The Black Eyed Peas, the first multicultural hip-hop act to perform at the Super Bowl and the only performance featuring a woman on center stage since the 2004 Janet Jackson-Justin Timberlake wardrobe debacle — that some say permanently derailed Jackson’s career — were peppered with questions about everything from cultural pride, their Super Bowl picks and playing in the movies. –terry shropshire
What is it like as a Mexican American to play on the highest-rated television show in the country?
Taboo: For the first time I am feeling kind of nervous because I am performing for my culture and I hope that people continue to say that people from different nationalities can come together as friends and continue creating opportunities for one another. That’s a big feat for us because we are the first multicultural hip-hop band to be performing at the halftime show. When I first started with the Black Eyed Peas in 1995 with Will and Apple, I believed in the dream that we could achieve a lot of things. And being a Mexican American from East Los Angeles, I’m here. And I owe a lot of it to you guys because you have been supporting the Black Eyed Peas for a very long time.
Will.I.am, how was the experience playing in the movie X-Men Origin Series: Wolverine?
I was concerned, I am pretty strong and I didn’t’ want to hurt old dude in the fight scenes. I was really holding my strength back.
What is the significance of playing in the Super Bowl in light of all the shows and arenas worldwide that you guys have played in?
Will.I.am: Playing Dallas at halftime of the Super Bowl, it’s so surreal. I remember as a kid, watching the Super Bowl [and] watching the halftime shows. My uncle used to play for the Atlanta Falcons. It used to be my dream to play professional football, until I got a concussion and then I didn’t want to play football anymore. And now, to represent my family and play in the Super Bowl is a wonderful feeling. It’s a dream come true as a football fan myself.
Fergie: First of all, when we got the news that we were contenders to play the halftime show, it was a such a huge honor. We’ve been involved with the NFL and we do a lot of anthem-type songs and we all like to party and have a good time. My father is a former high school and college quarterback and former coach. The Miami Dolphins have been my team for years and years. This is a very special day for all of us. This is an unofficial holiday for Americans. It really is. Sunday football is a serious thing in our homes. And Super Bowl is the day we all have a good time, so this is a perfect match for us.
It’s been six years since Janet Jackson had the wardrobe malfunction. What precautions are you taking, Fergie, to prevent that from happening again?
It’s been six years since a woman has been a part of the Super Bowl halftime show. Obviously, you want to have a little sex appeal, but you don’t want to get into any trouble. So we’re very particular on the wardrobe there and there will be no malfunctions. And I think Janet is amazing. She’s a great performer.
Who are you rooting for in the Super Bowl?
Taboo: Growing up in Los Angeles, of course I was a Rams and Raiders fan. I was really hoping that Mark Sanchez, a Mexican American kid from USC who plays for the [New York] Jets and lost to the Steelers in the [AFC] Championship Game, would be here at the Super Bowl. He didn’t get here, but I’m proud of what he has accomplished. But if I had to root for someone, I would go for … (laughter, as Taboo looks at Fergie and Will.I.am)
Will.I.am.: We are going to give our picks after the halftime show (the auditorium explodes in laughter).
