The Super Bowl has contributed its fair share of defining moments to football history, but it also lends itself to some pretty epic failures. Here are some memorable examples from recent years.
1. Janet Jackson’s Wardrobe Malfunction
Carolina Panthers vs. New England Patriots
Ten years ago an estimated 140 million people watched as Justin Timberlake ripped off part of Jackson’s corset, exposing her breast and creating the “nipple-gate” controversy of Super Bowl XXXVIII. In case you forgot:
2. Keyshia Cole’s Tweet Read ’Round the World
Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers
Singer Cole took to Twitter to voice her displeasure about Michelle Williams’ singing abilities during the Destiny’s Child performance at XLVII Super Bowl, creating quite the stir. The tweet:
3. The Biggest All-Time Blowout Game
San Francisco 49ers vs. Denver Broncos
The 49ers’ offense trampled Denver defense during Super Bowl XXIV, scoring two touchdowns every quarter. Fans began feeling sorry for Broncos quarterback John Elway … and grew bored with the game. The 49ers won 55-10.
4. The Great Stadium Blackout of 2013
Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers
Fans and players experienced a 34-minute delay when the electricity went out in the New Orleans Superdome during Super Bowl XLVII. The power outage on the full screen:
5. The Black Eyed Peas Halftime Show—All of It
Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Poorly executed choreography, off-key singing and a painful rendition of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” made the show hard for Super Bowl XLV viewers to get through. Watch if you can:
6. M.I.A. Flips the Bird
New York Giants vs. New England Patriots
The gesture, along with a barely disguised expletive, came during Madonna’s performance of “Give Me All Your Luvin” during the Super Bowl XLVI halftime show. Relive the moment:
7. The Displaced Ticket Holders
Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Just hours before the start of Super Bowl XLV, 1,250 temporary seats were declared unsafe at Cowboy Stadium, causing 475 ticket holders to watch from standing-room-only locations while others were relocated.
8. Thurman Thomas and the Case of the Disappearing Helmet
Buffalo Bills vs. Washington Redskins
Thomas had a ritual of placing his helmet in a certain spot before each game. Just before the start of Super Bowl XXVI, his helmet was moved, creating a search frenzy and causing him to miss Buffalo’s first possession.
9. Christina Aguilera’s Bungled “Star-Spangled Banner”
Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Fans of Super Bowl XLV listened as the pop star messed up the lyrics of the national anthem. Try not to cringe:
10. Leon Lett’s Premature Celebration
Dallas Cowboys vs. Buffalo Bills
With Dallas dominating the Bills during Super Bowl XXVII, Lett grabbed a fourth-quarter fumble and headed toward a touchdown. Slowing down to celebrate (or gloat?) at the 5-yard line, Bills wide receiver Don Beebe batted for the ball, turning a touchdown into a touchback. For your viewing pleasure:
Nicole L. Cvetnic is The Root’s multimedia editor and producer.