Technology gives Perry's Super Bowl show a boost
She roared loud, possibly because there was a jungle behind her.
Katy Perry's Super Bowl halftime show Sunday with its eye-popping, stunning and colorful visual effects, illusions and lights was a success mainly because of others — including the energetic Missy Elliott — and high-tech effects.
Did Perry even break a sweat?
The pop star kicked off the performance atop a robotic tiger, her outfit covered in a flame design. She seemed confident and ready to take the big stage, her voice strong over what sounded like a pre-recorded track.
The stage turned to a futuristic vibe for the Southern, electro-flavored #8220;Dark Horse#8221; and into a beach for #8220;Teenage Dream#8221; and #8220;California Gurls.#8221; Now in a colorful dress surrounded by people in beach ball, shark, surfboard and palm tree costumes, blue lighting surrounded the base of the stage appearing as water. It came off like a music video.
Perry relied too much on the spectacle rather than her own talents. That was evident when Lenny Kravitz joined her for a rock-filled version of #8220;I Kissed a Girl,#8221; where he was the highlight, shining on the guitar.
The 12-minute performance even turned into #8220;The Missy Elliott Show#8221; when the reclusive rapper hit the stage as the beginning beat of #8220;Get Ur Freak On#8221; blasted. A decade later, the song still sounded like a hit as Elliott rapped like a veteran.
Perry joined Elliott, attempting to dance beside her but came off like a student lost in choreography class. She nicely rocked an oversize jersey, but had zero swag. Elliott went on to the steal the thunder with performances of #8220;Work It#8221; and #8220;Lose Control.#8221;
Perry ended her set in a shimmery gown, as she rose in the air and slowed it down for the inspirational #8220;Firework#8221; as, appropriately, fireworks burst.
That was the only fiery moment: Before the game began, #8220;Frozen#8221; star Idina Menzel belted out an outstanding live rendition of the national anthem ahead of the big game in Phoenix.
Menzel was confident in all-black, singing what she assured would be live days before Super Bowl. After she sang the last note, she yelled in excitement: #8220;Yes!#8221;
#8220;I didn't want to rush,#8221; Menzel said in an interview after the performance. #8220;I wanted to take in the moment and connect to the song that I was singing, not get swept away by all the grandiosity and excitement, and connect. And sing from my heart.#8221;
The performance comes a month after the Tony-winning star was criticized for her performance of #8220;Let It Go#8221; during #8220;Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.#8221; At one point the crowd booed loudly, but it was because Patriots Coach Bill Belichick was shown on screen.
Asked if the booing was a distraction, Menzel said: #8220;I knew better. I knew I hit the note well, I wasn't worried it was me.#8221;
#8220;And they warn you,#8221; she added, laughing.
John Legend, in typical form, brought the soul when he sang #8220;America the Beautiful.#8221; He hit all the right notes while playing piano before the Seattle Seahawks take on the New England Patriots.