Super Bowl 2012: Best Halftime Performances of All Time

Madonna will take the stage at halftime of this year's Super Bowl. She'll attempt to live up to all the previous performances, which ranged from memorable to controversial. Although things haven't been the same since the Janet Jackson incident of 2004, it's still one of Super Sunday's biggest highlights.

Here are the three best halftime performances of all time.

1993: Michael Jackson

Jackson really changed the game as far as halftime shows were concerned. Instead of being an afterthought in the middle of the year's biggest game, it became an event all by itself thanks to Jackson's wide-ranging appeal.

He performed four songs, including "Heal The World," and set the bar high for future acts. It wasn't just about the music either, it's the complete package that made MJ's halftime show the first one to leave a lasting impact.

The Super Bowl could really use another epic performance like Jackson's to revitalize the halftime show after a couple down years, but there might not be anybody who can match it.

2002: U2

Time played a key role in U2's show being one of the most memorable ever. Only a handful of months removed from the 9/11 attack on New York, the band took to the stage in tribute to all of those who lost their lives on that tragic day.

There was still a sense of unity throughout the country at that time as everybody banded together to show their patriotism and U2 helped reinforce that feeling. Bono was at his vintage best throughout the three-song show.

Hopefully there isn't another halftime display like it ever again because of the surrounding circumstances, but there's no denying how awesome Bono and crew were.

2006: Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones are the only group since the Jackson debacle to put on a truly great show. A massive stage showcasing the group's logo added to the atmosphere, and they rocked out like only the Stones could.

They were able to prove that's it's still possible to put on a great show without having to go over the top to make it happen. The audience just wants to be entertained, plain and simple. The Stones made sure everybody walked away with a smile on their face.

Hopefully the coming years will produce more terrific acts that will be talked about for decades—that's what the show is meant to do, after all.