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It’s that special time of the year, and no, we aren’t talking about the holidays or summertime. We’re talking about the one sporting event that brings the entire nation together in one maddening and oh-so festive helmet-crushing, pigskin-throwing extravaganza. It’s the Super Bowl.

 

One of the best parts of the Super Bowl, besides getting to root for your favorite of the two opposing teams and gawking at the multi-million dollar ads, is usually the halftime show, and pop culture enthusiasts everywhere can tell you that this is where some of the best of the best, veritable legends of the musical realm, have showed their stuff and rocked out on stage. Usually only the who’s-who of the music world get to perform the Super Bowl, and you know you have truly made it once you are performing on that very special Sunday afternoon!

 

In anticipation for tomorrow’s big game, and probably (to pop music fans at least) the even bigger halftime performance featuring pop queen and legend in her own right, Beyoncé, here’s a short list of some of the best and most memorable Super Bowl halftime performances of years past! 

 

 

Michael Jackson

There’s no denying the King of Pop had the entire house rocking out to some of his classic hits including “Billie Jean”, “Black or White”, and “Heal the World” back in 1993 for a halftime performance that was lively, energetic, and came complete with a legendary moonwalk!

 

 

 

 

Madonna

Although hard to believe it was only a year ago, Madge’s performance, which included some awesome collaborators of today along the lines of Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., Cee Lo Green, LMFAO, and that Tightrope Guy, kept it old school with some of her classic hits like “Vogue”. And the visuals were spectacular to say the least.

 

 

 

 

U2

Without a doubt, probably one of the biggest and most talented group of musicians to have even entered the music industry, U2’s performance in 2002 was heart-wrenchingly perfect, especially with the way they honored the victims of the then-recent 9/11 terrorist attacks. The setlist included “Where the Streets Have No Name” and “Beautiful Day.”

 

 

 

 

Diana Ross

One of the greatest queens to ever grace any stage, Ross brought an unparalleled sense of diva mixed with showmanship to her 1996 halftime performance. Her medley of hits which included “Baby Love”, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, and “I Will Survive” had the stadium unabashedly singing along the entire performance through.

 

 

 

 

Prince

The definition of the word Performer, Prince and his guitar-wielding prowess made for probably one of the biggest and most exciting halftime performances to date. Hits like “Purple Rain”, “1999”, and “Let’s Go Crazy” made his 2007 appearance complete with outstanding guitar solos all the more better to watch and sing along to.

 

 

 

 

There were many more amazing halftime performances throughout yesteryear, the likes of which include Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and, of course, Janet Jackson.

 

We can’t wait to see Mrs. Beyoncé Knowles-Carter slay the stage like we know she’s going to, and join the ranks of the best of the best halftime performers ever.

 

Will you be watching on Super Bowl Sunday?

 

 

- Raffy Ermac, YH Staff