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The Black Eyed Peas Have The Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows In History To Live Up To

Posted 2/4/11 12:00 pm EST by in Music


This weekend is going to be a massive one for the worlds of music, television and sports. The Super Bowl is finally here, and the fact that the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers will be squaring off against one another to determine who is this year's NFL champion is only about the fifth-most important thing happening over the next few days. In addition to the game, there will be the headline-grabbing advertisements (including a number of movie trailer premieres and appearances by both Justin Bieber and Eminem), the new episode of "Glee" that will follow the big game (which features the much-talked-about "Thriller" sequence), the national anthem care of Christina Aguilera (which bodes well for the Steelers) and the fact that this could be the most-watched American television broadcast in history (besting last year's Super Bowl, which drew 106.5 million viewers).

There's also the halftime show, which is always one of the biggest spectacles in music in any given year. This time around, the Black Eyed Peas will take the stage at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which guarantees that the show should be rousing, loud and full of hits. The Peas represent a departure from the recent logic in booking Super Bowl halftime shows, which have skewed more toward classic rock acts in the past few years.

But what do the Peas have to live up to? For the Super Bowl's first 25 years or so, the halftime show was made up mostly of marching bands and wasn't considered to be that big of a deal. But in 1991, the NFL came up with the great idea to have a giant pop or rock act take over the show (which makes the performer that year — which happened to be New Kids on the Block — the Nirvana of the Super Bowl). Who has been the best? Here is the list of the greatest Super Bowl halftime shows of the modern era (1991 to 2010) in descending order (with a few thoughts on the top six).

U2 (Super Bowl XXXVI, 2002)
Though the theme was beyond somber (the show operated as a tribute to the people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001), U2 proved why they were the biggest band on the planet. In a moving performance, the band blew through hits new and old ("Beautiful Day," "Where the Streets Have No Name") and projected the name of the dead behind them.

Michael Jackson (Super Bowl XXVII, 1993)
For anybody watching in 1993, Jackson's performance of "Heal the World" became instantly iconic and set the bombast bar extremely high for future halftime shows.

Prince (Super Bowl XLI, 2007)
Prince did it with huge hits ("Purple Rain"), a surprise cover (Foo Fighters' "Best of You") and scorching musicianship (probably the best guitar solo in Super Bowl halftime history). Also, he did it in the pouring rain, which made it even more majestic.

Bruce Springsteen (Super Bowl XLIII, 2009)
Basically did everything Prince did, except didn't have to fight the weather. Springsteen's performance is also notable because the frontman did his signature knee slide across the stage and collided with a camera, a surreal sight (especially in HD).

New Kids on the Block (Super Bowl XXV, 1991)
It was big, it was fun, it was bombastic, it was for a good cause (it was in honor of the children of armed forces members serving in Operation Desert Storm) and it featured an appearance by Mickey Mouse. What more could you want?

Paul McCartney (Super Bowl XXXIX, 2005)
It's pretty easy to have a great show when you've got a bunch of Beatles songs at your disposal, and McCartney sure knows how to handle a stadium. This is one of the underrated greats.
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Wiz Khalifa's 'Black And Yellow' Is The Best Pittsburgh Steelers Anthem By Far

Posted 1/24/11 11:30 am EST by in Music


After a weekend of disappointingly dull football, Super Bowl XLV has its match-up. On Sunday, February 6, the Pittsburgh Steelers will meet the Green Bay Packers at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas to decide which team is this year's best NFL team. On Sunday (January 23), the Steelers handily took down the New York Jets to earn the right to represent the AFC and the Packers held off a late surge from the Chicago Bears to win the NFC bid. The Super Bowl promises to be an excellent game, as the Steelers and Packers are evenly-matched squads that rely on excellent quarterback play, hard-nosed defense and a dynamic offensive strategy.

However, the Steelers may have the advantage when it comes to the big game, as they have an anthem in Wiz Khalifa's "Black and Yellow." While the team wasn't involved in the Pittsburgh MC's breakout single (which continues to climb the Billboard Hot 100 and could easily make a move into the top spot over the next two weeks), the rapper's song is one of the many tunes about this year's Steelers squad to pop up and grab some attention.

What sort of competition does it have? It's pretty thin, but here are some of the "highlights."

