Madonna news - Jan. 2003

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Michael Amzalag does album art work official

Source: Madonna.com - 29 January 2003

The design for Madonna's new album is being done by Michael Amzalag from M/M out of Paris. Kevin Regan is focusing his efforts on a Box Set which will hopefully come out later this year. The album art photo shoot did take place earlier this year with her usual team and Craig McDean took the pictures.

Madonna nominated for American Dance Awards

Source: Madonnarama - 29 January 2003

Madonna, J-Lo and Justin Timberlake lead the nominations list - Dirty Vegas, Paul Oakenfold, Kylie Minogue and DJ Sammy grab multiple nods. DanceStar USA The American Dance Music Awards is set for Wednesday March 19th on the sands of South Beach, Miami and has today announced its nominations for the second annual music awards show.

Madonna, J-Lo and Justin Timberlake capture the spotlight this year, each with nominations for 'Best Chart Act' and 'Best Remix'. Dirty Vegas, Paul Oakenfold and DJ Sammy are also set to dominate the awards show after having been nominated for multiple awards.

Dirty Vegas receives five award category nominations including 'Record of the Year' and 'Best Album' while Spain's DJ Sammy also scoops three. Paul Oakenfold, an original architect of the dance scene, has also been nominated in four categories including 'Best International DJ' and 'Best Act'.

British weather getting Mo down

Source: Herald Sun - 28 January 2003

For months, she gushed about her love of the culture, the countryside and even the warm beer. But it would appear that there is one aspect of British life that Madonna has found simply intolerable - the weather.

Following a foul-mouthed tirade about the shortcomings of London life, the singer has turned her back on Britain and returned to the United States The 44-year-old has removed her children Rocco and Lourdes from European schools and placed them in establishments close to her Los Angeles home.

While her agent maintains that she and husband Guy Ritchie will be returning to Britain within months, the singer's outburst has increased rumours that she is planning a more permanent move. Ritchie's father John, 73, said the real reason the singer had flown to Los Angeles with her husband shortly before Christmas was a growing depression at the grey skies.

"I think Madonna is very happy to be out of London because the harsh winter weather was getting her down," he told the magazine Closer. "They have a pool at their home in Los Angeles and there are beaches nearby. I think the climate suits her much better. "Guy does miss London and obviously he misses his family and friends. But Lourdes, Rocco and Madonna are all much happier with the weather in Los Angeles."

Madonna's sudden wish to return to the US signals a dramatic change in her views on Britain. During the last year, she has repeatedly given interviews on the wonders of British life. But last September, the singer gave the first hint of homesickness, saying: "I like London, I've grown to like it a lot more. But it is a long way away from where I'm from and my friends and my family."

Akerlund video and 11 track album official

Source: Madonna.com - 28 January 2003

The video will be shot in the first week of February in LA (not NYC). Jonas Akerlund is directing, Jamie King is set to be the choreographer and Luigi Moreno will do the hair for the video. The treatment is still not complete, but stay tuned to Madonna.com for more info on that.

As far as Madonna's new record is concerned, we can confirm that there are 11 tracks total and despite rumors, none are 12 minutes long. Stay tuned for a complete tracklisting.

~ Meanwhile, fansite Madonnarama doesn't seem so sure anymore about their announcement of the title 'Hollywood', saying now that it might be just a working title. We'll have to wait for the official news on this. The facts & rumours so far

More rumoured song titles rumour

27 January 2003

Fansite Madonna's Ashram reports following song titles for the new album: American Life [first single] ; Nobody Knows Me ; Ecstatic Process ; Love Profusion ; Die Another Day ; Easy Ride ; Nothing Fails ; Hollywood [second single].

They also lists following release dates: Album: April 24th 2003; First single: March 31st 2003. No official word on this yet.

'Hollywood' title of album and second single? rumour

26 January 2003

Fansite Madonnarama claims that 'Hollywood' will be the title of the album as well as the second single.

Demos start surfacing online?

25 January 2003

The rumour mill is turning like crazy with many rumoured track titles and tracklists surfacing on fansites and forums. Now there are also some MP3 files surfacing, supposedly demos of the new album.

