Last night featured a Tom Brady win, a Super Bowl brawl and a wide range of commercials from extremely depressing to hilarious, but it was Katy Perry who was able to impress at the Super Bowl with her halftime show performance. She turned the Super Bowl field into her own concert area and brought in her unique signature style to the viewing audience around the world.

Perry opened her performance by riding in on a giant, robotic lion as she made her way to the stage. She commanded presence and had her own “Lady Gaga” moment, setting the stage for what was to come which was an over the top, creative and at times animated performance.

Perry performed “Roar” and transitioned into her chart-topping hit, “Dark Horse.” The stage became an interactive 3D experience and the dancers brought that to life by using every piece of the stage to highlight Perry. Her shows are known for the use of stage space and making the audience feel like they have been transported to another world. Perry didn’t shy away from her large theatrics and amplified them for the biggest stage in the world.

Within the first few minutes of the performance, Lenny Kravitz arrived to help Perry sing, “I Kissed a Girl.” Kravitz showed that he is still a threat on the guitar and has that classic rock ‘n’ roll stage presence. Their chemistry was hot but controlled, no Miley Cryus moment took place and the performance kept the energy and passion that Perry had from her opening number.

The show wouldn’t have been complete without Perry’s classics like “California Girls” and “Teenage Dream.” This was one of the more odd elements of the show, complete with dancing sharks and beach balls but why not take this chance to have fun and be creative. Performing at the Super Bowl is a rare opportunity; Perry took her style and made it a part of this extraordinary moment.

The standout moment of the show was when Perry teamed up with R&B legend Missy Elliot. Elliot has been out of the music spotlight for a while but stepped back in seamlessly and showed that she still has talent. It was fun to see Perry embrace Elliot’s “harder” style and mix it with her pop, animated feel.

Even with all of the theatrics, Perry impressed because she was true to who she is as an artist and showcased her incredible vocal range. She does like to have fun and throw a party on stage, but she is a talented singer who knows how to engage a crowd. That was clear with her final number, “Firework.” The inspirational song took the performance from a fun party atmosphere to showcasing her as a true artist.

This might not be one of the top ten Super Bowl halftime performances of all time, but Perry was true to herself, had fun and showed that she is a performer, musician and artist. It also was able to change the depressing feeling that was left in the air after that Nationwide commercial; overall, Perry truly ignited the halftime show and made it one fans won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

Image courtesy of INFphoto.com