The Black Eyed Peas Play 'Sweet Child O' Mine' at Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show (VIDEO)

After what seems like years and years of classic rock superstars, 'Super Bowl XLV' (Sun., 6:30PM ET on FOX) marked a return to the mega-production halftime show. Fans of the Black Eyed Peas expected a big party, because that's what the Peas are known for, but even they were probably impressed and surprised by the spectacle laid upon them.

What looked at first like legions of fans flocked to the stage as the performance began, but it quickly became obvious that they were part of the show. Decked out in white uniforms complete with lights, these dancers made the performance extend beyond the stage and encompass the entire field.

Even the stage expanded to write out the word "LOVE" by the time the Peas got to their first break-out single "Where Is the Love?" from 2003. In fact, the entire show featured a compilation of their greatest hits, along with a few surprises.

The first one was perhaps the most unexpected, as the classic guitar lick from Guns N' Roses 'Sweet Child O' Mine' erupted from a momentary silence. And then, appropriately, Slash rose out of the stage, and was joined by Fergie for a few verses of his signature song.

A little later, will.i.am started singing the chorus of Usher's 'OMG,' leading to a frenzy of anticipation from the audience. And their hopes were answered as Usher himself was lowered from the ceiling and went into a bit of his own signature piece.

The number wasn't without a few technical difficulties, including mic problems for Usher and Fergie, at the top of the production. Part of the V stage in "LOVE" didn't light up properly, but for the few things that didn't come off flawlessly, so much of it was spectacularly impressive and worked perfectly.

The Peas used every bit of the stadium, while the dancers moved into various formations, creating lit-up arrows and lines. It was a return to halftime greatness for the Super Bowl, and an impressive display of the creativity and vision of the Black Eyed Peas. Certainly, many of the millions of viewers who saw what they could do in the relatively short time they had here are considering what they can do in an entire concert.

And for fans of the Super Bowl halftime spectacular, it marks a return to greatness for the spectacle. Bad news perhaps for the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet, but great news for future installments of sports' biggest night.