For a while there, the event had become a dizzying parade of often mismatched talents. Before you could start to warm up to one performer, another had virtually ripped the mic from his/her hand and bolted off in a different musical direction.

Since the Jackson/Timberlake debacle, organizers have tended to play it safe, turning to ex-Beatle Paul McCartney to restore a bit of dignity and order the following year. The 2009 headliner — Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band — continued in that vein.

To give you an idea of the evolution of the halftime show, here are the previous 10 acts to appear:

2008: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

2007: Prince

2006: The Rolling Stones

2005: Paul McCartney

2004: Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, P. Diddy, Kid Rock, Nelly

2003: Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting

2002: U2

2001: Aerosmith, N’SYNC, Britney Spears, Nelly, Mary J. Blige

2000: Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton

1999: Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Savion Glover

Source: Rolling Stone

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For the most part, sibling rivalry is about petty (yet somehow enormously important) stuff. When the debate outgrows the household, however, the stakes get higher, the tricks get dirtier, and the ego bruises can hurt a little more.

Blender examined some of the top sibling wars in rock and roll history and came up with a list of 12.

Here goes, in reverse order:

12. Incubus vs. Audiovent

11. Brandy and Ray J

10. Jessica Simpson and Ashlee Simpson-Wentz

9. Benji Madden and Joel Madden

8. Mark Wahlberg and Donnie Wahlberg

7. Chris Robinson and Rich Robinson

6. Britney Spears and Jamie Lynn Spears

5. Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimmie Vaughan

4. Carnie Wilson and Wendy Wilson

3. Nick Carter and Aaron Carter

2. Noel Gallagher and Liam Gallagher

1. Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and the Jacksons

To read about what made these relationships “special,” and to see a slideshow, visit Blender.

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Billboard has been keeping tabs on pop music charts for more than 50 years. Needless to say, the editors have seen ‘em come and seen ‘em go.

A few of those artists, however, have had more staying power than others. As part of its 50th birthday celebration, Billboard compiled a list of performers who have spent more time atop the charts than any others.

Here’s their ranking of those who have enjoyed the most collective weeks at No. 1:

1. Mariah Carey — 79

2. The Beatles — 59

3. Boyz II Men — 50

4. Usher — 43

5. Michael Jackson — 37

6. Elton John — 34

7. Janet Jackson — 33

T8. Beyonce — 32

T8. Madonna — 32

10. Whitney Houston — 31

To see more, and to find out which hits fueled these long runs at the top, visit Billboard.