Super Bowl 2012
There are scores of people talking about not wanting to watch this year’s Super Bowl, for one reason or another. On one hand, most of the people I hear from are bitter fans of the San Francisco 49ers who just want nothing to do with football until they can see the red and gold in action again. On the other hand, the rematch between the New England Patriots and New York Giants simply isn’t compelling.
But if there was one reason that you absolutely should pay attention to this year’s Super Bowl … if there was one thing that should draw your attention like a shining beacon of watchability, it should be … Madonna. Yes, the Queen of Pop in all her splendor is about to take the stage and wow her audience by pushing the boundaries with hard-hitting lyrics, being a polarizing religious figure and, of course, her diverse musical arsenal.
Also – it’s apparently 1984.
Much like it was the early 70′s in 2010, the mid-seventies in 2009, the early 80′s in 2008, the late 80′s in 2007 and the late 70′s in 2006. And because 2011 actually featured a somewhat recent band, we’ll just pretend that Usher and Slash were still relevant, and that the Black Eyed Peas weren’t the most terrible hip-hop group of the last ten years. And that’s saying something.
Super Bowl.
Super Bowl halftime shows are usually the same. Madonna’s performance during halftime of Super Bowl 46 between the New England Patriots and New York Giants surely fit the script. The 53-year-old pop icon performed a truncated version of five different songs, ripe with guest appearances, an insane number of background dancers, in a totally overproduced and over the top fashion.
There were so many different motifs going on that it was quite hard to keep track of. She began the performance dressed as an ancient gladiator, and proceeded to perform her classic hit “Vogue”. There’s nothing vogue about gladiators, but whatever, it’s the halftime show at the Super Bowl so these things aren’t supposed to make sense. Next up in the medley was “Music”, a contemporary hit by Madonna’s standards – released in June of 2000, eleven years ago, but still – while her and a few dancers did a routine on what looked like a futuristic set of bleachers. It appeared as those Madonna slipped at one point during the routine. I won’t get on her too much for this because one thing I’ve always feared is falling through a set of bleachers and tumbling all the way to the ground, and I’m 25-years-old. Bleachers are very awkward, so I give the pop queen props for trying something daring.
Then came our first guest appearance, by LMFAO. They randomly broke into a hilariously slowed down version of their hit “Party Rock Anthem”. The three of them performed the now-famous dance, the Party Rock Shuffle, but again it wasn’t at the usual frantic pace. Hey, Madonna is 53, so I guess she’s earned the right to request a slower version of the song so that she could keep up.
Next up was Madonna’s new song – “Give Me All Your Luvin” – featuring guest appearances by Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. The song sounds pretty much like every other Madonna song from the past 30 years, except it features Minaj doing what she does best; interjecting in the middle of a pop song by rapping quickly and unintelligibly. The performance wrapped up with Madonna performing “Like A Prayer”. There was another guest appearance but unfortunately it wasn’t by Tim Tebow, except it was a wizard-dressed Cee Lo Green. Remember to catch The Voice, only on NBC.
Years of planning will pay off today as Indianapolis hosts Super Bowl 2012, an event that has brought the city together like no other. And we have much to be proud of – the community leadership and our volunteer spirit and hospitality.
After the shiny Lombardi Trophy has been awarded, the zip line has been taken down and the celebrities have left town, Indianapolis will return to what we know and love it as – home. A little spiffier, no doubt, and maybe a little more confident.
While the big game has given us a chance to see our city in the spotlight, what we love most about it might not have shown up on camera. So here is what makes Indianapolis special to us.
Behind the service counter. Behind the badge. On the street or stage. Especially behind the smile. It’s the people. This is really what I love about Indianapolis.
In the past few years, Indy has become this eclectic vibrant burg. Sure, we’re made fun of and kicked to the curb by much bigger cities with ocean views. And yes, some think we’re a test market for bad fashion. Who cares? We make it up in the friendly department.
Feel the positive vibe when you enter India Garden on Delaware Street, and you are greeted with a smile by owner Tony Mehra, who started his popular restaurant 19 years ago. He lets you know he feels truly grateful for your business.
Or hear a big “Welcome” from David Goff, doorman at the Conrad, as he helps you from your car at the main entrance on Washington Street. These real everyday, hard-working people make up the face of Indianapolis.
Jerry Sedam, a 32-year veteran of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, sums it up best when asked what he loves about the Circle City – “I love the way the community comes together solving problems. There is a great network of people in this city working as one big team for us in law enforcement, helping to make Indianapolis a better place. From mail carriers to policemen. And especially, Crime Watch captains who are the eyes of the community helping keep Indianapolis safe.”
If you believe a city is reflected by its people, then you have to believe our city is great. Friendly, funny and, above all, helpful. Some call it Hoosier hospitality. I just call it Indy.
- Frank Espich