10 Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows

Another Super Bowl is upon us, and that means another star-studded halftime show. For this Sunday (February 3) at Super Bowl XLVII, Beyoncé is prepping an epic set that is rumored to include a Destiny's Child reunion and new material of her own, but what about the past? Break out the beer and wings, and watch as we countdown the ten most spectacular Super Bowl halftime performances ever.

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10. Paul McCartney, 2005

A purported "safe choice" by the NFL following the previous year's "Nipplegate," McCartney signaled the transition from contemporary pop acts to older rock gods performing at halftime. Atop an X-shaped stage made of video projectors, the Beatle first warmed up with "Drive My Car." He then followed up with "Get Back," before trading his guitar for a piano during a fireworks-laden rendition of the Wings' Bond theme, "Live and Let Die." Saving his best for last, McCartney signed off with "Hey Jude," during which the 84,000 in attendance at Jacksonville's Alltel Stadium all joined in for the iconic coda.

9. Diana Ross, 1996

Diana Ross may be one of popular music's original divas, but the Supreme singer capped off her Halftime duties in Tempe, Arizona with a gesture so grand, it was practically absurd. Ross ended her Motown-hit-studded performance, which included "Baby Love" and "You Keep Me Hangin' On," by exclaiming, "Oooh, here comes my ride!" She then flew off in a helicopter with her arms wide open, kicking up her heels ecstatically during the very appropriate finale, "Take Me Higher."

8. Madonna, 2012

Riding a huge buzz for her then-forthcoming album "MDNA," Madonna charged into her Super Bowl XLVI halftime performance as the quasi-gladiatorial captain of a cheerleading squad that included LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., and Cee Lo Green. Amid Roman soldiers, Madge entered the field on a golden throne to belt out longtime favorite "Vogue" before being joined by LMFAO for a "Party Rock Anthem"/"Sexy And I Know It" infused take on her 2000 hit "Music." Sure, the Material Girl slipped a bit while dancing in those thigh-high heeled boots, but her Super Bowl gig's most talked about moment when M.I.A. and Minaj joined her for new single “Gimme Your Luvin’.” It happened fast, but everyone watching at home certainly saw M.I.A.'s mischievous middle finger. However, Madge's epic "Like A Prayer" finale, aided by Cee Lo and large robed choir, ensured that the 12-minute spectacle ended with the focus right back on the music.

NEXT: The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith/Britney Spears, Bruce Springsteen