Pick up any newspaper today and you'll see that even the crabbiest critics are admitting that Prince delivered a stellar halftime show at Super Bowl XLI. On a stage shaped like the symbol that served as his name for most of the '90s, the Purple One kicked off his performance with his 1984 classic, 'Let's Go Crazy.' And much to the delight of the CBS censors, crazy he was not. Instead, in the pouring rain, Prince delivered an energetic and unpredictable show -- choosing to cover CCR's classic 'Proud Mary,' Dylan's 'All Along the Watchtower,' and the more recent 'Best of You' by the Foo Fighters. (Dave Grohl can now die a happy man.)

Even with a choreographed marching band and camera-loving backup dancers, Prince's Hendrix-like guitar solos and flawless voice commanded the show. Sure, he looked a little like Aunt Jemima with that do-rag on his head... And we'll just assume the bright teal suit and orange shirt were a tribute to the Miami Dolphins? But this is Prince we're talking about -- the guy could've worn a paper bag and still brought the house down. He ended the show with the fitting 'Purple Rain,' as purple lights ensconced the stage and the dancing crowd went wild. And never one to just walk off stage, Prince disappeared behind a huge cloth, with his unmistakable silhouette shining through as he continued to furiously strum his guitar. Justin Timberlake may take a higher spot in halftime history, but he should regret the day he ever poked fun at Prince's stature.

See the halftime show

See Prince and other music-football mashups in our Super Bowl Shuffle gallery