Many of them are fake for sure, but some are interesting to hear. Today I found one which is supposed to be a demo for Easy Rider, and personally I think this could indeed be Mirwais' work. Judge yourself!

No more tours? rumour

Source: Dotmusic - 24 January 2003

Newspaper journalist and poster on the Dotmusic Madonna forum JohnnoM met Barbara Charone, Madonna's UK publicist recently and managed to get the following information out of her. In his own words:

The (American Life) video has not yet been shot. She couldn't confirm a director.
She confirmed what we've already heard, the (upcoming) album and inside sleeve covers have been shot and apparantly she looks 'fantastic'.
She's heard five of the tracks recorded with Mirwais.
She described them as 'amazing', but then she would, wouldn't she?! They are electronically influenced, but not as much as Music.
When I suggested Impressive Instant should have been a single, she said there were other tracks considered as well, but they only decided to release the three songs as that was enough. The album didnt need any more promoting.
She wouldn't confirm any album track titles. The album itself has been titled, again she wouldnt tell me what it is.
Madonna has no plans to tour to promote the record, and she doubts she will ever tour again.

Dutch release for Swept Away rumour

24 January 2003

While Swept Away won't be released to British theatres, there still seems a possibility that the movie will be shown in other European countries.

Peter reports (via MLVC mailing list: "Just contacted the people at Sony in Holland, and we have to wait for the release date of Swept Away for a long time. Right now the Dutch released is scheduled for October 14th, 2003."

Madonna's agent sets the record straight

24 January 2003

The Daily Mail devoted a whole page to the apparent fall-out between Madonna and Sir Elton John, including the following statement from Madonna's agent:

"In response to various reports in the UK press.

One, Madonna's son Rocco is in excellent house.

Two, Madonna's inability to attend the Golden Globes was due to family commitments.

Three, Madonna was never scheduled to perform at the Golden Globes.

Four, Madonna will be returning to London during next few months.

Finally, had Madonna attended the Golden Globes, she would indeed have killed Elton John if they had shared a table - but only with kindness."

M to play bitchy flatmate in 'Will & Grace'

Source: Gay.com UK - 22 January 2003

Forget a cameo as herself, Madonna will take on a character role in hit TV series Will And Grace. The singer will play bitchy Karen's flatmate and yes, she will be seriously bitchy.

It was thought that Madonna, 44, would play herself in the cameo role but Debra Messing, who plays Grace, revealed she will play Karen's flatmate.

Elton John fears M's wrath

Source: Launch - 22 January 2003

Elton John thinks Madonna will "kill him" for slamming her James Bond theme song from 2002, Die Another Day.

As we previously reported, last year the music legend called the 007 theme "the worst Bond tune ever," telling the U.K.'s Sky News, "It hasn't got a tune. I don't think it's the best Madonna record and I'm a big fan."

"She's probably killing me after that," Sir Elton told the TV program Access Hollywood. "Like a dagger through the heart. But you know what, she's an amazing talent and great writer, so you know, I love her to death."

Madonna was scheduled to appear at Sunday's (January 19) Golden Globe Awards and would have sat at the same table as Elton John, but cancelled her appearance at the last minute.

Liz denies M is leaving UK

22 January 2003

The past few days there was a rumour circulating that Madonna was planning on leaving Britain to go back to the US permanently. Reason was that Madonna supposedly drew back Lourdes' subscription to an exclusive London school.

According to the New York Post the report is false: "Madonna’s rep, Liz Rosenberg, says the reports are greatly exaggerated. "The family is in L.A. now and Lourdes is going to school there," she says, "but they’re returning to London some time in the spring and she'll be back at school in London then."

Meanwhile, ITV still reports: "Madonna has quit Britain because it never stops raining - if reports are to be believed. She's in Los Angeles with her family. She and hubbie Guy Ritchie are on an extended stay in LA, and daughter Lourdes has left her school in London. Madge is said to be sick of the British weather and tabloid newspapers, and is considering making the move permanent.

Publicists for the Material Girl are saying that it is just a temporary move. Earlier this week, Madonna pulled out of the Golden Globes at the last minute because of a 'family emergency'.