Roger Wood, "Here We Go (2011 Version)"
This particular Steelers anthem keeps popping up every few years, with slight variations to reflect changes in the roster over time. It's simultaneously grating and catchy, which means you should listen to it at your own risk.

Evolushun, "Steelers Fans"
This is an a cappella parody of the theme song to "Spider-Man" that is interrupted by some sort of PA announcement. It's troublesome.
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AFC Championship Preview: The Jets And Steelers Put It All On The Line

Posted 1/21/11 4:30 pm EST by in Music


This Sunday represents one of the best days in sports all year. The Super Bowl is a big deal, but the game itself is usually a total crapshoot (over the course of 44 games, more than half have been insufferably dull) and is often eclipsed by the commercials, the halftime show and the general spectacle of the whole thing. But this Sunday (January 23) features the two conference championship games, both if which not only carry a lot of history but also promise to be evenly matched affairs.

But who will win? MTV News has figured out the formula for figuring out who we'll be seeing in the Super Bowl. Next up: The AFC Championship, featuring the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

New York Jets
Record: 13-5
Season Arc: Rex Ryan yells really, really loud.
Permanent Place In Pop Culture: Joe Namath and the guarantee.
Famous Fans: Fireman Ed, Adam Sandler, Kevin James, James Gandolfini
Representative Video: The Vandelles' "Roving Rex"

Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: 13-4 Read More...

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NFC Championship Preview: Bears And Packers In A Midwest Tilt

Posted 1/21/11 1:30 pm EST by in Music


This Sunday represents one of the best days in sports all year. The Super Bowl is a big deal, but the game itself is usually a total crapshoot (over the course of 44 games, more than half have been insufferably dull) and is often eclipsed by the commercials, the halftime show and the general spectacle of the whole thing. But this Sunday (January 23) features the two conference championship games, both if which not only carry a lot of history but also promise to be evenly matched affairs.

But who will win? MTV News has figured out the formula for figuring out who we'll be seeing in the Super Bowl. First up: The NFC Championship, featuring the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers.

Green Bay Packers
Record: 12-6
Season Arc: Aaron Rodgers finally comes into his own as a quarterback in the post-Favre era.
Permanent Place In Pop Culture: Fans wear cheese on their heads.
Famous Fans: Lil Wayne, Larry the Cable Guy, James Van Der Beek, Erin Andrews
Representative Video: The Pack's "I'm Shinin'"

Chicago Bears
Record: 12-5 Read More...

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Tiësto: Internationally Renowned DJ, Huge NFL Fan

Posted 10/22/10 3:30 pm EST by in Music


During the past few years, as dance music has made an explosive crossover from the clubs of Ibiza to the worldwide mainstream, perhaps nobody has gained more notoriety than Tiësto. The Dutch spinner and producer has dropped some high-profile jams of his own, is an in-demand remixer and has been heard most recently dropping a handful of bombs on the recently released video game "DJ Hero 2." But while music and dancing do drive Tiësto, there is one inspiration that he has that you might not know about: The National Football League.

In the midst of a conversation about "DJ Hero 2," Tiësto revealed to MTV News' Russ Frushtick that he is a big football fan — so much so that he is taking time off to visit a few of America's finest stadiums. "I'm gonna be doing a little holiday in October, and then I'm going to do my little NFL tour," he said. "I love the NFL and I'm going to travel around the country and see some games."

How does a star from the Netherlands (whose residents are more likely to follow the World Cup style football than its American counterpart) end up such a passionate fan of America's true pastime — and especially a fan of the defending Super Bowl Champions New Orleans Saints? "I went to a game last year for the first time, and was just hooked right away," he explained. "I started following all of the games. I wasn't born in America so I don't have a team, but one of my best friends is a Saints fan, so I became a Saints fan too."

But don't think that he's just that kid you grew up with who loved the Cowboys because they always one the big one. Tiësto is no fair-weather fan. "I like the Seattle Seahawks as well," he admitted.

So look out, football fans, because Tiesto is coming to a stadium near you.

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The Saints Beat The Vikings, Kicking Off Second March Toward Super Bowl

Posted 9/10/10 11:00 am EST by in Music


Well, that was interesting. In an unusual game that seemed to go against the logic of the two teams on paper, the New Orleans Saints beat the Minnesota Vikings by a score of 14-9 on Thursday night (September 9). The normally extra-potent Saints offense was a bit stifled, not necessarily because of the Vikings' dominance on defense (though they were totally acceptable) but because they clearly haven't settled into a rhythm yet.

On the other side of the ball, it could be a frustrating year for Minnesota Vikings fans. Brett Favre looked like a 40-year-old quarterback with a bad ankle (which happens to be exactly what he is), and though running back Adrian Peterson looked relatively solid, he only manage to cobble together 87 yards rushing on the ground (though a lot of that had to do with the fact that Vikings coach Brad Childress only gave him five carries in the second half, an absolutely inexplicable development). The only upside was the performance of Visanthe Shiancoe, who caught a 20-yard touchdown pass at the end of the first half and generally looked like the most dynamic member of the injury-plagued Vikings passing game.

Meanwhile, the Saints looked like the defending Super Bowl champs (which they actually are), scoring early and falling behind a bit before systematically dismantling the Vikings offense and moving steadily toward a workmanlike victory. They won't be able to win every game playing the way they played last night, they proved they can convert when it counts and play from behind if need be. Their theme song for 2010 should really be Down's "On March the Saints," because they'll keep moving steadily forward to another playoff run.

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NFL Preview: The Saints And Vikings Bring Back Pigskin, Hits, Happiness

Posted 9/9/10 2:00 pm EST by in Music


It has been eight long months since the New Orleans Saints won Super Bowl XLIV, which saw them defeat the Indianapolis Colts in one of the most thrilling championships in the game's history. Tonight (September 9), everybody gets to hit the reset button and start on the road to Super Bowl XLV. The season kicks off with the Minnesota Vikings traveling to New Orleans for a rematch of last season's NFC Championship game (which the Saints won 31-28 in overtime following a complete meltdown by the Vikings that saw them commit some costly turnovers, including a late interception that lead to the Saints game-tying score that sent the game into an extra period).

Though he again teased the idea that he would retire, Brett Favre is back again as the quarterback for the Vikings, looking to avenge himself against the team that nearly represented the end of his professional career. The Vikes have essentially the same team as they did last season, which means they will have a potent offense (though they'll deeply miss receiver injured Sidney Rice) and a defense that has a few holes. They should be players in the NFC North, though they will face stiff competition from the Green Bay Packers (a popular Super Bowl pick this year) and the sleeper Detroit Lions, who should surprise a lot of people.

On the other side of the field, the Saints are coming off a Super Bowl victory, so they didn't change much of anything as far as their roster goes. They have one of the most dynamic offenses in the game and a defense that has a way of converting huge plays and scoring defensive touchdowns. Some people are worried about the "Super Bowl hangover" (wherein the team that wins the championship phones it in the following season), but the Saints are still an incredible team.

According to our MTV News experts, the Saints will come out the victors tonight. Their offense is too strong and the defense will be swarming on Favre (and running back Adrian Peterson) early and often. In fact, one could suggest they will be "In Pursuit of Vikings" — just like Amon Amarth.

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Eli Manning's Head Injury: A Tribute

Posted 8/17/10 9:30 am EST by in Music


The proper NFL season is almost upon us, and excitement has reached a fever pitch here in the MTV Newsroom. Our fantasy football draft is a week away, and the season's first Sunday (September 12) happens to be the same day as the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards (so you can watch the Green Bay Packers stomp all over the Philadelphia Eagles and then settle in to watch the big show live at 9 p.m. Eastern on MTV). On Monday night (August 16), we got our first glimpse at the New York Giants and the New York Jets in preseason action (MTV News segment producer Saimon Kos was even at the game, sampling the brand new stadium). The Giants won the game 31-16, but the true highlight came in the second quarter when Giants quarterback Eli Manning got mixed up in a strange play that ended with his helmet on the ground and a massive gash across his forehead.

In the second quarter with the Giants pushing down the field, Manning got to the line of scrimmage and decided to call an audible. But running back Brandon Jacobs didn't hear the switch, so when Manning took the ball, Jacobs ended up running into him. That brush knocked Manning's helmet loose and caused him to briefly lose control of the ball. Seconds later, he was blindsided on a tackle that not only cause him to drop the ball but also to lose his already-loose helmet, and he took a blow to the head on the way down that cut a three-inch gash into his forehead. Manning came up bleeding with an injury that looked straight out of a UFC match. You can watch the play here, though be warned that it's not for the squeamish.

