Some consider the Super Bowl halftime show one of the world’s biggest stages for popular acts. We’re taking a look back at some of the most memorable performances.

Before it became the pop culture behemoth we know and love, the Super Bowl halftime show was really just a showcase for marching bands, local performers and cover groups. Indeed, it wasn't until 1993, when Michael Jackson was asked to show up and show out, that the gig earned the cache it still carries today.

As it turns out, artists do not get paid for the Super Bowl Halftime Show—at least not by the NFL. The NFL does, however, cover all the production costs of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, so artists won't be in the red if they perform.