Back in vogue

So, how does it feel to be Zeitgeisted by the sparkiest show on television? Just ask Madonna.

Last Tuesday, April 20, Glee dedicated an entire episode to the person Puck calls the “Hall of Fame MILF.” Cheekily titled “The Power of Madonna,” the all-singing, all-dancing tribute summoned music and imagery from the pop icon’s decades-long career for show choir duties. Early-period Madonna was repped by Express Yourself, Like A Virgin, Borderline, and Open Your Heart, with the last two tracks turning into a mash-up High School Musical’s Troy and Gabriela would’ve killed for. In one scene, the hallways of McKinley High were littered with Madge’s vintage fashion moments, from True Blue to Nothing Really Matters.

I Love Sue Sylvester

In an interview with US Weekly, the 51-year-old seemed impressed by the Glee treatment. “The dialogue and the entire script was genius. I completely appreciated the layers of irony, especially when all those macho boys sang What It Feels Like For A Girl.”

Personally, it was Sue Sylvester’s pitch-perfect parody of Madonna’s Vogue video (“Will Schuester, I hate you”) that badassly summarized the high school dramedy’s novel appeal. Glee may be slowly — and tragically — morphing into The Lea Michele Show, but it’s Jane Lynch that totally brings the funny. I just love her.    

Talented Underdogs

Ironically, themed productions like “The Power of Madonna” are exactly what the Fox series need to stay culturally relevant following a four-month hiatus. I was skeptical that Glee could retain the momentum it had prior to the break, as watching high school kids sing songs very loudly — and up to six times per episode at that — was beginning to tire me out.

Its too-big-to-miss spring premiere on April 13, however, returned big with 13.66 million views, making the risky decision worthwhile. Of course, a massive marketing blitz helped keep Glee’s talented underdogs on the radar — see their TV Guide and Rolling Stone covers — but in the end, it all boils down to good product. All I can say is this: I’m so glad I don’t have to make do with Simon Cowell’s man boobs on the increasingly mediocre American Idol anymore. 

Era Of Instant Gratification

Then again, like AI, the hit show also typifies the era of instant gratification, as each song featured on the program can be downloaded before the last major chord is struck. As the Financial Times’ Peter Aspden notes: “There is no time lag, no time for the songs to percolate, to acquire extra layers of resonance as they get recalled, analyzed, properly discussed. It is on your screen, and then it is in your head, and then it is out there, making money for the record company.” Such a blindingly fast process is prone to burning out. The same goes for fans, no matter how die-hard, and “Gleeky.”

Of course, the show’s remakes have had a positive effect on today’s recording artists; sales of Rihanna’s Take a Bow, for example, increased by 189 percent after it was reinterpreted in “Showmance.” At this point, they could feature a Vengaboys songs and it would be cool and ironic.

Basking In The Afterglow

That being said, it’s classic performers like Madonna who stand to benefit the most from a Glee makeover. The numerous covers sung on-screen by the characters have introduced artists like Billy Idol, REO Speedwagon, and Journey to younger audience members, the same way Rock Band or Guitar Hero have in gaming terms.

The cast and crew have barely had the time to bask in the afterglow of their M-themed episode and already a sequel is in the works. This follow-up would air early next season and is set to feature six more songs from the pop icon’s extensive hit archive. Clearly the Glee-Madonna marriage has been a wise move for both the fledgling show and the superstar. Question is, how long can the magic last?

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