The Super Bowl’s major players weren’t new to the field — both the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots have made Super Bowl appearances before — but the halftime performer certainly made an explosive debut. On Sunday pop singer Katy Perry brought one of her trademark kooky performances to the stage, with mixed results.
From the start, the show seemed “Hunger Games”-inspired. During the first song, “Roar,” Perry rode onto the field atop a robotic tiger while wearing a Katniss Everdeen-esque dress of faux flames. Perry even stole Lenny Kravitz, who plays Everdeen’s stylist and friend Cinna in the movies, for her third song, a fiery (literally) rendition of “I Kissed a Girl.”
The second song, “Dark Horse,” was a drastic change from the upbeat “Roar.” Perry sauntered across the field-turned-chessboard, which flashed as the turf appeared to change shape and size. Perry’s dancers were dressed as futuristic chess pieces, which brought a surreal element to the performance.
The intense mood lasted through “I Kissed a Girl” but ended quickly as the show turned into something meant for “Nick Jr.” As “Teenage Dream” blasted, Perry reappeared on stage dressed as a beach ball, accompanied by dancing sharks, palm trees, surfboards and more beach balls.
This “Yo Gabba Gabba”-esque spectacle was swiftly replaced by a Beyonce-inspired hip-hop performance of “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.),” complete with oversized jackets and a guest rapper. Perry hyped up this number and its special guest in the weeks leading up to the show: Missy Elliot.
“When you hear the first chord, I think jaws will drop and faces will melt,” Perry said in an interview before the show.
Although Missy has not had a hit since 2008, she still killed the stage and managed to capture the large Super Bowl audience, bringing to light the once popular artist.
After “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F),” Perry climbed onto a shooting star and rose above the stage. She sang “Firework” as she flew across the stage and obligatory fireworks exploded overhead.
Even people who aren’t fans of Perry’s music can’t deny that the show was nothing less than different. This was the first, and possibly last, Super Bowl halftime show to have lions and sharks on stage, and Perry will be remembered for years to come for her bizarre blend of intensity and lightheartedness.
Compared to past halftime performers, Perry was tolerable, though the songs were prerecorded to allow for her movement around the stadium. While it may have offended purists, this lip-synching made this year’s halftime show one of the few that are bearable, instead of being filled with off-key vocals.
The show’s themes were all over the place, but they seamlessly flowed together and catered to every interest. Despite the range of moods, though, Perry never strayed from her childish, bubbly brand. She isn’t Beyonce, but Perry has made a name for herself, and she managed to put on a good halftime show.