It is officially Super Bowl season. With the Carolina Panthers going up against the Denver Broncos, it surely will be a fierce competition. But aside from the crazy commercials and the great game, the half-time show brings in some serious talent. And with Coldplay coming onto the stage February 7 th, 2016, the group has to recognize the past performances as to truly capture the audience.
10. The Black Eyed Peas, Usher, & Slash (2011)
The group as a whole really did not do that poorly. However, Fergie definitely brought down the group with her rendition of Sweet Child of Mine with Slash playing the guitar in the background. There was constant microphone mishaps making it an awkward two seconds. Usher brought an underwhelming dance to OMG, but what else can you expect of him? Where is the love was tastefully played at the end, having the audience fully question, who will love The Black Eyed Peas after this?
9. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (2008)
Like The Who, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers stayed with the classics. Just an average show of classic rock anthems being played with the occasional smile directed towards the camera.
8. The Who (2010)
Classic rock anthems being played for twelve minutes? There is nothing terrible about that really, except that uncomfortable wardrobe malfunction. In my personal opinion, seeing Pete Townshed’s stomach.
7. Katy Perry, Missy Elliot, & Lenny Kravitz (2015)
The creation of the iconic left shark meme and the actual playful melodies made this an average performance. It also does not help when the headliner is overshadowed by a guest performance (Missy Elliot).
6. Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers (2014)
The opening children’s choir singing the chorus of Billionaire prepped the audience for an ok performance. I am usually a fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but them just headbanging shirtless was not the most appealing thing. However, Mars’ dancing and jazz ensemble saved the show.
5. Rolling Stones (2006)
Mick Jagger saying “This one we could of done for Super Bowl one” makes all of our parents question what took so long for rock legends to perform here in the first place. The complied set list of their classic songs matching with a crowd who loved every second of it made for an amazing show. And plus the mouth with the tongue shaped stage is always a great addition.
4. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (2009)
Being told to “Step back from the guacamole dip and to put the chicken fingers down” is the perfect introduction for this rock legend. It also becomes an awe inspiring sight to realize the true magnitude of his influential work; managing any person in the crowd to know the words to his songs.
3. Prince & Florida A&M University Marching Band (2007)
From guitar solos left and right, to seeing the crowd going wild makes you personally feel like you were there. Officially dictating as to what a performer needs to measure up to for the Super Bowl was one of the best things Prince has ever done. And the rendition of Proud Mary with the marching band playing in the background is always a blessing to the ears.
2. Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child (2013)
She quite literally caused a blackout. She shut down the Super Bowl. Aside from giving the public one of the best reunions, Destiny’s Child, she managed to create the essence of what it means to be a successful black woman. And Single Ladies with Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams was a banger.
1. Madonna, LMFAO, Cirque du Soleil, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., Cee Lo Green, & Andy Lewis (2012)
A truly iconic performance. From M.I.A. flicking off the camera, to late claim it has “special meaning”, to the opening sequence of Madonna being carried on a chariot to the tune of Vogue. Even though she is a middle aged woman attempting to do high kicks and somewhat complicated choreography, she managed to put on one hell of a show. And ending the night with a chorus and Cee Lo Green singing backup, lights illuminate to spread the message: world peace.
Will Coldplay defeat Madonna's number one spot? After their performance with Beyoncé, we will really know.
