According to Nielsen, the company that tracks TV viewing figures, the football game was the most watched show in US history. However, TV network NBC and the National Football League (NFL) apologised on behalf of rapper M.I.A, who appeared as a featured artist during Madonna's set. The British hip hop musician raised her middle finger whilst facing the camera during the performance. The picture was temporarily scrambled, but it came too late to avoid the gesture being shown.
Speaking on Graham Norton's BBC One show last month, Madonna said she was planning an extensive tour "because I have to pay the rent". Her last global outing, with the Sticky And Sweet tour, made $408m (£250m) over two years. With dates in 32 countries, it broke the record for the highest grossing tour ever by a solo artist, which had previously been held by the singer's 2006 Confessions tour. The most expensive tickets for the star's 2012 world tour will be £125, although there will be £40 tickets available for the gig at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium on 21 July. Passes for the concert at London's Hyde Park on 17 July have a starting price of £70.
BBC Birthday - BBC Radio 6 Music is to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a series of special programming. The digital station will take over London's Southbank Centre on 16 March with performances from acts including Laura Marling and Anna Calvi. There will also be a week of special live sessions from Maida Vale studios hosted by Lauren Laverne which will be available to watch live online.
"This has been an incredible first decade for Radio 6 Music," Bob Shennan, controller for BBC Radio 2 and Radio 6 Music, said. "It has proved itself as a unique and much loved service and a real showcase for the music that encapsulates the alternative spirit."
Mystery Voice - A South African man who claims to be a famous dead singer is in custody until DNA tests determine his identity, police say. The man says he is Khulekani 'Mgqumeni' Khumalo - an award-winning Zulu folk musician who apparently died in 2009. He turned up at the family home last week, saying zombies had kidnapped him. The family, including two wives, say he is genuine - but police say he will be charged with fraud if DNA testing shows he is lying.
(Jim Evans)
