y Hedi Slimane. Fox cut to video segments of soldiers around the world dedicating the next song to loved ones before going back to Mars. He ap

Anybody worried about how Bruno Mars would do on one of the worlds largest stages had obviously never seen the young star perform live. That all changed Sunday night when tens of millions got their first chance to see why hes one of the most exciting live acts of his generation. Mars, 28, took his high-powered live show to Super Bowl halftime, creating what felt like an intimate show in the arena in East Rutherford, N.J., and supersizing it in what has become a defining moment for those who preceded him on the list of halftime performers in the big game. The Grammy Award-winning singer eliminated any doubters from the second he appeared on screen in a skinny tie and gold jacket almost as dazzling as his smile. He played a deep-groove drum solo while rolling across the field on a raised, motorized platform, then joined his smoking-hot live band for a series of energetically executed hits that were clearly not lip-synced. He then seamlessly integrated the Red Hot Chili Peppers into his set. "There were a lot of doubters and my man delivered," Fox commentator Howie Long said after the performance. Hard to disagree. There were no flubs, no negative moments that will live on at the water cooler Monday morning. And while you can argue about the entertainment value of watching shirtless Chili Peppers gambol about the stage, the 50-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Famers managed to match Mars energy in a brief appearance that was no less memorable. Mars trades in shared memories, taking the best of acts that have come before like the infectiousness of Sting and The Police, or the groove of James Brown, and updating them with lyrics and sounds that capture the freshness of the current moment. He opened by displaying the beauty of his high tenor with the sing-a-long-inviting "Locked Out of Heaven" and "Treasure" before transitioning to "Runaway Baby." That song, with its Brown-flavoured beat, allowed the Hawaiian-born singer to dance in homage to "Soul Brother Number One," complete with an impressive gymnastics-style split as part of his moves. He broke down the band to silence and killed the lights for a moment, allowing the crowds screams to be heard at home, before transitioning to the Chili Peppers and the funky "Give It Away." The Chili Peppers, which included singer Anthony Kiedis and bassist Flea sans shirts in temperatures that hovered in the 40s, powered through the song, then joined Mars and his Hooligans in a quick few bars from Black Sabbath. Mars and his eight-piece band, The Hooligans, were dressed from head-to-toe in custom-made clothes from Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane. Fox cut to video segments of soldiers around the world dedicating the next song to loved ones before going back to Mars. He appeared alone on a small stage in the centre of the field where he sang the ballad "Just the Way You Are" with the stands full of lights and the sky aflame with the biggest fireworks display in NFL Super Bowl history. It was a powerful moment and compared favourably to past performances by stars like Prince and Bruce Springsteen. There was never a dull moment. Thats about all you can ask, especially in a game that was full of them. Matt Duffy Jersey . While the pair of Spain internationals return, midfielder Xavi Hernandez will not be included in the squad after failing to recover from a muscle strain to his left leg. Cheap Tampa Bay Rays Jerseys . With the suspension, Nigeria is unable to take part in any kind of international fixtures. FIFA had issued a warning to the NFF last week after the federation was served with court proceedings from the government that prevented the NFFs president from running the NFFs day-to-day affairs. http://www.cheapraysjerseys.com/?tag=che...on-ramos-jersey. -- Having already fallen behind because of the NFL lockout, Blaine Gabbert couldnt afford a lengthy holdout. Chris Archer Jersey . -- Washington Capitals forward Brooks Laich is expected to miss the rest of the regular season after having an operation on a groin muscle. Evan Longoria Jersey . Vonn "reopened" the idea of competing in the season-opening World Cup event on Oct. 26-27 in Soelden, Austria after returning to the slopes last month in Portillo, Chile.Brisbane, Australia (SportsNetwork.com) - Top-seeded Roger Federer recorded the 1,000th win of his ATP career in a victory over Milos Raonic in Sundays final at the season-opening Brisbane International. The 17-time Grand Slam champion became just the third man in history to record 1,000 wins as he joined retired greats Jimmy Connors (1,253) and Ivan Lendl (1,071). It feels very different to any other match Ive ever won, said Federer. One thousand means a lot because its such a huge number. Just alone to count to 1,000 is going to take a while. Its funny emotions right now, but clearly very proud and happy. It wasnt easy for Federer on Sunday, as he won the first set but then lost in a tiebreak to the third-seeeded Raonic.dddddddddddd In the third set, Federer broke Raonics serve to record the 6-4, 6-7 (2-7), 6-4 victory. Looking back its almost nicer winning this way, through a tight match with nerves and humid conditions against a great player in a final, said Federer. It means so much more than just running away with it with the score maybe 6-4, 6-4, which was looking very likely at one stage. I guess I was much more happy having to go three sets in the end rather than winning in straight. The 33-year-old Federer improved to 8-1 against the 24-year-old Canadian in winning his 83rd career ATP singles title. Brisbane serves as a tune-up for the Australian Open, which will begin Jan. 19 in Melbourne. ' ' '