American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson was on hand to lend the Mardi Gras 2013 celebrations an extra bit of musical glamour. The 30-year-old singer/songwriter performed at the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans, which was also where the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVII was played; and also where the eerie power blackout, linked to American singer Beyoncé Knowles' Illuminati connections, happened.

The Mardi Gras 2013 celebrations in New Orleans were less controversial though, even if it did focus on the theme of Ancient Mysteries.

Clarkson, who was also Celebrity Grand Marshal of the Krewe of Endymion for the Mardi Gras 2013 parade, joined other colourful Mardi Gras parades on the streets of New Orleans.

Clarkson tweeted: "I'm the Grand Marshal of Mardi Gras!!! Most fun ever!!!!!"

She later added: "Yeahhhhh! @ Endymion Parade."

Clarkson, who is also set to perform at the 55th Grammy Awards (find out how to watch the Grammy Awards live and also read about outrageous and controversial Grammy Awards fashion), could cap an absolutely glorious few days perfectly, if her hit single - Stronger - wins Song of the Year.

"A lot of times, if I'm writing it ... a lot of people think that's about a guy; it's not actually about that. It's more about my work environment," Clarkson told MTV, "I write 'metaphorically speaking' a lot. Sometimes it's not always about a guy; I just end up writing it more that way because it's better for mainstream radio."

Meanwhile, Mardi Gras 2013 saw one of the biggest floats in the event's history - a 330ft long super float, built by the Krewe of Endymion. It held over 200 riders in eight sections.

The Mardi Gras wouldn't be all that legend says without the iconic beads. Although the beaded necklaces usually come in all colours, the most popular ones are those with purple, green and gold strands.

What is their significance?

Well, the colours were chosen by the Grand Duke of Russia in 1857. Purple traditionally represents justice, green represents faith and gold represents power. They are supposed to bring good fortune to the person who catches them but will bring bad luck if visitors pick them up from the ground.

READ: Mardi Gras 2013 New Orleans: Big Easy Welcomes Fat Tuesday with Iconic Parade

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Singer Kelly Clarkson throws beads as she and members of the Krewe of Endymion parade down Orleans Avenue during the weekend before Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana February 9, 2013. Mardi Gras day will be celebrated on February 12, 2013.
Singer Kelly Clarkson throws beads as she and members of the Krewe of Endymion parade down Orleans Avenue during the weekend before Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana February 9, 2013. Mardi Gras day will be celebrated on February 12, 2013. Reuters
Singer Kelly Clarkson throws beads as she and members of the Krewe of Endymion parade down Orleans Avenue during the weekend before Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana February 9, 2013. Mardi Gras day will be celebrated on February 12, 2013.
Singer Kelly Clarkson throws beads as she and members of the Krewe of Endymion parade down Orleans Avenue during the weekend before Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana February 9, 2013. Mardi Gras day will be celebrated on February 12, 2013. Reuters
A woman with the members of the Krewe of Endymion parades down Orleans Avenue during the weekend before Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana February 9, 2013. Mardi Gras day will be celebrated on February 12, 2013.
A woman with the members of the Krewe of Endymion parades down Orleans Avenue during the weekend before Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana February 9, 2013. Mardi Gras day will be celebrated on February 12, 2013. Reuters
A reveler screams for beads as members of the Krewe of Endymion parade down Orleans Avenue during the weekend before Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana February 9, 2013. Mardi Gras day will be celebrated on February 12, 2013.
A reveler screams for beads as members of the Krewe of Endymion parade down Orleans Avenue during the weekend before Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana February 9, 2013. Mardi Gras day will be celebrated on February 12, 2013. Reuters
Revelers catch beads as members of the Krewe of Endymion parade down Orleans Avenue during the weekend before Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana February 9, 2013. Mardi Gras day will be celebrated on February 12, 2013.
Revelers catch beads as members of the Krewe of Endymion parade down Orleans Avenue during the weekend before Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana February 9, 2013. Mardi Gras day will be celebrated on February 12, 2013. Reuters
Members of the Krewe of Endymion parade down Orleans Avenue during the weekend before Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana February 9, 2013. Mardi Gras day will be celebrated on February 12, 2013.
Members of the Krewe of Endymion parade down Orleans Avenue during the weekend before Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana February 9, 2013. Mardi Gras day will be celebrated on February 12, 2013. Reuters
Members of the Krewe of Endymion parade down Orleans Avenue during the weekend before Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana February 9, 2013. Mardi Gras day will be celebrated on February 12, 2013.
Members of the Krewe of Endymion parade down Orleans Avenue during the weekend before Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana February 9, 2013. Mardi Gras day will be celebrated on February 12, 2013. Reuters
Members of the Krewe of Endymion parade down Orleans Avenue during the weekend before Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana February 9, 2013. Mardi Gras day will be celebrated on February 12, 2013.
Members of the Krewe of Endymion parade down Orleans Avenue during the weekend before Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana February 9, 2013. Mardi Gras day will be celebrated on February 12, 2013. Reuters
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