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The Super Bowl has been over for 2 days, and yet Twitter is still filled with 4 things relating to the event: Aaron Rodgers, 400 fans who missed the game because their seats were considered unsafe, Christina Aguilera’s botched version of the Star-Spangled Banner, and the Black Eyed Peas’ halftime show.

As for quick thoughts on the first three:

Aaron Rodgers: Spectacular

The NFL’s handling of the seat situation: Inexcusable

Christina Aguilera’s performance: Horrendous (Not necessarily because she messed up the words, but because she included so many runs that I almost forgot what she was singing)

That leads me to the fourth element: The Black Eyed Peas.

Despite the grand entrance, the pyro, the razzle dazzle, the cameos from Slash and Usher, the costumes from Tron, and dancers with boxes on their heads, most of the Twitter world and blogosphere felt the performance fell short of expectations and came up a bit flat.

I’ll be the first to admit that the performance was anything but spectacular. The audio was mediocre at best, the BEPs just stood in place most of the performance like a Southern Gospel quartet (you’ll never hear that comparison again), the vocals (especially Fergie) were atrocious, and the performances by Slash and Usher were forgettable.

So while the grand spectacle was not up to standard for a typical Super Bowl Halftime performance, I’ve noticed the disappointment for some has gone beyond the failed audio and flat vocals. It seems as though some have been disappointed that “nothing shocking happened.”

Ever since the infamous “wardrobe malfunction” in 2004, the NFL has tried to tame its Halftime show by bringing in artists like Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Prince, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and The Who. Although these are all reputable and notable artists, none presented the threat that became apparent when MTV controlled the Halftime show in 2004.

However, this year was different. Bridgestone went out on a limb and booked the Black Eyed Peas. Even before we knew who would play in the Super Bowl, speculation was already mounting as to what crazy and shocking acts would come from their performance. In fact, on Bodog, an online gambling site, fans could even bet on what Fergie would wear for the performance, providing options that were modest, semi-modest, and not modest at all.

After 30 minutes of watching mediocre talent, many of us were left with a thought of “That’s it?” We were expecting more, both in talent and in shock value. With the exception of Fergie’s outfit, many were pleased that the Black Eyed Peas kept things somewhat PG/PG-13 despite all the weirdness that surrounded the performance.

However, while some were pleased with the tameness, others were disappointed that the BEP’s didn’t push things far enough. They wanted shock value. They wanted Monday morning water cooler material. They wanted something that would make the FCC blush. But they didn’t get it, and they were disappointed.

Our country has reached a point where very little shocks us. We’ve become so desensitized to sex, media, abuse, and a myriad of things that we no longer want normal or tame. Rather, we seek the things that push the limits and “shock” us in a new way. We want our senses to be stimulated in new ways and we want to push the envelope until the uncomfortable becomes perfectly acceptable.

And as that never ending search continues, our culture will continue to search for what is shocking, and only be disappointed when we realize it no longer is.

[Photo source: http://bit.ly/hvGMVy]

I know this is probably 1 date late and now considered outdated, but sometimes it takes me a little longer to collect my thoughts than most people.

Sunday night was the Grammy Awards. It featured some of the biggest names in music (as well as many actors and actresses from CBS shows) presenting awards, receiving awards, and performing. Awards shows seem to bring out the best and worst in people. Also, they seem to tell us a lot about where our culture is and where it’s headed. No matter if it’s the Grammy’s or the MTV Music Awards, it seems like a lot is said on these star-studded nights.

