Madonna Fan's

Madonna, twelfth studio album begin..?

2011-06-22T02:47:00.000-07:00

In June 2011, Madonna's manager, Guy Oseary, took to his Twitter page to confirm that..

Madonna would begin recording her twelfth studio album the following month.

Madonna - Andrew Lloyd Webber sees her as Norma Desmond

2011-04-22T15:20:00.000-07:00

Andrew Lloyd Webber sees Madonna as Norma Desmond.

Last time, in an interview scheduled to air tonight on Piers Morgan’s British ITV show, Andrew Lloyd Webber reveals that he’s eying another dream project with Madonna in mind.

The two famously collaborated on Lloyd Webber’s cinematic adaptation of Evita, but this time around, he reportedly tells Morgan Madonna’s yet to return his calls.

Wonder why? The project is a remake of Sunset Boulevard, and the starring role is Norma Desmond.

Revolver feat. Lil Wayne won an award at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards

2011-03-22T04:33:00.000-07:00

Madonna

She and Revolver feat. Lil Wayne

Madonna's song "Revolver" featuring Lil Wayne, remixed by David Guetta won an award at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards for "Best Remixed Recording".

The 53rd annual Grammy Awards were held on February 13, 2011 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. They were broadcast on CBS. Barbra Streisand was honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year two nights prior to the telecast on February 11. Nominations were announced on December 1, 2010 and a total of 109 awards were presented. Most of the awards were presented during the pre-telecast, which took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center next to the Staples Center, where the main telecast took place. The eligibility period was September 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010.

BTW, Madonna’s Daughter Lourdes To Play In W.E. It's reported that Ewan McGregor is set to star as King Edward VIII, and that the rest of the cast includes Vera Farmiga and Abbie Cornish. Something quite interesting (and not so surprising after all) with you, because it looks that Madonna’s daughter, Lourdes is on board as well! According to Abbie Cornish, Lourdes will play a younger version of her character, Wally Simpson.

W.E. Her second film as a director

2011-02-22T17:18:00.001-08:00

Madonna
She and W.E.

Reliance backed Im Global brings Madonna to European Film Market (Efm). Im Global’s Stuart Ford flew down Madonna and Kevin Smith to Berlinale to promote their ‘under production’ films.

Madonna dropped in at the Efm for a brief appearance to present parts of her second film as a director ‘W.E.’, starring Andrea Riseborough, Abbie Cornish and James D'Arcy.

BTW, Madonna's daughter Lourdes Leon (Lola) tell that Madonna likes to get some of looks from Lola's closet! Lola revealed that Madonna can be found in Lola's closet from time to time.

And what exactly does the Material Mom like to borrow from her daughter? Madonna wears her daughter accessories, shoes a lot.

Vanilla Ice: Madonna Was 'a Great Lover'

2011-01-22T03:44:00.002-08:00

Madonna - Vanilla Ice: Madonna Was 'a Great Lover'

Madonna
and Vanilee Ice

Robert Van Winkle, more commonly known as rapper Vanilla Ice, 43, has some cold words to say about his ex, Madonna.

Ice briefly dated the singing sensation in 1991 when he was 24 years old and she was 33. "Going out with Madonna was exciting. She was older than me and a great lover. She's still the oldest person I've ever been with, so it was an experience." he admitted to News of the World, according to DigitalSpy.com. He says, even though she was—and still is—“the oldest person I’ve ever been with.”

But their relationship came to an end when Madonna's controversial book, S*x, hit stores in 1992. Alas, their “exciting” relationship had to end when she published S*x , a 1992 book featuring pictures of her with the rapper—and other men.

Ice claims that he was misled by the pop star.

Hard Candy Fitness

2010-12-22T01:47:00.000-08:00

Madonna - Hard Candy Fitness

Madonna announced plans of opening a series of fitness centers around the world.

Named Hard Candy Fitness, the gyms are a partnership between Madonna
, her manager Guy Oseary and Mark Mastrov, the founder and CEO of 24 Hour Fitness.

The first of the gyms was opened at Mexico City in November 2010, as Madonna believed that Mexico City "will serve as a great test market before bringing the gyms to cities around the world."

Madonna added,

"If any of you have seen my shows, you know that I don't skimp on them, and the same is true for the gym. We spend what it takes to make a globally first-class gym."

On Her Facebook, Madonna says..

"It's official! I need to move. I need to sweat. I need to make new music! Music I can dance to. I'm on the lookout for the maddest, sickest, most bad ass people to collaborate with. I'm just saying ..."

Madonna is itching to get back into the studio to begin work on her next album, revealing she is "on the look out" for hot new collaborators to work with. The "Material Girl" hitmaker released her last project, "Hard Candy", in 2008 and has spent her time since working on her second directorial venture, upcoming drama "W.E.", as well as launching her first Hard Candy Fitness center in Mexico earlier this month.

Bullying

2010-11-22T01:39:00.000-08:00

Madonna Talk about Bullying..

After the recent tragedies from bullying, Madonna
felt the need to speak out. she chatted with Ellen about her feelings -- on Tuesday, November 9.

During her discussion with Ellen, Madonna talked about the role media plays in bullying, and how we all are a part of it.

I agree with everything Madonna was saying. I did not know she felt that way in high school. Bullying s*cks in any form, at any age. We need to be more caring and respectful. After all every single one of us are human, has feelings, and should be treated with respect no matter what. On another note, damn her kids have gotten big. Times really does fly by to fast. Madonna has beautiful children.

Madonna says "This is america, the land of the free and the home of the brave (...) we're a country that was formed by people that wanted to get away from an old fashion way of looking at life(...)"

But america is one of the most conservative 'democracies' in the 'western' world and i wonder how could the US become so conservative when what she sais is true?

I am sure the US suffers more of bullying because of being more conservative than other countries.

# Stop bulling and violence against people. NOW! #

Madonna's talk in Ellen regards this ongoing issue of bullying which has lead to numerous young kids doing the unthinkable. For Madonna to come up and speak out and encourage them to take charge and manage their lives is so soul warming. All through years my feeling towards Madonna has evovled from fanatic obession to adoration to awe and now of sheer admiration and fondness and pure love for that spirit that she carries. much peace and power sweetcheeks.

# Stop bulling and violence against people. NOW! #

Launches fashion range..

2010-10-22T03:23:00.001-07:00

Madonna launches fashion range at Macy's in NYC
Madonna
and her daughter Lourdes walked the pink carpet at Macy's in Manhattan at the launch of their new fashion range.

Madonna looks so young!

How cute Madonna is now competing with the the twins, sirus and dora the explorer! I miss my Madonna and am aware now more that ever she is gone and will never return!

As itn video shown..

Madonna was caught smiling at Arturo Montenora sources said Lourdes her daughter had admired Mr Montenora tie, he quickly removed his neck piece and handed to Madonna for her approval the entire room laughed.

Dolce&Gabbana family date

2010-09-22T19:44:00.000-07:00

Follow Madonna on her Dolce&Gabbana family date

Let's follow Madonna
on her Dolce&Gabbana family date, is presented by dolcegabbanachannel

From the winter 2011 Dolce&Gabbana womenswear campaign photoshoot directed by Steven Klein, get a full view of what happened behind the scenes. Laugh, play and toast to family with Madonna! EXCLUSIVE

WOW - Beautiful video. Madonna looks gorgeously Italian and vibrant.

