{blackbabes} Alicia Keys' National Anthem Performance Longest in Super Bowl History

There were quite a few records set at last night's Big Game from network ratings to incredible touchdown runs, but Alicia Keys' soulful take on the national anthem was the real standout.

The R&B superstar's piano rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" officially was the longest in Super Bowl history, according to USA Today, after it clocked in at 156.4 seconds.

Keys' pitch-perfect version surpassed Natalie Cole's milestone 152-second salute to the Stars and Stripes at the 1994 Super Bowl.

The last artist to best the two-minute mark with Francis Scott Key's patriotic (and octave-challenging) song was Jennifer Hudson at the 2009 Super Bowl. Hudson, by the way, returned this year to sing "America the Beautiful" with the Sandy Hook Elementary School choir during pregame festivities.

No doubt, given the positive reception she received, Alicia raised the bar even higher for next year's performer.

Video: http://youtu.be/SlsG9WodjG8