12 memorable Super Bowl halftime shows



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February 6, 2017
Michael Jackson on stage with arms outstretched, wearing white shirt and black pants, surrounded by smoke.

It was none other than the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, who started the trend of signing megawatt acts during the halftime show to attract more viewers. Michael’s performance in 1993 was the first time in Super Bowl history the audience figures actually increased during the halftime show.

Celebrities including Joe Perry and Justin Timberlake on stage at the Super Bowl Halftime Show, raising hands and performing.

With performances by Aerosmith, Britney Spears and NSYNC, 2001's Super Bowl may have been the most star-studded to date.

Bono on stage, holding an American flag, wearing sunglasses and a maroon shirt.

It was the first Super Bowl since Sept. 11, and Bono paid his respects by displaying the American flag lining in his jacket after singing Where The Streets Have No Name. A projection screen also showed the names of all the victims of 9/11.

Shania Twain performing on stage with a crowd, flanked by musicians.

In 2003, Shania Twain took the Super Bowl stage in San Diego, California to sing two songs, Man I Feel Like a Woman! and Up! before No Doubt performed I’m Just a Girl and Sting played Message in a Bottle. The Canadian country sensation had just released her album Up! two months earlier.

Janet Jackson and three backup dancers in black outfits and hats performing on stage.

The calm before the storm: In 2004, all seemed to be going smoothly for Janet Jackson until a wardrobe malfunction stopped everybody in their tracks. Janet and surprise guest Justin Timberlake made international headlines after Janet suffered a wardrobe malfunction.

Mick Jagger performing on stage with microphone, surrounded by enthusiastic audience.

In 2006, Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones swaggered onto a tongue-shaped stage, which was peeled back to reveal a pit of fans underneath.

Performer in blue suit and purple guitar raises hands on stage with colorful lights.

It was only fitting that Prince performed during the halftime show in 2007 given the wet weather that year, which made his rendition of Purple Rain very powerful indeed!

Bruce Springsteen plays guitar on stage with fireworks and a crowd cheering.

Bruce Springsteen didn’t disappoint during the 2009 halftime show, performing all his classics, from Born to Run to Glory Days, with the E Street Band.

Fergie sings into a microphone on stage with will.i.am beside her, both in futuristic costumes.

In 2011, The Black Eyed Peas performed a high-energy concert at Cowboys Stadium complete with futuristic ensembles and light-up dancers.

Madonna performing on stage, holding a microphone and a gold pom-pom.

Madonna was joined by Nicki Minaj, L.M.F.A.O and M.I.A. for her cheerleader-inspired show in 2012. It holds the record as the most-watched Super Bowl halftime in history, garnering 114 million viewers.

Beyoncé, center, sings into a microphone flanked by two backup dancers on stage.

Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé and Michelle Williams reunited for an electrifying performance at the 2013 Super Bowl.

Paul McCartney in red shirt, singing into microphone with raised fist, on stage.

In 2005, Sir Paul McCartney and his band delivered electrifying performances of The Beatles' hits; Drive My Car, Get Back, Live And Let Die and Hey Jude. His show was broadcast live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

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