Madonna is way more beautiful, sxy and classy than many artists half her age such as katy perry, kesha, gaga, beyonce, britney and more.. :)

She is.. a role model for businesswomen, as the world's highest-earning female singer, a cultural big hitter, a dynamic entrepreneur, oportunistic,

2010-07-22T03:30:00.000-07:00

Madonna
has received acclaim as a role model for businesswomen in her industry, "achieving the kind of financial control that women had long fought for within the industry", and generating over $1.2 billion in sales within the first decade of her career.

After its establishment, Maverick Records became a major commercial success from Madonna 's efforts, which was unusual at that time for an artist-established label. Guinness World Records names Madonna as the world's highest-earning female singer, after making £26.6 million in 2004 alone.

Music journalist Robert Sandall said that while interviewing Madonna, it was clear that being "a cultural big hitter" was more important to her than pop music, a career Madonna described as "an accident". He also saw a contrast between her anything-goes sxeual public persona and a secretive and "paranoid" attitude toward her own finances; she fired her own brother when he charged her for an extra item.

London Business School academics called her a "dynamic entrepreneur" worth copying; they identified her vision of success, her understanding of the music industry, her ability to recognize her own performance limits (and thus bring in help), her willingness to work hard and her ability to adapt as the key to her commercial success.

Conversely, reporter Michael McWilliams commented: "The gripes about Madonna—[she] conceals both bigotry and the essence of her art, which is among the warmest, the most humane, the most profoundly satisfying in all pop culture."

Morton commented that "Madonna is oportunistic, manipulative and ruthless—somebody who won't stop until she gets what she wants—and that's something you can get at the expense of maybe losing your closed ones. But that hardly mattered to her."

Taraborrelli felt that this ruthlessness was visible during the shooting of the Pepsi commercial in 1989. "The fact that she didn't want to hold a Pepsi can in the commercial, clued the Pepsi executives that Madonna the pop star and Madonna the businesswoman were not going to be dictated by somebody else, she will do everything in her way—the only way."

Madonna's Daughter Launches Material Girl Line

Madonna's daughter is launching a line for Macy's with the help of her uber-famous mom. Hear Madonna talk about her history as the original Material Girl and her daughter Lola's style.

Madonna's influence on pop music is undeniable and far-reaching.

2010-06-22T17:53:00.000-07:00

Madonna has influenced
numerous music artists throughout her career.

Mary Cross, in her book Madonna: A Biography, wrote: "Her influence on pop music is undeniable and far-reaching. New pop icons from Nelly Furtado and Shakira to Gwen Stefani and Christina Aguilera (not to mention Britney Spears) owe Madonna, a debt of thanks for the template she forged, combining provocative s*xiness and female power in her image, music, and lyrics."

Fouz-Hernández gave his opinion that female pop performers such as Spears, the Spice Girls, Destiny's Child, Jennifer Lopez, Kylie Minogue and Pink were like "Madonna's daughters in the very direct sense that they grew up listening to and admiring Madonna, and decided they wanted to be like her."

Among them, Madonna's influence was most notable in Spears, who has been called her protégé. Madonna has also been credited with the introduction of European electronic dance music into mainstream American pop culture, and for bringing European producers such as Stuart Price and Mirwais Ahmadzaï into the spotlight.

Madonna is one of the biggest-selling artists in music history, selling more than 250 million records within 20 years of her career. She is ranked by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) as the best-selling female rock artist of the 20th century, and the second top-selling female artist in the United States behind Barbra Streisand, with 64 million certified albums sold.

MADONNA, LADY GAGA: SHE'S NOT ME (THE "COMPARISON" VIDEO)

Category: Music

Tags:
lady gaga alejandro lovegame paparazzi pokerface telephone madonna she's not me vogue justify my love bedtime story oh father i want you bad girl erotica hung up sorry madonna gaga

Reinvention is one of her key cultural achievements...

2010-05-22T15:53:00.000-07:00

Throughout her career Madonna ,like David Bowie,
has repeatedly reinvented herself through a series of visual and musical personas. Fouz-Hernández agrees that this reinvention is one of her key cultural achievements. Madonna reinvented herself by working with upcoming talented producers and previously unknown artists, while remaining at the center of media attention. In doing so she has provided an example of how to maintain one's career in the entertainment industry.

Such reinvention was noted by scholars as the main tool in surviving the musical industry, for a female artist. As Ian Youngs from BBC News commented, "Her ability to follow the latest trends and adapt her style has often been credited with preserving her appeal."

Madonna's use of shocking seexual imagery has benefited her career and catalyzed public discourse on s3xuality and feminism.

The Times stated, "Madonna, whether you like her or not, started a revolution amongst women in music ... Her attitudes and opinions on seex, nudiity, style and seexuality forced the public to sit up and take notice."

Rodger Streitmatter, author of S3x Sells! (2004), commented that "from the moment Madonna burst onto the nation's radar screen in the mid-1980s, she did everything in her power to shock the public, and her efforts paid off."

Shmuel Boteach, author of Hating women (2005), felt that Madonna was largely responsible for erasing the line between music and pornography. He stated: "Before Madonna, it was possible for women more famous for their voices than their cleavage, to emerge as music superstars. But in the post-Madonna universe, even highly original performers such as Janet Jackson now feel the pressure to expose their bodies on national television to sell albums."

Team Madonna: Cha-Cha Challenge - 'Dancing With The Stars'

Team Madonna: Cha-Cha Challenge - 'Dancing With The Stars'
Dancing With The Stars Season 10 Week 7 May 3, 2010
Team Madonna: Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya, Niecy Nash & Louis van Amstel.
Song: "Holiday" by Madonna

Comments :
Niecy: Pop it! Evan: There's nothing to pop. Haha. Nice job Team Madonna.

This routine was soo much fun, and it looked like all the dancers were having fun too. It had a few technical and sync problems, but I still think this dance is more fun to watch than team gaga's (though they had the better technique).

Queen of Pop

2010-04-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

According to Rolling Stone, Madonna "remains one of the greatest pop
acts of all time". She has been dubbed the "Queen of Pop" and listed by Guinness World Records as the world's most successful female recording artist of all time.

On March 10, 2008, Madonna was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the first year she had been eligible for the honor. Billboard magazine ranked her as the most successful solo artist (second artist overall, behind only The Beatles) on the "Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists".

She is also the most successful female solo artist in the British chart history, with the most number-one albums and number-one singles. Madonna is featured in the book 100 Most Important Women of the 20th Century, published by Ladies' Home Journal in 1998.

In July 2003, VH1 and People magazine listed her as seventh in the "200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons of All Time."

In 2006, a new water bear species called Echiniscus madonnae, was named after her. The paper with the description of E. madonnae, was published in the international journal of animal taxonomy Zootaxa in March 2006 (Vol. 1154, pages: 1–36). The Zoologists commented: "We take great pleasure in dedicating this species to one of the most significant artists of our times, Madonna Louise Veronica Ritchie." The Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) number of the species is 711164.

Madonna lays first brick of school in Malawi

Madonna has laid the first brick of her charity school in Malawi, watched on by daughters Lourdes and Mercy

Comments :
Bravo Madonna!!!

Madonna had to build a school just for girls, because part of Malawi's population is Muslim. I believe that soon, she will build a school just for boys. I think she was right. We have to respect the culture of any country.

