Perhaps the only place you’re guaranteed to see a squeaky clean concert these days is during the Super Bowl halftime show.
The fallout from Janet Jackson’s infamous “wardrobe malfunction” back in 2004 ensured subsequent acts were chosen for their family-friendly appeal. That meant older, less threatening rockers like U2, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty got the call, while Lady Gaga was left to watch the game at home on her big screen TV.
That, inexplicably enough, leads us to Madonna. The Material Girl will be performing at the Super Bowl halftime show Feb. 5 along with Cirque du Soleil.
Madonna has come a long way, baby.
The 50-something songstress started her career as a flashy – but mostly clean – singer belting out hits like “Borderline” and “Lucky Star.” She quickly ramped up her sex appeal, published a naughty coffee table book and incorporated all manner of lewd behavior into her stage act.
In short, she reveled in shocking us early and often, and the media couldn’t get enough of her. Then, motherhood came calling, and suddenly Madonna seemed more interested in writing children’s books than offending the masses.
The Super Bowl gig means Madonna has come full circle. It’s a sign of maturation, both professional and personal, and an understanding that shock value has a limited shelf life.