July 14, 2012, an important date for everyone. Above all, when the Queen of Pop (or prefer “Queen of the Pop” in the text) performs for her only date in Paris. And yes, her MDNA World Tour 2012, which kicked off last May in Tel Aviv, has just passed through our shores.
But don’t worry, if you missed it, you have two options: go to Nice for its last French date on August 21 – highly recommended, and tickets are still available – or wait for the release of the DVD, which was partly filmed this Saturday at the Stade de France, in 3D to thrill you even more; release scheduled for the end of the year, according to initial information.
Luxsure was there, thanks to Orange (partner of the Stade de France) and its famous Live Blog, which enabled us to experience this incredible evening among the 60,000 to 70,000 spectators, fans, groupies, curious onlookers, guests… all so lucky that the weather was so mild: a sign perhaps.
Here are the highlights of this memorable concert, in the hope of bringing you into the Madonna’s live universe.
The first part was orchestrated by DJ Martin Solveig (also producer of Madonna’s latest album, MDNA, eponymous with the name of the tour, of course), who warmed up the stadium atmosphere with a masterly touch.
With a surprise guest appearance from Will I Am of the Black Eyed Peas, who took the opportunity to share his new song “This is Love” for the first time in France. After a cover of the hit “I gotta feeling”(that tonight’s gonna be a good night), which the audience sang along to, we were ready to dance to the sound of La Madone.
After a short wait for the Star -when you love, you don’t count- the iconic Madonna takes to the stage. After a mystical, spellbinding introduction, she burst onto the stage! For almost 2 hours, she put on a show as only this“show-girl” can: dancing, singing, acrobatics, outfits (special mention to the Masculin/Féminin costume by Jean-Paul Gaultier, present at the concert), striptease, speeches, provocation and more. And all this while playing some twenty tracks, not only from his latest album, but also some of his hits and classics that everyone was singing along to (“Human Nature”, “Like a Prayer”, “Papa don’t Preach”…).
Among them, “Like a Virgin” will be remembered for its cabaret-style interpretation, in which the diva sings alone accompanied by a piano, with “NO FEAR” written on her back, as if to show that it’s always necessary to dare, as she knows so well how to do. With her deep voice and suave rhythm, Madonna captivated the audience not only with the sensuality she always exudes, but also by showing once again that she is a talented artist capable of reinventing herself.
Live or relive this unique moment in image and sound thanks to the following videos: first part (thanks a lot Christophe) & second part (credit @stadedefrance, who we particularly salute for the impressive organization with a very friendly and helpful team).
And to those who decry the fact that Madonna sometimes sings in playback, the only answer would be: when you’re evolving, moving, dancing to impressive hip-hop choreography, cheerleading, or worthy of the stunts in “Kill Bill” for example, she chooses to do it to the full, to give the best of herself. Of course, this doesn’t prevent her from singing open-mic vocals on most of her songs, often accompanying herself on guitar – pure joy for this accomplished musician, who literally bursts onto the stage for all to enjoy.
At the age of 53, and with a career spanning 30 years since her first album (“Everything” in 1982), the Ciccone exudes an energy that makes many young artists swoon… few are capable of matching such a stage performance, which blends emotion, open-air dancefloor and committed messages.
Finally, a superb stage set-up, allowing as many people as possible to enjoy the show, with aerial acrobatics, giant screens on either side of the stage, and an overhang in the pit, where die-hard fans can feel their idol up close – and even touch her, or sing along when she hands her microphone to the happy few just a few centimetres away.
At midnight, 12 bells rang. Magistral. Echoing Madonna’s entrance on stage. As if to signal the end of a mass. And explaining the delay in her arrival, no doubt to coincide with this symbolic time. Admittedly, there were no fireworks, as had been rumoured in the run-up to the event. But Madonna certainly set the stadium alight, giving us the opportunity to celebrate the French national holiday in her own rebellious way, as you may have read or heard about the controversy with Marine Le Pen…
Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)
