Jessica Beresford: Madonna past her use-by date
By Jessica Beresford
Published: 7:36AM Wednesday June 20, 2012 Source: ONE News
Madonna performs in Istanbul. - Source: Youtube
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Madonna's musical career, spanning three decades, has been built on controversy.
From writhing on stage in a skimpy wedding dress declaring chastity, to the expose of nude photographs taken before her success, the Queen of Pop has revelled in the element of surprise.
The Pope has even gone out of his way to condemn Catholic fans from attending her concerts.
So when the Material Girl exposed herself to audiences last week during a tour to promote her latest album, MDNA, it was no surprise fans got more than they bargained for.
This was no subtle nip slip or skirt elegantly caught in the breeze; these were intentional, fully-fledged flashings of breast and buttocks.
This kind of no-holds-barred flaunting would have been acceptable, maybe even applauded, in her 1980's Like A Virgin days. But where she once led the way for female musicians as a lightning rod for liberation, the 53-year-old is now a prime example of mutton dressed, and acting, as lamb.
Madonna's performance at the 2012 Superbowl's halftime show was evidence enough of this.
While commendable as a performance - fit with cartwheels, pompoms and back up dancers galore, the audience shouldn't have to worry about the main act breaking a hip.
And with the response from people on Twitter, it's safe to say I'm not the only one who thinks she's past her use-by date. Fans and critics a-like flooded internet-forums and Twitter with criticism of Madonna's actions following the flashing.
Celebrities even joined in on the debate, with veteran Madonna-hater Piers Morgan tweeting: "Most embarrassing, cringe-worthy, desperate moment in the history of music?"
This week, while performing in London, Cheryl Cole said: "I don't care how old you are, flashing boobs isn't appropriate on stage. I can't believe she did that... nipple and all. Wow."
I am not in anyway trying to undermine Madge's success. She is widely considered the best-selling female artist of all time, and continues to adapt to the music scene to bring out chart-topping hits.
But as a mother-of-four with her kids in tow (her children were performing with her on tour), she could take some advice from her fans to make her acts a little more age-appropriate.
Although with Madonna's track record of ignoring criticism, I have no doubt we"ll see her flashing and gyrating all the way to her ! grave.
