As the Super Bowl rolls around every year, a wave of excitement washes over the country, whether it’s for buffalo wings, Facebook drama between fans, or the actual game. However, before Super Bowl XLVII arrives, take a trip down memory lane as we countdown the five best half time performances.

5. Madonna (2012)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmqiP3OXC74&feature=player_embedded

I don’t think I have ever been more confused, yet intrigued in a half time show. Madonna entered the stage like she was in an “Indiana Jones” movie. She somehow ended up in what looked like a circus with LMFAO, only to join Nicki Minaj’s squad of cheerleaders while she wore a robe with Cee Lo by her side and a choir singing behind her. However, nothing less was expected of Madonna and I guess the whole point of the half time show is to keep the crowd entertained.

4. Michael Jackson (1993)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAEUjiWQ7HM&feature=player_embedded

The King of Pop returned at this halftime show, causing the crowd to spiral into a frenzy as Michael Jackson sprung out of the ground and stood completely still for a minute and a half until a song played. Jackson performed a clever medley consisting of “Jam,” “Billie Jean,” “Black or White,” featuring his wicked dance moves. The performance concluded with an array of blow-up balloons and a smoke-filled stage. It may not have been too out of the ordinary for Michael Jackson, but anything normal to Michael translates to spectacular for the rest of the world.

3. Bruce Springsteen (2009)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hah53AF-uQU

When Bruce told you to step back from the guacamole dip and put the chicken fingers down, you stepped back from the guacamole dip and put the chicken fingers down. Besides singing and dancing like it is still the 1980s, Bruce has always known how to get a crowd involved in a show. Jersey’s finest sure showed personal flavor as he filled the stadium with euphoric energy.

2. U2 (2002)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og0V1UtjPt4&feature=player_embedded

As a tribute to the 9/11 attack only five short months before, U2 performed on a heart-shaped stage with a scrolling backdrop featuring all the names of the victims. Throughout the entire show, there was a tangible feeling of pride in the as U2 performed “Beautiful Day” and “Where the Streets Have No Name.” Towards the end of the performance, patriotism overflowed the stadium as Bono revealed the inside of his jacket, showing the stars and stripes in its lining.

1. Aerosmith, N’SYNC, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly (2001)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzHb6Z4w1ic&feature=player_embedded

This halftime show was the definition of the famous cliché, “opposites attract,” but somehow the performance was pleasing for everyone. The show started off with N’YSNC and Aerosmith trading back and forth between their most popular hits, “Bye, Bye, Bye” and “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing.” However, just when the crowd thought it was going to be over, pop star sensations Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly jumped in, causing an overflow of screams and cheers as they finished off with a remix of “Walk This Way,” making the half time show one that everyone will always remember.