Manning really showed his mettle in getting knocked down, as he went into the locker room and received a dozen stitches to close up the wound. He later stated that he felt like he could have gone back out on the field (though being that it was the first preseason game, he probably wouldn't have stayed in the game much longer had he not got his head busted open). In honor of Manning's ability to man up, check out Better Than Ezra's "In the Blood." It's a two-fold tribute, as not only does it pay homage to bleeding but the band is also from Manning's birthplace of New Orleans.

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Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees Hangs Out With David Letterman

Posted 2/9/10 1:09 pm EST by in Television


By Nick Neofitidis

As would be clear to anybody who saw this year's most-talked-about Super Bowl commercial on Sunday, David Letterman obviously favors his Colts of Indianapolis (he is one of Indiana's favorite sons, after all). So it's no surprise that he was having a little bit of trouble coping with his team's big loss on Sunday. From his opening monologue (when he proclaimed proudly that he is no longer "Indiana's biggest disappointment") to his Top Ten List of Indianapolis Colts Excuses for Losing, Dave took a playful approach to dealing with his team's unfortunate and heartbreaking loss to the New Orleans Saints.

Monday's show was also a big step in the healing process, as Dave's big guest was Saints quarterback, new champion and Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees. During the interview, Drew and Dave went back and forth playfully about the big game. Dave expressed his anger as the game went on but made sure to tell Drew that seeing him and his son enjoying the victory together on TV was a truly great and moving moment — a moment that might have even made it OK that his Colts didn't leave Miami with the Lombardi Trophy in their possession.

In the end, Dave couldn't help but catch a pass from the champion QB. Check out some of the show highlights below.

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The Best Super Bowl Ads Of All Time: Budweiser Frogs And Office Linebackers

Posted 2/7/10 3:00 pm EST by in Television


By Larry Carroll

You've got your brewskis, a big tub of corn and a space reserved on the couch. You are officially good to go for Sunday's big event: Three hours of the world's most anticipated commercials, promoting products with celebrities, gimmicks and billion-dollar ad budgets. Oh yeah, there's also some kind of sporting game being played in between the spots for soda and Web sites.

When you watch Sunday's Super Bowl, be sure to keep an eye out for this year's watercooler-worthy ads that everyone will be talking about on Monday. But first, take a look at our list of these all-time champions.

Apple, "1984" (1984)
This commercial was first broadcast during Super Bowl XVIII on January 22, 1984, and has never been broadcast again since. At the time, few would have guessed that the brief-but-epic spot branding Apple computers as modern and groundbreaking would launch a company that is now synonymous with innovative computing. Ever since, Apple has adopted the credo of that creepy dude on the screen by saying "We shall prevail!" 26 years later, high-concept, high-awareness ads continue in the "1984" tradition — even if Ridley Scott isn't available to direct them all.

Coca-Cola, "Mean Joe Greene" (1979)
Although this commercial didn't initially debut during the Super Bowl (as most fans remember), it's still considered an all-time favorite because it was so prominently featured during that year's game. The setup is classic: Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle "Mean Joe" Greene limps off the football field after a tough game, encountering a young fan who gives him a bottle of Coke. Greene gulps it down, appears to be refreshed and then — just when you think the grumpy gridiron player doesn't know how to say "thank you" — tosses the boy his game-worn jersey in appreciation. Ultimately, the ad was as memorable as it was ineffective: Coca-Cola later admitted that the spot barely made any impact on soda sales.

Reebok, "Terry Tate: Office Linebacker" (2003)
Burly actor Lester Speight broke through as Terry Tate in this classic Reebok commercial about office linebacker #56. Whether he was taking down an employee because they put their soft drink bottle in the wrong trash can or yelling at another office drone for leaving the coffee pot empty, Tate did an awesome job at enforcing office rules through intimidation and bone-breaking hits. The spot was effective because every cubicle-dweller has fantasized of correcting the rudeness of others in the workplace, and Tate made all our brutal fantasies come true. As Terry would scream: "Break was over 15 minutes ago, b----!"

McDonald's, "Nothing But Net" (1993)
Larry Bird challenges Michael Jordan to play for a Big Mac, and an outrageous game of one-upsmanship erupts in this classic TV spot. McDonald's paid huge bucks for the ad to be made and receive a prime-real-estate spot during Super Bowl XXVII. Not sure what's cheesier: That gooey Big Mac, or Jordan's early-'90s, MC Hammer-has-nothing-on-me workout attire.
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