The Super Bowl is about much more than just the game--the halftime show is the most widely witnessed musical performance in the country, and the commercials are what makes this event one of the largest business expansion opportunities each year. But who really owns up to the challenge of a Super Bowl halftime performance better than Beyonce Knowles? Here are seven reasons why Yonce actually won the Super Bowl (sorry Broncos):
1. She dropped a new song and video the day before her performance
If you haven't already seen and/or heard about it, Beyonce's new single "Formation" was announced with very little warning on her Instagram account and website on Saturday, February 6. In the song, she addresses the racial issues that have been plaguing our country over the last year, and is her first major release since her self-titled album in December 2013.
2. She actually performed her new song at the Super Bowl
Only Beyonce would use what is arguably the largest stage in the country to perform new material for the first time, and less than 72 hours after releasing it, mind you. She emerged after Bruno Mars and Coldplay (yes, they were there, too), definitely saving the best for last.
3. She nearly fell onstage and made it look effortless
Peyton Manning in cleats can't stay up, but Beyonce in heels is not a problem. Put her in, coach. Nearly falling in front of 120 million people has never looked so graceful.
4. The booty pop
Can we just take a moment to appreciate the fact that this woman is 34 years old and can still pop that booty better than most 20 somethings? I'm fairly certain the woman hasn't aged in years.
5. That "you ain't ready" look
Oh you know she was thinking, "this world ain't ready for this." Which we weren't. Also, note her tribute to Michael Jackson's militia uniform from his performance in 1993.
6. She announced a new world tour almost immediately following her performance
Genius marketing technique, if you ask me. Beyonce's "Formation" world tour kicks off April 27 in Miami, FL. Tickets go on sale Feb. 16, but pre-sale begins Feb. 9. Again, this is her first tour since the "Mrs. Carter Show" tour in 2013. Only Yonce could get away with this--the halftime show was there to serve HER.
7. She made you forget other people even performed
Coldplay may have been headlining, but Beyonce really stole the show. Sorry, Chris and Bruno, you don't stand a chance against Queen B.
Millions of people tune into the Super Bowl every year, and she knew this was her opportunity to make a statement, to say something significant. She knew everyone would be listening, and boy, did she deliver.