Super Bowl 50 halftime show - wikipedia Super Bowl 50 halftime show Super Bowl 50 halftime show Date February 7, 2016 Location Santa Clara, California Venue Levi 's Stadium Headliner Coldplay Special guests Beyoncé, Bruno Mars with Mark Ronson, Gustavo Dudamel, Youth Orchestra L.A, University of California Marching Band Sponsor Pepsi Director Hamish Hamilton Producer Ricky Kirshner Super Bowl halftime show chronology XLIX ( 2015 ) 50 ( 2016 ) LI ( 2017 ) The Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show took place on February 7, 2016, at Levi 's Stadium in Santa Clara, California as part of Super Bowl 50. It was headlined by the British rock group Coldplay with special guest performers Beyoncé and Bruno Mars, who previously had headlined the Super Bowl XLVII and Super Bowl XLVIII halftime shows, respectively. Contents 1 Background 2 Performance 3 Critical reception 3.1 Controversy 4 Commercial reception 5 Set list 6 See also 7 References 8 External links Background Levi 's Stadium, location of Super Bowl 50 and the halftime show Coldplay, Rihanna, and Katy Perry were considered as potential acts for the Super Bowl XLIX halftime show in 2015. Perry was soon confirmed as the headliner of the halftime show in October 2014. In late November, 2015, reports surfaced stating that multiple acts would perform during the halftime show. Coldplay was confirmed as the lead half time performer for Super Bowl 50 on December 3, 2015, one day before the release of their seventh studio album A Head Full of Dreams. It was confirmed that Beyoncé and Bruno Mars would join Coldplay as special guests. Chris Martin called Mars to ask him to perform with Coldplay ; however, Mars declined the offer. Nevertheless, the singer of Coldplay invited Mars to his studio in Malibu where he was working. There, Martin revealed to Mars that he wanted for him to perform `` Uptown Funk '' with Beyonce. Despite this, Mars still did n't think it was a good idea and asked the former to talk to Beyonce to see what was her opinion on that. Martin videotaped him and Mars, while the former sang a song to Beyoncé so that she would come to do the Super Bowl with both of them. Beyonce response was receptive to the idea. At that time, Mars and Beyoncé were both doing a diet and stressing out. One day before the performance they were `` watching playback backstage '', while Beyonce ate a bag of Cheetos. Mars asked her `` That 's what you 're doing ? '', to which she replied `` There 's nothing more we can do these last two days. It 's gon na be what it 's gon na be. So I 'm gon na enjoy this bag of Cheetos. '' Mars strongly believes that Beyoncé is `` coming for you every single time. So you better bring your A-game every time. '' Performance Coldplay performing the halftime show. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin during the performance. Field during the halftime show. The audience participates in a card stunt The show opened with Chris Martin singing the opening chorus from `` Yellow ''. He was then joined by the remaining band members of Coldplay to perform `` Viva la Vida '', `` Paradise '', and `` Adventure of a Lifetime '' with the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles conducted by Gustavo Dudamel and the University of California Marching Band. Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson, and a troupe of backing dancers ( dressed in the style of Michael Jackson ) then performed `` Uptown Funk ''. Beyoncé, also in a Jackson - inspired outfit and appearing with a set of backing dancers dressed as Black Panthers, then performed her new single `` Formation '' in a mass choreographed dance number before joining Mars onstage for a verse of `` Uptown Funk ''. Coldplay played a snippet of `` Clocks '' during a video montage of past Super Bowl halftime and national anthem performances, including those by Bruce Springsteen, Missy Elliott, Katy Perry, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, James Brown, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, The Black Eyed Peas, U2, Prince, Beyoncé and Mars. The show concluded with the band performing `` Fix You '' and `` Up&Up '' with Beyoncé, Mars and everyone taking part in