Madonna mic, Boom Mounting

2010-03-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

Talk about Madonna Mic..
Andrew Castle, the BBC's tennis commentator, is in the midst of his sixth year courtside at the Wimbledon championships. Castle, a former British number one player himself, has covered four men's singles finals. He tells Ian Burrell the secrets of his favourite commentary box, one of the secrets is..
THE MICROPHONE
I use what I call a "Madonna mic". It leaves you with two free hands. The downside is that unlike the lip mic, which you can take away from your face if you are not going to say anything, or bring it up to your mouth if you are going to speak, the Madonna mic is always there and generally it's always on. So you have to use hand signals and eye contact in the commentary box, where I'm generally working with John McEnroe and John Lloyd. Once you've worked a few times with people you develop a chemistry... in detail on http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/wimbledons-no-1-seat-455502.html

"Kai Harada, sound designer and sound handbook author, writes about "The Feeding and Care of RF Microphones".... Also say about Madonna-mic, as below

Boom Mounting- also known as the "Madonna-mic," it is the use of a headset boom fastened around the head or over the top of the head, with the microphone capsule on a boom arm that extends to the mouth. See this page for some creative methods to make your own boom microphones.
o Fantastic gain-before-feedback.
o Low-frequency response is enhanced.
o As the head moves, the microphone moves with it.
o Susceptible to plosive "pops" and breath pops because of the proximity to the mouth and nose.
o Aesthetically unpleasing to most, although some manufacturers have developed microphones with very small capsules and very thin-diameter stiff wires, allowing the microphone-cum-boom to be hidden very well along the cheekline... in detail on http://harada-sound.com/sound/handbook/rfmics.html

Madonna Sticky & Sweet BluRay / DVD+CD / Download trailer
Madonna Sticky & Sweet BluRay / DVD+CD / Download trailer

Canada/USA April 6th, 2010

Rest of world March 30th, 2010

For viral advertisment purposes, no copyright infringement intended.

britney ...gaga... beyonce... pink... xtina... rihana....etc....are very nice ....and all the time compare with MADONNA ... she's the models for us ...ok but respect for madge...28 years she's here ... and they 're the place for all star...and the superstar

WE and Sticky & Sweet.

2010-02-22T14:16:00.000-08:00

Madonna pic

Madonna's set to direct "W.E.," a biopic about the affair between King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson that led to the Brit royal abdicating the throne to marry his divorcee lover.

Madonna, was originally planning to play the part of Wallis, but has since reconsidered and is in talks with Best Supporting Actress Oscar nominee Vera Farmiga. Vera Farmiga ("Up in the Air") is eyeing the plum role of Simpson. Madonna is writing the script with Alec Keshishian, who directed the multihyphenate in "Truth or Dare."

Former Miramax exec Colin Vaines and David Parfitt are producing the pic. This will be Madonna's second directorial effort; her first, "Filth and Wisdom," preemed at Berlin in 2008. Madonna’s directing credit is 2008’s ‘Filth and Wisdom’, which starred Richard E. Grant and Eugene Hutz, although she has served as a writer on documentary ‘I Am Because We Are’.

CAA is handling domestic sales while IM Global has international.

Madonna wants to sign up David Tennant for her W.E new film. Madonna is hoping the former ‘Doctor Who’ actor will take on the role of the monarch, who sensationally abdicated the British throne to live with the American divorcee in 1936.

A source said: “Madonna’s interest in directing a drama was first revealed a year ago.

“She put it on hold while going through her divorce but is really keen to get into directing again and has her eye on David, having loved his work on ‘Doctor Who’.”

‘W.E’ is still in pre-production and has a preliminary release date of 2011.

Madonna - Like A Prayer... BTW. Madonna performed "Like a Prayer" on the Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief concert on January 22, 2010. She announced the release of her third live album Sticky & Sweet on March 30, 2010. It is her first release under the new recording and business deal with Live Nation and will be distributed by her former record company Warner Bros. Records.

Echiniscus madonnae

2009-12-07T04:04:00.000-08:00

Madonna In 2006 a new water bear species (Latin: Tardigrada), Echiniscus madonnae, was named after Madonna. The paper with the description of E. madonnae was published in the international journal of animal taxonomy Zootaxa in March 2006 (Vol. 1154, pages: 1–36).

The authors' justification for the name of the new species was: "We take great pleasure in dedicating this species to one of the most significant artists of our times, Madonna Louise Veronica Ritchie." The Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) number of the species is 711164.

Madonna - The power of goodbye official video clip

Reinvention

2009-11-06T00:21:00.000-08:00

Throughout Madonna 's career, like David Bowie, has repeatedly reinvented Madonna herself through a series of visual and musical personas, as well as expanding Madonna's career to become a film and stage actor.

Fouz Hernandes argues that this reinvention is one of MAdonna 's key cultural achievements. He argues MAdonna has achieved this by constantly working with upcoming talented producers and previous unknown artists, while remaining at the center of media attention.

In doing so Madonna has provided an example of how to maintain one's career in the entertainment industry.

Madonna a role model for businesswomen.

2009-10-24T04:19:00.000-07:00

She has also received acclaim as a role model for businesswomen in her industry, "achieving the kind of financial control that women had long fought for within the industry" generating over $1.2 billion dollars in sales within the 1st decade of Madonna's career.

Offered by Warner Music the usual perk of a vanity label (similar deals had been arranged for artists such as Mariah Carey and others), within a few years Maverick Records had - unusually for such labels - become a large commercial success due to Madonna's efforts.

Writing in The Times in 2009, music journalist Robert Sandall reported that in a 1992 interview w/ her it had been clear that being "a cultural big hitter" was more important than pop music, a career she described as "an accident". He also noted the contrast between Madonna's anything-goes s*xual public persona, and a secretive and "paranoid" attitude towards Madonna's own finances (for example, firing her own brother as interior designer when he charged her for a light-fitting, estranging him in the process.)

An analysis of her business acumen by academics at the London Business School presents Madonna as a "dynamic entrepreneur" worth copying, identifying Madonna's vision of success, Madonna's understanding of the music industry, Madonna's ability to recognise her performance limits (and thus bring in help), Madonna's "sheer hard work" and her ability to change as key to why she has been a striking commercial success.

However Madonna's ability to overcome her own musical limits has been sharply criticised by songwriter Joni Mitchell, who in widely reported comments stated that "[Madonna] has knocked the importance of talent out of the arena. She's made a lot of money and become the biggest star in the world by hiring the right people." These comments were part of a sustained attack on the contemporary music industry as a whole, with Mitchell threatening to quit recording altogether. Reporter Michael McWilliams comments: "The gripes about Madonna -- she's cold, greedy, talentless -- conceal both bigotry and the essence of her art, which is among the warmest, the most humane, the most profoundly satisfying in all pop culture."

Madonna MP3 Downloads

Madonna s*xuality and feminism

2009-10-08T18:38:00.000-07:00

She's use of at times shocking s*xual imagery has both benefitted her career and had an impact on public discourse on s*xuality and feminism. The Times has commented that, "Madonna, whether you like or not, started a revolution amongst women in music. She made the female body seem more like a machine with cravings, rather than a Barbie doll. Her attitudes and opinions on s*x, n*dity, style and s*xuality forced the public to take up and notice." Rodger Streitmatter reported in his book s*x Sells! (2004) that "from the moment Madonna burst onto the nation's radar screen in the mid-1980s, she did everything in her power to shock the public, and her efforts paid off". He further commented, "The reigning Queen of Pop thrived on the criticism, and continued, throughout the decade, to reiterate the most fundamental of her issues by consistently celebrating women's s*xual power". The book s*x depicts her in s*xual situations with men and women, and she has been credited with educating people about bis*xuality. At the time there was even speculation about her relationships with other women, including Naomi Campbell and Sandra Bernhard. Part of the recent academic sub-discipline of Madonna Studies has been taken up with the iconography of minority groups such as gay and lesbian people, which she uses in videos such as those for "Vogue", "Like a Prayer", "La Isla Bonita" and "Borderline"[221].

