Super Bowl: The most talked about half-time shows ever

The American NFL Super Bowl may be the biggest sporting event in The States, but it's the half-time pop concert that is often most talked about.

While we are now used to huge stars and spectacular shows, it wasn't always like that.

Originally, it was just a performer singing the national anthem and local marching bands entertaining the crowd for the 30 minutes between halves.

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That all changed after the NFL approached Michael Jackson to create a half-time show.

This year, hip-hop superstars Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre will perform.

But what are the most memorable Superbowl shows?

Michael Jackson – 1993

Not only did Michael Jackson create the Super Bowl half-time spectacular as we now know it today, it was also the first time a half-time performance had more viewers than the game itself!

Michael knew how to create a talked-about show.

From appearing in a flash from below a screen, to on top of it and then on centre stage with fireworks, he certainly got the crowds excited.

His set included Billie Jean, Black or White, We Are The World and Heal The World and, of course, there were all the signature dance moves, backing dancers and a children's choir.

Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake – 2004

With her "wardrobe malfunction", it's hard to remember there were other performers besides Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake at the 2004 Super Bowl.

Jessica Simpson, Kid Rock, Nelly, and P. Diddy all took to the stage on the day, but Justin's surprise appearance to perform his new hit Rock Your Body brought the biggest controversy.

Janet stayed on stage to perform with him and when he sang the last line of his single, "I’m gonna have you naked by the end of this song," Janet's costume ripped, exposing her right breast.

Although she was wearing a nipple cover, she copped a huge amount of flak over the incident.

The singer had to issue a formal apology and her career suffered as a consequence.

Prince – 2007

It rarely rains during the Super Bowl, but in 2007, there was torrential rain in Miami where the Super Bowl was held that year.

But Prince - or the artist formally known as - was not going to let it deprive the fans.

He stunned the crowds with his high-octane performance in the deluge.

Of course, when he launched into his hit Purple Rain at the end of his set, it seemed the rain was by special order to add to the spectacular.

"Turning the bad weather into a dramatic advantage, it was almost like a special effect," Alan Light, author of Prince biography Let's Go Crazy, said in an interview.

It certainly made for a memorable show.

Madonna – 2012

Along with MJ and Prince, Madonna is known for putting on a huge show and she didn't disappoint!

She entered the grounds dressed as an ancient goddess carried by minions, performing Vogue and Music before being joined on stage by LMFAO, Nicki Minaj and CeeLo Green.

CeeLo and Madge singing Madonna's classic Like A Prayer, while being floated above a choir, was a fabulous finale.

Beyoncé – 2013

Beyoncé is always highly watchable with her addictive dance moves and powerful female persona.

She stunned fans with an amazing Super Bowl performance of hits such as Crazy In Love and Baby Boy, but fans really went wild when her Destiny's Child bandmates joined her.

Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams appeared on stage with a flash of fireworks to the strains of Bootalicious, before the reformed girl band burst out their hit Independent Women.

They finished with Beyoncé's hit Single Ladies, complete with all the iconic moves!

Bey Bey finished her set with Halo in a simple but powerful show.

Super Bowl LVI, Monday 14th February at 9.30pm Channel 7, 7Plus, and ESPN

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