The Super Bowl XLIX halftime show starring Katy Perry is exactly what was promised: filled with dramatics, fun, nostalgia and some surprise appearances from sharks and stars from days of yore that we know and love.
Never one lacking for dramatics, Perry rode in to the Super Bowl riding on a giant, golden mechanical lion while blasting in with the eye of the tiger and singing "Roar." Wearing a flame suit and high ponytail, she looked intense and fierce, fitting for the biggest stage of her career thus far.
The mechanics continued, calling somewhat to a stage production of The Lion King, while Perry strutted in to "Dark Horse," she performed on a checkered stage, surrounded by silver animatronics, before introducing Lenny Kravitz, who oddly took on "I Kissed a Girl."
In the world's most bizarre but fitting duet, the two cut through Perry's breakthrough hit, giving it a new hard rock edge, as flames shot behind them, mimicking the fire on Perry's own self.
And then, it was for the fun part of Perry's set. A costume change and a beach setting transitioned the pop star into the Teenage Dream era, where she sang the album's title track, surrounded by palm trees and singing sharks, bringing in kitsch and Tumblr like only Perry can.
She continued the pure fun, blasting into a beach party version of "California Gurls," complete with a dozen vintage bikini dressed dancers and some boogeying surfboards.
Perry's love for nostalgia was represented at the Super Bowl by a not-so surprise appearance by Missy Elliott, who brought in some rap with lip-synced versions of her biggest hits, including "Get Your Freak On," "Work It" and "Lose Control," while Perry mimicked along, wearing her own black leather outfit.
And, of course, the show was capped off with a stunning performance of Perry's biggest hit to date, "Firework." Wearing a sliver, star-sprinkled gown, Perry was lifted into the air like a firework herself while the stage glowed below her and fireworks exploded around her. Was it an expected move? Absolutely. But, did it deliver on the emotion and the grandeur? Of course. It was a highlight of an already-glowing performance, with Perry delivering like the reliable pop star she is.
Check out the full Super Bowl halftime setlist:
"Roar"
"Dark Horse"
"I Kissed a Girl"
"Teenage Dream"
"California Gurls"
"Get Your Freak On"
"Work It"
"Lose Control"
"Firework"
Of course, Perry wasn't the only musical entertainment at Super Bowl XLIX. Idina Menzel was there to perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" following John Legend's take on "America the Beautiful."
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