With her penchant for questionable social media output over the last couple of years, and the unfortunate ‘Madame X‘ touring experience (no real fault of her own), the sparkle and shine of Madonna, once unassailable, seemed like they might be losing some of their luster. And then she opened last night’s Video Music Awards with a surprise appearance, reminding us all that for forty years she’s been hand in hand with MTV (more or less) and giving us what we wanted and needed and desired – and that little spark that she had when she first arrived on the scene was once again in full-effect.
She filmed the Times Square intro a week or so ago, and there was electricity in the air – and as she walked out in her Madame X trench-coat, the magic was back. In fact, I don’t think it ever left – some of us have always been just a little slower to realize the genius and the power. She removed the coat in one swift move, and turned to show off her ample assets.
This was the Madonna we met four decades ago – just as fun, just as cheeky, just as challenging – and it’s the Madonna I’ve always loved. With everything we have ever known, or thought we knew, in full fucked-up flux, she’s still Madonna – and thank God for that.
