The Top 5 Super Bowl Halftime Shows Of All Time

Over the course of the Super Bowl’s now 47 year existence the game has evolved into somewhat of a national holiday. It’s the most watched television event of the year, a time where both football fans and families alike can come together to celebrate the crowning of a new world champion.

What makes the Super Bowl so unique is the fact that even if you know nothing about football, and have no rooting interest whatsoever, chances are you’re still going to tune into the game for two reasons- 1) so you can maintain a conversation at the water cooler the next day and 2) the halftime show.

Last year 114 million Americans checked in to see Madonna rock the stage at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy, roughly three million more viewers than the actual game itself. The stars always keep us guessing during these performances, and you never know when the next guest appearance, middle finger or nipple slip is going to come. The one thing you do know is that it’s sure to be memorable.

Beyonce is set to headline this year’s halftime show in New Orleans, and you better believe she’s going to be bringing the fire. After her now infamous lip-sync scandal at the inauguration she’s going to be gunning for some redemption. At some point in the night Bey will be joined on stage by her former Destiny’s Child bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, marking the group’s first performance together since 2006.

Please join the 2 Man Weave on a trip down memory lane, as we take a look back at the five best halftime shows of all time, to get us ready for next week’s big game.

5. Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash- Super Bowl XLV, 2011 

Even though Fergie Ferg and Will.i.am have gone the independent route in recent years, there was a time not too long ago when this group was on top of the music world. The Peas’ popularity culminated with a headlining gig at the Super Bowl XLV halftime show at Cowboys Stadium, where they rocked the stage in front of more than 103,000 people. The set featured guest appearances by Slash from Guns N’ Roses, who accompanied Fergie on Sweet Child O’ Mine, and Usher, who tore up the dance floor with Will.i.am during OMG.

The highlight of the set came during the B.E.P.’s special Super Bowl edition of their 2003 hit Where Is the Love, where the group switched up their lyrics to send a message to Obama to “get these kids educated”.

4. *N SYNC, Aerosmith, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, Nelly- Super Bowl XXXV, 2001

In terms of talent, popularity and diversity, Super Bowl XXXV’s lineup will never be matched. MTV, that year’s producers, hit a gram slam when it came to appealing to all genres of music, including pop (*N SYNC, Britney Spears), rock (Aerosmith), rap (Nelly) and R&B (Mary J. Blige). *N SYNC and Aerosmith took turns alternating back and forth between songs, finishing up with a star-studded rendition of Walk This Way for the ages. Britney Spears looked better than ever in those silver Dallas Cowboys pants, and Nelly rocked a half Ron Dayne, half Stoney Case, Ravens/Giants jersey while rapping a verse from E.I.

3. Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, P. Diddy, Nelly, Kid Rock- Super Bowl XXXVIII, 2004

Another deep lineup, but let’s be real here, no one remembers a damn thing about this years' performance other than “nipplegate”. The free peep show came in the closing moments of Timberlake’s single Rock Your Body. JT sang the closing line “Gonna have you naked by the end of this song”, and then immediately ripped off part of Jackson’s top, fully exposing her right breast to the entire world. The “wardrobe malfunction” ended up costing CBS $550,000 and MTV received a lifetime ban from all future halftime shows. Needless to say lots of teenage boys slept well that well.

2. Michael Jackson- Super Bowl XXVIII, 1993 

In what is said to be one of the most watched performances in American history, the King of Pop brought down the house at the packed out Rose Bowl with hits like "Billie Jean" and "Black or White". But it was his goose bump inducing rendition of "We Are the World" and "Heal the World" that people still talk about to this day. It was the first time a Super Bowl halftime performance was aired live in its entirety, and Jackson's success ensured that all future broadcasts do the same.

In hindsight, surrounding Jacko with 3,500 local youths may not have been the best idea, but it made for one hell of a show. 

1. U2- Super Bowl XXXVI, 2002 

In the immediate months following the 9/11 attacks, many people turned to sports for inspiration and as a welcomed distraction from all the heartache around us. Irish rockers U2 added to our healing process by taking the stage at halftime of Super Bowl XXXVI and paying tribute to our fallen brothers and sisters, playing while a scrolling list of names of the victims reached up to the heavens above. There wasn't a dry eye in the house, or living room, and during that halftime we were all rooting for the same team.

America.

-fresh (@danye33)