Janet Jackson, Madonna, and Britney Spears have historically been grouped together by fans and critics as outstanding performers whose voices don’t live up to their dancing capabilities. All three have produced many hits and jaw-stopping videos. However, out of the three, Madonna is the only one who can also thrill audiences with her voice.
Madonna’s critics have denied the pop artist’s vocal strength for decades, even after she won a Golden Globe for her performance in Evita in 1996. Back then, Madonna shocked listeners with how much her singing voice had improved. While she didn’t have the operatic voice that Patty Lupone brought to the Broadway version, she completely extended herself and many thought Madonna’s voice was virtually unrecognizable (in a good way).
The recognition was soon forgotten, as the “Madonna can’t sing” meme appeared again in the early 2000s and has lasted ever since. However, after premiering her Rebel Heart Tour in Montreal, those spreading the meme may want to listen again. Take a look at Madonna’s performance of “La Vie En Rose” from September 9 in Montreal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lqwA4AFeX8
The Montreal Gazette said the performance was one of the highlights of the show.
“La Vie en rose was another big small moment, prefaced by a speech about believing in love despite being ‘devastated, smashed to bits’ that may become rote in a few weeks but sounded fresh on Wednesday.”
The newspaper said the performance was stronger for being vulnerable and received a standing ovation from the French crowd. Madonna’s performance of “True Blue” was another vocal highlight of the evening.
The New York Daily News also gave the Rebel Heart Tour a great review. Critic Jim Farber says that the concert shows Madonna to be happy, at last.
“This time, she seemed to having a blast. It made for an infectious night that brought the Canadian crowd to a series of spontaneous, and escalating, standing ovations.”
PopCrush also really loved the Rebel Heart Tour.
“The Rebel Heart Tour is Madonna’s first outing since 2012?s MDNA Tour and, as with every Madonna production, the concert is a massive all-out explosion of song, dance and depravity with vague social commentary, proving for the umpteenth time that Madonna is, was and truly always will be the Queen.”
Madonna will likely, inevitably slow down as she ages. But, unlike many of her peers, Madonna has vocal talent to back herself up so she can still thrill her audiences even if she just sits down for the whole show. Did you see the Rebel Heart Tour? Give us your review in the comments section.
[Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images]
