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Super Bowl Halftime Show: The 10 Best Performances Ever
- Posted by Pat Pemberton
10. Diana Ross Gets an Airlift
Super Bowl XXX, 1996
In Ross' 1996 show in Mesa, Ariz., there were lots of balloons, dancers, Supremes songs and wardrobe changes. But what left the biggest impression was the helicopter that came during 'Take Me Higher' and whisked the diva off mid-song as she hung out of the aircraft. Ross, who was securely belted in, had previously practiced the stunt -- approved by the Federal Aviation Administration -- three times with a team of pilots.
9. Aerosmith Take a Walk With Friends
Super Bowl XXXV, 2001
Rock purists probably dropped their nachos when they saw Aerosmith perform their classic 'Walk This Way' with Britney Spears, 'NSync, Mary J. Blige and Nelly. But they probably didn't get the whole Aerosmith/Run-D.M.C. thing, either. The 2001 show in Tampa, Fla., produced by MTV, was an effort to join genres. A more memorable Timberlake halftime show would come in the future.
8. Prince's Big, Uh, Guitar Finish
Super Bowl XLI, 2007
In a rain-soaked performance that spotlighted Prince's blistering guitar skills, the man formerly known as the Man Formerly Known as Prince rocked up a series of his hits plus some terrific covers. But during his signature 'Purple Rain' -- a fitting choice, given the rainy Miami weather -- Prince appeared as a giant silhouette with a guitar that looked like a big, well ... this is Prince we're talking about. Anyone doubting whether the phallic appearance was intentional might consider that Prince used to perform with a guitar that squirted water from its end during 'Let's Go Crazy.'
7. The Stones Get Censored ... Again
Super Bowl XL, 2006
On the same day the first Super Bowl was played -- Jan. 15, 1967 -- the Rolling Stones appeared on 'The Ed Sullivan Show,' where they were forced to change the lyrics of their song 'Let's Spend the Night Together' to 'Let's Spend Some Time Together.' In Detroit, nearly 40 years later, their lyrics were again altered when ABC cut two lines from their set, including the end of 'Start Me Up.'
6. The Who Light It Up
Super Bowl XLIV, 2010
Yeah, half the band is gone. And, sure, neither Roger Daltrey nor Pete Townshend can reach notes they sang in their youth. But even half a Who can rock harder than most full bands, as they proved in 2010 on 'Won't Get Fooled Again.' Daltrey reminded us why his hair-raising "Yaaaaaah!" is one of the greatest screams in rock. And Townshend's windmill reminded us why he is one of the coolest guitarists ever. Oh, and also -- those lasers were, like, far out, man!
5. Springsteen Slip Slidin' Away
Super Bowl XLIII, 2009
Turns out Bruce Springsteen's energetic performance of 'Tenth Avenue Freezeout' in 2009 was perhaps a bit too energetic. During a stage slide, the Boss kept on sliding -- until his crotch collided with a TV camera. As Springsteen explained on his website later, "Too much adrenaline, a late drop, too much speed."
4. Janet and JT's Wardrobe Malfunction
Super Bowl XXXVIII, 2004
If you blinked, you missed it. And in 2004, you couldn't just go to YouTube the next morning and watch it again and again. (But we can now!) At the end of 'Rock Your Body,' Justin Timberlake famously ripped off a piece of Janet Jackson's top, revealing a bit more body than the FCC would prefer. As result, future telecasts would be delayed five seconds. And future halftime acts -- no matter how much hell they once raised -- would be considered a "safe choice" so long as they didn't threaten to expose themselves.
3. Paul McCartney Plays It Safe
Super Bowl XXXIX, 2005
A year after the "wardrobe malfunction," McCartney -- whose Beatles led the '60s music generation that questioned authority like none before it -- would suddenly be considered a harmless act to perform at halftime, as if he had suddenly joined the ranks of Perry Como and Mel Tormé. But his rousing version of 'Live and Let Die' reminded viewers that it's ultimately about the music. And if that's not enough, well -- there's always scorching pyrotechnics.