The couple's two-year-old son Rocco is apparently unwell at the moment with a mystery condition and Madonna refused to leave his side. She had been due to sing her Globe-nominated Bond theme 'Die Another Day' at the ceremony."

Mondino photo shoot

22 January 2003

Madonna is said to have a publicity photo shoot with Jean-Baptiste Mondino later this month!

And more American Life rumours rumour

22 January 2003

Some more rumours from fansite MadonnaMadon the American Life video. These seem to contradict the MadonnaPower rumours below; will it be a political statement against the US-Iraq war or a love song to her country? Also the filming location is subject to discussion: some say New York, others claim it's LA.

"American Life" video will be choreographed by Jamie King
The video will feature a LOT of extras
There are going to be dancers, soldiers and children
The theme is going to be very much War related (Iraq - USA).
Don't expect to see Michael Jackson's "Earth Song" saga - this is something completely different!!!
The budget of the video is nearly 2 million dollars!
Luigi Moreno will do her hair for the video

Reminder: Mad-Eyes provides a summary of all the facts and rumours.

More rumours on new album rumour

21 January 2003

Following album rumours were posted at MadonnaPower:

Madonna has hired the security used for her Sex Book for every stage of cd production. They are even video-taping everyone involved with assembly, etc.
Three album covers were designed and Madonna is thinking about using all three.
There is no song called Hollywood.
There is a hidden bonus track which should cause some controversy in the UK.
This cd is REALLY copy proof. The new technology is a dual layer cd which will NOT show up on a computer, except very low quality files which expire in 24 hours.
American Life is a love song to her country (think Dance Anthem!)
There are NO duets on this album
Madonna's guitar playing will shock some because it is so close to heavy metal!

Rumours about video American Life rumour

20 January 2003

Fansite MadonnaMad reports:

The video WILL be directed by Jonas Akerlund
The video will be connected with the theme of the album
It will be shot on location in New York between the 2nd and the 8th of february

No Golden Globes for M

20 January 2003

At yesterday's Golden Globes, Madonna's Die Another Day lost out to U2's 'The Hands That Built America' in the category 'Best Original Song'.

Though Madonna was originally scheduled to appear as a presenter, she cancelled, reportedly because of a "family emergency". Rumour had it that this emergency was a very ill baby Rocco.

Slant Mag choses top videos

Source: Madonna.com - 20 January 2003

Slant Magazine has a review of the top videos of all time, and Madonna fills 11 of the top 100 spots.

1. Madonna - Express Yourself (David Fincher)
4. Madonna - Vogue (David Fincher)
11. Madonna - Oh Father (David Fincher)
13. Madonna - Material Girl (Mary Lambert)
16. Madonna - Open Your Heart (Jean-Baptiste Mondino)
22. Madonna - Frozen (Chris Cunningham)
24. The Cranberies - 'Linger' & Madonna - Secret (Melodie McDaniel)
43. Madonna - Like A Prayer (Mary Lambert)
55. Madonna f/Massive Attack - I Want You (Earle Sebastian)
70. Madonna - Rain (Mark Romanek)
72. Madonna - Ray Of Light (Jonas Akerlund)

M as guest-star in 'Will & Grace' official

Source: Madonna.com - 18 January 2003

Madonna will make a rare television appearance when she guest-stars in a episode in May of NBC's Emmy Award-winning "Will & Grace" (Thursdays, 9-9:30 p.m. ET), it was announced today by Jeff Zucker, President, NBC Entertainment. Madonna will make her episodic television debut in an episode for May; more information on the storyline will be announced later.

The iconic Madonna - a true multi-media star - first burst onto the scene in the early 1980s with her hit debut solo album Madonna, and she followed up with more chart-topping albums such as Like A Virgin, True Blue, Like A Prayer, Bedtime Stories, Evita and Ray Of Light, among others, which combined have sold over 160 million copies worldwide.

She recently sang the title song for the James Bond feature film Die Another Day, and she has appeared herself in such features as 'Evita, 'Dick Tracy', 'A League of Their Own', 'Shadows and Fog', 'Desperately Seeking Susan' and the musical documentary, 'Truth or Dare'.

