Some artists are great singers. Some artists are incredible musicians. Some artists record well, but are mediocre live and of course there are others who are exactly the opposite. There are a handful of artists who are iconic. Artists who are simply incredible entertainers who transcend the limitations of their natural musical abilities and connect with the masses in a very visceral and almost spiritual way. Last night I spent 2 and a half hours with such an icon: Madonna.

Her Sticky and Sweet tour landed in the U.S. and man was it worth the high price of admission ($168 not counting the transit trip from hell to get to and from Jersey).

Madonna puts on a show like no one else. She like Janet will never wow anyone solely based on vocal ability. I love me some Janet, but I have to stop the comparison there. Madonna is like a mad scientist who never grows tired of experimenting with new ways to keep herself and her audience inspired and entertained and she NEVER REPEATS HERSELF!!!!!

As a pop star you HAVE TO PLAY THE SAME OLD SONGS more than any true artist would ever want to. However, Madonna works with her band and set designers to delivery classic material in inventive new ways that never cease to amaze.

After 2 hours of bumping, grinding, singing, dancing and even double dutch jump roping Madonna found it within herself to deliver a spiritually inspired and very soulfful version of "Like A Prayer" that nearly brought the audience around me (and yeah me too...) to tears.

Bottom line...the chick is bad!

Janet I get to check out your new tour in 2 weeks. You betta bring ya "A" game baby cause Madonna put it on me last night!

...and I'm out.

P.S. If you're going to see Janet in New Jersey make sure you plan out your trip in advance. The shuttle bus from Port Authority doesn't run anymore and there is a whole new train to a shuttle bus trip from hell that you'd better allow plenty of time for.