In what was clearly a great Super Bowl half-time show, Madonna did a great job of entertaining the millions watching the game – and in doing so scored a Public Relations coup in reaching a new generation of fans, with guest appearances with today’s stars including LMFAO, Cee Lo Green, Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. Madonna has always been a marketing genius – A lightening rod for controversy, her songs through the years, including “Like a Virgin”, “Papa Don’t Preach”, “Like a Prayer”, “Vogue”, and others – and clearly this Super Bowl performance continued that marketing genius.

53 years old, and looking HOT and way younger, she launched with an amazing remix of the classic “Vogue” (One wonders did Madonna/NBC pay a licensing fee to Vogue Magazine), the tight-rope walker/jumper, and simply amazing Like A Prayer, where the backup singers and dancers quickly turned into a gospel choir, as Madonna, Cee Lo and the choir finished up the show with her 1989 single.

Madonna is a living legend – There’s no one alive bigger and better than her and it was just such a special show.  Probably the biggest pop star in the world, and who is better than the world’s biggest pop star performing during such a huge world stage. She kept it tame for her – and realized she didn’t need to push the envelope – and with kudos to her she respected the boundaries.

For me, it was a time warp back to the 1980’s, and explaining to my kids that these songs were made when I was near their age – and how Madonna predates Lady Gaga contributed to the experience.  And that’s another mark of Madonna’s greatness and legendary status – bridging generations. (And to think I remember my mother in 1983 disapproving of me listening to Madonna.)

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As a Madonna and pop culture fan, it was a special moment recognizing as she’s been called by Time Magazine one of the “25 Most Powerful Women of the Past Century” performing flawlessly on this stage. As a PR agency owner, and professional marketer I recognize the sheer marketing genius she has even at the age of her mid-50’s. Kudos Madonna.

Ronn Torossian is the President of 5WPR, 1 of the 25 largest Public Relations  Agencies in the US, and author of “For Immediate Release.”

 

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Ronn Torossian is the Founder & Chairman of 5W Public Relations, one of the largest independently owned PR firms in the United States. Since founding 5WPR in 2003, he has led the company's growth and vision, with the agency earning accolades including being named a Top 50 Global PR Agency by PRovoke Media, a top three NYC PR agency by O'Dwyers, one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces and being awarded multiple American Business Awards, including a Stevie Award for PR Agency of the Year. With over 25 years of experience crafting and executing powerful narratives, Torossian is one of America's most prolific and well-respected public relations executives. Throughout his career he has advised leading and high-growth businesses, organizations, leaders and boards across corporate, technology and consumer industries. Torossian is known as one of the country's foremost experts on crisis communications. He has lectured on crisis PR at Harvard Business School, appears regularly in the media and has authored two editions of his book, "For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results With Game-Changing Public Relations," which is an industry best-seller. Torossian's strategic, resourceful approach has been recognized with numerous awards including being named the Stevie American Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year, the American Business Awards PR Executive of the Year, twice over, an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year semi-finalist, a Top Crisis Communications Professional by Business Insider, Metropolitan Magazine's Most Influential New Yorker, and a recipient of Crain's New York Most Notable in Marketing & PR. Outside of 5W, Torossian serves as a business advisor to and investor in multiple early stage businesses across the media, B2B and B2C landscape. Torossian is the proud father of two daughters. He is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and a board member of multiple not for profit organizations.