Monday, 4 February 2013

Alicia Keys puts in a moving performance of the Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl

Searing in scarlet! Glammed up Alicia Keys puts in a moving performance of the Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl

PUBLISHED: 23:48, 3 February 2013 | UPDATED: 01:56, 4 February 2013

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With her long red gown, chic hair style and gold necklace, Alicia Keys cut a striking figure as she sat down behind a silvery white grand piano in the middle of the field at the Super Bowl on Sunday.

And the star delivered on her promise to delivered an all-new version of the Star Spangled banner before kick off in New Orleans.

Alicia showed no nerves as she confidently sung a mellow, jazzy rendition of anthem in front of an estimated audience of more than 150 million.

All new: Alicia Keys impressed fans with her emotional all-new version of the Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday

The anthem was interspersed with shots of American soldiers overseas spliced with emotional watching athletes.

At the culmination of her performance, Alicia closed her eyes and held her arms aloft in a type of victory salute.

Following the furore of Beyonce lip syncing to the Star Spangled Banner at President Obama's Inauguration, the pressure was on Alicia to deliver.

Flying the flag: The star showed no nerves as she sat down behind her silver piano

Saluting the crowd: Alicia held her arms aloft at the culmination of her performance

Refreshment break: The star had a drink next to her in a special holder during her performance

'I'm really excited about it, I can't even lie,' the singer told The Huffington Post prior to Sunday's performance.

'I have to rehearse it totally, as if it's a brand-new song, because it is actually a brand new song in the style that I'll deliver it. I'm actually rehearsing it like a maniac.'

Luckily, Alicia's rendition went off without a hitch, unlike Christina Aguilera's notorious line fluffing back in 2011.

Glamour girl: Alicia looked stunning in a red floor length gown and gold chocker necklace

Taking centre stage: Alicia followed in the footsteps of Christina Aguilera, Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson by performing the anthem

Lady in red: Alicia showed off her svelte figure in the fishtail crimson gown

Millions watching: Last year, the Super Bowl audience was estimated to be 177 million with an equal amount expected to tune in on Sunday

She follows in the footsteps of stars including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Jordin Sparks in performing the anthem.

She was spotted making her way onto the sidelines with husband Swizz Beatz prior to her performance.

Earlier, the singer shared her pre-performance ritual with her fans on Twitter this morning, saying: 'Just finished a beautiful, calming yoga session. My intention is 2 enjoy every piece of this special day! What's urs?'

She also tweeted several pictures of herself getting ready on Sunday morning including a snap of her wearing a white robe, and another one admiring her reflection in the crimson gown.

Ready to go: Swizz Beatz joined his wife as they made their way to the sidelines prior to her performance

Getting ready: Alicia clutched a drink as she made her way to the field

Hugging it out: Alicia embraced a friend following her acclaimed performance

'Almost ready to sing at the @Superbowl! Is this football appropriate?' she wrote. 'Heels are my version of cleets!'

She also posted another photograph of herself looking a lot more low key dressed in a white robe in her dressing room.

Accompanying the snap, the Girl On Fire star wrote: 'Getting ready to sing my heart out for America! The city is electric!! ;-) !!!'

She's ready! Alicia Keys tweeted a shot of her sporting her glamorous floor length red gown ahead of singing the Nation Anthem at the Super Bowl on Sunday

Gearing up: Alicia Keys tweeted a snap of herself getting ready ahead of her performance of the national anthem at Sunday's Super Bowl

Gearing up: Alicia tweeted a snap of herself in a white robe with the stadium in the background earlier

The star posted a snap of herself rehearsing, where she is seen sitting at a silver piano in the middle of the football pitch - presumably taken the day before.

'Woke up dreaming about how this place will b filled later! I'm so excited! Better go back 2 sleep 4 a little bit!' she wrote.

In the snap, the songstress is seen wearing a casual outfit consisting of blue skinny jeans, a khaki jacket and a pair of wedge trainers.

She was joined in rehearsal by Jennifer Hudson who will sing America the Beautiful at the event.

In rehearsal: Earlier in the day, the star posted a snap of her rehearsals, where she is seen sitting at a silver piano in the middle of the football pitch, presumably taken the day before

Getting ready: Alicia's excitement was palpable as she tweeted before the big event

The singers posed for a photograph together, with Hudson smiling broadly while holding a microphone.

'Me & @iamjhud on the field after she rehearsed "America " & me the "National Anthem" its gonna b a great day!' Alicia tweeted.

Hudson discussed her performance with the Sandy Hook elementary chorus at the event.

'Such a privilege to be performing w the Sandy Hook elementary chorus at the #SuperBowl today. We go on just before kick off!' she tweeted.

'he chorus features 26 children from Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, where 20 first-graders and six adults were killed in at the December 14 shooting rampage.