Review : 2012 Super Bowl Half-Time Show

Ever since Janet Jackson’s infamous wardrobe malfunction during the 2004 Super Bowl half time show, NBC and the NFL has moved away from huge collaborative shows filled with pop artists. Since 2004 the performance has been done by aging musical acts who have been around the media long enough to know not to flash a nipple or some other profane gesture during such a high profile performance. That brings us to this year’s halftime headliner Madonna. Sure Madonna kicked up her share of controversy in the 80’s, but at the age of 53 with so much time spent in front of the spotlight she surely could be counted on to provide a well-choreographed performance that wouldn’t offend any viewers.

Madonna was carried out to the stage by muscle bound hunks dressed like Gerald Butler from the movie 300. Her set started off without a hitch with one of her classic hits Vogue. Madonna was then joined by flavour of the week pop act LMFAO for a mash up of her song Music followed by LMFAO hits Party Rock Anthem and Sexy and I Know It. If NBC was going to get an opportunity to test its 7 second delay put in place by after the controversial 2004 show I thought LMFAO would definitely be the act responsible, after all they have pushed the boundaries of tastefulness with their music videos.

The set list than moved to Madonna’s new single Give me all your Luvin performed with little known pop diva M.I.A. up and coming pop princess Nicki Minaj. The new single is forgettable especially after being forced down the public’s throat all week on TV and radio after its video debut on American Idol. That was when M.I.A hijacked the show with an expletive rant topped off with the one finger salute. NBC tried to cut the feed with protocols put in place after 2004’s nipplegate but the video cut out far too late and millions of viewers worldwide witnessed M.I.A.’s 15 seconds of fame.

Thankfully for Madonna the rest of the show went off without any controversies. Cee Lo Green joined Madonna for a trio of her 80’s hits sung in front of a 200 person choir. This year’s Super Bowl halftime show featured a collaborative barrage of over choreographed pop hits and just like in 2004 but will only be remembered for a few controversial moments. I bet the NFL goes back to aging rock acts for the next 5 super bowls, let’s all pray that Nickleback isn’t amongst them. 

Comments

[Moira Farr]

M.I.A. "little known?" Hey I'm Madonna's age and I've heard of her! She is famous for appearing very pregnant on a previous Grammy show; her music soundtracked Slumdog Millionaire. She's huge in England and has gotten a lot of media attention for a number of controversial statements/acts. She's had a lot more than 15 seconds of fame and will likely have more in future!