Commercials and popular bands have become the face of the Super Bowl, not football.

The Super Bowl is watched by millions of people all over the country every year. Not even just football fans, some viewers just tune in to see the commercials and halftime performance. Halftime performances usually consist of popular, modern artists or bands that have the interest of the general public.  For example, Christina Aguilera, Phil Collins and Enrique Iglesias performed at the Super Bowl XXXIII. The next year, the Super Bowl featured N’ Sync, Britney Spears and Nelly.

After the racy performance of Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson in 2004, things changed.

There was a debate if Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction was an accident or a public stint for attention. That halftime show was produced by MTV.  After that day, the NFL announced that MTV would not be producing the show again.

The past few years have been full of washed out, old bands that our parents listened to. For example, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen. Not that they aren’t talented and considered great artists, but viewers are looking for something different.

Last year’s performance by The Who left many viewers asking, “Who are The Who?”  The NFL finally caught on. When the Black Eyed Peas were announced for the 2011 halftime show, many people were relieved and excited.

For some people, the Black Eyed Peas did not live up to their expectations. Regular fans of the band may have thought differently. The crew took the stage in unique outfits. Fergie came out in rhinestone studded football pads and boots along with bandmate, Taboo in a light up suit.

They played all of their most popular songs over the last decade including “Where is the Love,” “Boom Boom Pow,” “The Time (Dirty Bit),” and “Pump It.” The vocals weren’t as impressive as they could have been. Fergie suffered from some pitch problems and the music isn’t all that exciting without the synthesizing that their voices usually undergo.

Usher made an appearance to perform his hit song “OMG,” featuring Will-I-Am. Accompanying his performance were amazing dancers just like himself, similar to how his concerts are.

As for the overall show, it was all that was expected plus more. The lights were absolutely amazing. There were hundreds of dancers outfitted in light-up suits that changed to go along with each song.

Also with each song they had a new formation to move into. There were dancers on stage and on the field that looked like they had been practicing for months.

Although the vocals may not have been up to par, The Black Eyed Peas delivered an entertaining performance. The popular songs, incredible lights and dancers were enough to entertain the audience. This was definitely a step up from last year’s dull performance from The Who.