image by Maskot/Getty Images