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February 2nd, 2012 | 2:25 pm by Kat George and Mark Graham (@kat_george)

What’s Your Dream Set List For Madonna’s Super Bowl Halftime Performance?

You haven’t seen excitement until you’ve seen us talking about Madonna’s Super Bowl half time show. It’s palpable, electric, maybe a little bit Pointer Sisters — basically, we’re doing all that we can to stay calm for the next 72 hours or so. In order to curb our energy into something a bit more productive, we’ve spent the morning playing Madonna‘s Musical Director and coming up with both predicted and dream setlists for her roughly 12-15 minute show. See what you think and if you agree — let us know what your dream set is in the comments section!

PREDICTED SET LIST by Mark Graham (@unclegrambo):
“Ray Of Light” / “Give Me All Your Luvin’ (featuring Nicki Minaj & M.I.A.)” / “Express Yourself” / “Vogue” / “Music”

Billions of people will be watching Madonna’s Super Bowl halftime show, so there’s no doubt that she’ll be feeling the adrenaline and deliver a high energy, dance-y set for the fans. “Ray Of Light” is a very recognizable track that will get fans out of their seats and grooving from the get-go, at which point she can safely transition into the requisite “Go buy my new single!” part of the show. After she welcomes (and then quickly boots) Nicki Minaj and M.I.A to/from the stage, she’ll move into the portion of her set that, to paraphrase her backup dancer, “brings the gay.” Playing “Express Yourself” will be a subtle “In your face!” to Lady Gaga, and “Vogue” (maybe with Cee Lo?) would get both the fans in Indianapolis and on their couches all over the world going berserk. Closing with “Music” —featuring its anthemic chorus of “Music makes the people get together”— would be the most frenzied way to end her short set, and send everyone who’s watching off thinking “I LOVE MADONNA!”

February 1st, 2012 | 6:00 pm by Kat George (@kat_george)

Last Lap: Madonna Announces Her Love And Admiration For Nicki Minaj And M.I.A.

Madonna Announces Her Love And Admiration For Nicki Minaj And M.I.A.
Madonna‘s new single, “Give Me All Your Luvin’” and forthcoming appearance at the Super Bowl both feature appearances by M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj, of whom Madonna has said “They’re not conventional pop stars and I really admire them both. I love both of them actually.” We’re guessing having the Queen Of Pop say things like that about you is going to be both humbling and ego boosting, so a big round of applause for the “non-conventional” gals! [NME]

Katy Perry Added To Already Impressive List Of Grammys Performers
Katy Perry is the latest artist to be added to the ever growing list of impressive names set to play at the Grammys. As if we weren’t already excited enough about Adele and Rihanna et al, well, let’s just say there may or may have not been an impromptu sing-a-long to “Teenage Dream” in one writer’s cubicle this afternoon upon hearing the news… [Neon Limelight]

January 31st, 2012 | 5:30 pm by Kat George (@kat_george)

Last Lap: Beef Alert! Elton John Gives Madonna Some Snarky Super Bowl Advice

Beef Alert! Elton John Gives Madonna Some Snarky Super Bowl Advice
It seems like Elton John might still harbor some bitterness over Madonna‘s Golden Globe win, offering her the following advice for her Super Bowl performance this weekend: “Make sure you lip-sync good.” Reow! [Billboard]

Lana Del Rey’s Career Summarized In A Taiwanese Animation
Lana Del Rey‘s controversial career has been summarized in a Taiwanese animation, so if you’ve ever wanted to see Lana as a virtual character, now’s your chance. It’s pretty accurate / funny, too. [Hipster Runoff]

January 26th, 2012 | 12:58 pm by Kat George (@kat_george)

Will.I.Am Says LMFAO Will Join Madonna’s Super Bowl Performance

It’s on — with the Super Bowl looming ever closer, everyone is talking about that half time show, and what the Queen Of Pop, Madonna, will bring to the stage for the momentous occasion. Never one to do things by halves, suspicions that Madonna’s show will be spectacular are well founded, with reports flooding in that she’ll appear with special guests M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj, and that she’ll be “bringing gay” to the performance. Now, will.i.am has got everyone in a flap by commenting that seizure-dance club kids LMFAO will be joining Madge for the show. In an interview with UK radio station Capital FM, will.i.am said, “I’m going to the Super Bowl this year to see my group LMFAO perform with Madonna. Check that out, will.i.am Music Group is pretty freaking two for two, one year the Super Bowl, the next year another group part of the Super Bowl in collaboration with Madonna. That’s still happening.”

We’re not casting an aspersions on will.i.am’s integrity, but it does seem like a very odd pairing. Yes, “Party Rock Anthem” was a chart topper, but LMFAO’s high energy, doof-blasting dance music doesn’t even come close to being similar with Madonna’s perfectly curated pop sound and image. And from what’s been leaked of MDNA, for instance, the demo to “Gimme All Your Luvin’” it doesn’t seem like Madonna is going down the euro-trance path with her music either. So what would they even play together? Are we looking at a mash-up of the two artists’ music? Or has Madge got something else up her sleeve — a secret collaboration perhaps? And will Nicki and M.I.A still be there? What’s going on? will.i.am has sure ruffled our feathers this morning, and we need answers!

LMFAO To Perform With Madonna At Super Bowl, Says Will.i.am [Idolator]

[Photos: Getty Images]

January 25th, 2012 | 4:30 pm by Mark Graham (@unclegrambo)

Madonna Is Planning On “Bringing Gay” To Next Week’s Super Bowl Halftime Show

In the post-Nipplegate era of Super Bowl halftime shows, a majority of the performers have been stadium rock acts, carefully chosen by the NFL because they, to borrow a political expression, play to the base. Acts like Bruce Springsteen, The Who and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are all Rock And Roll Hall of Famers with undeniable chops and impressive catalogs, but also artists that are unquestionably “safe” (meaning, no one’s gonna get pissed and flip the channel when The Boss launches into “Born To Run”). However, this year’s selection of Madonna —one of the most controversial artists of the Eighties and Nineties— might very well push some of Joe Six-Pack’s buttons.

