Coldplay, Beyoncé and Bruno Mars have thrilled a global audience of more than 100 million during the Super Bowl 50 half-time show in California.

Known mainly for mellow hits, Coldplay treated fans watching the game between the Denver Broncos and the Caroline Panthers at Levi's stadium in Santa Clara to a powerful rendition of their hit Viva La Vida.

Surrounded by dancing violinists and standing on a colourfully illuminated stage floor, the band then performed Paradise and Adventure Of A Lifetime.

Coldplay posted this picture of the halftime crowd on their Facebook page

Moments later a black-leather-clad Mars, who headlined the half-time show in 2014, appeared on stage, singing and dancing through his hit Uptown Funk!

But all eyes were on Beyoncé, who sang and gyrated her way through her latest single Formation.

After her dazzling performance, the Grammy-winner announced details for the 2016 Formation World Tour.

This is to include a date at Dublin's Croke Park on Saturday July 9th.

Speaking at a news conference before the game, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin said: "We love Beyonce's music and she's one of the greatest performers I've ever witnessed".

Before the game kicked off, Golden Globe winner and best original song Oscar nominee Lady Gaga stunned spectators with a rendition of The Star Spangled Banner.

Shimmering in a red-glitter suit and matching eye makeup, the 29-year-old singer belted out the US national anthem while actress Marlee Matlin performed in American Sign Language.

The singer won a Golden Globe last month for her role in American Horror Story: Hotel and she has been nominated for best original song at the Academy Awards for Til It Happens To You.

The Super Bowl is the highlight of the American football calendar, and previous performers include Katy Perry, Madonna, and the Rolling Stones.

The 12-minute show half-way through the match has become almost as memorable as the game itself.