the show. At the end of the performance, the audience participated in a card - stunt creating a rainbow and the phrase, `` Believe in love '', the closing lyrics to Coldplay 's A Head Full of Dreams. Critical reception Bruno Mars performed at the Super Bowl 50 halftime show and received positive reviews. The performance received generally mixed review from critics, who complimented Beyoncé and Mars ' part of the performance but were critical of Coldplay. Jon Caramanica of The New York Times stated that Coldplay `` acted more as a stagehand than an actual performer '' while Beyoncé 's section of the performance was `` the night 's true event ''. Caramanica also noted that Beyoncé and Mars `` outsang '' Martin during the closing part of the performance. Andrew Barker of Variety similarly noted that `` Coldplay seemed resigned to politely allowing themselves to be played right off their own stage '' by the `` far flashier '' Mars and Beyoncé. In a review for Fox Sports, Chris Chase panned Coldplay 's performance, calling it `` inexplicable, indecipherable, and unnecessary '' and a `` musical snooze ''. Chase complimented Beyoncé 's and Mars ' appearances but described the performance as `` boring ''. Alex Needham of The Guardian gave the performance four stars, saying that `` Queen Bey at the height of her powers effortlessly overwhelmed Coldplay 's widescreen anthems in a show that seemed lightweight until she showed up ''. Beyoncé, seen here performing at the show, was both praised and castigated for her performance. Robert Bianco of USA Today stated that Martin `` seemed overwhelmed '' by the size of the event, and that despite being a `` personable and energetic performer '', an `` awful lot '' of Martin 's energy `` went into jumping ''. Bianco praised Beyoncé 's appearance and stated that she `` stole the show ''. Wendy Geller of Yahoo ! also complimented Beyoncé 's and Mars ' appearances, but criticized the montage of previous halftime performances, describing it as `` confusing rather than touching '' and stating that the performance was `` definitely a cold play ''. Controversy Following the performance, Beyoncé was criticized for performing a song that they considered to be `` anti-police '' during the halftime show and for appearing to align herself with the Black Lives Matter movement. Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani accused the performance of being anti-police and also criticized Beyoncé 's use of Black Power and Black Panther Party symbolism in her dance routine. `` This is football, not Hollywood, and I thought it was really outrageous that she used it as a platform to attack police officers who are the people who protect her and protect us, and keep us alive, '' he said. The controversy caused a `` # BoycottBeyonce '' hashtag on Twitter and protesters announced plans for an `` anti-Beyoncé '' rally on the morning of February 16 outside of the NFL 's headquarters in New York City, but no one showed up for such a rally. CNN political commentator Sally Kohn stated that `` too many police continue to show themselves to be far more interested in reactionary defensiveness and preserving the abusive status quo. '' Black Lives Matter activist Melina Abdullah praised Beyoncé and other artists who `` are willing to raise social consciousness and use their artistry to advance social justice. '' Commercial reception The halftime show became the fourth highest ever watched show in the United States, with total viewership of 115.5 million. Set list `` Yellow '' `` Viva la Vida '' `` Paradise '' `` Adventure of a Lifetime '' `` Uptown Funk '' ( Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars ) ( contains elements of `` U Ca n't Touch This '' ) `` Formation '' ( Beyoncé ) ( contains elements of `` Crazy in Love '' ) `` Fix You '' / `` Up&Up '' ( featuring Mars and Beyoncé ) ( contains elements of `` Clocks '', `` Midnight '', `` Independent Women, Pt 1 '', `` Just the Way You Are '', `` Purple Rain '' and `` Beautiful Day '' ) Setlist obtained from Billboard. See also 2016 in American music 2016 in American television References ^ Jump up to : `` Coldplay performed at Pepsi Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show '' ( Press release ). National Football League. December 3, 2015. Retrieved December 4, 2015. Jump up ^ Blistein, Jon ( August 19, 2014 ). `` NFL Asks Musicians for Money to Play Super Bowl ''. Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 19, 2014. Jump up ^ Framke, Caroline ( January 8, 2016 ). `` Beyoncé, Redfoo, & Bruno Mars join Coldplay for the Super Bowl 50 halftime show ''. Vox. Retrieved January 19, 2016. ^ Jump up to : Eells, Josh ( November 2, 2016 ). `` Bruno Mars : The Private Anxiety of a Pop Perfectionist ''. Rolling Stone. Jann Wenner. Retrieved November 2, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Bruno Mars Talks `` 24K Magic '', Beyoncé & Prince ``. Rap - Up. November 1, 2016. Retrieved November 1, 2016. Jump up ^ Scott, Damien ( November 19, 2016 ). `` Bruno Mars Just Wants You to Have a Good Time ''. Black Entertainment Television. Retrieved November 23, 2016. Jump up ^ Bauder, David ( February 8, 2016 ). `` Review : Coldplay lets Beyonce, Bruno Mars overshadow band ''. WIVB. Associated Press. Retrieved February 9, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Review : It 's Coldplay, Starring Beyoncé, at Super Bowl Halftime Show ''. The New York Times. February 7, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Review : Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show ''. Variety. Jump up ^ `` Beyonce could n't save Coldplay 's terrible Super Bowl halftime show ''. Fox Sports. February 7, 2016. Retrieved February 7, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Super Bowl half - time show -- Beyonce easily steals the show from Coldplay ''. The Guardian. Jump up ^ `` Beyoncé upstages Coldplay in Super Bowl halftime show ''. USA Today. February 7, 2016. Retrieved February 7, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Coldplay Left in the Cold at Super Bowl 50 ; Beyoncé and Bruno Bring It ''. Yahoo ! Music. February 7, 2016. Jump up ^ Cutler, Jacqueline ( February 9, 2016 ). `` Beyoncé 's ' black power ' salute during Super Bowl 50 halftime show slammed by Rudy Giuliani as ' attack ' on police ''. New York Daily News. New York. Retrieved February 9, 2016. Jump up ^ Bonesteel, Matt ( February 16, 2016 ). `` No one showed up to the anti-Beyonce rally at NFL headquarters ''. The Washington Post. Retrieved February 19, 2016. Jump up ^ Commentator, Sally Kohn, CNN Political. `` Beyonce a political superhero with rhythm ( Opinion ) ''. CNN. Retrieved 2017 - 02 - 07. Jump up ^ Respers France, Lisa ( February 9, 2016 ). `` Protests planned against and for Beyonce ''. CNN. Retrieved February 19, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Anger : Anti-Beyonce Rally Planned For Next Week At NFL Headquarters ''. CBSNewYork.com. CBS Radio. February 9, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2016. Jump up ^ Stelter, Frank Pallotta and Brian ( 8 February 2016 ). `` Super Bowl 50 audience is third largest in TV history ''. Jump up ^ http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7684905/lady-gaga-super-bowl-halftime-viewers-number Jump up ^ Platton, Adelle ( February 8, 2016 ). `` Super Bowl 50 Review : Coldplay, Beyonce & Bruno Mars Turn on an Electric Halftime Show ''. Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved February 9, 2016. External links Video of the Super Bowl 50 halftime show ( from the NFL 's official YouTube channel ) http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/super-bowl/6874799/bruno-mars-super-bowl-50-outfit-donatella-versace Super Bowl halftime shows 2000s XXXIV ( 2000 ) XXXV ( 2001 ) XXXVI ( 2002 ) XXXVII ( 2003 ) XXXVIII ( 2004 ) XXXIX ( 2005 ) XL ( 2006 ) XLI ( 2007 ) XLII ( 2008 ) XLIII ( 2009 ) 2010s XLIV ( 2010 ) XLV ( 2011 ) XLVI ( 2012 ) XLVII ( 2013 ) XLVIII ( 2014 ) XLIX ( 2015 ) 50 ( 2016 ) LI ( 2017 ) LII ( 2018 ) Other Counterprogramming Coldplay Guy Berryman Jonny Buckland Will Champion Chris Martin Discography Awards and nominations Songs Studio albums Parachutes A Rush of Blood to the Head X&Y Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends Mylo Xyloto Ghost Stories A Head Full of Dreams Live albums Live 2003 LeftRightLeftRightLeft Live 2012 Ghost Stories Live 2014 Compilation