It’s now official: The [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Black Eyed Peas[/lastfm] will be performing at halftime of the 2011 Super Bowl, marking the first time that the halftime performance has tried to capture young viewers since the disastrous [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Janet Jackson[/lastfm] “Nipplegate” scandal.

The new album from the hip-hop quartet comes out in stores today and is led by “The Time,” a single that (shamelessly) samples “I Had The Time Of My Life.”

The Peas will never be confused with gangster rappers or [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]2 Live Crew[/lastfm], but will certainly appeal mostly to a younger audience, as opposed to the older skewing guests of the past few years. Recent performers have included [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Prince[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]The Who[/lastfm] and [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Bruce Springsteen[/lastfm].

If nothing else, here’s hoping the [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Black Eyed Peas[/lastfm] call The Man for some pointers:

What do you think of the Peas playing the Super Bowl?

[Source: Rolling Stone]