"I know this is show business, and artifice is everything, and that people want a hot bod and heavy beat for their entertainment buck," Anderman writes. "But a few chinks in her armor might do Madonna, and her legions of fans, good. There's still a girl in there who's hungry for adventure, eager to buck expectations, ready to try something new. She's older now, but she can still show us how it's done."

Pictured, Madonna performed at Madison Square Garden during her current "Sticky & Sweet" tour on Oct. 6, 2008. She takes the stage in Boston on Oct. 15 and 16.

Read Anderman's full article: At 50, Madonna has golden opportunity (Oct. 12)

Video: Madonna kicks off her 'Sticky & Sweet' tour (YouTube)