The Queen of Pop opened the FIFA World Cup final halftime show in stunning fashion, leaving viewers captivated
Madonna performed at the World Cup Final half-time show (Image: BBC)
Madonna proved she is still the undisputed Queen of Pop as she took centre stage at the FIFA World Cup final halftime show, thrilling millions of viewers watching Spain take on Argentina at New York/New Jersey Stadium in the USA. The legendary performer opened the spectacular in style, sending social media into a frenzy as fans fell over themselves to praise her commanding presence and electrifying energy.
“Madonna just looking all kinds of amazing,” gushed one awestruck viewer, while another admitted they had barely been paying attention to the football itself, writing: “I don’t really care about football, but I’m just here waiting for Madonna’s halftime show performance.”
Madonna definitely stole the show (Image: Alex Pantling – FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images)
A third paid the icon a glowing tribute, posting: “Madonna stepping in for Maradona in the Legends slot” — a nod to the late Argentine footballing great Diego Maradona.
The halftime spectacular, which marked the first time the World Cup final had ever featured such an entertainment extravaganza, was put together by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. Alongside Madonna, the star-studded lineup included Justin Bieber, K-pop superstars BTS, Shakira, Burna Boy, and Venezuelan orchestra conductor Gustavo Dudamel of the prestigious New York Philharmonic.
Madonna’s opening set drew some of the loudest reactions of the evening, with one viewer summing up the mood perfectly: “This halftime performance is so great. Especially Ted Lasso introducing Justin Bieber.”
BBC viewers praised Madonna for opening the halftime show (Image: Alex Pantling – FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images)
Yet while Madonna herself was widely celebrated, not all viewers were quite so enamoured with the concept of a halftime show at a football match.
James Massing, whose Live Nation team oversaw the production, defended the ambitious undertaking to the BBC, arguing that “expectation from fans has heightened” for major sporting occasions, with live events now “competing with any other live experience — going to the museum, going to the theatre, going to the cinema.”
In the build-up to the final, anticipation around Madonna’s appearance had been running high, with one fan posting ahead of the match: “I keep thinking that Madonna could do a lotta controversies during the FIFA halftime show. Can’t wait to watch it.” Another simply declared: “I honestly only care about the half-time show.”
Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, & Shakira Perform the 1st Ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show (Curated by Coldplay)
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