Photo courtesy MCT
The Queen of Pop took center stage at Super Bowl XLVI with a medley of hits and tried to cement her name as one of the best halftime shows of all time.
Her majesty opened her set on a throne with “Vogue,” looking like she was coming off the set of Cleopatra, a possible homage to the very vogue Elizabeth Taylor, with gladiators pulling the superstar to the stage. This was a memorable entrance suited for a queen.
Once on stage Madonna broke out her trademark dance moves from her infamous black and white “Vogue” music video, while her dancers dressed up in Greek, Roman and Egyptian garments. The stage itself showcased images of Hollywood legends she shouts out to in her song.
The casting call of acting legends was then switched to a boom box, as Madonna launched into a rendition of “Music.” Her dancers were now b-boys doing acrobatic moves on the stage bleachers. Known for her provocativeness, Madonna did a cartwheel off a dancer’s crotch. During this segment it was evident that the 53-year-old could still move.
Until she started shuffling.
During the ending of “Music,” LMFAO did a quick cameo with a remix of their hit “Party Rock Anthem.” Trying to appeal to a new generation of listeners could have been her main goal in enlisting these party rockers, but she honestly came out looking old. She could have done without this part; it looked very awkward and forced.
The boys were quickly ditched as the girls took center stage. Nicki Minaj and M.I.A joined Madonna to sing her latest single “Give Me All Your Luvin.” The song itself is good, but nothing memorable, although her performance was thanks to the two female rappers. Minaj continues her streak of being a guest artist who steals the show from the main act, her first being Kanye and now Madge. M.I.A kept her anarchist reputation intact by blowing FCC standards and keeping censors abuzz by flipping off the camera. These two ladies gave the very stringent performance some edge.
Madonna’s parade of guest singers continued with Cee Lo Green literally leading a marching band parade. Granted that NBC is hosting this year’s Super Bowl, Cee Lo, from the heavily promoted reality singing competition The Voice, was probably handpicked to perform a quick duet mashup of Madonna’s “Open Your Heart” and “Express Yourself.”
Her last song in her halftime show performance was “Like a Prayer,” which got the loudest cheers from the crowd. During this crowd-pleasing number, Madonna did not disappoint. Accompanied by a gospel choir and Cee Lo Green, once again, she performed the number without a hitch. It was as if her whole set was leading up to this performance, and she nailed it. She sang the last words and made a quick exit from the center stage, leaving “world peace” in her place.
The pop icon’s performance wasn’t perfect, it did have its ups and downs, but it was still entertaining, proving that she still knows how to put on a good show.
