Madonna

Photo: Martin Fraser/ Getty Images

On Sunday night, Madonna will join an exclusive club that includes the likes of Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Diana Ross and, uh, Up With People when she performs at halftime of Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis.

Yes, you’d be hard-pressed to find a bigger stage than the big game — last year’s Super Bowl was watched by some 111 million Americans — which is why the producers of the halftime festivities always recruit the biggest stars to perform (except for 1999, when Big Bad Voodoo Daddy inexplicably found their way into the proceedings). And Madonna most certainly fits that bill, which is why, while we’re not quite sure what she’ll bring to the Super Bowl stage — aside from her promise that it’ll be “the greatest show on earth” — we’re reasonably confident that it’ll be a performance folks will be talking about on Monday. And probably Tuesday too.

Of course, if Madge wants to secure her spot among the all-time greatest Super Bowl halftime performances, well, she’ll definitely have to deliver the goods. Over the years, some of the most prodigious talents have gotten lost in all of the ephemera that comes with a Super Bowl slot (lasers, explosions, confetti, marching bands, will.i.am), but still others have risen to the challenge, delivering performances that have thrilled, chilled and even made us forget about the game itself. Here’s a look at our favorite Super Bowl halftime performances.

Check out photos of past Super Bowl halftime shows!

Diana Ross, Super Bowl XXX: The dynamic Diana stole the show in 1996 with a classy, brassy performance that featured nearly as many of her biggest hits as it did costume changes. Her voice was in prime form, powerful enough to outshine a full gospel choir, an army of tuxedo-clad dancers and, of course, end-zone pyrotechnics. But it was her exit — lifted from the stage via helicopter, while blowing kisses as the chorus of “Take Me Higher” blasted through the stadium — that truly put this one over the top.

Prince, Super Bowl XLI: Not even a near-constant downpour could dampen this 2007 performance from the Purple One, who stalked across a custom “symbol” stage (while wearing a kerchief tied around his head), wailed on approximately 46 guitar solos, begged the audience to “take my picture,” out-watted the famed FAMU marching band, covered the Foo Fighters and even managed to freak out network censors by casting a lengthy (and quite phallic) shadow from behind a piece of fabric. So, you know, it was just your average Prince show. Oh, and then he did “Purple Rain” in the rain. Meta.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Super Bowl XLIII: They opened with Springsteen leaning on Clarence Clemons (a nod to the cover of 1975’s Born to Run), begged the viewing audience to “put down the chicken fingers,” and then absolutely, positively destroyed the stage in Tampa with a set that featured classics like “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out,” “Born to Run” and “Glory Days.” And then Springsteen finished things off by shouting, “I’m going to Disneyland!”As several fans have come to say, this wasn’t a halftime performance, it was a football game played around a Springsteen concert. As an added bonus, this is also the performance that gave us the now-immortal meme.

Michael Jackson, Super Bowl XXVII: It started with the late, great King of Pop magically leaping from the Rose Bowl scoreboards to his stage on the 50-yard line, featured a staggering 3,000 dancers, some killer choreography (the Moonwalk!) and a career-spanning medley of Jackson’s hits (everything from “Billie Jean” to “Black or White”). And as if MJ’s performance wasn’t testament to his superstardom, how about the 90-second ovation he received before ever singing a word? It was almost enough to make one young writer forget the Bills were on their way to losing a third-straight Super Bowl. Almost.

U2, Super Bowl XXXVI: If there is another band on the planet more capable of seizing the moment than U2, well, we’d like to meet them. In this case, that meant performing at the first Super Bowl since the 9/11 attacks, before an audience of millions still reeling and recovering. And, in typical form, Bono and company didn’t shrink from the spotlight. Though there were more than a few highlights, their solemn, spiritual performance of “Where the Streets Have No Name” — which saw the names of all the victims of 9/11 projected behind them — was not only the most memorable of the night, it’s without a doubt the most memorable (and chill-inducing) in Super Bowl history. And then, to top it all off, Bono pulled back his jacket to reveal an American flag. Game over.

