What Will Madonaa Do During the Superbowl?

Madonna has a dilemma.

As the just-announced halftime performer  for the upcoming Superbowl, the superstar who's frankly a little long in the tooth, must decide whether to do something memorable or to play it safe.

If she takes the high road and simply performs a song and dance number, no matter how many fireworks, lights, bells and whistles accompany her, she won't get the publicity of those who came before her bearing the gifts of shock.  I'm referring to the famous Janet Jackson/Justin Timberlake breast incident of 2004. 

There have been other big moments - Prince with some graphic imagery in 2007, Diana Ross leaving from a helicopter in 1996, Mick Jagger in 2006 singing songs with lyrics cut out, scantily clad Britney Spears with Aerosmith in 2001, Michael Jackson in 1993 with lots of smoke and moon-walking and U2's dynamic performance in 2002 following the September 11th attacks.

What can Madonna do to top all that without pandering and doing something completely outrageous?

It's a tough one.  If she goes overboard, she runs the risk of criticism not only from conservative detractors, but from those who don't care about decorum, those who will know that she was simply trying to get attention.

Poor Madonna is in a no-win situation.  The singer of such songs as "Like a Virgin," "Erotica" and "Hard Candy" doesn't have a prayer.

Last year, The Who performed in a pretty blah mini-concert.  Prior to that we saw Paul McCartney and the Black Eyed-Peas.

Madonna's only hope is to give the best damned performance of her life.  Good luck with that.

The Superbowl is Sunday, February 5th at Lucas Stadium in Indianapolis.