If you’re not one of the estimated 100+ million people to have tuned into Super Bowl XLIX this year, it might be news to you that one of Top 40’s biggest names, Katy Perry, just performed in front of thousands of football fans at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Striding in on a giant mechanical lion with glowing red eyes, the singer rolled through some of her biggest hits, including “Roar,” “I Kissed A Girl,” and “Firework,” which she topped off with actual sparklers in an unsurprising display of literalism.
As heavily rumored, Missy Elliott joined in on the fun for a rump-shaking (both ways) medley of her hit singles “Get Ur Freak On” and “Work It.” Lenny Kravitz also took the stage for a duet with Perry on “I Kissed A Girl.” During “Dark Horse,” Perry’s backup dancers dressed as chess pieces come to life, prancing around a gigantic board.
Perry’s name was first thrown around as a Halftime Show contender last fall alongside Rihanna and Coldplay, when information leaked about the NFL courting the three acts but demanding that they pay to play. Shortly after the pop sensation signed on the dotted line, she made it clear that she had not paid to participate in what is widely regarded as the biggest televised audience that a musician can hope for.
Though it’s obviously early for ratings, stay tuned to see if Perry’s Super Bowl XLIV Halftime Show brings in the same record-breaking numbers as Bruno Mars’ performance did in 2014, with over 115 million viewers. Relive the magic above.
Katy Perry Superbowl XLIX set list
“Roar”
“Dark Horse”
“I Kissed A Girl” feat. Lenny Kravitz
“Teenage Dream”
“California Girls”
“Get Ur Freak On” feat. Missy Elliott
“Work It” feat. Missy Elliott
“Lose Control” feat. Missy Elliott
“Firework”