What songs do you want Madonna to perform during the halftime show? Leave your comments on our Facebook page!

M.I.A., Madonna and Nicki Minaj in “Give Me All Your Luvin’ “

Photo: Interscope

After fans heard that Madonna had enlisted Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. for her single and video for “Give Me All Your Luvin’,” it really felt like anything could happen with those three equally eccentric and visual artists all joining forces. What they ended up creating was an eye-catching clip full of masked cheerleaders, hot football players and lacy outfits (designed by Norma Kamali) that every fan of Madge’s “Like a Virgin” era will go crazy over.

The video feels distinctly Madonna — she is the star, after all — but Nicki’s and M.I.A.’s presences are felt between the cheerleader chant and their equally funky verses.

“[It was] quite intense but we had a lot of fun. … It’s like shooting three presidents or something like that,” Clement Gallet, from video-directing team the Megaforce, told MTV News about the shoot. “I think everybody’s a bit stressed. We had time to speak to discuss the idea, to do the fittings. So you have time to meet the people first. I think we maybe thought it would be harder to have these three famous women on set, and I think everything went quite well.”

While the trio’s collaboration made headlines, so did a kiss Nicki tweeted about that she shared with Madonna on the New York set back in December.

“That’s funny, ’cause that’s something we didn’t really see,” he added. “Basically, it was Nicki Minaj’s birthday on the shoot, but we were — as always, as the directors — stressed about the next scene and whatever happens, that when the birthday cake arrived, we were already prepping the next scene and we didn’t see what happened. And we learned about it on Twitter. So basically, we cannot tell you about the scene,” he joked.

Do you wish Nicki and Madonna’s kiss had made it into the video? Let us know in the comments!

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The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX10 digital camera can easily be used for a night in town or for a trip under the sea. This camera is thin enough to fit in your pocket or handbag but has the forward-thinking design of Sony. Because of its airtight style and design, it’s dust proof, is water-resistant to a depth of 16 feet 10 inches, and can withstand falls up to 5 feet 9 inches. It can also handle extreme conditions from 14 degrees to 104 degrees.

When considering this type of camera, not only do you need to find out what the makers say their camera will do, and what their warranty says, but check out the reviews of people who bought the camera. In either case, you need to read what is said carefully, so you will be ready for what you are getting when you purchase the product. The ideal way to know if the camera is truly for you or not is to try it out yourself. On paper, this could seem like a perfect digital camera for using outside and underwater. But some of the reviewers express they weren’t too satisfied with the reality of the camera. While it is a compact point and shoot digital camera, it does take great photos and videos. Nevertheless, to make it an excellent outdoor camera, it requires a few features that are at the moment lacking.

The size by itself is ideal for bringing it to the ocean or diner. When not being used, the slide cover gives good protection for the lens and the screen display is very clear. The camera has a very good 25mm wide-angle lens. Besides taking amazing pics, it is also able to take 1080i HD video at 60 frames per second as opposed to 30 frames per second. This makes for motion that is lifelike, and looks amazing on a big screen television. It seems to have a very sound waterproofing, which is a good thing.

Quite a few of the drawbacks for a few people include the sluggish startup time. For example, it might take up to seven seconds from the time you begin to the the time you actually have video being taken. This will likely soon add up to be an irritating annoyance. Even though they say it is rugged, it has the look of being easily broken or scuffed up. Try to avoid inserting the digital camera in your pocket with your keys since the keys may scuff the screen. The battery life is much to be desired and it also doesn’t include a separate charger.

The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX10 16.2 MP Waterproof Digital Still camera is not very durable but it is still smartly designed. Although the pictures and videos are amazing, if you want something more rugged then you may need to find another camera.

With the start of cold weather, we find ourselves staying indoors longer and, therefore, spending more on energy so that we can keep warm. Through continually increasing energy costs, we are searching for methods that will keep us comfortable while helping us to keep costs under control. Sadly, we haven’t any control over the current economy and its effect on our living expenses, but we can do things to increase the energy efficiency of our homes. This article will suggest ways that you can maximize your energy resources without breaking the bank.

