Patch Picks: See 8 Most Memorable Super Bowl Halftime Shows

With flashing cameras, the roar of the sold-out stadium crowd and the eyes of the world glued to TV screens across the globe, Justin Timberlake's Super Bowl 2018 halftime show is sure to be almost as exciting as the Patriots and Eagles showdown itself. But the buzz surrounding Super Bowl halftime performances is nothing new.

Remember Katy Perry entering the field three years ago riding atop a ridiculously outsized lion? Or Michael Jackson, in 1993, launching from beneath the stage in a flurry of fireworks, then standing motionless, seemingly forever, before kicking off his performance?

While the first several Super Bowl halftimes weren't too different from the marching band shows common at high school and college football games, they've come a long way since then. In fact, we've come to expect the glitzy, over-the-top spectacles that are the big game's halftime performances.

From quaint affairs replete with kitschy Americana to the event that made "wardrobe malfunction" part of the common vernacular, here are Patch's picks for the eight most memorable Super Bowl halftime shows.

Super Bowl LI (2017): Lady Gaga

During last year's spectacular, a glistening Lady Gaga graced the stage with her surprisingly non-political performance. Embracing her usual statements of inclusion and equality, Gaga performed a medley of her songs that resembled a slide show of her entire career, from her first hit single, "Just Dance", all the way through "Perfect Illusion" featured on her latest album, Joanne.

Super Bowl 50 (2016): Beyonce

Beyonce used her appearance at the 2016 event to promote her new single, "Formation," and in doing so, she showed that the days of the non-offensive, saccharine strains of Up With People were long gone. With backup dancers suited in uniforms that many observers likened to the Black Panthers, her politically charged performance touched on police shootings and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Super Bowl XLI (2007): Prince

The ridiculously talented singer and guitarist performed what might be the best halftime show in Super Bowl history, delivering his hits "Let's Go Crazy," "1999" and "Purple Rain," but the highlight might have been his surprise cover of Foo Fighters' "Best Of You," preceded by a snippet of Bob Dylan's "All Along The Watchtower."

Super Bowl XXXIX (2005): Paul McCartney

Some good came from Janet Jackson's 2004 wardrobe malfunction (see below), at least for classic rock fans, as Super Bowl organizers reacted to the moral outcry by booking a string of older, safer artists like The Rolling Stones, The Who, Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen. First up was Paul McCartney, who treated fans to "Drive My Car," "Get Back," "Live and Let Die" and "Hey Jude."

Super Bowl XXXVIII (2004): Janet Jackson

Who would have thought Janet Jackson would be the Jackson sibling to have the more controversial Super Bowl halftime? During a duet with Justin Timberlake, the latter pulled on Jackson's costume, as planned, but the move left her right breast partially exposed. "Nipplegate" was coined, and she became "The Most Searched in Internet History," according to the Guiness World Records.

Super Bowl XXVII (1993): Michael Jackson

The King Of Pop was not one for subtlety, so when it came time for him to play Super Bowl XXVII, he did it his way: propelled into the air and then onto the stage, amid a flurry of sparks. Decked out in a military-style uniform, he stood motionless before beginning his set, which included "Billie Jean" and "Black or White."

Super Bowl XXI (1987): George Burns

Before introducing the "100 Years of Hollywood" show, legendary comedian George Burns is escorted arm-in-arm by Snow White. Before she departs, the perpetually cigar-chomping Burns — then 91, almost as old as the town he was paying tribute to — says, "Thank you, Snow White. Pretty girl. A little too old for me."

Super Bowl X (1976): Up With People

The positivity-pushing educational organization performed at six Super Bowls during the '70s and '80s. Its bicentennial show, titled "200 Years and Just a Baby: A Tribute to America," was a far cry from the spandex-clad extravaganzas that would follow.

Related:

• 7 Top Super Bowl National Anthems
• Best Super Bowl Commercials Of All Time
• 7 Most Memorable Super Bowl Plays

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