The "Unapologetic Bitch" singer has been accused of drinking during her Rebel Heart tour. The queen of pop irked country music star Reba McEntire by taking the stage at 10:30 p.m. at a recent Nashville performance, two and a half hours later than scheduled. McEntire Instagrammed a picture of a full arena with the caption, "We're here!! Where is she???"
A few days ago, Madonna was nearly three hours late for her Atlanta gig at Philips Arena, with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's concert reviewer giving a prediction for South Florida fans: "Good luck, Miami. You might see her by 11:30 p.m. for her show there on Saturday."
Madonna has addressed the grumblings directly. At the Atlanta show, she was quoted as saying, "Just trying to earn my new reputation as an alcoholic — as I drink shot glasses of water and throw them into the audience. I’m kinda getting used to being misunderstood. It goes with the territory... Some of us give
But could all of this drinking be part of a very savvy campaign?
The singer apparently has a partnership with Jose Cuervo Tradicional Tequila. In a press email, Cuervo compares Madonna to other female trailblazers who enjoyed the tequila, including Frieda Kahlo and Janis Joplin, adding, "Madonna — the legend herself — takes a shot of the tequila during the show."
The New York Daily News reports that "a PR rep for the company sent out an email blast after her show in Atlanta saying, 'Jose Cuervo Tradicional collaborated with Madonna for the show to create a number of tequila-drinking moments throughout some of her biggest hits. Madonna and her dancers took a shot of Jose Cuervo Tradicional during the mashup of ‘La Isla Bonita’ and ‘Dress You Up,’ two of her biggest hits!' added the flack."
So what's the big deal? Musicians and booze go together like bourbon and ice. Frank Sinatra performed with a table at his side; on that table
It's been pointed out that even if Madonna has a few snorts, there's no way she could go onstage inebriated. According to the Journal-Constitution, "No human being could perform this show drunk."
If Madonna could have a shot or two and still perform like she does at the age of 57, maybe the proverbial Fountain of Youth isn't in St. Augustine or at a plastic surgeon's office. Maybe it's inside a bottle of Cuervo.
If you want to drink like Madonna, Zuma is featuring two Material Girl-inspired cocktails this weekend. They're available Saturday, January 23, and Sunday, January 24, for $14 each.
The Like a Virgin blends Jose Cuervo Tradicional, fresh strawberries, chili, cranberry, lemon juice, and vanilla for a sweet pink drink with a kick.
The Queen of Pop is made with Jose Cuervo Tradicional, rose petals, orange blossoms, lime, and soda for a flowery, balanced cocktail.
Either libation is a good way to start the evening before heading to see Madge. She performs Saturday, January 23, and Sunday, January 24, at 8 p.m. (or whenever she arrives) at American Airlines Arena. Tickets cost $40 to $355 via ticketmaster.com.