Despite the fact that saving money is the intent, specific regions of your home may necessitate your spending some money initially. For instance, you need adequate insulation for your home and when your boiler is getting old it may need replacing with a more up to date and efficient model. The point is, you should ensure that your heating systems are regularly serviced since they will perform better for you and you will have less risk of them breaking down. Your financial situation is obviously a factor in what all you have completed but putting some money into these particular things can reduce your costs in the end.

When it comes to your everyday living, if you can monitor how you use things around the house, you will soon find ways to conserve energy. One area to look at is the heating of your home because you don’t want to run the heater when it’s not necessary. It makes hardly any sense to keep a space warm if it is empty during a large part of the day. Another alternative would be to reduce the temperature of your hot water, keeping it suitable for your daily use without having it hotter than necessary. It is a good idea to evaluate your home to see exactly where heat might be escaping and this can include windows and doors.

You should keep close track of more than just your heating system and your hot water heater. Many people leave lights and other devices on even when they aren’t in the room. The results of these routines can pile up significantly, so it’s a good idea to be proactive and change what you can. There are plenty of gadgets currently available that can help in this respect such as timer switchers and eco lighting bulbs. It is going to be really worth your time and money to make use of these items as they are easily locatable in your neighborhood stores or online.

In order to save energy around the home, you will certainly need to make some changes to your daily living habits. Even so, as you begin to use less energy, you’re going to reap the rewards of your hard work and be able to save money during the upcoming winter months.

Madonna

Photo: Getty Images

Madonna debuted her new single, “Give Me All Your Luvin’,” on Friday (February 3) as part of a massive multimedia push ahead of her halftime performance at Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, Indiana, and has also revealed the track list for her much-anticipated 12th studio album, MDNA.

The Queen of Pop’s single was rolled out across Clear Channel’s many platforms, a promotional push that the company estimates will reach 150 million people around the world. In addition to radio, the song hit online venues like iHeartRadio.com, Clear Channel’s customized online radio service, and 1,600 digital billboards in the United States, France, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Singapore, Belgium, Finland and the United Kingdom, according to NPR.

“This first-of-its-kind multimedia premiere with Madonna demonstrates the unequalled scope and strength of the entire Clear Channel platform,” Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman said in a statement.

The full-length Megaforce-directed video for the track also hit the Web Friday and features Her Madgesty and collaborators Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. taking to the streets in cheerleader-chic attire.

“Luvin’ ” is a bouncy dance-pop track reminiscent of Madonna’s Grammy-winning “Beautiful Stranger.” Driven by glittery synths, marching band drums and claps, the song features guest raps from Minaj and M.I.A. and a deep nostalgia streak. With its simple, impossibly catchy chorus and “dance our lives away” message, the song, which was written and produced by Madonna and dance music master Martin Solveig, feels like classic Madonna re-imagined by the production dynamic that brought her widespread acclaim beginning with her 1998 electro-dance album Ray of Light.

On her official website, Madonna revealed the track titles that will be featured on the deluxe edition of her new album, MDNA, which hits stores March 26 and features production work from Solveig and Light producer William Orbit.

The deluxe edition will include 15 songs:

» Girls Gone Wild
» Gang Bang
» I’m Addicted
» Some Girls
» I Don’t Give A
» Turn Up the Radio
» Give Me All Your Luvin’
» B-day Song
» Superstar
» I’m a Sinner
» Masterpiece
» Falling Free
» Love Spent
» I F—ed Up
» Beautiful Killer

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Steven Tyler on “American Idol”

Photo: FOX

In popular music, St. Louis might be known as the home of Chuck Berry or Nelly, but in the world of “American Idol,” it’s the city that hosted Carrie Underwood’s audition.

