Top of the Pops: Counting Down the Top 10 Super Bowl Halftime Shows

In case this is your first Super Bowl, we NFL fans have a little tradition that we like to stick by...

It's called the Half Time Show.

Sometimes it's rocking, sometimes it's not. But overall, it promises entertainment.

Bands have tried, solo artists have tried, some have succeeded and some have failed. The crowd isn't always easy to please, but many artists have delivered in big ways over the years.

Here's a look at some of the most memorable, and let's just say forgettable performances of past decades.

10. Diana Ross

Super Bowl XXX: Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Song List: “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” “Baby Love,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand,” “Ain’t no Mountain High Enough,” “I Will Survive,” “Take Me Higher.”

She was the hit of the time, the girl that could belt out a tune and deliver a message of hope to women worldwide. Her Super Bowl performance was amazing, and it managed to keep the majority of the audience captivated.

For the younger generations out there that aren't aware, Diana set the stage for the stars you admire today.

Many people call her a diva, and she defined that word during Super Bowl XXX.

9. Paul McCartney

Super Bowl XXXIX: New England Patriots vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Song List: “Drive My Car,” “Get Back,” “Live and Let Die,” “Hey Jude.”

"Baby you can drive my car!" filled the air, and the Eagle and Patriot faithfuls were reminded of the olden days of long hair and more importantly, The Beatles.

Paul had the overwhelming task of bringing the Super Bowl back to a PG-13 level after Janet Jackson's inconsiderate behavior the year before.

Paul lived up to the task, playing the songs that we all loved to sing along to.

8. The Rolling Stones

Super Bowl XL: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Seattle Seahawks

Song List: “Start Me Up,” “Rough Justice,” “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.”

If you ask me, this was one of the greatest stages ever built. The tongue looked awesome in the pitch black of night, and the mosh pit was raging to the sounds of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

Personally, I would have loved to have ranked the Stone higher, but their performance can't topple some of the upcoming selections.

Nonetheless, the Stones showed everybody that they still have the charm, wit, and charisma they had 40 years ago. And for the oldies, "Start Me Up" was more of a tribute than just entertainment.

7. Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band

Super Bowl XLII: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals

Song List: "Tenth Avenue Freeze Out", "Born To Run", "Working on a Dream", "Glory Days".

I must say, there wasn't much talk about Bruce heading into Super Bowl XLII. Maybe it was because the Arizona Cardinals finally made it to the Super Bowl, or maybe it was because people simply didn't care.

Either way, Bruce performed the classic hits that made him famous. The loud drumming, awesome guitar riffs, and crowd pumping lyrics were enough to give Bruce and the E Street Band a well deserving No. 7 spot on this list.

Keep up the good work Bruce, we love your music!

6. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Super Bowl XLII: New York Giants vs. New England Patriots

Song List: "American Girl", "I Won't Back Down", "Free Fallin", "Runnin' Down a Dream".

No, that isn't Peter off of Everybody Loves Raymond, it's Tom Petty. And boy did he put on a show.

He didn't have the most exciting stage and he didn't have the most pumped up crowd, but Petty delivered a performance that we hadn't seen from him in a while.

Like other stars, he played his classic hits and played them well. The crowd could feel how honored he was to be up on stage through his performance.

5. Aerosmith, Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, 'N Sync, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, Nelly

Super Bowl XXXV: Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Giants

Song List: “Bye Bye Bye,” “I Don't Want to Miss a Thing,” “It's Gonna Be Me,” “Jaded,” “Walk This Way.”

It's rare to see such a star studded line up, but the stage was packed full of talent. The younger audience finally got to see some stars they could relate to and enjoy.

Aerosmith delivered with their usual styling's, and having Ben Stiller and Adam Sandler on stage added a whole lot of humor to the situation. It's a shame that the NFL doesn't throw in more guests like this, but this Super Bowl was definitely a memorable one.

4. Michael Jackson

Super Bowl XXVII: Dallas Cowboys vs. Buffalo Bills

Song List: “Jam,” Billie Jean,” Black or White,” “Heal The World.”

Before I even begin, when did Michael ever put on a bad show?

That's right, never.

Super Bowl XXVII was no exception, and Michael delivered with his big hits. The game was a blowout, so the halftime show threw in some much needed excitement.

The Super Bowl may not have been Michael's most memorable performance, but it is up there.

3. Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Simpson, Nelly, P. Diddy, Kid Rock

Super Bowl XXXVIII: New England Patriots vs. Carolina Panthers

Song List: “All for You,” “Rhythm Nation,” Rock Your Body.”

Yeah you knew it was coming, and personally I find this performance overrated and boring to mention. Not only was it a disgrace to the music industry, but it was a disgrace to the NFL.

The songs were decent, but no one could really get over what they saw, giving Janet and Justin the No. 3 spot.

2. Prince

Super Bowl XLI: Indianapolis Colts vs. Chicago Bears

Song List: “We Will Rock You,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” “1999,” "Baby I’m a Star," "Proud Mary," "All Along the Watchtower," "Best of You," "Purple Rain.”

Prince, you either love him or hate him.

Personally, I could care less, but his songs were great. The purple guitar was one of a kind, and the fans seemed to take to the icon. "All Along the Watchtower" and "Purple Rain" were classics in the day, and they still were during Super Bowl XLI.

Prince delivered big time.

1. U2

Super Bowl XXXVI: New England Patriots vs. St. Louis Rams

Song List: “Beautiful Day,” "MLK,” “Where the Streets Have No Name.”

This Super Bowl was exciting, but a tribute to the 9/11 attacks that occurred five months prior was breathtaking. Bono has always been about looking after one another and promoting love, and he did so in his performance.

The backdrop will never be forgotten, as the names of the lost lives were portrayed through an image that will stand out for years to come.

Not playing their usual catchy and loud songs, U2 showed their respects by keeping it short and meaningful.

No. 1 is their worthy spot.