Back to black

Source: Daily Mail - 17 January 2003

It has been platinum, ice-white, strawberry and even jet black. It has been long and flowing, and short and bobbed. Madonna's hair has under-gone even more transformations than the ever-changing singer herself.

Now the star - whose 1990 world tour was called Blonde Ambition - has returned to her roots on a visit to her home country. Her natural auburn hair, pulled back in a pony tail, was visible under a flat cap as she cycled through the streets of Los Angeles.

Looking relaxed, the 44-year-old mother of two visited a yoga centre in Beverly Hills and popped into a Prada boutique to browse the designer collection. Madonna, who is married to British film director Guy Ritchie, has alternated between light and dark hair since finding fame some 20 years ago.

A picture taken by a boyfriend in 1978 shows the 18-year-old with her auburn hair cut into a boyish crop. By the time she released her single Like A Virgin in 1984, blonde highlights had started creeping in, although her dark roots were still visible. She went platinum blonde for Material Girl and adopted a more tousled blonde crop for Papa Don't Preach.

In 1989, she returned to auburn once again for the controversial video to Like A Prayer, in which she intertwined sexuality, racism and religion. After that she was a bottle blonde for nearly ten years, with hues ranging from ice-white to earth-mother strawberry tones.

Five years ago, with the release of her album Ray Of Light, she chose to go one step darker than her natural colour. She burst back on to the scene with long wild jet black hair as she turned to eastern culture for her inspiration.

The black-haired look became more glossy as she drew influences from Japan. But her dark spell came to an end with the release of the album Music in 2000 when she returned to long blonde curls, flowing from beneath a cowboy hat and accentuated with garish gold jewellery.

Madonna now lives in Central London with Ritchie, 34, their two-year-old son Rocco and her daughter Lourdes, 6. Since moving to Britain the singer has kept a low profile. When spotted in the street, she is usually wearing a tracksuit and flat cap, which have become her trademark casualwear. But, with a new album due out this year, it seems she is looking for yet another version of herself - and is starting at the top.

Liz on new album and the Globes

Source: NY Daily News, thanx to MadGuy - 16 January 2003

Madonna is in the studio this week, busily tweaking her new album - but not, say her reps, because unhappy Warner Bros. execs ordered her there.

Madonna's rep, Liz Rosenberg, added, "Certainly there is some electronic influence, but way less so than [the last album] 'Music.' Her voice sounds beautiful, very romantic and melodic. She plays guitar on a lot of the cuts."

Rosenberg says that last Friday, Warner execs Tom Whalley and Jeff Ayeroff listened to eight cuts from the album while visiting the L.A. photo shoot for it. "They loved them," she said.

Meanwhile, no one seems to know whether Madonna really will attend Sunday's Golden Globes, as announced. Rosenberg said, "Last I heard, she's not going."

As of last night, reps for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which gives out the awards, were still saying she will be a presenter.

One inside source told us Madonna has set her sights on an Oscar for the "Die Another Day" song, and is trying to do as much publicity in Hollywood as possible.

Madonna speaks about Herb Ritts's death

Source: Madonnamax - 16 January 2003

Madonna has spoken publically, with a beautiful understated simplicity, for the first time at her sadness at the passing of her longtime friend and photographer Herb Ritts.

From Rollingstone: "Herb Ritts will always hold a very special place in my heart. I met him at the beginning of my career, and he became like a brother to me.

I love the pictures that he took of me throughout the years & more recently the pictures he has taken of my children-Simple, straightforward & beautiful-like Herb. I'm gonna miss that boy."

Re-write story denied

15 January 2003

As I said this morning, the Daily Mirror story seemed rather unreliable to me, and this evening I already heard on Radio Donna that M's record company denied the story. Here's what their colleagues at the BBC say:

"Madonna's record label have strongly denied rumours in today's press that she has been ordered to re-record some of her new album. According to the reports, Warners said that the album was too electro-pop and not commercially friendly, and that French producer Mirwais had been flown to LA to rescue the project.

But Warners say both Madonna and Mirwais flew to LA after Christmas to work on some tracks together - they've heard several and are 'knocked out'. Apparently she's done another style-reinvention and they're very excited. It does have a distinct electro-pop style, with Madonna playing a lot of guitar.

