The Super Bowl half time show is without a doubt one of the biggest modern American pastimes when it comes to music. Since
the first game in 1967, a musical performance in between halves has been a tradition, starting with college marching bands and evolving into spectacle performances by both current and legendary pop and rock stars. These short, but impactful mini-shows have been known to feature classic duets, amazing visuals (usually fireworks), and an energy that can only be found on Football Sunday. Needless to say, some of the most classic moments in music history have come from the Halftime show (Michael Jackson’s spectacle, U2’s emotional 9/11 tribute, Prince’s show-stopper, and who could forget Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction”).
Since that famous incident, the producers of the show have seemingly cut out anything and everything pop related by brining in Sir Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Prince, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and The Who over the next six years. However, this year it seems like they’re getting back on the horse by bringing in the Black Eyed Peas. Obviously they are relatively low-risk as they are not overtly sexual, and I can’t imagine will.i.am ripping off any of Fergie’s clothing a la JT and JJ. However, the choice as B.E.P. as performers is somewhat of a head-scratcher. The last pop act to have their own headlining slot at Half Time was Diana Ross in 1996, and since then, every other show has been a collection of artists or a singular rock act. Do the Peas really deserve their own coveted show?
Sure they are (well, were) massive. In 2009 and 2010, it was pretty impossible to escape them with massive hits such as “Boom Boom Pow,” “I Gotta Feeling,” and “Imma Be,” but their latest single “The Time (Dirty Bit)” (although still a hit) has failed to live up to its predecessors. In addition, its parent album, The Beginning (the not-so-cleverly titled follow up to The E.N.D.) has completely underperformed, not even cracking the top-5 in the US. Sure, they were booked well before their current project didn’t take off like expected, but that’s the nature of the pop world.
Regardless, the Black Eyed Peas are still very much a huge name and their performance could easily get The Beginning back on track. Not to mention, the Peas are extremely talented for what they do and will no doubt put on an epic show. Also, it’s great that they’re giving the whole classic-rock thing a break (with the only exception being Prince, who isn’t really too far off the map,) seeing as a change of pace is probably going to be very welcomed. I have a feeling that this year’s Super Bowl will not only be a great match up, but a great Half Time show as well.
