The Super Bowl's female stars - who worked for free
Beyonce (C) and Destiny's Child perform during the half-time show of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game in New Orleans, Louisiana. Credit: Reuters
The tense Super Bowl game was punctuated by stellar performances from female entertainers.
Destiny's Child reunited for the first time since 2007, Jennifer Hudson joined a choir of children from tragedy-stricken Sandy Hook Elementary and Alicia Keys performed the National Anthem live from the middle of the field.
Alicia Keys with her husband Swizz Beatz, ahead of her Super Bowl performance of the National Anthem. Credit: @aliciakeys
While many of the stars can earn millions for their performances, the Super Bowl does not pay its entertainers.
“We do not pay,” NFL spokesperson Greg McCarthy told Forbes.com. “We cover all expenses associated with the performance.”
With more than 150 million people worldwide expected to watch the game, the exposure the entertainers gain is deemed payment enough.
Alica Keys tweeted this dressing room picture ahead of her performance, which was broadcast to more than 150 million people. Credit: @aliciakeys
Keys posted pictures from backstage at the event to her 11.2 million Twitter followers and wrote: "3 sista's at the superbowl! ;-) Me, @beyonce & @iamjhud! Cheers!! What an unforgettable day!!"
Singer Jennifer Hudson performs "America the Beautiful" with The Sandy Hook Elementary School Choir. Credit: Reuters
Jennifer Hudson tweeted: "@Beyonce@aliciakeys @kellyrowland u know I love n have n always will admire u ladies . So honored to be amongst u all. Love u guys!!"
The singer then hastily added: "Yes Michelle too!! Just don't know her handle!! All of these ladies make me proud!"
Baltimore Ravens celebrate taking Super Bowl title
Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Ray Lewis hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he celebrates victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Credit: Reuters
The Ravens rejoiced in a confetti-covered Superdrome after narrowly snatching the title from the San Francisco 49ers, who had staged a remarkable second-half comeback following the stadium's 34-minute power cut.
Baltimore Ravens' Ma'ake Kemoeatu celebrates victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Credit: Reuters
The 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh slammed key decisions made by the referees after his team lost 34-31.
He questioned two non-calls in the final series when the 49ers failed to convert with a first and goal as they looked to find receiver Michael Crabtree with the game on the line.
"There's no question in my mind that there was a pass interference and then a hold on Crabtree on the last one," he said.
Baltimore Ravens long snapper Morgan Cox celebrates celebrates victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Credit: Reuters
He was also unhappy officials did not call holding as Ravens punter Sam Koch took a safety and protested the decision to penalise cornerback Chris Culliver for pass interference.
Unusually, Harbaugh's older brother John is the head coach of the Ravens, and the siblings - whose parents attended the game together - shared an awkward hug after the tense game.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh (L) congratulates his brother, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, after the Ravens won. Credit: Reuters
Victor John paid tribute to his younger brother after the game:
"There is no greater coach or competitor in the National Football League than Jim Harbaugh. The way the team played proves it. What they have done the last two years is unprecedented."
He went on: "They showed it today, the way they battled back and fought right to the end. That is who he is and who they are. I could not be more proud of him and what he has done."
Play is halted after half of the lights went out during the Super Bowl game between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers. Credit: REUTERS/Jim Young