Madonna's openly s*xualised persona has influenced many younger performers. Routledge International Encyclopedia of Women: Global Women's Issues and Knowledge (2000) stated, "Madonna may have preached control, but she created an illusion of s*xual availability that many female pop artists felt compelled to emulate". Writer-author Santiago Fouz-Hernández, in his book Madonna's Drowned Worlds has commented that female pop performers such as Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez, Kylie Minogue and Pink were like Madonna's daughters in the sense that they grew up listening to her and admiring, while deciding to emulate her style. Among all of them, Madonna's influence was most notable in Spears, who was called her protégé. Britney Spears has commented on their similarity: "I think we have the same drive. When we want something, we get it." Madonna's influence on the Spice Girls came with her reinterpretation of feminism as a power in her music videos. The Spice Girls' slogan of "girl power" is noted to have been derived from this portrayal of female independence. Beyoncé Knowles of Destiny's Child was influenced by her sense of control over her music. Madonna has also been credited with the introduction of European electronic dance music into the mainstream of American pop culture, and bringing European producers like Stuart Price and Mirwais Ahmadzai into the spotlight.

Madonna MP3 Downloads

o Madonna o A Greatest pop acts of all time

2009-09-12T03:21:00.000-07:00

According to Rolling Stone, she "remains one of the greatest pop acts of all time". Madonna is also "the world's highest earning female singer on earth". Her 2008 Sticky & Sweet Tour became the highest grossing concert tour by a solo artist. In the UK, Madonna is the most successful female in the singles chart history and has more number one singles than any other female solo artist.

In 2008, Madonna surpassed Elvis Presley as the artist with most top ten hits in the history of Billboard Hot 100.

In 2007, she was listed by VH1 as 8-th in the Greatest Women of Rock & Roll.

On March 10, 2008, Madonna was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Source: wikipedia

Madonna MP3 Downloads

Madonna-Music videos

2009-08-27T00:23:00.000-07:00

"Madonna-Music videos"

In The Madonna Companion, biographer Andrew Metz noted that more than any other recent pop artist, she had used MTV and music videos to establish her popularity and enhance her recorded work. According to him, many of her songs have the imagery of the music video in strong context while referring to the music. The media and oublic reaction towards her most-discussed songs like "Papa Don't Preach", "Like a Prayer" or "Justify My Love", had to do with the music videos created to promote the song and their impact, rather than the song in itself. Her career started in 1984, the same time that MTV also started. Madonna's initial music videos reflected her American and Hispanic mixed street style and a flamboyant glamour. Essentially a dancer, she expressed this imagery through Madonna's music videos. With Madonna's 1st real music videos for songs like "Burning Up", "Borderline" and "Lucky Star", she transmitted her avant-garde downtown New York fashion sense to the American audience. Madonna continued w/ the imagery and incorporation of Hispanic culture and Catholic symbolism with the music videos from the True Blue era. Author Douglas Kellner noted, "such 'multiculturalism' and her culturally transgressive moves turned out to be highly successful moves that endeared MAdonna to large and varied youth audiences". Her Spanish look in the videos became popular and appeared in the fashion trends at that time in the form of boleros and layered skirts accessorizing with rosary beads and crucifix like the video. Academics noted that with her videos, she was subtlely reversing the usual role of male as the dominant s*x and destabilizing the usual power relationship between the "voyeuristic male gaze and object". This symbolism and imagery was probably the most prevalent in the music video for "Like a Prayer". The video included an African American church choir, she "turning on" a statue of a black saint and singing in front of burning crosses. This mix of the sacred and the profane upset the Vatican and resulted in the Pepsi commercial withdrawal. From being in boy-toy girlish roles of Madonna's earliest videos to the s*xual persona in videos for "Justify My Love" and "Express Yourself", she represented herself as someone who is unfazed by the cultures and the struggles Madonna has endured. Devoid of this, Madonna portrayed herself to be dancing off-screen to the music at the end of the video. MAdonna's re-invention has continued in her most recent videos like "Ray of Light", which was lauded with the video of the year award at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards.

Source: wikipedia

Madonna-Musical style and influences

2009-08-18T16:25:00.000-07:00

"Madonna-Musical style and influences"

As an artist, Madonna's music has been the subject of much scrutiny among critics. Author Robert M. Grant comments in his book Contemporary Strategy Analysis (2005), wrote that what has brought her success is "[c]ertainly not outstanding natural talent. As a vocalist, musician, dancer, songwriter, or actress, Madonna's talents seem modest." He asserts Madonna's success lies in relying on the talents of others and that her personal relationships have served as cornerstones to the numerous reinventions in the longevity of her career. Conversely, Rolling Stone magazine has named Madonna "an exemplary songwriter with a gift for hooks and indelible lyrics, and a better studio singer than her live spectacles attest." She has been called "the perfect vocalist for lighter-than-air songs", despite not being a "heavyweight talent."

In 1985, Madonna commented that the 1st song to ever make a strong impression on her was "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" by Nancy Sinatra and that it summed up her "take-charge attitude." As a young woman, Madonna attempted to broaden her taste in literature, art, and music, and during this time became interested in classical music. Madonna noted that her favorite style was baroque, and loved Mozart and Chopin because she liked their "feminine quality". In 1999, Madonna identified musical influences that impacted her such as Debbie Harry, Karen Carpenter, The Supremes and Led Zeppelin, and dancers like Martha Graham and Rudolf Nureyev. In a 2006 interview with The Observer, Madonna cited her current musical interests, which included Detroit natives The Raconteurs and The White Stripes, as well as New York band The Jett Set.

Madonna's Catholic background and relationship with her parents were reflected in the album Like a Prayer. It is also an evocation of the impact religion had on her career. Madonna's video for the title track contains Catholic symbolism, such as the stigmata. During The Virgin Tour, she wore a rosary and also prayed with it in the music video for "La Isla Bonita". Madonna also referred to her Italian heritage in her work. The video for "Like a Virgin", features Venetian settings. The "Open Your Heart" video sees her boss scolding her in Italian. In Ciao, Italia! - Live from Italy, the video release of her Who's That Girl Tour, she dedicates the song "Papa Don't Preach" to the Pope ("Papa" is the Italian word for "Pope".)

During her childhood, Madonna was inspired by actors, later saying, "I loved Carole Lombard and Judy Holliday and Marilyn Monroe. They were all incredibly funny...and I saw myself in them...my girlishness, my knowingness and my innocence". Her "Material Girl" music video recreated Monroe's "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" from the film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and she later studied the screwball comedies of the 1930s, particularly those of Lombard, in preparation for her film Who's That Girl. The video for "Express Yourself" (1989) was inspired by Fritz Lang's silent film Metropolis (1927). The video for "Vogue" recreated the style of Hollywood glamour photographers, in particular Horst P. Horst, and imitated the poses of Marlene Dietrich, Carole Lombard and Rita Hayworth, while the lyrics referenced many of the stars who had inspired her, including Bette Davis, described by Madonna as an idol, along with Louise Brooks and Dita Parlo.

