#5 Paul McCartney
Super Bowl XXXIX: New England Patriots vs. Philadelphia Eagles
For the halftime show immediately after Janet Jackson’s infamous “nipplegate scandal”, the NFL chose to go with a safe, classic performer. Paul McCartney proved to be just as entertaining as any current pop sensation. He performed songs “Hey Jude”, “Live and Let Die”, and “Drive My Car”.
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#4 Beyoncé
Super Bowl XLVII: San Francisco 49ers vs. Baltimore Ravens
In 2013, Beyoncé was the sole performer at the Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans; except for when her former Destiny’s Child bandmates joined her on stage to play backup singers/dancers (Poor Michelle). Beyoncé’s spectacular show had a “female empowerment” theme and featured an all-lady band that definitely appealed to any of the gals who tuned in for the show. Bey’s set list included “Who Runs the World (Girls)”, “Crazy in Love”, and “Single Ladies”.
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#3 U2
Super Bowl XXXVI: New England Patriots vs. St. Louis Rams
Bono chose to dedicate the memorable 2002 halftime show to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. During U2’s emotional performance of the song “Where the Streets Have No Name”, the names of the victims of the attacks appeared across a screen in the background. At the end, Bono opened his jacket to reveal an American Flag.
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#2 Aerosmith featuring ‘NSync, Britney Spears and Mary J. Blige
Super Bowl XXXV: Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Giants
‘NSync and Britney Spears were (surprisingly) the perfect choice to perform at the 2001 Super Bowl, as bubblegum pop was at the height of its popularity. Of course, adding Aerosmith to the mix ensured that rock lovers watching weren’t rolling their eyes. The performance ended up being a great combination of rock legends and pop newbies having a great time on stage together, singing songs like “Jaded”, “Bye Bye Bye” and “Walk This Way”.
#1 Madonna
Super Bowl XLVI: New York Giants vs. New England Patriots
Madonna is incapable of putting on a bad show, and her Super Bowl halftime show was no exception. (Madonna’s performance remains the most watched halftime show ever, with 114 million viewers tuning in) The Queen of pop was joined on stage at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana by Nicki Minaj, M.I.A, LMFAO, and Cee Lo Green. The costumes, the dancing, the stage, the effects, it all came together to create an incredible show with Madge performing “Vogue,” “Music,” “Gimmie All Your Luvin'” and “Like a Prayer”.