As of yet the album hasn't got a name, but it's due out in April, and the first single will be called 'American Life'."

M turns to Kabbalah for third pregnancy? rumour

Source: ITV - 15 January 2003

Madonna is reported to be using the mystical secrets of her adopted religion in a last ditch-attempt to have a third child. The Queen of Pop is a well-known a convert to the Kabbalah - an offshoot of Judaism.

Along with her film director husband Guy Ritchie she has been attending classes in Los Angeles to learn the Kabbalah's innermost teachings on sex and procreation.

Friends say the 44-year-old singer desperately wants a brother or sister for Lourdes and Rocco. And she is hoping that some spiritual guidance will help her in her attempts to get pregnant.

Record company demands M to change album tracks? rumour

Source: Daily Mirror - 15 January 2003

It's a brave man who tells Madonna what to do but someone must have drawn the short straw. Record bosses at Warner Brothers have asked Madge to re-record a number of tracks on her new album.

And it looks as if, on this occassion, she has been forced to obey orders. She has already flown her whizz-kid French producer Miriwais over from Paris and is currently preparing to go back into her Los Angeles studio for two more weeks of hard slog. We're told the main problem is that her new sound is electro-pop and bosses feel it's too over the top.

Our source says: 'Madonna feels like she delivered her best album yet last week but the record label have insisted that the material needs to be changed. They really liked what they heard and it's another example of Madonna reinventing herself. But the problem is that it's too avant-garde to be a commercial success. She has used far too many electronic synthesisers on her voice and has morphed a lot of her vocals to sound like a robot.

There was even a 12 minute long track. Warner want an album which will primarily make money, not an album which will flop on the market but gains respect from the industry. She was reluctant but in the end she had no choice but to go back to square one.'

This is said to be one of the first times Madge, 44, has had to obey orders from the record company where she has been since beginning her career in 1984. Bosses are keen for her to finish her 10th album in time for the planned release date of April 15th.

We revealed last week how she has already shot the art work for the album - rumoured to have the Hebrew title Ein Sof (Endlessness) - with celebrity photographer Craig McDean at a cost of £250,000.

In the coming weeks the star will shoot the video with director James Ackerland, who worked with her on the Music and Ray Of Light videos. So could this latest album - featuring songs titled American Life, Hollywood, Easy Ride and Nothing Fails - send the Material Girl on yet another downward spiral? Lets face it, she already started the ball rolling with Swept Away last year. There's still time yet, Madge!

~ Though Madonna is indeed back in the studio, this article seems to be mixing facts and rumours and the Daily Mirror isn't exactly the most reliable source, so take this news with some care, until we get some official confirmations.

No Akerlund after all

Source: Madonna.com - 15 January 2003

Madonna is currently in the studio with Mirwais wrapping up her new album. The untitled album is not finished and won't be for a few weeks.

Contrary to earlier reports, the first single, "American Life", does not have a video director confirmed yet and no release date either.

However, the album photo shoot did take place with her usual team and Craig McDean was the photographer.

UK album recertifications

14 January 2003

The 1990 greatest hits collection The Immaculate Collection has been recertified as 12x platinum and the 1998 Ray of Light has been recertified as 6x platinum in the UK.

Madonna has now sold over 180 million albums worldwide which clearly re-establishes her as the best-selling female artist in the world!

Rumour update for new album rumour

14 January 2003

A rumour update from Madonnarama:

"Mirwais flew out to LA last week and is now back in the studio with Madonna. They are finishing the album over the next few weeks. "Confirmed" songtitles (which may or may not make the final cut) are:

- American Life
- Die Another Day
- Hollywood
- Easy Ride
- Nothing Fails

These songtitles may change. The album is still untitled, but the photoshoot took place last week and cost a staggering $415,000. Rumours that she's had an new cut are false.

Rumours that Madonna has offered a track to Jessica Simpson (and indeed was hinted at on this site) are false.

As the entire project is not as finished as we originally thought, don't expect any official news to be released for some weeks."