Influences also came to her from the art world, most notably through the works of artist Frida Kahlo. Madonna's 1995 music video to "Bedtime Story" featured images inspired by the paintings of Kahlo and Remedios Varo. Her 2003 video to "Hollywood" was a homage to the work of photographer Guy Bourdin although it sparked a lawsuit by Bourdin's son, due to the unauthorised use of his father's work. Other new-age artists like Andy Warhol was the inspiration behing the music videos for "Erotica" and "Deeper and Deeper". Warhol's usage of S&M imagery in his underground films were reflected in these videos. Madonna even enacted Warhol's one-time muse Edie Sedgwick in "Deeper and Deeper".

Madonna joined the Jewish mystic religion Kabbalah in 1994 after the release of her album Bedtime Stories. She has spoken about the influence of the religion on her and donated millions of dollars for schools based on the religion, around New York and London. In 2004, she changed her name to Esther, which in Hebrew means "star". However, her immersion in Kabbalah caused a furor and she faced opposition from Rabbis who called Madonna's joining the religion as sacrilegious and a case of celebrity dilettanism. Madonna defended her Kabbalah studies by stating it "would be less controversial if I joined the Nazi Party" and that the Kabbalah is "not hurting anybody." The religion went on to influence Madonna's music, especially albums like Ray of Light and Music. It made an appearance in her 2004 Re-Invention World Tour where at one point of the show, Madonna and her dancers wore t-shirts that read "Kabbalists Do It Better.

Madonna - The Sticky & Sweet Tour, Life with My Sister Madonna, Celebration.

2009-08-10T23:15:00.000-07:00

Madonna, to further promote the album, she embarked on the Sticky & Sweet Tour, which was her first major venture with Live Nation. It became the highest-grossing tour ever by a solo artist with gross of $US280 million, surpassing the title previous held by her Confessions Tour. The Sticky & Sweet Tour was extended to the next year, adding new European dates and places where Madonna did not visit previously.

Life with My Sister Madonna, a controversial book by Madonna's brother, Christopher Ciccone, was released on July. The book debuted at number two on the New York Times Best Seller List. It was not authorized by Madonna and led to a rift between them. Madonna filed for divorce from husband Guy Ritchie in October 2008. After being granted a preliminary decree of divorce, the separation became final in December. On March 2, 2009, Madonna was honored with the Japan Gold International Artist of the Year award at the Recording Industry Association of Japan Gold Disc Awards for her album Hard Candy. Madonna decided to adopt again from Malawi. The country's High Court initially approved the adoption of Chifundo "Mercy" James. However the adoption was rejected with court registrar Ken Manda stating the reason ebing Madonna not a resident of Malawi. This ruling was overturned by the country's highest court. On June 12, 2009, the Supreme Court of Malawi granted Madonna the rights to adopt Mercy James.

Madonna started working on Celebration, her third greatest hits and closing album with Warner Bros. Records. It contains the new song "Celebration" and all her hit songs from her career. In June, Forbes Magazine has named her as the third most powerful celebrity of the year.

Madonna - Released 11th studio album, Hard Candy.

2009-07-29T04:38:00.000-07:00

Madonna, in 2008, she released her 11th studio album, Hard Candy.

Hard Candy was lauded by Rolling Stone as an "impressive taste of her upcoming tour." Hard Candy album debuted at #1 on the UK Albums Chart, where Madonna achieved 10 #1 albums. Hard Candy also debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 with over 280,000 copies sold.

Hard Candy album received mostly positive reviews worldwide, though some critics panned it as "an attempt to harness the urban market". Its lead single "4 Minutes" reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100. Hard Candy single scored Madonna her 37th Billboard Hot 100 top ten hit, making Madonna the artist with the most top ten hits in the history of the chart, surpassing Elvis Presley.

In the U.K., Madonna retained her record for the most #1 singles for a female artist, this being her 13th.

Madonna - Directed 1st film, Filth and Wisdom and reviews.

2009-07-20T21:06:00.000-07:00

Madonna, in December 2007, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced Madonna as one of the five inductees of 2008. The ceremony took place on March 10, 2008.

Madonna also directed her 1st film, Filth and Wisdom and produced and wrote I Am Because We Are, a documentary on the problems faced by Malawians directed by her former gardener Nathan Rissman.

Filth and Wisdom received mixed reviews from the British press. The Times Online said MAdonna has "done herself proud" while The Daily Telegraph described the film as "not an entirely unpromising first effort [but] Madonna would do well to hang on to her day job."

The Guardian praised I Am Because We Are, saying that Madonna "came, saw and conquered the world's biggest film festival."

Madonna - Released the download-only song "Hey You", in anticipation of Live Earth.

2009-07-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

Madonna In May 2007, she released the download-only song "Hey You", in anticipation of Live Earth, which was free for its first week. Madonna also performed it at the London Live Earth concert in July 2007.

In October 2007, Madonna announced her departure from Warner Bros. Records and a new $120 million, ten year contract with Live Nation. Madonna was the founding recording artist for the new music division, Live Nation Artists.

Madonna - Banda preferred adoption than financial support.

2009-07-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

Madonna refuted the allegations on The Oprah Winfrey Show. She said that there are no written adoption laws in Malawi that regulate foreign adoption and that Banda had been suffering from pneumonia after surviving malaria and tuberculosis when she met him.

Madonna (Singer) and humanitarian activist, Bono, defended her by saying, "Madonna should be applauded for helping to take a child out of the worst poverty imaginable."Some said that Banda's biological father Yohane did not understand what adoption meant and had assumed that the arrangement was fostering. He said, "These so-called human rights activists are harassing me every day, threatening me that I am not aware of what I am doing." He also said, "They want me to support their court case, a thing I cannot do for I know what I agreed with Madonna and her husband." Madonna responded that Banda had rejected her offer of financial support and preferred adoption. The adoption was finalized on May 28, 2008.

Madonna - Adoption Malawi boy, David Banda Mwalei

2009-06-22T03:01:00.000-07:00

Madonna, in October 2006, she traveled to Malawi to help build an orphanage, which Madonna also funded as part of the Raising Malawi initiative.

On October 10, 2006, Madonna filed adoption papers for a boy named David Banda Mwale, born on September 24, 2005 and renamed David Banda Mwale Ciccone Ritchie. Banda was flown out of Malawi on October 16.

The adoption (by Madonna) raised strong public reaction because Malawian law requires would-be parents to reside in Malawi for one year before adopting. The effort was highly publicised and culminated in legal disputes.

Madonna - in Confessions Tour, Replaced lyrics of "I Love New York" song

2009-06-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

Madonna opposes American President George W. Bush.

So in Madonna Confessions Tour performance of the song "I Love New York", Madonna replaced the original lyrics

"just go to Texas, isn't that where they golf?"

with

"just go to Texas and you can suuck George Bush's dick!"

:(

Madonna - Religious symbols in her Performace.

2009-06-03T01:14:00.000-07:00

Madonna use of religious symbols such as the crucifix and Crown of Thorns in MAdonna's performance of "Live to Tell" caused the Russian Orthodox Church and the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia to urge all their members to boycott Madonna concert.

[150] Prosecutors in Düsseldorf threatened to sue her and a Protestant bishop said, "the only way an aging superstar can attract attention is to offend people's religious sentiments."

Vatican officials claimed MAdonna mock crucifixion was an open attack on Catholicism, to which Madonna responded that, "My performance is neither anti-Christian, sacrilegious or blasphemous. Rather, it is my plea to the audience to encourage mankind to help one another and to see the world as a unified whole."

Madonna - Became the worldwide model for H&M

2009-05-25T01:37:00.000-07:00

Madonna, in mid-2006, she became the worldwide model for H&M. Included in the deal was a specially designed track suit, created by Madonna.

The next year, the clothing line M by Madonna was launched internationally.

