Ben Patton
Staff Media Lead

When it comes to football, there is nothing quite as exciting as the anticipation of the Super Bowl. Even if you aren’t a fan of the sport, or sports in general, you enjoy the epic commercials and all the food. Or you’re like me and you tune in solely for the halftime show, and maybe the last five minutes of the fourth quarter to see who wins. I participate, and that’s really what counts.

The halftime show this year boasts the talents of Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but how will it stack up in comparison to years past? Let’s take a look at my favorite performances and after the show, you can decide for yourself.

10: Prince
Though I wouldn’t normally place Prince and football in the same sentence, this 2007 halftime show was actually really high-energy. The singer rocked out during a downpour to hits like “Proud Mary” and “Purple Rain,” and kept the momentum going from start to finish. Click Here to watch the performance.

9: The Rolling Stones
In 2006, The Rolling Stones rocked it out in Ford Field like only The Stones could. The home viewing audience experienced a more muted version of the show due to the censored lyrics, but overall it was a solid and entertaining performance. Click Here to watch the performance.

8: Madonna
Madge entered the stadium with all the grandeur that one would expect from the Queen of Pop. She rode in on a golden chariot, pulled by a team of hunky subjects as she performed “Vogue.” Madge danced and pranced her way across the stage and was joined by tight rope walkers, Nicki Minaj, MIA, Cee Lo Green and the boys from LMFAO. Though she was most assuredly lip syncing, it was still a very entertaining show. Click Here to watch the full performance.

7: Janet Jackson, P. Diddy, Nelly & Justin Timberlake
Probably one of the most controversial and publicized spectacles due to Janet’s “accidental” nip slip, this show definitely made a mark in the history of halftime shows. Though it was memorable for the nip slip, the music was actually pretty good as well. Click Here to watch the full performance.

6: The Black Eyed Peas with Slash & Usher
The high octane performance was full of special vocal effects, futuristic costumes, and lots of live singing which was most evident when Fergie was given the chance to shine. Though I do credit them for not hiding behind their vocal tracks, and even with the less imperfect vocals the show was super fun and kept the energy going. Click Here to watch the full performance.

5: Michael Jackson
The King of Pop had one of the strangest and most drawn-out opening “I have arrived” sequences to kick-off his halftime show in 1993 that I’ve seen. But, I guess that’s one of the privileges of being the King, eh? Once you (finally) get past the awkward pausing on stage, the show is actually really entertaining for the time. He danced around stage like only he could and wowed the crowd with some of his greatest hits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T5cB6yyivY

4: Bruce Springsteen
When Bruce Springsteen tells you to “step back from the guacamole” you probably should consider listening! “Turn your television allll the way up,” he says. “And what I really want to know is there anybody alive out there?” Yes, they are alive and they are loving you, Bruce!

3: AeroSync (Aerosmith & *NSYNC)
2001 was a pretty fun year as Super Bowl halftime shows go. Aerosmith paired up with the boys of *NSYNC for a high energy show that included special appearances by Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, Mary J. Blige and Britney Spears. The show was every teeny bopper’s delight, and showcased *NSYNC and Britney at the peak of their careers.

2: U2
The following year, Bono and U2 had the task of doing a show just five months after the attacks on New York City. Their emotional tribute to the victims of 9/11 could be felt beyond the stadium, and resonated through the hearts of American’s across the nation. Bono closed the show by revealing the American flag under his jacket in honor of our country’s loss. It was spectacular.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zqtkik7nTik

1: Beyonce
Duh.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZzkCJSu_m0

What do you think PopWrappers? Which was your favorite?

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