The Black Eyed Peas were confirmed on November 25, 2010 as the musical entertainment for the Super Bowl XLV halftime show, airing February 6, 2011.http://www.billboard.com/news/black-eyed-peas-playing-super-bowl-halftime-1004130689.story#/news/black-eyed-peas-playing-super-bowl-halftime-1004130689.story  The announcement preceeded the November 30 release of the Black Eyed Peas' new album, The Beginning.  The first music video release from the album, The Time (Dirty Bit), debuted at No. 12 on the Hot 100 chart. Previous musical acts to entertain during the Super Bowl halftime show have included The Who, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Black-Eyed-Peas-to-play-2011-Super-Bowl-halftime-show-091610  The Black Eyed Peas have experienced the Super Bowl stage previously as a part of the "Bridging Generations" pre-game show in 2005.http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Black-Eyed-Peas-to-play-2011-Super-Bowl-halftime-show-091610  They also performed at the 2009 NFL Kickoff Concert in Pittsburgh.c

Joining the Black Eyed Peas on stage were scheduled "suprise" guests Usher and Slash.  The group planned a performance including a medly of their most famous songs  as well as outlandish stunts designed to "make this a big spectacle."http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/06/super-bowl-2011-half-time-show-who-is-playing-black-eyed-peas-usher-slash_n_819280.html  During planning and rehearsals, singer Fergie stated, "It'll be a party in the middle of the game.  All of the sudden, whether your team is winning or losing, we want to make you have a good time.  That's our goal."http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20464183,00.html  

On February 4, 2011, Sports Illustrated hosted a Super Bowl party to kick off the weekend of festivities, titled "Sports Illustrated Presents: The Official Black Eyes Peas Friday NightB4 XLV Party".http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20461260,00.html  Entertainment was provided by The Black Eyed Peas, and David Guetta.http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20461260,00.html  Attendees included Sports Illustrated swimsuit models Christine Teigen, Anne V., Julie Henderson and Genevieve Morton.http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20461260,00.html  The party was held at the Tower Building in Fair Park in Dallas.http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20461260,00.html