Madonna's Confessions Tour began in May 2006. It had a global audience of 1.2 million people and, with reported gross sales of $260.1 million.

Madonna - Tenth studio album, Confessions on a Dance Floor

2009-05-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

Madonna's performances of "Like a Prayer", "Ray of Light" and "Music" were included in the Live 8 DVD. Madonna's tenth studio album, Confessions on a Dance Floor was released that year and sold more than 8 million copies.

Confessions on a Dance Floor album received positive reviews. Confessions on a Dance Floor produced four singles — "Hung Up" reached #1 in a record breaking 45 countries. "Sorry" became Madonna's twelfth number one in the UK, making Madonna the female artist with the most #1 singles in the UK charts. "Get Together", became her 36th number one dance hit in the U.S.[100] The 4th single, "Jump", reached number nine in the UK.

Madonna - Performed for Tsunami Aid and aims of the UK's Make Poverty History campaign

2009-05-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

Madonna, in January 2005, performed a cover version of the John Lennon song "Imagine" on the televised U.S. aid concert "Tsunami Aid", which raised money for the tsunami victims in Asia.

Then in July 2005, Madonna performed at the Live 8 benefit concert in London, run in support of the aims of the UK's Make Poverty History campaign and the Global Call for Action Against Poverty.

Madonna - Re-Invention World Tour, I'm Going to Tell You a Secret

2009-04-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

Later 2004, Madonna embarked on the Re-Invention World Tour in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. It became the highest-grossing tour of 2004, earning $125 million.

Madonna made a documentary about the tour named I'm Going to Tell You a Secret.

In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked Madonna number 36 on their list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".

Madonna and Maverick sued Warner Music Group (WMG)

2009-04-21T20:26:00.000-07:00

Madonna and Maverick sued Warner Music Group (WMG)and its former parent company in March 2004, Time Warner, claiming that mismanagement of resources and poor bookkeeping had cost the company millions of dollars.

In return, Warner Music Group (WMG) filed a countersuit, alleging that Maverick had lost tens of millions of dollars on its own.

On June 14, 2004, the dispute was resolved when Maverick shares owned by Madonna and Ronnie Dashev were purchased. The company was now a wholly owned subsidiary of Warner Music. but Madonna is still signed to Warner under a separate recording contract.

Madonna - Released Remixed & Revisited...

2009-04-14T00:35:00.000-07:00

Madonna, fall 2003, she provided guest vocals on Britney Spears's single "Me Against the Music".

Then During the Christmas season of 2003, Madonna released Remixed & Revisited, a remix EP that included rock versions of songs from American Life, and "Your Honesty", a previously unreleased track from the Bedtime Stories recording sessions.

Madonna - Kissed Britney Spears and Aguilera

2009-04-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

In 2003, Madonna with Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliott performed the song "Hollywood" at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Madonna kissed Britney Spears and Aguilera during the performance.

This Madonna performance was resulting in tabloid press frenzy.

Madonna - American Life, the lowest selling album

2009-03-29T18:24:00.001-07:00

Madonna released the album American Life, themed on American society, in April 2003.

American Life, this Madonna's Album received mixed reviews.

From American Life album, the song peaked at number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100.

American Life album was having sold 4 million copies, it became the lowest selling album of Madonna's career.

Madonna - Exhibition installation, X-STaTIC Pro=CeSS

2009-03-21T19:17:00.000-07:00

Madonna collaborated with fashion photographer Steven Klein on an exhibition installation named X-STaTIC Pro=CeSS in 2003.

X-STaTIC Pro=CeSS included photography from a photoshoot in W Magazine and 7 video segments.

The installation X-STaTIC Pro=CeSS ran from March 28 to May 3, 2003 in New York gallery, Deitch Projects, X-STaTIC Pro=CeSS then travelled the world in an edited form.

Madonna - Up for Grabs, play

2009-03-15T19:56:00.000-07:00

Madonna starred in a play by David Williamson titled Up for Grabs In 2002...

Up For Grabs (2000) is a play by Australian playwright David Williamson.

Set in the booming international art market from 1990, which was fuelled by the dot com boom, it involves scenes of an alternate se***xual nature. Not seen critically as one of Williamson strongest plays, it is a play of bad manners, an analysis of how wealth and power can corrupt the arts.

The London West End theatre version saw Madonna starring on stage for the second time in her career, to overall poor critical review of her technical ability.

Madonna - "Die Another Day" song

2009-03-10T01:54:00.000-07:00

Madonna released the title song "Die Another Day" In 2002 to the twenty-th James Bond film, in which Madonna had a cameo role.

This Madonna's song, "Die Another Day" reached #8 in the United States Hot 100 and was nominated for both a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and a Golden Raspberry for Worst Song.

Madonna - "Swept Away"

2009-03-03T18:31:00.000-08:00

Madonna starred in the film "Swept Away" n 2002.

"Swept Away" directed by Madonna's husband Guy Ritchie.

"Swept Away" film was a commercial and critical failure and released straight-to-video in the UK.

:(

Madonna Tour - highest grossing of the year

2009-02-25T23:57:00.001-08:00

Madonna began her 1st world tour since 1993, the Drowned World Tour, visiting cities in North America and Europe.

Madonna's tour in 2001 was a success as one of the highest grossing of the year. It grossed $75 million from 47 sold-out shows.

Madonna also released her 2nd greatest hits collection, GHV2 to coincide with the home video release of the tour

Madonna - "The Next Best Thing"

2009-02-20T01:02:00.001-08:00

Madonna starred in "The Next Best Thing", In 2000. Madonna contributed 2 songs to the film's soundtrack, "Time Stood Still" and the international hit "American Pie", a cover version of the 1970s Don McLean single.

Madonna's 8th studio album, Music, was released in 2000 and debuted at number one on the Unitd State album charts. It produced 3 successful singles in the United State; "Music", "Don't Tell Me" and "What It Feels Like for a Girl". The latter having a video which depicts murders by car, was banned by MTV and VH1.

Madonna - Ray of Light

2009-02-15T05:30:00.000-08:00

in 1998 Madonna's studio album Ray of Light debuted at number two in the United State. All music called it Madonna's "most adventurous record." "Ray of Light" album produced 2 United State.

Madonna's Album became... Top five singles: "Frozen" and "Ray of Light". It won 3 Grammy Awards. Its title track won a Grammy for "Best Short Form Music Video", Best Video at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards and was used by Microsoft in its advertising campaign to introduce Windows XP.

Madonna's track "Frozen" was adjudicated to be a plagiarism of Belgian songwriter Salvatore Acquaviva's 1993 song "Ma Vie Fout L'camp", and this album banned in Belgium. This album has been ranked #363 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Then in 1998, She was signed to play a violin teacher in the film Music of the Heart but left the project, citing "creative differences" with director Wes Craven. She followed the success of "Ray of Light" w/ Madonna's single "Beautiful Stranger", recorded for the 1999 Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me soundtrack. It reached number nineteen on the Billboard Hot 100 w/ airplay alone.

Madonna - Something to Remember and Evita

2009-02-09T20:34:00.001-08:00

Madonna released "Something to Remember" in November 1995, it is a collection of Madonna ballads which featured her cover of the Marvin Gaye song "I Want You" and the top ten hit song "You'll See".

In 1996, Madonna’s most critically successful film, Evita, was released. Madonna portrayed the main part of Eva Perón, a role first played by Elaine Paige in the West End. The soundtrack album contained three of her singles, of which "You Must Love Me" won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song From a Motion Picture. Madonna also won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy.

