In what could be an attempt to reach out to female fans, the National Football League drafted singer Katy Perry -a self-proclaimed cheerleader for the empowerment of women, to headline the Super Bowl XLIX halftime show.
Putting on the most watched halftime performance in the history of the Superbowl, Katy Perry performed a 12-minute set that included her hit "Roar" which she sung while, naturally, riding a giant golden robotic lioness.
Perry was joined onstage by Lenny Kravitz for "I Kissed a Girl", adding a touch of classic rock to the hit. Surprise guest Missy Elliot also plowed through hits like "Work It" and "Get Your Freak On".
Russell Brand's former wife took what could be described as the biggest stage in a pop star's career in stride, making a record of three wardrobe changes during her performance. In true Perry campiness, her show included back-up dancers dressed as chess pieces and sharks. She ended her routine by singing "Firework" while riding nothing less than a shooting star spouting sparks from its tail.
Not everyone was impressed by Perry's show, however. The New York Times called her a "queen of our deflated pop times."
Following the show, Perry posted a photo of herself getting a tattoo, 'XLIX' on her finger, together with the statement, "I thought it would be appropriate to draw blood tonight." Previous Super Bowls have seen the performances of artists such as Beyonce, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, among others.
Actress and Broadway Superstar Idina Menzel, known for being the voice behind the character Queen Elsa in "Frozen", opened Super Bowl XLIX with a rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner."