REBEL HEART: Madonna’s "Living for Love" at the Grammys

And not only did Madonna leave her mark on the evening’s red carpet, in a custom Givenchy bullfighter-inspired bodysuit paired with black fishnets and over-the-knee boots, no less; but Madge left hearts pulsating and body’s swaying far after she closed her divine performance of ‘Living for Love’—the lead single from her forthcoming March 6^th, 2015 album Rebel Heart. The song is a celebratory anthem, if there ever was one; a celebration of love’s power to effect life, and revive those once tainted, broken hearts. But, perhaps the most heart-pounding and sincere feature of the entire spectacle was the self-empowering introduction, so delicately articulated by the songstress herself:

The words drifted from the ceiling onto the huddle of chiseled, half-naked male dancers, enraptured in bullhorn headdresses and crystalline masques—awaiting the Queen’s arrival at center stage. Chills crept slowly up the spine and a slight flush festered under the face upon hearing each word uttered, and one couldn’t help but wonder: Why? Why does Madonna’s soliloquy resonate? Because her words are rife with unadulterated, universal truth. To live for love is to live for you first, before anyone or anything else. Not the manufactured ‘you,’ as dictated by other’s desires, but the authentic ‘you’ one is born to be: someone unique; and rare; and fearless.

It is clear that Madonna has been revived—reborn in the vein of a Rebel Heart. Madge has finally emerged from the ashes of a shattered marriage, which cast a black death over her personal life and career (think her defunct 2012 MDNA album). But, for the Queen, lightness is abound now, and darkness is nowhere to be found—as is so clearly understood as the 56-year-old gyrated her toned physique across the Staples Center stage, in sample size custom Givenchy and ‘The Blonds’ couture.

Yes, Madonna is back indeed; although I sincerely don’t believe she ever went anywhere.