Madonna -"I'll Remember", "Secret", "Take a Bow", "Bedtime Story" and "Human Nature".

2009-02-04T02:45:00.000-08:00

Madonna released the single "I'll Remember" in the spring of 1994, which Madonna recorded for Alek Keshishian's film With Honors. That year, Madonna also appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman, using 4-letter words and asking Letterman to smell her underwear.

In the same year Madonna began dating rap artist Tupac Shakur, who she wanted to have a child with. The two would continue to date through that year into 1995 during his incarceration.

Later that year, Madonna released her 6th studio album Bedtime Stories which was different from Madonna' outrageous moves from "Erotica". It produced 4 singles— "Secret", "Take a Bow", "Bedtime Story" and "Human Nature".

Madonna - Body of Evidence & Dangerous Game

2009-01-30T22:49:00.000-08:00

Madonna starred in two films During 1993. 1st was the erotic thriller Body of Evidence. The film contained S&M and b0ndage and was poorly received by critics. The 2nd was the first production for Maverick Films, Dangerous Game. It was released straight-to-video in North America but received some good reviews for Madonna's performance.

The NY Times described that "She submits impressively to the emotions raging furiously around her." Madonna expressed her disappointment regarding the final cut of the film, claiming that the director had cut many of her key scenes and completely changed the ending. She embarked on The Girlie Show World Tour at the end of 1993.

It featured Madonna' dressed as a whip-cracking dominatrix, surrounded by t0pless dancers. The controversy continued in Puerto Rico when Madonna rubbed its flag between Madonna' legs on stage, while Orthodox Jews protested against her 1st ever show in Israel.

Madonna - Maverick

2009-01-26T19:27:00.001-08:00

Madonna founded her own entertainment company in 1992, Maverick, consisting of a record company (Maverick Records), a film production company (Maverick Films), and also music publishing, television, merchandising and book-publishing divisions.

Maverick was a joint venture with Time Warner as part of a $60 million recording and business deal. The deal gave her a 20% royalty, equal at the time to Michael Jackson's. The 1st release from the venture was Madonna's first publication S_x, a book consisting of s_xually provocative and explicit images photographed by Steven Meisel. It caused media controversy but sold 500,000 copies in the U.S.

At the same time Madonna released her 5th studio album Erotica. It peaked at number two in the U.S., becoming one of her least successful records. Its title track peaked at #3 in the U.S. Hot 100. The album also produced five further singles; "Deeper and Deeper", "Bad Girl", "Fever", "Rain" and "Bye Bye Baby".

Madonna - her 1st greatest hits, "Rescue Me" "Justify My Love"

2009-01-22T21:58:00.000-08:00

Madonna released her 1st greatest hits compilation album in November 1990, The Immaculate Collection, which includes two new songs: "Justify My Love" and "Rescue Me".

"Rescue Me" became the highest-debuting single by a female artist in the United State chart history at the time, entering at number fifteen and peaking at number 9. "Justify My Love" became a number-one dance hit in the United State.

Its music video featured scenes of s_domasochism, bondage, same-s_x kissing and brief n_dity. It was deemed too s_xually explicit for MTV and banned from the station.

In 1991, Madonna starred in her 1st documentary film, Truth or Dare (known as In Bed with Madonna outside North America), which chronicles her Blond Ambition World Tour, as well as her personal life. The following year, Madonna appeared in the baseball film A League of Their Own with a portrayal of Italian American Mae Mordabito, and recorded the film's theme song, "This Used to Be My Playground" which became a U.S. Billboard Hot 100 number one hit.

Madonna - as "Breathless" Mahoney

2009-01-20T17:14:00.000-08:00

In 1990, Madonna starred as "Breathless" Mahoney in a film adaptation of the comic book series Dick Tracy.

To accompany the launching of the film in May 1990, Madonna released I'm Breathless that includes songs inspired by the film's 1930s setting. It features Madonna' 8th U.S. number-one single, "Vogue", and MAdonna' Academy Award-winning song "Sooner or Later".The 2nd single released from I'm Breathless was "Hanky Panky", which peaked in the United State at number 9.

In April 1990, She began MAdonna' Blond Ambition World Tour. Featuring religious and s_xual themes, the tour drew controversy from Madonna' performance of "Like a Virgin" during which two male dancers caressed her body before Madonna simulated mast_rbation.

The Pope again encouraged Italians not to attend to it. A private association of Catholics, called Famiglia Domani, also boycotted Madonna tour for featuring eroticism. In response, she said, "I am Italian American and proud of it" and the Church "completely frowns on s_x... except for procreation."

Madonna - Like a Prayer

2009-01-14T17:39:00.000-08:00

Madonna's 4th album, Like a Prayer, released in 1989, Patrick Leonard and Stephen Bray co-written and co-produced.

Rolling Stone hailed it as "...as close to art as pop music gets".

Like a Prayer peaked at number one on the U.S. album chart and sold seven million copies worldwide, with four million copies sold in the U.S. alone.

Like a Prayer album produced three Top 5-charting singles: the title track (her seventh number-one single in the U.S.), "Express Yourself" and "Cherish".

Madonna - "Like a Prayer" in a Pepsi...

2009-01-08T02:13:00.000-08:00

In early 1989, She signed an endorsement deal with soft drink manufacturer Pepsi. Madonna debuted her new song, "Like a Prayer", in a Pepsi commercial and also made a music video for it. The video, which features many Catholic symbols such as stigmata and burning crosses, was condemned by the Vatican.

Since the commercial and music video were nearly identical, Pepsi was unable to convince the public that their commercial had nothing that could be deemed inappropriate. They revoked the commercial and cancelled their sponsorship contract with Madonna.

:)

Madonna starred in Who's That Girl

2009-01-03T07:31:00.000-08:00

In 1987, Madonna starred in Who's That Girl, and contributed four songs to its soundtrack; including the title track and the U.S. number-two single, "Causing a Commotion".

In the same year, Madonna embarked on the Who's That Girl Tour. It marked Madonna' 1st conflict with the Vatican, as Pope John Paul II urged Italian fans not to attend her concerts.

Later that year, Madonna released a remix album of past hits, You Can Dance. In 1988, city officials in the town of Pacentro began to construct a 13-foot (4 m) statue of Madonna in a bustier. The statue commemorates the fact that her ancestors had lived in Pacentro.

In 1988, Madonna starred as Karen in a play by David Mamet called Speed-the-Plow.

Madonna - True Blue Album

2008-12-29T18:12:00.000-08:00

Madonna released her third album, True Blue, in 1986, prompting Rolling Stone to say that "it sounds as if it comes from the heart".

True Blue album included the ballad "Live to Tell", which Madonna wrote for the film At Close Range, starring her then-husband Sean Penn.

True Blue produced five Top five singles on the Billboard charts: "Live to Tell", "Papa Don't Preach", "Open Your Heart", "True Blue" and "La Isla Bonita".

In the same year, She starred in the film Shanghai Surprise and made Madonna theatrical debut in a production of David Rabe's Goose and Tom-Tom, both co-starring Sean Penn.

Madonna - in the film Vision Quest

2008-12-24T06:26:00.000-08:00

In 1985, Madonna entered mainstream films, beginning with a brief appearance as a club singer in the film Vision Quest. Its soundtrack contained her second U.S. number-one single "Crazy for You".

Later that year, Madonna appeared in Desperately Seeking Susan. The film introduced the song "Into the Groove", which became her first number-one single in the UK. Madonna embarked on her 1st concert tour in the U.S. in 1985 titled The Virgin Tour, with the Beastie Boys.