Girlie Show in Vegas? rumour

Source: NewYorkMetro, thanx to MadMax - 14 January 2003

Move over, Celine Dion — Madonna may be coming to Las Vegas. Buzz has it that Madonna is in talks to create and produce an act in Sin City based on her infamous 1993 world tour, The Girlie Show.

An insider tells us that she was inspired not only by the $100 million deal Dion scooped up for a three-year concert gig at Caesar's Palace but also by the success of the Los Angeles Pussycat Dolls, a burlesquelike revue that has included guest performers Gwen Stefani, Christina Applegate, and Carmen Electra.

But unlike Dion, we hear, Madonna has no plans to actually be in the show—instead, she'll work closely behind the scenes. "I'm flattered because it's Madonna," said Pussycat Dolls creator Robin Antin when we broke the news to her.

"But I also don't want anyone copying me. I would love to get Madonna in my show. In fact, I hope my show gets to Vegas before hers does."

The Pussycats (featuring Electra) will make their New York debut on January 22 at Irving Plaza during a launch party for Adidas's new Adrenaline men's fragrance. Madonna's rep insists talks about a Vegas show have been going on for years.

Die Another Day DVD extras

Source: MLVC mailing list - 14 January 2003

The latest issue of Timecode magazine talked with MGM's marketing director Vincent Peterson about the disc release of the Bond flick which is headed for a May launch in the US & UK.

He confirmed there'll be Deleted Scenes with commentary by Director Lee Tamahori (a first for a 007 DVD), the music video for Madonna's Die Another Day title song, and a featurette about the various gadgets.

This matches some of the rumoured list of extras released late in November. Also likely to be included are two making of documentaries, two feature commentaries, trailers, multi-angle action sequence and opening credits clips, and trivia tracks.

M wins AMA

Source: MLVC mailing list - 14 January 2003

On last nights American Music Awards, Madonna won the "Michael Jackson International Artist of The Year Award" and they announced it on the show. She beat Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and U2.

Swept Away lawsuit not dismissed

Source: News24.com - 13 January 2003

A California judge refused on Monday to throw out a $10m breach of contract lawsuit alleging that pop superstar Madonna and her husband Guy Ritchie stole his idea for the movie Swept Away. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Soussan Bruguera denied a request by the couple's lawyer and movie studio Sony Pictures to dismiss a suit brought by movie producer and actor Vincent D'Onofrio.

D'Onofrio sued the famous couple in October, claiming that he had given the pair the idea to remake Lina Wertmuller's film Swept Away in April 1997 and had that he had had several meetings with her agents about it. The couple made the movie last year, but critics savaged it and its star, Madonna, and its director, Ritchi, while audiences stayed away in droves, forcing the film off US screens after just a few weeks.

D'Onofrio claims in his suit that Madonna and Ritchie - who directed hits such as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, excluded him from the production and failed to compensate him for the idea.

But Madonna's attorney Marvin Putnam argued that D'Onofrio had no case because no contract was signed between him and the Ritchies, claiming that D'Onofrio "could not file an action based only on an idea". "He does not show any contract with Sony," Putnam said.

"An idea is not protectable property. If you want (damages), you need a concrete contract," he claimed. But while the judge ruled that there was a case to answer, she told Putnam that that she had refused to elimnate particular parts of the action from proceedings as "we need to just proceed to summary judgment".

Summary judgment could well involve a move to dismiss the entire action. The next hearing in the case was set for April 1. After the hearing, Madonna's lawyer said he was confident the case would be thrown out when he brought the motion for summary judgment.

"I didn't expect (the case not to be thrown out)," said Putnam, adding that the next step for dismissal would be largely "procedural". D'Onofrio's attorney, Morris Getzels, said his client had an oral contract with the defendants, a "quasi-contract", and that he would seek $10m in damages.

Swept Away, a romantic comedy that tells the story of a sailor who turns the tables on a condescending cruise ship's passenger after the vessel cruiser line sinks, opened in October. It pulled in just $375 000 at the North American box office in its opening weekend and was quickly withsrawn from theaters.

