Usher saves half-time performance

    The Black Eyed Peas joined the long list of half time entertainers that includes iconic pop legend Michael Jackson (1993), Paul McCartney (2005), the Rolling Stones (2006), and the Who (2010), after performing at this year’s Super bowl XIV. The group of four descended from cables, and began the show with the hit ‘I Gotta Feeling’ from its latest album the E.N.D (Energy Never Dies).
     It was evident from the beginning of the show that it was going to be one to please the eyes, and it proved to be just that. A large group of dancers surrounded the stage and impressed the nation with synchronized dancing. The white suits that they wore had lights on them that flashed in harmony with the light show in the background.
     While the performance was visually appealing, the vocals didn’t live up to the hopes that I had for the group. Listening to the performance was like waiting for a class to end. It slowly ticked by, minute by minute, as the audience anxiously awaited the moment when it would be over. Although the vocals were the groups’ downfall, it went on to prove how drastically altered singers’ voices are in studio.
     In the middle of the performance, the Peas were joined by old time rocker Slash. Watching Fergie dance on Slash was the equivalence of a train wreck: disturbing, hard to watch, and impossible to look away. When Fergie sang ‘Sweet Child of Mine’, it was awkward and sounded forced.
     Along with the dancing and visual effects, Usher added to the positives of the show. The unexpected guest sang his hit single ‘O.M.G’ with Black Eyed Peas member Will. I. Am, and in essence, pushed the performance up from an average B- to B.