The Super Bowl is known for a few things: bad calls, awesome commercials, and their kickass/total fail halftime shows. With only a few more days until Katy Perry takes center stage on the field, we’re going over the best performances from the years past. See if your favorite made the list. Katy, we’re pulling for you (for obvious reasons).
Aerosmith, NSYNC, Britney Spears, Nelly, and Mary J. Blige – Super Bowl XXXV
In the days when boy bands were taking over the world, Britney Spears was still hot, and Steven Tyler hadn’t yet felt the effects of his drugged out 1980’s reign, the 2001 show was one to remember.
Prince – Super Bowl XLI
The rockstar has enough personality to take on the show totally alone and thats just what he did, better than most all-star music groups. Rock on, Prince. And that sweet purple guitar.
Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers – Super Bowl XLVIII
We’re man enough to admit Bruno Mars has some catchy songs – even though we may have heard them while our girlfriends had control of the radio – but seeing the Red Hot Chili Peppers on stage was the real part of that performance. It goes without saying that Anthony Kiedis is the man, but we’ll say it anyways: Anthony Kiedis is the man.
Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake – Super Bowl XXXVIII
The wardrobe malfunction seen round the world. Who could forget the time JT ripped off Janet Jackson’s top? Sure, the performance itself was impressive sans the nipple flash, but the incident was bound to take away any memory of what Justin Timberlake was singing. Those three X’s definitely weren’t a coincidence.
Beyonce – Super Bowl XLVII
Let’s face it: Beyonce is a star. And hot – really, really hot. She never fails to disappoint, so why would she now?
Paul McCartney – Super Bowl XXXIX
“Live and Let Die” and “Hey Jude?” Sold.
U2 – Super Bowl XXXVI
Only five months after 9/11, U2 put on an emotional show that made it hard to settle back in and watch the game. While singing “Where The Streets Have No Name,” a scrolling list of 9/11 victims went on behind him. Upon finishing the song, Bono opened up his jacket to reveal its lining of stars and stripes.
