Kelly Clarkson kicked off the Super Bowl on Sunday night with an emotional, stirring rendition of [article id="1678565"]the national anthem[/article]. Donning a black dress and heels, Clarkson gave a performance of "The Star Spangled Banner" that had everyone buzzing on Monday morning (February 6).

"I have probably sang the National Anthem a thousand times and have never been nervous, but I definitely was last night at the Super Bowl!" she told MTV News in a statement on Monday afternoon. "That was the longest minute and a half of my life ha!"

The performance wasn't just about Clarkson's big voice (though it mostly was), but also about the marching band and choir of children who were center-stage with the onetime "American Idol," who performed just moments before the New England Patriots and the New York Giants faced off in Indianapolis.

"I was very excited as well because of the drum line and the Indianapolis kids choir that were performing with me," she continued. "They made the performance stand out a lot more and those kids sounded so ethereal and beautiful! It was a huge honor to get to sing the anthem and I'd be proud to do it again!"

Clarkson wasn't the only A-lister to take the stage during the big game. [article id="1678574"]Madonna performed during halftime[/article], and much like Clarkson, she brought her own drum line to the stage, as well as LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, Cee Lo Green and M.I.A. But, unlike Madonna, Clarkson's performance included a lot less pomp and circumstance, and one less [article id="1678571"]middle finger (which came courtesy of M.I.A.)[/article].

What did you think of Kelly Clarkson's rendition of the national anthem? Leave your comments on our Facebook page!