On Sunday night in East Rutherford, New Jersey Bruno Mars will take the stage to not only perform in front of a sold out MetLife Stadium including the attendance of legendary athletes, celebrities and government officials but also for the millions watching Super Bowl XLVIII on TV.
So how will his performance match up to those of the past? Over the past few weeks, we asked our writers and readers to let us know who their all-time favorite Super Bowl halftime show were. Our final Top 10 features the performances that received the most votes from our readers and it is safe to say our countdown has it all. From nip-slips to the Queen B, the unforgettable King of Pop to reunions and collaborations only meant for the Super Bowl stage. Take a look back at some of Super Bowl’s bests!
10.Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting – Super Bowl XXXVII (2003)
Although the lineup together was a bit surprising, each artist brought their best foot forward for an entertaining halftime show. However we have to ask what Shania Twain was thinking with the leather outfit, bedazzled bustier and crazy jewels?
9.Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band – Super Bowl XLIII (2009)
The introduction was a bit cheesy and over the top, but the E Street Band is legendary. Regardless, The Boss and his bandmates rocked out and provided a very entertaining show.
8. U2- Super Bowl XXXVI (2002)
It was the Super Bowl after 9/11 and with a grieving nation, U2 delivered an appropriate and heartfelt performance. Mid-performance, the Irish rockers, played a tribute to all 9/11 victims while a massive backdrop scrolled behind them with the names of those killed in the attack. At the end of the performance, Bono showed off his leather jacket which on the inside was stitched with an American flag. Class.
7. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – Super Bowl XLII (2008)
The classic American rock band.
6. Paul McCartney – Super Bowl XXXIX (2005)
Sir Paul McCartney one of two surviving Beatles, the greatest band of all time. Enough said. McCartney was called in to perform at the 2005 Super Bowl to restore all credibility and hope for music performances after the 2004 Super Bowl “nip-slip.” Maybe this wasn’t the most entertaining performance but he is Sir Paul McCartney after all. LEGEND.
5. Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake- Super Bowl XXXVIII (2004)
The infamous nip-slip. Even if you didn’t watch the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show, you have definitely seen the nip-slip. Justin and Janet claimed this was a “wardrobe malfunction” however Justin was singing ”bet I’ll have you naked by the end of this song.” Wardrobe malfunction or rehearsed, this is one of the most talked about Super Bowl halftime moments of all-time.
4. Prince -Super Bowl XLI (2007)
It was a performance filled with Prince’s best and most popular songs along with some surprising covers.
3. Michael Jackson- Super Bowl XXVII (1993)
We should have known this was going to be an epic performance when we heard James Earle Jones announce it and it was. Michael Jackon’s performance was the first HUGE Super Bowl halftime show. The proof? 20 plus years later and the King of Pop can still grab the #3 spot on a music countdown. The introduction might have been a little too long and over dramatic … but then again if it wasn’t, would we call him the King of Pop? The dancing and music that inspired and continues to inspire generations of musicians. And can anyone but Michael Jackson pull of such a touching and amazing ending? Love him or hate him, MJ is forever a music legend.
2. Beyonce and Destiny’s Child- Super Bowl XLVII (2013)
Queen B. Is there anything else to be said about this performance? Beyonce absolutely killed the show and definitely raised the standards. The Destiny’s Child reunion was highly anticipated however it did leave viewers questioning if Michelle can still keep up with her former bandmates when it came to dancing.
1. Aerosmith feat. Britney Spears, Nsync , Nelly & Mary J. Blige – Super Bowl XXXV (2001)
Over the years the Super Bowl halftime shows have undoubtedly been start-studded but this may be the most star-studded lineup of all. 13 years later, this halftime show is still a favorite amongst viewers and our favorite rendition of “Walk This Way”. What else but the Super Bowl stage can bring the boy-band of the century, the original pop princess and some other rockstars on stage for the ultimate halftime show?
