Black Eyed Peas Confirmed For Super Bowl Halftime Show

As if any more proof were necessary, the Black Eyed Peas will cement their reputation as one of the biggest bands in the world in February when they take the stage during the Super Bowl XLV halftime show.

After unconfirmed reports surfaced last week that the hip-pop superstars would be breaking the recent chain of classic rock halftime performers, representatives from the National Football League made it official on Sunday. The Peas, whose latest album, The Beginning, is due out on Tuesday, will play the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLV Halftime show during the big game at Cowboys Stadium on February 6.

Even for a group that has played to massive crowds across the globe, the Super Bowl gig is a once-in-a-lifetime affair, as it is the most-watched TV event of the year, seen by more than 153 million viewers in the U.S. and millions more around the globe. Both the game and the halftime show will be broadcast worldwide.

The Peas will become the first non-rock act in seven years to perform on the biggest stage in TV, following in the footsteps of a glittering procession of classic rock acts that have had the honor in recent years, including Sir Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Prince, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, and last year, the Who.

As extra incentive for fans to pick up The Beginning, the band is offering a chance to be their special guests at the Super Bowl halftime show. The megashow will be the first of what will likely be a whole year of blowouts according to BEP leader will.i.am, who recently told Billboard magazine that his group hopes to fill stadiums around the globe in 2011.