2. Michael Jackson Sets the Standard
Super Bowl XXVII, 1993
Michael Jackson was never one for low-key ventures. So when the NFL decided it needed to beef up halftime shows in order to keep viewers tuned in, it tapped the Gloved One to put on a super halftime show. During his performance of 'Heal the World,' the entire crowd participated in the visual, and Jackson was surrounded by 3,500 local children. (Yeah, yeah -- save your wisecracks.) After this performance in 1993, the networks would never cut away from the halftime show again.
1. U2 Heal the Nation
Super Bowl XXXVI, 2002
Just months after the 9/11 tragedies, U2 offered a stunning tribute to its victims in a show that brought tears to many viewers. As the Edge launched into the hypnotic guitar intro on 'Where the Streets Have No Name,' a 200-foot screen appeared behind the band and began scrolling the names of all those who perished. Near the end, the screen collapsed, and Bono revealed the Stars and Stripes lining of his jacket to a Tampa, Fla., crowd still in shock from that awful day.
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Add a Comment
This is a crap list. Tom Petty was obiviously the best and he isn't even on the list!
February 23 2013 at 9:46 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Daithi
As an Irishman in Dublin seeing U2s performance was mesmerizing no other act could have reached the heart of a nation like they can. Sensational brought a lump to my throat thousands of miles away in Ireland
October 29 2012 at 8:55 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyMadonna half time show was luke warm at best, weak squeeky singing , lots of great looking props surrounded by little talent
February 06 2012 at 7:03 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Matell
In terms of Super Bowl games, only the 1996 Dallas Cowboys' victory over Pittsburgh posted a bigger TV audience, averaging 94.8 million viewers to rank as the second most-watched U.S. TV broadcast in history. Halftime show
Diana Ross performed during the halftime show, titled "Take Me Higher: A Celebration of 30 years of the Super Bowl". The show featured a number of her songs along with pyrotechnics, special effects and stadium card stunts. The show ended with Ross singing "Take Me Higher" from her 1995 album of the same name, and then she was taken from the field in a helicopter.[2]
EMI Inside reports that I Love You by Ms. Ross has sold more than 622,000 copies worldwide.In 1999, she was named the most successful female singer in the history of the United Kingdom
Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/diana-ross#ixzz1honKGyqj
Rowland Scherman
As Lewis Black famously said regarding Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction (sic): "It's just a tit...."
February 18 2011 at 9:01 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
omega
The Michigan Marching Band appreciates the mention.
February 07 2011 at 8:45 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Melissa
1 reply to Melissa's comment
I thought Bono's performance was awful... He was out of key and off-tempo the whole time, more than can be considered "artistic." Also, I don't really think that song was a terribly appropriate tribute. But most of all, I think it was pretty offensive that he used the flag of my country to line his jacket. I wonder how he'd feel if I used the Irish flag to line my skirt.
February 07 2011 at 3:50 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
TED
I AGREE,ALL THEY DID WAS CASH IN ON THE MOMENT.THEY STUNK.
February 07 2011 at 5:46 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
carl
Based on the performance, Michael Jackson was much better than U2. You cannot even compare! Just look at the talent. Michael Jackson is miles ahead!
February 07 2011 at 1:42 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Douglas Meeks
2011 was one of the worst halftime shows in memory, the Black Eyed Peas were horrible and if Slash and Usher had not shown up there would have been no musical talent in the place. Add Cristina mangling the National Anthem and you have it, the worst gathering of no talent over hyped "entertainers" in Super-bowl history. I have seen acts that I did not care for their type of music but this is the first time I have seen supposed performers just show up with NO TALENT, WTF?
February 07 2011 at 8:31 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Mahon
Well I finally saw the WORST halftime show in Superbowl history. And I saw them all. The only thing worse was the disgrace that completely ruined the National Anthem.
February 07 2011 at 3:48 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
35 Comments