The National Anthem at the Super Bowl is occasionally controversial, given that each rendition is other openly loved or heavily criticised by viewers. Lady GaGa performed 'The Star Spangled Banner' this year, and while the popstar has generally divided opinion throughout her career, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

Lady GagaLady Gaga shows serious talent at the Super Bowl

Gaga absolutely nailed her performance as she opened the Super Bowl at Levi's stadium in Santa Clara, California. Flawless, gentle and sincere, it was an astounding delivery from a well acclaimed star who sparkled in a glittery red suit with matching eyeshadow, vivid blue nails and US flag heels. There was something pure about the way she sang it, not overdoing the melisma like her 2011 predecessor Christina Aguilera and almost venturing into operatic territory with those big notes and sending goosebumps over the audience with that ringing last word 'brave'. Say what you like about Lady Gaga, but there's no doing the girl got pipes!

More: Lady Gaga will pay tribute to David Bowie at the Grammy Awards

'Congratulations to both teams and football fans', she wrote on Twitter following the big game. 'It was really an honor to sing for you on your big day.'

She has raised a few mocking gibes despite the power of her vocals, however, with people finding serious issue with her outfit and likening her to various characters, people and objects including Effie Trinket from 'The Hunger Games', Dolly Parton, the Pokemon species Blaziken and Heat Miser from 'The Year Without a Santa Claus'. The outfit was a custom Gucci designed by Alessandro Michele who explained, 'I went for red, pure energy for an energetic woman.'

Last year, 'The Star Spangled Banner' was performed by Idina Menzel, while previous singers include Renee Fleming, Alicia Keys, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks and Carrie Underwood. Arguably the best ever performance was done by Whitney Houston in 1991, and it has to be said that Lady Gaga was getting seriously close to that level this weekend.