Madonna's made her allegiance to President Barack Obama's re-election campaign well-known - recall the tattoo she showed off not long ago - so it's not surprising that she rallied attendees at her MDNA concert stop in Washington, D.C., on Monday to vote for him.

The surprising part is the way she did it. Using strong language, Madonna touched on history and civil rights before telling her fans that they "better vote for f*****g Obama, OK? For better or for worse, alright, we have a black Muslim in the White House."

"Now that is some s***," she continued. "That's some amazing s***. That means there is hope in this country. And Obama is fighting for gay rights, so support the man, g******it."

It was a rousing endorsement but, as The Atlantic noted, a little on the odd side considering that it was hard to tell whether Madonna was confused, serious or sarcastic with her "black Muslim" comment.

Madge later explained that she was being none of the above, saying in a statement she was actually "being ironic on stage."

"Yes, I know Obama is not a Muslim, though I know that plenty of people in this country think he is," she continued. "And what if he were? The point I was making is that a good man is a good man no matter who he prays to. I don't care what religion Obama is - nor should anyone else in America."