Last night NBC announced this year's Super Bowl XLIII halftime performer: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. Sportscaster old fogies Bob Costas and Chris Collinsworth were in a lather just thinking about it. It should be entertaining.

In the spirit of this announcement I'd like to throw my opinion into the ring regarding the all-time best halftime performance: Prince in 2007.

The Purple One's Super Bowl XLI performance was phenomenal. Running through a medley of his greatest hits as well covering other performers' classics and contemporary hits, Prince proved without a doubt that he is one of the most entertaining and talented musicians ever.

Not only was he flawless and innovative in transforming his own songs into electrifying live ditties, he was also able to tranform The Foo Fighter's "The Best" into an astounding bolt of musical lightning. Closing out his breathtaking performance was an emotionally beautiful rendition of "Purple Rain," my all-time favorite Prince song and the perfect ending to a perfect performance.

The song selection, the visuals, start to finish, top to bottom, Prince's 13 minute show was one of the greatest musical performances I have ever witnessed.

The My second favorite Super Bowl halftime show was performed by U2 in 2002.

Coming off the horrific events of September 11, 2001, U2's performance hit all the right notes in emotional simplicity. With a screen behind them scrolling the names of the September 11th victims, U2 performed their long-forgotten yet perfectly appropriate 1984 track, "MLK" followed by "Where the Streets Have No Name." It was a stunning performance that still brings tears to my eyes every time I see it.