Before Underwood performed, Queen Latifah sang “America the Beautiful” flanked by a children’s choir. Latifah broke it down during the tune’s finale for a jazz-inflected, gospel-tinged capper.

Then it was time for Underwood. Following the presentation of the colors, the “American Idol” alum took the stage wearing a white jumpsuit accented with silver chains and a silver belt. During her performance, the broadcast cut to scenes of soldiers in Kabul, Afghanistan, standing at attention. At the song’s climax, the crowd was treated to fireworks and — in a Super Bowl tradition — a flyover by a quartet of fighter jets. Players, coaches and fans were visibly moved by Underwood’s stellar performance.

The singer is the latest in a long line of blockbuster stars who’ve started the Super Bowl with the national anthem. At last year’s game, fellow “American Idol” contestant Jennifer Hudson performed the song before the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals. Other recent notable “Star-Spangled Banner” crooners include Jordin Sparks (another “Idol” alum), Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé and Mariah Carey.

Underwood also joins a number of musical guests at this year’s face-off between the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. The Who will take the stage for the annual half-time show, where they will showcase some of their greatest hits, including “Who Are You,” “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” On Saturday night, fans were treated to Super Saturday performances from Barenaked Ladies, O.A.R. and Robert Randolph. And the weekend got started on the right note with the 2010 version of VH1’s “Super Bowl Fan Jam,” which provided performances by Rihanna, Young Jeezy, Timbaland and Justin Bieber.

Clad in a dazzling white pantsuit, a top that looked like it was made from the scales of a silver reptile, and a pair of “whoa, mama!” platform heels (in other words, your basic Storm Trooper chic), Carrie stepped up to the mic without a hint of nervousness and delivered the goods under pressure. This wasn’t a make-it-your-own “Star-Spangled Banner,” but rather, a traditional rendition that was clear, powerful, and heartfelt. But honestly, when it comes to the National Anthem, do we really want singers taking liberties with the melody? For the love of Francis Scott Key, I would like to offer my own resounding answer to that question: “Heck, no!” And so, The Lady Underwood keeps in tact a record of vocal spotlessness* that would be the envy of even an Indianapolis fan. In other words…well played, Ms. Underwood, well played.

As for Queen Latifah’s “America the Beautiful,” I’ll offer slightly less enthusiastic props, with the caveat that the Queen was clearly struggling with a wonky earpiece from the get-go. And so while the opening few lines seemed plagued by nerves/frustration, the Oscar-nominated singer/rapper/actress recovered nicely, getting her riff on with an “I love America” ad-lib that meshed nicely with a full children’s chorus. (The pre-show’s funniest moment? That little boy in the front row who gave a legendary side-eye to the camera while waiting for his part to kick in. Oh-em-gee indeed!)

What did you think of Carrie’s “Star-Spangled Banner”? The Queen’s “America the Beautiful”? Sound off in the comments below, and don’t miss EW’s live-blog of Super Bowl XLIV (everything but the game!) happening over at our PopWatch blog!

*No, I am not counting that final note — which found a cacophonous match in the crowd’s enthusiastic roar — against our gal.