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NFL fans are not only treated to the top two teams battling it out at the greatest sporting event of the year, but also a halftime performance from the biggest names in the industry.

Since Michael Jackson’s performance at Super Bowl XXVII in Pasadena, there have been several performances by a who’s who of musical talent. Let’s take a look back at the 10 greatest halftime shows we’ve seen.

10. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Super Bowl XLII

The Florida-born rocker and his band caused a stir in Arizona with their hits ‘American Girl’, ‘Won’t Back Down’, ‘Free Fallin” and ‘Runnin’ Down a Dream’.

9. Aerosmith, N’Sync, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, Nelly – Super Bowl XXXV

In one of the most star-studded halftime performances the NFL has seen, American rock band Aerosmith teamed up with N’Sync to entertain fans of classic rock and pop with a medley of songs that also included appearances by rapper Nelly. as Mary J. Blige. Previously, there was also a skit featuring Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler and Chris Rock.

8. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band – Super Bowl XLIII

The iconic musician had turned down previous opportunities to play the Super Bowl halftime show, but eventually relented and performed at Raymond James Stadium in 2009, churning out hits ‘Tenth Avenue Freezeout’, ‘Born To Run “, “Working on a Dream”, and a special version of “Glory Days”.

7. Bruno Mars, The Red Hot Chili Peppers – Super Bowl XLVIII

At the time, it was the most-watched Super Bowl of all time with an audience of 115 million. The pop artist sang versions of several hits, including “Billionaire,” “Locked Out of Heaven” and “Just the Way You Are” as a special tribute to the United States Armed Forces. Meanwhile, the Red Hot Chili Peppers made an appearance with “Give It Away”.

6. Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige – Super Bowl LVI

While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s no denying that last weekend’s halftime show will go down as one of the most iconic of all time.

5. Paul McCartney – Super Bowl XXXIX

Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney performed the halftime show at Super Bowl XXXIX, playing classic hits ‘Drive My Car’ and ‘Get Back’ before breaking into a (literally) explosive performance of the Beatles classic. Wings “Live and Let Die”:

4. The Rolling Stones – Super Bowl XL

The halftime show at Detroit’s Ford Field featured the Rolling Stones, one of the most iconic and legendary rock bands in music history. The band’s stage was the language’s iconic logo – a 600-member volunteer stage team assembled all 28 pieces of the stage in five minutes and was seen by a total of 89.9 million people.

They performed three songs – Start Me Up, Rough Justice and (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.

3. Michael Jackson – Super Bowl XXVII

Arguably the biggest musical icon in the world at the time, Michael Jackson’s performance started the trend we enjoy today of the NFL booking major acts for the Super Bowl halftime show.

2. U2 – Super Bowl XXXVI

The iconic Irish rock band put on one of the most memorable halftime shows in NFL history during the first Super Bowl following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In a moving rendition of “Where The Streets Have No Name”, the names of the victims of the attacks were projected on a vertical canvas behind the scene.

1. Prince – Super Bowl XLI

There’s really no denying it – there was nothing better than seeing Prince sing “Purple Rain” in the middle of a Miami rainstorm in one of the most iconic performances ever produced.