Kevin Reagan to do art work rumour

12 January 2003

Another rumour from fansite Madonnarama:

"No surprises to know that our spies inform us that Kevin Reagan (who designed the artwork for Ray of Light, Music and GHV2) has been commissioned to work on the new album. Kevin was also present at this week's photoshoot."

New album rumours rumour

11 January 2003

There are some new rumours that say the new album will contain tracks called 'Nothing Fails', 'Silly Thing' and 'Easy Rider'.

'Nothing Fails' is rumoured to be the 12-minute track.

Another rumour says that Monty Pitman, guitarist on the Drowned World Tour collaborated on one song.

And finally, an album release date of April 15th is whispered, with a European single release by the end of February.

Click here for all the facts and rumours.

Another DADay nomination

Source: Madonna.com - 11 January 2003

This time from the Phoenix Film Critics:

Best Original Song
- Die Another Day - 'Die Another Day'
- Father and Daughter -'The Wild Thornberrys'
- Gollum's Song -'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
- Hero - 'Spider-Man'
- Lose Yourself - '8 Mile'

Blender Mag calls M most famous female rock genius

Source: AbsoluteMadonna - 10 January 2003

In the new issue of Blender Magazine they list the top 50 Rock Geniuses of All time. It's in the Jan/Feb issue. Madonna is the highest female on the list.

The only other female artists on the list are PJ Harvey at number 48, Missy Elliot at 42, Joni Mitchel at 29, Aretha Franklin at 18 and Michael Jackson a respectable 13.

Here's the top 20:
20. Little Richard
19. Neil Young
18. Aretha Franklin
17. Grandmaster Flash
16. Pete Townshend
15. Paul Mcartney
14. Jimi Hendrix
13. Michael Jackson
12. James Brown
11. Elvis Presley
10. Madonna "The World's most Famous woman"

Genius credentials: Her singing and, especially, her songwriting remain underrated, but it's Madonna's sheer ambition and bloody-mindedness that remain her calling cards. She clawed her way through the shark-infested waters of the New York dance underground to become the biggest and best female star of all time. Along the way, her music has been sensational and her tours have raised the bar for every other megastar.

Her peers agree: "I would really, really, really like to be a legend like Madonna" - Britney spears
Genius zenith: The Immaculate Collection (Warner Bros.1990)

9. Miles Davis
8. Kurt Cobain
7. Stevie Wonder
6. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
5. Bob Marley
4. Eminem
3. Chuck Berry
2. John Lennon
1. Bob Dylan

Ritchies ban TV

Source: Ananova - 10 January 2003

Guy Ritchie has admitted he and wife Madonna have a self-imposed ban on watching TV. He says they haven't watched television or read any newspapers for three years. The film director, who is making a new reality series called Swag, says the censorship began by reading untruthful stories in the tabloids. He says that reading "bad" and inaccurate articles made them question themselves.

"It started off as self protection," Guy told Bella magazine. "We haven't watched TV in about three years now. Someone told me about this show called Survivor and I didn't even know what it was. "If people write about you and your relationship for long enough - and it get pretty deep - then it forces you into asking questions about everything."

MTV hints at spiritual album, but denies Akerlund collaboration

Source: MTV - 8 January 2003

Before she released Ray of Light in 1998, Madonna revealed she had developed an interest in Kabbalah, a mystical sect of Judaism. The news was greeted with skepticism by some who had watched the business-savvy pop star embrace and discard materialism, eroticism and high culture. But Madonna's spiritual awakening seems to be for real.

She's taken to wearing a Jewish star and has encouraged her husband, Guy Ritchie, to explore the religion's teachings. And she recently told talk show host Larry King that she wanted to give her next album, due in April, a Hebrew name. At the time she was favoring Ein Sof, which means endlessness. Madonna's publicist said the album title is still undetermined and that there's a good chance it won't be in Hebrew.

The record is being co-produced by Madonna with Mirwais Ahmadzai, who manned the boards for 2000's Music and Die Another Day, the lead track for the recent James Bond film of the same name. The first single will be "American Life," and the album may also contain a song co-written by Guy Sigsworth, Gem Jones and Jacques Lu Cont (a.k.a. Les Rythmes Digitales), who was Madonna's musical director and keyboardist during the Drowned World Tour.

