"I've been performing for 20 something years, and I have never experienced such anxiety," Missy told Sway In The Morning (via VIBE). "The day of the show I prayed all the way up to the stage. I went in praying."
According halftime executive producer Ricky Kirshner, Missy's role came about because Perry needed a minute during the set to apply her safety harness for the epic "Firework" ending.
"You don't always have to have a guest [for the halftime performance], but there was a moment where we had to get Katy into the harness for her flying finale, and Katy suggested Missy," Kirshner said (via Billboard).
Missy told Sway she assumed she would simply be performing one of Perry's songs, and was shocked when Perry told her she would get to rap her classic hits.
"I've cried. I've cried and I've cried," Missy said. "They were all tears of joy."
The performance created a whole new fan base out of thin air, including kids who thought she was a new artist:
the new kids think I'm a new artist &I'm bout 2blow up like Paul McCartney Lord ha mercy chile I love me sum y'all
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) February 2, 2015
Elliott obviously handled the whole thing with aplomb, and sent out several memorable tweets this week:
I think it's cool new kids think I'm a new artist that goes to show u that I'm still on [fire] & will rip down stages 20 yrs later — Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) February 2, 2015
Seeing my songs in the top 10 & albums bk on the charts makes me so humbled! Thank y'all shows that real music is TIMELESS — Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) February 4, 2015
I thank @katyperry again becuz she said missy I want u to perform your records. She didn't have 2 & her show was Amazing! — Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) February 4, 2015
all my videos when y'all get free time they r like a mini movies! I promise u gonna dance even if u got no rhythm handsup! — Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) February 4, 2015
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