The Baltimore Ravens swooped to Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers in New Orleans this evening after one of the closest and most exciting final match-ups in years.
An eventful night began with an emotional rendition of 'America the Beautiful' sung by children of Sandy Hook Elementary, heard a soaring national anthem from Alicia Keys, a powerhouse half-time reunion and performance from Beyonce and Destiny's Child and an embarrassing 35-minute power cut.
And at the end of a riveting football game inside the Superdome, the Ravens managed to best a resurgent San Francisco team 34-31, after the Ravens survived a spirited second-half comeback from their illustrious opponents led by inspired quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) holds up the the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in the NFL Super Bowl XLVII
Victorious: Baltimore Ravens long snapper Morgan Cox celebrates the Baltimore Ravens victory in the Super Bowl as Ed Reed (20) celebrates next to the Vince Lombardi Trophy
Super Bowl Ticker-Tape Angel: Baltimore Ravens defensive back Chykie Brown (23) celebrates after the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night
Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Ray Lewis celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers to win the Super Bowl
Final Victory: Streamers and confetti fall after the Baltimore Ravens win the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game 34-31 against the San Francisco 49ers
Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Ray Lewis, head coach John Harbaugh (left), and owner Steve Bisciotti (right) celebrate after their team defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL Super Bowl XLVII
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, (left), and linebacker Ray Lewis (center) celebrate their 34-31 win against the San Francisco 49ers as does James Ihedigbo (right)
At the beginning of the third quarter a power outage at the Super Bowl put the nation's biggest sporting event on hold for more than a half-hour Sunday, interrupting an otherwise electric, back-and-forth game that ended with Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens as NFL champions thanks to a 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Flacco, voted the MVP, threw three first-half touchdown passes to cap an 11-TD, zero-interception postseason and Jacoby Jones returned the second-half kickoff 108 yards, a Super Bowl record, to give Baltimore a 28-6 lead.
Moments later, lights lining the indoor arena faded, making it difficult to see. When action resumed, Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers scored 17 consecutive points, getting as close as 31-29.
But Baltimore stopped San Francisco on fourth-and-goal from the 5 with under 2 minutes left when Kaepernick's pass sailed beyond Michael Crabtree in the end zone.
With the Ravens leading 28-6 at the beginning of the third quarter, a blowout appeared on the cards.
But play was delayed for 35 minutes as half of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome was plunged into darkness.
The surreal spectacle was due to the failure of an outside power source, but the 49ers were sparked into action after a lethargic first half.
In a remarkable four minutes and 10 seconds, Colin Kaepernick was inspired, helping the 49ers post 17 points, but the aging Ravens defense staged one final hurrah to give Ray Lewis the perfect retirement present.
Dubbed the ‘Harbowl’, or the ‘Brobowl’ by American media, for the first time in Super Bowl history two brothers went head-to-head as head coaches.
And it was elder brother John Harbaugh who claimed the NFL’s biggest prize in his fifth season as Ravens coach, with victory over Jim’s 49ers.
This was the 10th time New Orleans hosted the big game -- tying Miami for most in a city -- and first since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Big Easy in August 2005.
Brotherly Love: San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh (left) gets a pat on the cheek as he congratulates his brother, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, after the Ravens won in the NFL Super Bowl XLVII
San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, (center), walks off the field after their 34-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL Super Bowl XLVII
Devastated: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) wipes his face after losing 34-31 to the Baltimore Ravens in the Super Bowl
During the half-time show Beyonce channeled her Sasha Fierce alter-ego on stage at the half-time Super Bowl show this evening as a surprise reunion of Destiny's Child wowed the crowd in New Orleans.
Launching her set with a strong performance of 'Crazy in Love' complete with a guitar flaming as it played out its solo, Beyonce proved her doubters wrong by singing live one week after the controversy over her lip-synching at the Presidential Inauguration.
And in a massive surprise for the estimated 100 million watching at home, Beyonce was joined by Destiny's Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams who sang with the diva on their massive hit 'Bootylicious' and her single smash 'Single Ladies'
However, despite Beyonce appearing to sing live, Twitter was filled with complaints from viewers at home who complained about the sound quality - some said that they were unable to hear Rowland and Williams as they joined their more illustrious bandmate on stage.
