I don't understand the comparisons to Lady Gaga. I have seen her twice in concert and while she does a lot of lewd and over-the-top stuff, it's really not on the same level as what MC did on the VMA's. Gaga, IMO, is a true talent. She works her AZZ off in concert and she can sing and dance. She engages with her audience and is grateful to her "little monsters" for their support. Her concerts are highly theatrical and entertaining. I don't believe she needs the shock factor, but I've not been offended watching her.
I understand MC wanting to move on from her Hannah Montana persona. I really do. But there is a right way to do that (Selena Gomez) and a wrong way to do that. I cannot imagine MC's handlers were on-board with that performance. If they were, she needs a whole new team.
I just don't understand what her target audience is. And if you deliberately abandon the fans that put you on the map, what are you really hoping to accomplish?