Super Bowl Halftime Show 2012: Low Expectations Will Allow Madonna to Shine

When the NFL announced Madonna would highlight this year's Super Bowl halftime show, the response wasn't exactly overwhelming. Actually, the reaction was one of indifference and bewilderment. Those low expectations will allow her to shine brightly on the big stage on Sunday.

Madonna will release her first album in four years next month, so she will definitely be looking to put on a memorable performance. Not to mention she's been out of the spotlight for awhile, so, again, it's important for her to put on a great show.

She has won seven Grammy Awards during her long career, so she clearly has a ton of talent. While she continues to trend of safe selections by the league following the Janet Jackson incident, it's not like she's some type of no-talent hack.

It will also help that's she being accompanied by Cirque du Soleil, the internationally-recognized entertainment group famous for its dramatic circus acts. Like Madonna, they have won several awards for their performances around the globe.

All of the pomp and circumstance going on while she sings will take some of the the focus off her, instead of the millions watching and keying in on every word.

When push comes to shove, nobody is expecting much from Madonna.

The game is suppose to be great. There are several superstars involved, most notably Tom Brady and Eli Manning of course, to keep fans on the edge of their seat. Even the commercials are supposed to have a bounce-back year after some lackluster collections in recent Super Bowls.

Madonna is just kind of there. So when she comes out and actually does a pretty solid job, it will be a pleasant surprise to everybody involved. That hasn't been the case for many Super Bowl acts through the years, but that comes with the territory with more trite selections.

All told, Madonna will draw rave reviews for her halftime performance.