Flaming Start: Beyonce launched her half time show with a silhouette of herself burning in her wake
Fierce: Beyonce takes to the stage at the half-time Super Bowl show in New Orleans this evening
Beyonce leads her backing dancers performs through the half-time show of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII
Electric: A guitarist lets out flames from her instrument as she plays the solo during Beyonce's half-time show
Triumphant: Beyonce puts on a stellar performance during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens
Dressed to Impress: Beyonce lifts her arms during her performance and gives the crowd and cameras a fierce look
No Lip-Synching: Beyonce storms across the stage with her backing dancers on stage during the Super Bowl half-time show in New Orleans
No Prisoners: Beyonce gives it her all during the Super Bowl half-time show tearing through her greatest hits for the crows in New Orleans
Giving it Her All: Beyonce falls to her knees during her energetic show as eager members of the audience take pictures with their telephones
Beyonce performs with her all-girl backing group during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens
For the Cameras: The singing superstar ran through a set of her greatest hits including 'Halo' and 'Single Ladies'
Not Holding Back: Beyonce performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens
Beyonce lights up the stage during the half-time show of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game in New Orleans
Superstar Beyonce leans into the crowd as she sings at the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans
Beyonce sang like she had something to prove at the Super Bowl, balancing out the testosterone levels on the football field with a dance-heavy performance that featured her Destiny's Child band mates and an all-female band.
She emerged onstage singing some of 'Love on Top,' transitioning to her hit 'Crazy In Love' in an all-black ensemble, which matched the dark stage. She ripped off part of her shirt and skirt as she danced hard with background dancers doing the same.
She sang live — and sounded good. Days after admitting to singing to a pre-recorded track at President Barack Obama's inauguration, she proved herself to any doubters and added a few off-script remarks as if to show her microphone was on.
She set a serious tone as she emerged onstage in all black, singing lines from her R&B hit 'Love on Top.'
The stage was dark as fire and lights burst from the sides. Then she went into her hit 'Crazy In Love,' bringing some feminine spirit to the Super Dome as she and her background dancers did the singer's signature booty-shaking dance.
Beyonce ripped off part of her shirt and skirt. She even blew a kiss. She was ready to rock, and she did so like a pro.
Surprise! Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland were launched onto the stage to join their illustrious bandmate in the surprise of the half-time performance
Reunited: Beyonce performs with Kelly Rowland, left, and Michelle Williams, right, of Destiny's Child, during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens
Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, (right), and Michelle Williams, (left,) of Destiny's Child, perform as a surprise for the crowd
Singer Beyonce performs with Destiny's Child during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana
Beyonce took the stadium by storm as she performed her 15-minute show this evening at half time in New Orleans
Superstar: Beyonce lit up the Superdome with her performance during the half-time show
Her confidence — and voice — grew as she worked the stage with and without her Destiny's Child band mates during her 13-minute set, which comes days after she admitted she sang to a pre-recorded track at President Barack Obama's inauguration less than two weeks ago.
Beyonce proved not only that she can sing, but that she can also entertain on a stage as big as the Super Bowl's.
She was far better than Madonna, who sang to a backing track last year, and miles ahead of the Black Eyed Peas' disastrous set in 2011.
Beyonce was best when she finished her set with "Halo." She asked the crowd to put their hands toward her as she sang the slow groove on bended knee — and that's when she the performance hit its high note.
'Thank you for this moment,' she told the crowd. 'God bless y'all.'
Her background singers helped out as Beyonce danced around the stage throughout most of the 13-minute performance. She was especially top-notch during 'End of Time' and 'Baby Boy.'
She had a swarm of background dancers and band members spread throughout the stage, along with videotaped images of herself dancing. And the crowd got bigger when she was joined by her Destiny's Child band mates.
Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams popped up from below the stage to sing 'Bootylicious.' They were in similar outfits, singing and dancing closely as they harmonized. But Rowland and Williams were barely heard when the group sang 'Independent Woman,' as their voices faded into the background.
They also joined in for some of 'Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It),' where Beyonce's voice grew stronger.
She asked the crowd to put their hands toward her she belted the slow groove 'Halo' on bended knee — and that's when she the performance hit its high note.
Diva: Beyonce gives a sultry look during her daring and breathless show during this evening's Super Bowl in New Orleans
Glitter: Beyonce performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens
VIDEO Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams reunite at Super Bowl
And in a bizarre and embarrassing turn of events for the NFL And the New Orleans Superdome, just after Beyonce finished her performance and the third quarter had begun the lights went out in half the stadium.
After a few minutes, the public address announcer said the Superdome was experiencing an interruption of electrical service and encouraged fans to stay in their seats.
Some fans did the wave to pass the time. Players milled around on the sidelines, some took a seat on the bench, other on the field. A few of the Ravens threw footballs around.