Today’s Gatecrasher column in the New York Daily News features a quote from an unnamed backup dancer of Madonna’s, one that promises that Her Madgesty is “bringing gay to the Super Bowl.” Now, Madonna’s status as a gay icon is undeniable —there’s a whole Wikipedia page devoted just to this topic— so this news has us wondering exactly how far she’s going to push the envelope. (Personally, our fingers are crossed for a quintuple-kiss between her, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., Elton John and David Furnish.)

January 24th, 2012 | 11:41 am by Kat George (@kat_george)

Oscar Nominations For Music (Original Song)

Oscar nominations have been revealed today and everyone is talking, especially in the category we’re more concerned with — Music (Original Song) — where just two songs were nominated. One of the nominated songs, “Man Or Muppet” from The Muppets (written by Bret McKenzie who is probably best known for Flight Of The Conchords), was an obvious choice, already being nominated for, and winning, a CCMA this year. Up against the favorite is “Real In Rio” from Rio, with music by Sergio Mendes and Carlinhos Brown and lyrics by Siedah Garrett.

Both nominated songs are from “children’s films” (although that’s a tenuous way to describe movies these days given the propensity of traditionally “child friendly” subjects and visuals to be brushed over with a sleek wit to appeal to adult audiences in equal measure), and there’s a notable absence of music from dramas or “adult movies.” Strange then, that Elton John’s “Hello Hello” from Gnomeo & Juliet shouldn’t be nominated in this category, especially as it has previously been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song. Stranger still that Madonna’s “Masterpiece” from W.E. wasn’t nominated, given that it beat out “Hello Hello” at the Golden Globes to take home the award.

[Photos: Oscars Official Website]

January 13th, 2012 | 5:30 pm by Kat George (@kat_george)

Last Lap: Madonna Disses Lady Gaga On Good Morning America

Madonna Disses Lady Gaga On Good Morning America
Beef alert! Watch in awe as Madonna coyly calls Lady Gaga “reductive.” This is why you don’t mess with the Queen Of Pop. [Idolator]

Spin Will Review This Year’s Music In 140 Characters Or Less
Spin is doing something new and unorthodox, taking to Twitter to give album reviews in 140 characters or less for 2012. This will be an interesting experiment indeed — will they succeed in communicating their thoughts on complex albums in such short form? [NPR Music]

January 13th, 2012 | 12:36 pm by Jim Shearer

Shearer’s Spotlight: 5 Things That Need To Happen In To Make 2012 A Great Year For Music

Each week here on VH1 Tuner, our VH1 Top 20 Video Countdown host Jim Shearer (@jimshearer on Twitter) will be sharing his Shearer’s Spotlight with us.

As you know, 2012 is still an infant — yes, just like Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s baby girl — so while January welcomes us with open arms, here is a list of things that need to happen in the next 12 months to help ensure a high-quality year of music:

1. Adele Needs To Sing
No word yet if Adele will be performing at the Grammys, but she will be singing at the Brit Awards in March. You can’t have an album as big as 21 and not tour. And because Adele’s sophomore album was so huge, she may have to play arenas, the type of venue she fears playing (ironically, her voice is made for such big places).

2. Buy A Ticket To See Madonna
Every young pop star needs to buy a ticket to see Madonna when she inevitably goes out on tour this year in support of her forthcoming album, MDNA. Yes, there are pop stars younger, sexier and more talented than Madonna, but this is a lesson in longevity and consistency. Madonna is 53 years old and is going to put on a high-energy, non-stop show that will humble the artists who drive on the pop-highway she paved.

January 12th, 2012 | 4:20 pm by Kat George (@kat_george)

Kelly Clarkson Will Sing The National Anthem At The Super Bowl

Kelly Clarkson is all set to get patriotic for the Super Bowl on February 5th. While it hasn’t been officially announced, a source has confirmed that the “Mr. Know It All” singer will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and we can’t think of anyone better than the vibrant Kelly to sing the National Anthem. Joining Kelly in the festivities is Madonna, whose much anticipated half time show will include guest appearances from M.I.A and Nicki Minaj. Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton will also perform a duet version of “America The Beautiful,” so really, what is there not to be excited about? Sports and stars — bring it on!

Kelly Clarkson to Sing National Anthem at Super Bowl XLVI [Rolling Stone]

[Photo: Getty Images]

January 11th, 2012 | 12:37 pm by Kat George (@kat_george)

Madonna’s Forthcoming Album Now Has A Name: M.D.N.A

The first thing we thought of when we heard the title of Madonna‘s forthcoming album, M.D.N.A, was the party drug MDMA, so if it’s edgy and “down with the kids” Mads is going for with the title, then we guess she succeeded. More likely it’s just a play on “Madonna” (sound out the letters and it sort of sounds like you’re saying “Madonna” with a mouthful of food), but Pop Dust have laid out some pretty good speculation as to the inspiration behind the moniker. It feels like the hype around Madonna’s triumphant return is gaining momentum with every passing day, and we’re thinking when the album drops next month it will go off with a massive bang. Here’s to leaked tracks, Nicki Minaj collaborations and Super Bowl half time shows — the year of M.D.N.A!

Madonna To Sorta-Kinda Release A Self-Titled Album With “M.D.N.A” [Pop Dust]

[Photo: Getty Images]