After 24 regular season NFL games, two teams are left to play for the Lombardi Trophy and the right to be touted as "the best in the league". Meanwhile, advertising agencies work through the year to create ads that become famous in their own right.

111 million people watched the 2011 Super Bowl (the highest-rated game in history) on television, so the halftime show has to live up to the hype. Here's Sears Imported Autos's guide to 5 of the most memorable performances with some of the music industry's most renowned stars.

1.  In 1993, the NFL decided to upgrade the image of the halftime show, and upgrade they did with their choice of Michael Jackson. As the then-undisputed King of Pop, the choice proved a resounding success. The "gloved one's" performance drew more viewers than the game. Even the crowd was part of the show when they used cards to form hands during Jackson's performance of "Heal the World". From that moment forward, the halftime show would never be the same.

2.  Another of "the best" came in 2002, when U2 offered a memorable tribute to the victims of 9/11. A 200-foot screen scrolled victim's names against the backdrop of "Where the Streets Have No Name." It was a very moving experience from obviously genuine performers.

3.  In 2004, Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" once again had the Jackson family name on every lip in America. The very energetic show with Justin Timberlake ended up costing CBS a $550,000 fine, although this was later appealed. If Janet wanted to get out of her brother's shadow, she certainly accomplished it in under one second.

4.  Prince’s performance in 2007 came after a touchdown had been scored in the first 15 seconds. If ever a performer understood spectacle, it's Prince. The show was high-energy, to say the least, with the help of a marching band to perform "Proud Mary." After a switch of guitar for "Purple Rain" (in the rain), a large yellow cloth gave us a silhouette that stirred more controversy.

5.  Those memorable performances made lasting impressions on the NFL, but in 2012 Madonna promised to behave. She committed to presenting "the greatest show on earth, during the greatest show on earth." Like Michael's show, more people tuned into the halftime show than the game. Madonna understands spectacle, too, and definitely delivered.