Play resumed after a 35-minutes and the delay, which TV reports attributed to an outside power feed that died, started when the overhead lights first went out on the 49ers' side of the field before dimming in other parts.
During the delay, players could be seen stretching along the sidelines, quarterbacks were throwing balls and cheerleaders were going through routines.
Lights-Out: Players mill around the field after half of the lights went out during the third quarter of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers in New Orleans
Embarrassing: The game was held up due to a power outage at the Superdome
Playes look around the stadium after the lights went out during the second half of NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game
Field judge Craig Wrolstad stands on the field after the lights went out during the second half of NFL Super Bowl
The Superdome is seen after the lights went out during the second half of NFL Super Bowl game
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) tries to break a tackle by San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver (29) after making a reception during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game
San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) celebrates his third quarter touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game in New Orleans, Louisiana
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) catches a 13-yard pass for a touchdown as San Francisco 49ers safety Donte Whitner (31) and teammate NaVorro Bowman (53) trail the play
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) passes long (left) as fullback Vonta Leach (44) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter in the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game in New Orleans
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) celebrate his touchdown reception with offensive lineman Bobbie Williams (63) in the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game
Anquan Boldin (81) of the Baltimore Ravens pulls in a 13-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII
San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) catches a pass against Baltimore Ravens safety Bernard Pollard (31) in the first quarter of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game
Children from Sandy Hook Elementary School and Jennifer Hudson sang an emotional rendition of 'America the Beautiful' as the pre-game show at the Super Bowl came to a conclusion.
The Grammy and Oscar-winning singer was joined by 26 children from the tragic school in Newtown, Connecticut where 20 first-graders and six adults died in a mass shooting on December 14th.
Bringing tears to the eyes of the players of the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers, the spine-tingling collaboration was followed by Alicia Keys who played out the national anthem on the pitch from behind a white piano.
Wearing white shirts that seemed to embody the innocence of youth, with green ribbons pinned on the right side of their shirts, the 26 children stood on the NFL's red, white and blue shield-shape logo and many smiled excitedly as they sang the first verse before a silent yet packed Superdome crowd.
Then Hudson, wearing a black blouse and long, white skirt, fronted them for a second verse that showcased her sterling voice.
Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh watched alongside his daughter, Alison.
Fans offered a rousing ovation at the finish, and the chorus then trotted to the 20-yard line and turned, with their hands on their hearts, to watch Alicia Keys sing the national anthem.
Alicia Keys performed a lounge-y, piano-tinged - and live - version of the national anthem ahead of the Super Bowl on Sunday.
The Grammy-winning singer played the piano as she sang 'The Star Spangled Banner' with her eyes shut.
Emotional Moment: Singer Jennifer Hudson performs 'America the Beautiful' withThe Sandy Hook Elementary School Choir
Tribute: Jennifer Hudson performs with students from Sandy Hook Elementary School singing 'America the Beautiful' before the Super Bowl XLVII this evening in New Orleans
Poignant: The Sandy Hook Elementary School Choir perform 'America the Beautiful' as the pre-game show comes to its end before the Super Bowl kick-off in New Orleans
The 26 children from Sandy Hook Elementary School were invited to sing 'America the Beautiful' by the NFL
Not a Dry Eye in the House: Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis looks around - the children of Sandy Hook Elementary School performed an emotional rendition of 'America the Beautiful' before the Super Bowl kicked-off
Holding their hands on their hearts - the players of the Baltimore Ravens listen to the children of Sandy Hook Elementary School Chorus sing 'America the Beautiful'
'From my heart to yours': Jennifer Hudson performs an emotional version of America The Beautiful with choir of children from Sandy Hook gun massacre school
The beautiful rendition of the song was performed by the 26 children and the Grammy winner as a tribute to the players and those who lost their lives in the December shooting atrocity
Members of the Sandy Hook Elementary School Chorus walk off the field after singing 'America The Beautiful' prior to Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Smiles: Children from Sandy Hook Elementary School Chorus leave the field after performing with Jennifer Hudson prior to the start of the Super Bowl
Her publicist said the performance was live, days after halftime performer Beyonce admitted singing along to a prerecorded track at the Inauguration.
Keys' version was soft and featured additional lyrics: She added 'living in the home' before belting 'home of the brave' as she finished the song.