Here are a few of my thoughts. If I offend you or your favorite artist, I apologize. I’m just speaking my mind:

- First of all, I was glad to see Taylor Swift win the biggest award for Album of the Year. Did she deserve it? Maybe. Maybe not. Did Kanye help her win it? Possibly. But nonetheless, I’m glad she won. Here’s why: the other nominees were Beyonce, the Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, and the Dave Matthews Band. While Beyonce has a beautiful voice, she’s marketed through sex appeal. While the Black Eyed Peas create catchy songs that get stuck in your head, some of their lyrics are profane and just like Beyonce, Fergie is marketed through sex appeal. Then there’s Lady Gaga. Sex appeal? Maybe. Shock value? Absolutely! If she was still Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta would we even know who she is? Probably not. As for DMB, I’m not a fan, but I do respect their talent and think they were a worthy nominee. But shockingly, Taylor Swift, in all her youthful innocence, took home the award. You could tell she was sincerely shocked to win. At this point, I think she has been a better role model for young girls that most artists that were at the Grammy’s. Hopefully the wholesome image continues.

- The Michael Jackson Tribute confused me. I felt like I was watching a scene out of Avatar. I also felt like the vocalists were up there to worship Michael Jackson. For a tribute, I expected artists to cover some of his most famous songs. Instead, I heard a great vocal performance that centered on nature/MJ worship. As a kid, I was a big Michael Jackson fan. I still love his music. However, I feel there was a lot of hypocrisy at the Grammy’s. Many people talked about how Michael was supposed to be there, and Michael would be performing his song if he was still alive. I don’t believe that. Before MJ died, he was considered a freak. The music industry shunned him and so did most of the country. If he was alive today, I don’t believe he would have been invited to the Grammy’s even to sit in the audience. I believe he would have been shunned. However, now that he’s dead, the same people that cursed his name now praise him. Something about that doesn’t seem right to me.

- To Lil Wayne, Eminem, and Drake: If half of your performance has to be censored by CBS, what’s the point? The best part of your song was Travis Barker on the drums. Unfortunately, that had to be censored out too because of your language. Also, pull up your pants. And CBS, do you really want Lil Wayne performing on your show when he’s supposed to report to prison next week? Great message you’re sending.

- I don’t understand how the Silversun Pickups were nominated for Best New Artist. Their debut album landed in 2006 and their most famous song, “Lazy Eye,” has been around since 2007. Nothing new about that.

- The performances were hit or miss. In a world of mediocre studio-produced talent, Andrea Bocelli stands above all. Incredible! Like I said, I’m not a DMB fan, but that was an incredible performance as well. Loved the 30+ people on stage all playing different instruments. Great blend. Fun song. Sounded great. And while on the positive side, how bout Bon Jovi? Those guys are 75 years old (jk) and still rocking! I thought the entire set was great…especially the finisher with “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Great stuff! Unfortunately, the Taylor Swift/Stevie Nicks performance was really really rough. Yikes. And Pink’s performance…well…let’s just say it wasn’t family entertainment and maybe made CBS reconsider the TV-PG rating for next year.

- Thank you for changing the landscape of music Les Paul. A legend!

- I first started listening to Green Day when I was in 5th grade. Now I’m 25 and they’re still winning awards and reinventing themselves. Who would have thought a punk band would have such staying power? Do you remember when people accused them of selling out with “Good Riddance”? Now they’re the ones setting the standard.

- I’m really sick of the whole Lady Gaga charade. I really don’t care if she can sing or write. She’s trying too hard for attention, and unfortunately people are giving it to her. We may criticize her antics, but we still buy her music. We may think she’s a freak, but we can’t wait to see what she does next. We’ve essentially created the monster that is Lady Gaga.

- Is Katy Perry talented? I’m not so sure. When she was Katy Hudson, she couldn’t even make it in the Christian industry. However, she changed her name and wrote a song about kissing a girl and now everyone loves her? This confuses me. Just like Lady Gaga, I think fans flocked to her because of her shock value and not because of her talent. Now that she’s made a name for herself, unfortunately, I think her staying power and influence is here for awhile. It’s really sad when people have to become something they’re not to get recognized and noticed. Very few artists stay true to themselves today. They’re only allowed to stay true to their label. And the label seems to be pulling all the strings.

- Last thing…did you know they give away a Grammy for Best Album Notes?

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