Madonna performs in New York City’s Madison Square Garden
By: Markos Papadatos, Contributing Editor
On Nov. 12, global pop sensation Madonna performed for a sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This show consisted of her classic hits, as well as material from her latest studio album entitled “M.D.N.A.” She commenced her set with “Gregorian Chant/Virgin Mary” as her intro and immediately broke into “Girl Gone Wild” and “Revolver.” Madonna continued with “Gang Bang,” her chart-topper “Papa Don’t Preach” and “Hung Up.”
Other noteworthy vocals performed during the evening included “I Don’t Give A,” “Vogue,” “Open Your Heart,” “I’m Addicted,” “I’m A Sinner” and “Express Yourself,” which featured a medley of Lady Gaga’s melodically-reminiscent tune “Born This Way.”
During “Give Me All Your Luvin’,” Madonna was dressed as a cheerleader in her pom poms and the stage was graced in a red backdrop and it featured a cameo from rapper Nicki Minaj on the giant screens.
In her rendition of “Like a Virgin,” Madonna mooned the crowd and inspired the audience to throw money on the stage, where she noted that all of the proceeds would go towards the Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund.
Backed by a gospel choir, her version of “Like A Prayer” was angelic and reminiscent to the one she performed at this year’s SuperBowl halftime show. In return, it garnered her a huge standing ovation.
Madonna closed her set (which exceeded twenty songs) with one of my personal favorite Madonna songs, the pop-dance anthem “Celebration,” which was very appropriate since this whole concert felt like a “celebration” of life and one of the greatest female entertainers in musical history.
“Thank you New York. You’re the greatest. Have a great night. We love you,” the pop queen concluded.
To quote a song title from her “M.D.N.A.” CD, Madonna was a true “superstar.” Aside from taking the stage well over an hour late, she managed to give Madison Square Garden a night of pop music to remember. She had tremendous energy, great outfit changes and she looked stunning for her age. Although she may be in her early 50s, she did not look a day over 35.
The arrangements of her songs were clever and she showcased her ability to reinvent herself over and over again. Her show’s set design was elaborate and her dancers were extremely talented and along with Madonna, they were able to get the New York audience out of their seats and dancing.
Photo Credit: Dayna Jones
