"And, let's face it, her SuperBowl performance was eminently forgettable."
Yes, but aren't they all?
Its more about being as over the top as possible without breaking any social taboos. A big name star is required.
I'm a big Stones and Who fan, and can tolerate MJ and Madonna, but their appearances were all forgettable as well other than the fact they occurred at Super Bowl halftime. Its a football game and spectacle, not a music conservatory!