albums The Singles 1999 -- 2006 Extended plays Safety Brothers & Sisters The Blue Room Acoustic Mince Spies Remixes EP Prospekt 's March iTunes Festival : London 2011 Live in Madrid Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall A Sky Full of Stars Live from Spotify London Kaleidoscope EP Tours Parachutes Tour A Rush of Blood to the Head Tour Twisted Logic Tour Viva la Vida Tour Mylo Xyloto Tour Ghost Stories Tour A Head Full of Dreams Tour Additional personnel Phil Harvey Rik Simpson Davide Rossi Ken Nelson Brian Eno Markus Dravs Tappin Gofton Jon Hopkins Related articles Labels Atlantic Capitol EMI Fierce Panda Parlophone Commercial Mylo Xyloto Comics Tidal Xyloband Television Festival of Flame Hope for Haiti Now Super Bowl 50 halftime show Global Citizen Festival One Love Manchester Charity Make Trade Fair ( Product ) Red Apparatjik We Are Here Square Peg in a Round Hole Come to Life Book Category Chris Martin Collaborations `` See It in a Boy 's Eyes '' `` Gravity '' `` Do They Know It 's Christmas ? '' ( 2004 ) `` All Good Things ( Come to an End ) '' `` In the Sun '' `` Homecoming '' `` Want '' `` Me and Tennessee '' `` Do They Know It 's Christmas ? '' ( 2014 ) `` Every Day 's Like Christmas '' `` Homesick '' Films Shaun of the Dead Brüno Avicii : True Stories Television Festival of Flame Global Citizen Festival Super Bowl 50 halftime show Related topics Coldplay Jonny Buckland Guy Berryman Will Champion Phil Harvey Gwyneth Paltrow ( then - wife ) Beyoncé Avicii Book Category Beyoncé Awards and nominations Discography Songs Performances Videography Studio albums Dangerously in Love B'Day I Am... Sasha Fierce Beyoncé Lemonade EPs True Star : A Private Performance Irreemplazable Above and Beyoncé : Dance Mixes Heat 4 : The Remix More Only Compilations Speak My Mind Beyoncé : Platinum Edition Live and video releases Live at Wembley B'Day Anthology Video Album The Beyoncé Experience Live Above and Beyoncé : Video Collection I Am... Yours : An Intimate Performance at Wynn Las Vegas I Am... World Tour Live at Roseland : Elements of 4 Live in Atlantic City Live Concert tours Dangerously in Love Tour The Verizon Ladies First Tour The Beyoncé Experience I Am... World Tour The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour On the Run Tour The Formation World Tour On the Run II Tour Concert residencies I Am... Yours 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé Revel Presents : Beyoncé Live Television Super Bowl XLVII halftime show Life Is But a Dream On the Run Tour : Beyoncé and Jay - Z Super Bowl 50 halftime show Lemonade Beyoncé 2018 Coachella performance Retail House of Deréon Heat Heat Rush Pulse Rise Tidal Ivy Park Related soundtracks Dreamgirls soundtrack Cadillac Records soundtrack Related topics Parkwood Entertainment Destiny 's Child Jay - Z ( husband ) Mathew Knowles ( father ) Tina Knowles ( mother ) Solange Knowles ( sister ) Frank Gatson Jr. Ashley Everett Bibi McGill True Star `` Kanyegate '' Let 's Move ! Flash Workout Scaptia beyonceae EveryBODYisflawless Book Category Portal Bruno Mars Discography Videography Awards and nominations Songs recorded Songs written Studio albums Doo - Wops & Hooligans Unorthodox Jukebox 24K Magic Extended plays It 's Better If You Do n't Understand Concert tours The Doo - Wops & Hooligans Tour Moonshine Jungle Tour 24K Magic World Tour Filmography Honeymoon in Vegas Rio 2 Related articles The Smeezingtons Super Bowl XLVIII halftime show Super Bowl 50 halftime show Book : Bruno Mars 2010s portal Beyoncé portal San Francisco Bay Area portal National Football League portal Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Super_Bowl_50_halftime_show&oldid=823813276 '' Categories : 2016 in American music 2016 in American television 2016 in sports in California African - American - related controversies Beyoncé Bruno Mars Coldplay Race - related controversies in the United States Super Bowl halftime shows Talk Contents About Wikipedia Español ไทย Türkçe Edit links This page was last edited on 3 February 2018, at 16 : 04. 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Question: who is playing halftime show super bowl 50
Answer: Coldplay; the British rock group Coldplay