Today at New Orleans' Morial Convention Center just blocks from the Superdome, diva Beyonce held court in front of throngs of media, detailing her Pepsi Super Bowl XLVII halftime show.

She stunned the crowd by singing the national anthem live in front of us in the press pool, asking us to please stand before belting out the patriotic standard. She nailed it, plain and simple.

Beyonce later explained that she did in fact use a backing track at President Obama's second inauguration, because the time crunch, hustle, and weather didn't make it possible to go live. Super Bowl prep also played a role, she added.

She did say that she was singing along at the inauguration to her backing tape, though, and promised that she would be singing live on Sunday night.

Late last year Beyonce signed on with the soda giant Pepsi for what a "wide-ranging global collaboration." This halftime show is one of their first major events together.

Massive amounts of entertainment media were at the press conference, with even reigning Miss America Mallory Hagan making the rounds.

Beyonce's husband Jay-Z is hosting a pre-game bash on Saturday night at Republic New Orleans in the warehouse district. The event is obviously set to be star-studded, with most big-name celebs just now hitting NOLA.

The soundtrack in the hall prior to the presser had a heavy spy-movie feel, which could possibly telegraph what Beyonce has in store for her worldwide audience on Sunday night. It will take seven minutes to put her set together on Sunday, and she will have the next 12 to perform.

"I can say that every little second will matter," Beyonce said. "Trying to condense my career into 12 minutes wasn't easy."

She teased that after the show Sunday she may be announcing future touring plans. Hmmmm....

The Houston-bred performer was originally slated to have her former Destiny's Child sisters on board for the halftime show, but plans changed this week. At the press conference, she was coy about any possible guests for the big show.

The best question at Thursday's event came from a Denmark reporter who asked about her toothbrush's color.

Beyonce said she looks forward to everything slowing down again after the Super Bowl, and spending time with daughter Blue Ivy. This may mean that Miss Ivy will be embarking on her first world tour in a few months.