It's the Big 5-0 for Material Girl

In 1958 the Russian satellite Sputnik fell to Earth, Alaska became the 50th state and the Holy Trinity of '80s pop was born.

Madonna, Prince and Michael – one-name stars of the first order -- all turn 50 this year, with the Material Girl crossing the threshold on Saturday.

Rather than fretting over such a milestone, she's getting set to launch her "Sticky & Sweet" tour on Aug. 23 in Wales, contrary to rumors that she's cancelling due to an ankle injury, says her rep.

In keeping with her history of provocative costumes, Madonna will be wearing a "slinky dominatrix-style" satin coat and other outfits designed by Givenchy.

Madonna's look has always been sexy, often provocative and ever-changing. Dominatrix, Marilyn Monroe, bondage, "virginal" bride, Goth-Kabbalah … the list goes on.

It's this constant reinvention that has kept her relevant for nearly 30 years, a record of longevity pop music is not likely to see again.

"Can you see Amy Winehouse wheezing on this Earth much longer? And if Britney does survive, do you see her having a vibrant career five years on?," asks Jim farber of the New York Daily News.

"Madonna has managed to stay creative, and to stay relevant. I think she still is in the popular music scene," Jerry Del Colliano, professor and music industry expert at the University of Southern California told AFP. "I don't know what she'll be like at 60, but Mick Jagger is there and he's rocking and rolling."

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