When the Black Eyed Peas were selected to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show, it meant a return to normalcy. Seven years have passed since the infamous "Wardrobe Malfunction", and during that time we had to endure several sub-par performances from artists far too old and respectable to pull a stunt like that. The networks went with artists so old (Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, The Who) that fans had already forgotten all of the drug use and debauchery they were known for. Janet was never linked to anything like that. But it finally looked like the networks were ready to get back to young, hip music by relevant artists. It also appeared as if they were going to give Black music another chance. (Prince didn't count, White people had already stole him) Unfortunately, The Peas turned out a halftime show as lame as anything seen in recent years.
The Black Eyed Peas were supposed to bring back the energy. No other current group has as many party anthems and dance floor hits while remaining extremely accessible; this seemed like a perfect fit. Unfortunately, the group never got going. After sliding down from the roof, The Peas got into position, a nice wide stance to provide optimal stability. From that pose, they preceded to go through their impressive catalog of hits, all the while remaining extremely stiff. They were lacking the exciting dance moves that were part of the groups repertoire. Wait. What am I thinking? Robots don't dance. There is no need for dance in the future. They looked stinted and lame.
The set design didn't help matters either. Where were the flocks of "fans" crowding the stage? Instead, the Peas used a bunch of Tron extras to fill up the extra space. They looked lonely on that stage, separated from any reaction and reciprocation they are used to from their fans. It would have been to much work to get a cameraman near the set, to get a dramatic worm's-eye view of the performance, so most shots were from the roof. The whole production looked like a child's rendition of a Peas show using action figures and a Flip cam.
The Peas had a couple of surprises, in the form of odd cameos. FOX and the NFL were not about to leave their core demographic unsatisfied, and managed to stick Slash in, you know, so people can see guitars. Slash is still pretty awesome, but his prowess was overshadowed by a painfully silly Axel Rose impression by Fergie. That was a rendition of 'Sweet Child O' Mine' only ever seen in the finest of karaoke bars. Unnecessary. Later, the Peas were joined on stage by Usher, who injected a much needed shot of excitement into the floundering show. Now, I'm certain he didn't sing more than five words, but that dude can dance, kinda like the way the Peas used to. Usher's hop over Will.I.Am to split proved to be the highlight of the performance.
The whole thing lacked the energy and excitement fans were hoping for. A big disappointment. This is where NBC can capitalize. It is clear who they should select for next year's halftime show:
Jay-Z
Give the people what they want. He is the only rapper who can properly rock a stadium and he appreciates the moment and can deliver a suitable performance. I mean, the dude has already performed for the President. NBC already has a house band on call (The Roots) and can even let Jimmy Fallon introduce him (huge synergy, cross-marketing opportunity). I'm sure they would be fine with the injection of a white guy on guitar, too; I'm thinking Linkin Park or AC/DC. This scenario makes so much sense that the networks probably won't go with it, and will just pick Sting.
P.S.
Come on, Will, let the other guys sing a little; they may never go to a Super Bowl again.
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