In July that year, Penthouse and Playboy magazines published a number of black and white n_de photos of Madonna taken in the late 1970s. Madonna took legal action to try and block them from being published, but when that failed she became unapologetic and defiant. At the outdoor Live Aid charity concert at the height of the controversy, Madonna made a critical reference to the media and stated Madonna would not take her jacket off because "they might hold it against me ten years from now".

Madonna - Like a Virgin

2008-12-21T21:57:00.000-08:00

Madonna's look and manner of dress, performances and music videos, became influential among young girls and women. Defined by lace tops, skirts over capri pants, fishnet stockings, jewelry bearing the Christian cross, and bleached hair, it became a female fashion trend in the 1980s.

Madonna' follow up album, Like a Virgin, became her first number one album on the United State albums chart; its commercial performance was buoyed by the success of its title track, "Like a Virgin", which reached number one in the United State with a 6 week stay at the top.

This Madonna' album sold 12 million copies worldwide, eight of which in the U.S. Madonna performed the song at the first MTV Video Music Awards, wearing her then-trademark "Boy Toy" belt. Like a Virgin is listed by the National Association of Recording Merchandisers and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the Definitive 200 Albums of All Time.

Madonna - First release was "Everybody"

2008-12-17T17:38:00.000-08:00

Madonna signed a singles deal with Sire Records In 1982, a label belonging to Warner Bros. Records.

Madonna 1st release was "Everybody" on April 24, 1982.

Madonna debut album, She was primarily produced by Reggie Lucas.

Madonna's ballet

2008-12-15T04:55:00.000-08:00

Madonna's ballet teacher persuaded Madonna to pursue a career in dance, so Madonna left the college at the end of 1977 and relocated to New York City.

Madonna had little money and for some time lived in squalor, working at Dunkin' Donuts and with modern dance troupes. Speaking of Madonna' move to New York, she said, "It was the first time I'd ever taken a plane, the first time I'd ever gotten a taxi cab. I came here with $35 in my pocket. It was the bravest thing I'd ever done."

While performing as a dancer for the French disco artist Patrick Hernandez on his 1979 world tour, she became romantically involved w/ the musician Dan Gilroy, w/ whom Madonna later formed her first rock band, the Breakfast Club, in New York. In it, Madonna sang and played drums and guitar before forming the band Emmy in 1980 with drummer and former boyfriend Stephen Bray.

Madonna and Bray wrote and produced dance songs that brought her local attention in New York dance clubs. Disc jockey and record producer Mark Kamins was impressed by her demo recordings, so he brought her to the attention of Sire Records founder Seymour Stein.

Madonna was raised in the Detroit suburbs ...

2008-12-12T20:00:00.000-08:00

Madonna was raised in the Detroit suburbs of Pontiac and Avon Township (now Rochester Hills). Madonna' mother died of breast cancer at age 30 on December 1, 1963. Madonna' father married the family housekeeper, Joan Gustafson, and they had two children; Jennifer and Mario Ciccone. "I didn't accept my stepmother when I was growing up," Madonna said, "in retrospect I think I was really hard on her."

Madonna convinced her father to allow Madonna' to take ballet classes. She attended St. Frederick's Elementary School and St. Andrew's Elementary School (present day Holy Family Regional) and West Middle School. Madonna attended Rochester Adams High School, becoming a straight-A student and a member of the cheerleading squad. She received a dance scholarship to the University of Michigan after graduating from high school.

Madonna - Parent

2008-12-10T17:35:00.001-08:00

Madonna was born as Madonna Louise Ciccone in Bay City, Michigan in 1958. Madonna' mother, Madonna Louise (née Fortin), She was of French Canadian descent.

Madonna' father, Silvio "Tony" P. Ciccone, He was a 1st-generation Italian American Chrysler/General Motors design engineer whose parents originated from Pacentro, Abruzzo, Italy.

Madonna is the 3rd of 6 children; Madonna siblings are Martin, Anthony, Paula Mae, Christopher, and Melanie.

Madonna has acted in 22 films

2008-12-07T06:06:00.000-08:00

As You know... Madonna has acted in 22 films. Although many failed critically and commercially, Madonna earned a Golden Globe Award for her role in the 1996 film Evita. In 1996 Madonna conceived a daughter, Lourdes Maria (also known as Lola) by personal trainer Carlos Leon before marrying film director Guy Ritchie in 2000.

Madonna and Ritchie have two sons, Rocco and David Banda, a Malawian boy they adopted in 2006, which caused media allegations they violated that country's adoption laws.

Madonna has been regarded as "one of the greatest pop acts of all time" and dubbed the "Queen of Pop" by various sources. MAdonna is ranked by the Recording Industry Association of America as the best-selling female rock artist of the twentieth century and the second top-selling female artist in the United States with 63 million certified albums.

Guinness World Records list Madonna as the world's most successful female recording artist of all time and the top-earning female singer in the world with an estimated net worth of US$490 million, having sold over 200 million records worldwide. On March 10, 2008, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Madonna Louise Ciccone Ritchie

2008-12-02T22:39:00.000-08:00

Madonna Louise Ciccone Ritchie was born on August 16, 1958, is known as Madonna. She is an American recording artist and entertainer. Madonna was Born in Bay City, Michigan and raised in Rochester Hills, Michigan, Madonna moved to New York City for a career in modern dance. After performing as member of the pop musical groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her self-titled debut album in 1983, and then produced three consecutive number-one studio albums on the Billboard 200 in the 1980s and four more since year 2000.

Madonna is known for her works that explore religious symbolism and s_xual themes which also drew criticism from the Vatican in the late 1980s. In 1992, Madonna founded an entertainment company, Maverick, which published a book of photographs (S_x). Madonna also released a studio album (Erotlca) and starred in a film (Body of Evidence) with erotlc themes. These works generated negative publicity and coincided with a fall in commercial sales in the 1990s. Madonna's career was revived in 1998, when the release of her album Ray of Light garnered critical acclaim.

After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, Madonna released her debut album in 1983.

Madonna followed it with a series of albums in which she found immense popularity by pushing the boundaries of lyrical content in mainstream popular music and imagery in her music videos, which became a fixture on MTV. Throughout her career, many of her songs have hit number one on the record charts, including "Like a Virgin", "Papa Don't Preach", "Like a Prayer", "Vogue", "Frozen", "Music", "Hung Up", and "4 Minutes".

Critics have praised Madonna for her diverse musical productions while at the same time serving as a lightning rod for religious controversy.

Madonna's career was further enhanced by film appearances that began in 1979, despite mixed commentary. She won critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for her role in Evita (1996), but has received harsh feedback for other film roles. Madonna's other ventures include being a fashion designer, children's book author, film director and producer. She has been acclaimed as a businesswoman, and in 2007, she signed an unprecedented US $120 million contract with Live Nation.

Madonna has sold more than 300 million records worldwide and is recognized as the world's top-selling female recording artist of all time by the Guinness World Records. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Madonna is the best-selling female rock artist of the 20th century and the second top-selling female artist in the United States, behind Barbra Streisand, with 64 million certified albums.

In 2008, Billboard magazine ranked Madonna at number two, behind only The Beatles, on the Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists, making her the most successful solo artist in the history of the Billboard chart. Madonna was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the same year. Considered to be one of the "25 Most Powerful Women of the Past Century" by Time for being an influential figure in contemporary music, Madonna is known for continuously reinventing both her music and image, and for retaining a standard of autonomy within the recording industry.