This Is Why People Get So Excited About The Halftime Super Bowl Performance...

As Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers prepare to take to the stage at this year's Super Bowl, we take a look back at some of the most memorable - both intentionally and not so intentionally - halftime performances ever...

1. Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake - 2004 

The controversy that surrounded Janet's nipple-slip added a whole new dimension to the term 'wardrobe malfunction'. It was a pretty great performance from Ms Jackson and Mr JT, but all anyone remembers is the last few seconds. And the fact that CBS was nearly fined over half a million dollars for indecency, of course...

2. Prince - 2007

Prince courted some controversy just three years after 'nipplegate', thanks to the way he held his giant, phallic-shaped guitar, but his electric performance of Purple Rain completely captivated the stadium. 

3. Madonna - 2012

Madonna struck a pose on a golden throne with her own army of gladiators while belting out Vogue before being joined on stage by Nicki Minaj, LMFAO, Cee Lo Green and M.I.A. (who flipped her middle finger at the camera for some added drama). Madge may have slipped around a bit in her high-heeled boots, but she ended on a high note with an epic performance of Like A Prayer. 

4. Diana Ross - 1996

We all knew that Ms Ross was the ultimate diva, but no one expected her incredible exit - on an actual helicopter - at the end of this performance. Too extravagant for words...

5. Aerosmith, NSync, Britney, Mary J Blige and Nelly - 2001

This was one heck of a random combination of artists but it sure did work, and the crowd went crazy for the Walk This Way finale. 

6. Beyoncé - 2013

Just wow. As if Ms Knowles needs any further introduction. Let's face it, every single one of her performances is a showstopper.