Super Bowl Halftime Show Recap: Nicki Minaj, Cee Lo, M.I.A. With Madonna

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Photo by Jeff Kravitz/ FilmMagic

By Sowmya Krishnamurthy

Classic met new as Madonna hit the stage for the Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show in Indianapolis on Sunday night (February 5). Metallic gladiators, cheerleaders, a full gospel choir and a cadre of famous faces to boot? The much-anticipated performance did not disappoint and proved that despite her seniority, Madonna can still get down with the best of them. During halftime, we watched M.I.A. flip her middle finger to America and saw Cee Lo wearing more sequins than Madonna, surprisingly leaving Nicki Minaj as the tamest performer of the night.

M.I.A. Flips The Middle Finger During Super Bowl Halftime Show

The Material Girl, decked out in gladiator garb and dangerously high heels, came out surrounded by a gaggle of very acrobatic back-up dancers. She performed a medley of her staples: "Vogue," "Music," "Express Yourself," "Like A Prayer" and her new single "Give Me All Your Luvin.'" Madonna was in full dancer mode, showing off surprising agility, as she tumbled and turned around her supporting cast. Party boys LMFAO joined her for "Music" which turned into a fun shuffling dance party (she's sexy and she knows it!) and as expected, Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. came out for their verses on "Give Me All Your Luvin.'"

Not one to be happy without controversy, M.I.A. flipped the bird during that number, in what will undoubtedly be this year's version of Janet Jackson's famous wardrobe malfunction. Oh Maya! Expect the pundits to overanalyze this one for weeks to come.

A glittered-out Cee Lo Green joined Madonna for "Express Yourself" and "Like A Prayer" and the latter proved the night's piece de resistance. Green showed off some very impressive vocal chops and alongside a full choir onstage, the duet added a certain nostalgic magic to the show.

In the end, Madonna disappeared into thin air with the words "World Peace" mysteriously glowing in her aftermath. She still knows how to keep us guessing.

[url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/02/06/super-bowl-halftime-show-nicki-minaj-madonna-mia-cee-lo/]View the full article[/url]