“Idol” returned to the Gateway to the West on Thursday (February 2), hoping to find the show’s next megastar. And they got off on the right foot with contestant Johnny Keyser, 22, from Pompano Beach, Florida, who blew the judges away with his rendition of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” “Should we just vote now?” Steven Tyler asked only a few bars into the song. Keyser was quickly sped through to Hollywood and set a good tone for St. Louis.

As did Lauren Gray, who works at her family’s one-stop wedding shop and sings in a wedding band with her father. Gray’s version of Adele’s “One and Only” left Jennifer Lopez’s mouth agape and had Randy Jackson calling her “fearless.” Lopez called her “one of the best female voices we’ve heard” and the three of them sent her on her way to Hollywood; later, when summing up the St. Louis auditions, Lopez said, “I have two words for today: Lauren Gray.”

In all, 46 contestants were passed through to the Hollywood round. Among them was 20-year-old Reis Kloeckner, whose version of “Lean on Me” brought a tear to Tyler’s eye. “That was so beautiful. You made me cry. That’s how good that was just now,” Tyler said. Lopez and Jackson agreed and sent the pizza maker — whose name is pronounced “Reese” — through to the next round.

Next up was 22-year-old Ethan Jones of Pontoon Beach, Illinois, a singer in a country band who belted out Edwin McCain’s “I’ll Be” and bled through his audition, due to a cut on his forehead he accidentally opened up while in the waiting room. (Seriously, no one had a Band-Aid?) Jones earned three yes votes from the judges and hopefully stopped bleeding somewhere on the way to Hollywood.

Rachelle Lamb, meanwhile, joined Portland auditioner Britnee Kellogg by singing a song directed toward an ex who did her wrong. The 26-year-old construction worker sang Faith Hill’s “Dearly Beloved” (which she referred to as “Find Somebody New”) and earned a passing grade from the judges; maybe she and Kellogg can team up come Hollywood.

With the audition phase now over — in voice-over, Ryan Seacrest called them “the most successful road auditions we’ve ever had” — the dreaded/ feared/ beloved Hollywood Week kicks off next week.

What did you think of Thursday’s “Idol”? Were these “the most successful road auditions ever”? Let us know in the comments!

Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page, where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

Lil Wayne

Photo: Streets Talk

Lil Wayne has always put his music first, but Weezy’s passion for his skateboard may come in a close second. Tunechi was pretty bummed when he learned he had to stay off the ramps for a week after injuring his shoulder in a skateboarding accident at his Miami home.

“Unfortunately I was skating and I tried to do an ollie down one of my banks and I tailed out at the end of it,” Weezy said in a clip from DJ Scoob Doo’s upcoming “The Nino Brown Story” DVD that was given exclusively to MTV News.

On Sunday, Weezy put out the third installment of his viral video series “Weezy’s Sports Corner,” sitting in front of the camera with his arm in a sling. In the clip provided to MTV News, the Young Money boss broke down the injury. “I kinda didn’t separate it — hopefully I didn’t separate my shoulder, but if it was separated I wouldn’t be able to move it,” he said, showing off his new Trukfit tee for the camera. “I probably strained a muscle. I don’t know the name of the muscle, my therapist told me the name of it — I’m not sure. We were thinking I probably sprained the muscle, which is like a slight tear, which will probably take a few days to heal. A few days and I’ll be back.”

Looks like Wayne is already back. On Wednesday Justin Bieber tweeted a picture of him and Wayne standing by a skating ramp, though it is unclear whether Weezy actually got on a board or whether he is wearing his sling.

It’s not the injury that has him down. In August 2011, Weezy had to get nine stitches after a skating accident in St. Louis during his I Am Still Music Tour. But that spill didn’t keep Weezy off the ramps. “I ain’t worried about the pain, it hurts like hell but the worst thing is that I couldn’t really skate,” he said. “I always get injured but I never get an injury where I can’t get back on the board. Remember we had the nine stitches? That didn’t mean we couldn’t skate the next day, so we skated the next day.”

Check back with MTV News for more exclusive Lil Wayne clips from DJ Scoob Doo’s “The Nino Brown” DVD.

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