Who would you hire to play the Super Bowl halftime show?

The Star's music poll last week wanted to know what you thought of geriatric rocker Tom Petty playing halftime of the over-hyped Super Bowl.

Now we know.

It was a landslide vote. Eight people thought Petty rocked, only three said they didn't watch for a lack of interest.

Take from that what you will.

By the way, I heard on the radio this week two talking heads debating -- in light of Petty's performance -- who should be the halftime act at next year's game.

Their suggestions:

Bruce Springsteen

Bon Jovi

Elton John

Billy Joel

LL Cool J

OK, a couple of problems. Bruce would never be picked because the NFL would be terrified that the dude would talk about his opposition to the Iraq war or something political. The NFL is too bland for that.

John or Joel? No way. There has to be an age limit, right?

Bon Jovi would be interesting, though they have done NFL pregame events before.

LL Cool J? I doubt it would happen if for no other reason than the NFL marketing department knows it has to keep the 40 to 60 year old set -- which is mostly white and ultra-conservative, in the NFL's case -- from changing the channel during halftime. And getting an act who appeals to younger audiences of all races and black audiences in general would be a marketing and advertising risk.

In a way that's unfortunate, because there are many good, younger acts who could appeal to a broad set of audience groups, but I don't think the NFL would take that chance. Would they pick a country artist? What about a pianist/songwriter like Norah Jones or someone similar? I'm just not sure.

I'm sure it will be someone like Petty -- older, safe, non-political or controversial, without much baggage.

Boring to some, OK to many.