Majestic: Alicia Keys sings the national anthem before the Super Bowl this evening in New Orleans
Alicia Keys performed a restrained and classy rendition of the national anthem as the Super Bowl prepared to begin
Alicia Keys sat at her piano on the field in New Orleans and performed the national anthem with no backing from a band
Powerful: Alicia Keys performs the national anthem before the start of Super Bowl XLVII between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers
Alicia Keys tweeted this picture of herself looking composed before she sings the national anthem tonight prior to the Super Bowl
VIDEO Alicia Keys live performance of National Anthem at Super Bowl 2013
Crowds spent the afternoon filtering into the Superdome in New Orleans as the biggest game in all of football is due prepared to kick off.
The Big Easy was transformed into one massive party on Sunday as the city prepared to host the 47th Super Bowl between the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens.
The city's French Quarter was packed with visiting fans soaking up the atmosphere before the biggest game in American professional sports was due to start at 6:30 ET
Acrobatic: Cheerleaders perform during pre-game ceremonies for the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens in New Orleans
Ready For the Game: Cheerleaders dance before the Super Bowl XLVII
The Ravens finished their practice on the eve of the big game Sunday with a 15-minute walk-through under the Superdome lights.
The game was the first time in the 47 years of the Super Bowl, that two head-coach-brothers went head-to-head for the National Football League championship.
John Harbaugh is Baltimore's head coach and his younger brother Jim has the same job with the 49ers and their sibling rivalry has dominated the build-up to the game.
Arena: Players warm up on the field before the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens ahead of tonight's big game
Party: Cheerleaders look on before the San Francisco 49ers play the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL Super Bowl XLVII
Mardi Gras: Cheerleaders dance before the San Francisco 49ers play the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL Super Bowl XLVII
Getting a lay of the land: Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco walks across the official logo during a warm up on Sunday
Game Day: Fans arrive outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome before the start of Super Bowl XLVII between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers in New Orleans, Louisiana
Getting ready: Flacco was seen practicing in the final hours before the game
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick warms up before the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game against the Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco warms up while the 49ers Colin Kaepernick practices with his throwing arm ahead of tonight's clash
Domer: Gregg Wilson took a different interpretation of the Superdome when he decided to dress up for the game
Marching in: Cheerleaders from Warren Easton High School got the crowds riled up before the game and were sporting their home-team's colors to boot
Counting the titles: Forty Niners fans were proud of their team's past successes, hoping to add to the list
Football fan: Miss Alabama Katherine Webb is covering the game for Inside Edition
Preparing for a different close-up: Webb earned national attention because of her boyfriend, University of Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron
Republican friends: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and his wife Patty meet with Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal before the Superbowl
Hometown fans: Mary Matalin and James Carville, who were recently fired from CNN but served as New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee Chairs, showed their colorful spirit
Getting rowdy: Fans have taken a clear liking towards the festive New Orleans spirit leading up to the game
Spirited: Carmen Caltabianco brought a feathered friend with him
Sneaking up: Jillian Miller (left) gets excited when she spots fellow Ravens fans
New Orleans spirit: Ms Miller, who lives in Los Angeles but supports the Baltimore team, brought some of New Orleans into her outfit with a Mardi Gras mask and beads
Dedication: This fan has a tattoo showing his loyalty
The Ravens initially practiced at Tulane University before sharing the New Orleans Saints practice facility with the 49ers on Thursday and Friday.
'The league has an obligation and a desire to make sure the competitive playing field is fair,' John Harbaugh said. 'I appreciate Jim cooperating with us. He was great about it. Ultimately, made it fair for everybody.'
Like their opponents, the 49ers also got to have plenty of fun under the glaring lights of the Superdome Saturday after finishing their 15-minute walk-through.
Rocking his hat: 49ers fan Terry Tucker brought a special hat with him to the game on Sunday
Different team: Florida native Mike Phillips shows his support of the Tampa Bay Buckaneers
Historic: The 49ers fan has a golden nugget foam head, paying tribute to the gold-panning roots
Full display: A group of Ravens fans sported decorated capes when they headed into the Superdome
Head coach Jim Harbaugh, the brother of the Ravens' coach, said the stadium lights are brighter than they were when the 49ers beat the New Orleans Saints here on November 25, so getting his players adjusted to that was important.
Harbaugh invited family members and friends — 11 busloads of people — to attend the short session and then come down to the field to pose for photographs.
One person hollered Harbaugh's signature chant from the stands: 'Who's got it better than us?' to which the rest of the group replied: 'No-body!' — and the coach smiled and applauded the efforts.
Child's play: Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, left, hands a football to his one-year-old daughter, Rayven, after an NFL Super Bowl XLVII walk-through
In the spirit: A Baltimore fan sports a Lewis jersey outside of the stadium
Headed in: Two '49ers fans head into the Superdome on Sunday hours before the big game
