BY JASON CROSS - FAN FUEL BLOGGER
While there are those of us who are eager to watch Super bowl XLVI this Sunday to see a form of brute force chess that will decide the league champion, there will also be viewers tuning in that care nothing about the strategic game of football.
These viewers will be undoubtedly amped about the "spectacular" halftime show this season that was promised to spectators by Madonna. With the halftime show taking center stage for many, here is a look at the highs and lows of Super Bowl halftime shows.
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CONTROVERSIAL HIGH: Janet Jackson
Of course, no list would be complete without mention of the late Michael Jackson's kid sister and the infamous 2004 "wardrobe malfunction." The MTV sponsored halftime show that featured P.Diddy, Nelly, Kid Rock, and Justin Timberlake seemed to be the one lasting impression left in the minds of all that watched Super Bowl XXXVIII.
HIGH: Super Bowl XXV
Now by today's standards, a halftime show filled with children and boy bands may seem to lack character; but with Mickey Mouse, Daffy Duck, Chip and Dale, and Goofy leading the way, the 25th anniversary of the Super Bowl did a great job in bringing out the kid in all of us. Highlighted by a harmonious version of "It's a small world" performed by then hit boy band New Kids on the Block, this Walt Disney sponsored Super Bowl proved to be a significantly less provocative predecessor to the Janet wardrobe malfunction.
It also gave viewers of the infamous "wide right game" something to talk about other than kicking blunders.
LOW: Super Bowl XL and XLIV
In addition to being boring uncompetitive football matches, these two Super Bowls 40 had something else in common. The halftime shows were terrible. Granted, the NFL was still suffering fall back from Janet Jackson, but one thing that classic halftime shows had was variety. Changing sets and changing genres was standard. Whether country, rock, hip-hop, or pop there was always something for the fan; this stopped in the post-wardrobe malfunction era and viewers were forced to observe one monotonous sound for the entire break.
Of course, the collective sigh of relief when it was all over must have been edited out.
Last year's halftime show with the Black Eyed Peas, Usher, former lead guitarist Slash of Guns and Roses featured a great change in scenery for both the eyes and ears. It also provided a fantastic mental detour from the close six point victory that was Super Bowl XLV.
Hopefully viewers will be treated to a feast of the same nature this Sunday.
Related read:
More Football: Our favourite Super Bowl commercials
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