Songs on the record will feature electronic instrumentation, but the vibe is "very, very different" from anything Madonna has released, the publicist said.

Photographer Craig McDean has conducted a shoot for the album art, but Madonna hasn't decided whether to use the images. The publicist could not reveal additional track titles, but said a video for "American Life" will not be shot by Jonas Akerlund, contrary to a report on Madonna's Web site.

~ So can't we even believe her official website?!

Madonna to tour Ireland? rumour

8 January 2003

British newspaper The Mirror hints at an upcoming tour, which would include a gig in Dublin. No official word on this yet.

" Madonna plans to stage a massive concert in Ireland later this year, I can reveal. The pop queen has never performed here before but she is set to stage a series of live shows around Europe at the end of this year. And she wants to perform in Dublin for the first time after missing out on her previous world tours.

A source close to the star told me: "She is planning a few special concert appearances to coincide with the new album. "It will be the biggest gig of the year and plans are already being put in place." Madonna was tipped to headline Slane last summer but her fans were left disappointed when she said she would not be at any live shows in Ireland. But the 44-year-old singer is now planning a big comeback three years after her last No1 album, Music.

Madge recently made a chart impact again with the Bond theme Die Another Day. And she has been locked in the studio recording new tracks for an album due out in April. She is also planning to release a box set celebrating 20 years in the music business at the end of this year.

The source added: "At this stage it looks like a concert would be held at the Point Theatre - it's the only indoor venue suitable. "As you can imagine there will be a huge demand for tickets and the show would be a guaranteed sellout. " Madonna has never performed in Ireland before so there are a lot of fans who will be waiting for news with baited breath."

The singer recently revealed how she hoped to perform in Ireland in the near future. She said: "I'ave never done it before but I'd like to. It's never worked out in the past but I'm not ruling it out for the future."

Single title confirmed official

Source: Madonna.com - 8 January 2003

We can confirm the title of the forthcoming single for Madonna's next album will be called 'American Life', produced by Mirwais.

New single title rumour

7 January 2003

According to fansite Madonnarama, the title of the first single of Madonna's new album will be titled 'American Life'. This title was earlier reported by the site as one of the tracks. We hope to get some confirmation on this soon.

Madonna on ET's hot list / Golden Globe appearance

7 January 2003

Entertainment Tonight announced its Hot List of the Top Celebrities of 2002; Madonna made it to no. 12.

1. Jennifer Aniston;
2. Jennifer Lopez;
3. Ben Affleck;
4. Tom Cruise;
5. Matthew Perry;
6. Brad Pitt;
7.Halle Berry, Liza Minnelli (tied);
8. Lisa Kudrow;
9. Britney Spears;
10. Matt LeBlanc, Michael Jackson, Nicole Kidman (tied);
11. Gwyneth Paltrow;
12. Madonna;
13. Will Smith;
14. Tom Hanks, Courteney Cox (tied);
15. David Schwimmer;
16. Julia Roberts;
17. Sarah Jessica Parker;
18. Paul McCartney;
19. Cameron Diaz;
20. Ozzy Osbourne.

ET also named Madonna as one of the presenters at the Golden Globe Awards, which are held and broadcasted on January 19th. If this is true, it would be Madonna's first public appearance of 2003. She's also nominated in the category 'Best Original Song' with Die Another Day.

Swept Away is 2002's worst

Source: CBS - 7 January 2003

Madonna and Guy Ritchie's flop film Swept Away has been named the worst movie of 2002 by People magazine. The "Material Girl" appears as a castaway in the film, directed by husband Ritchie, which was such a disaster it went straight to video and DVD in the UK. Experts at the magazine branded the beach flick as the worst film of the year.

Runner-up for the title was Adam Sandler's cartoon Eight Crazy Nights which was "totally tasteless." Third place went to Eddie Murphy's futuristic film The Adventures of Pluto Nash.

Howson sells one of his nude Madonnas

Source: Sunday Mail - 6 January 2003

Scots artist Peter Howson has sold one of his controversial nude portraits of Madonna for £100,000. The painting, Death And Madonna, which depicts the pop icon squatting over a grave in a churchyard, originally had a price tag of £150,000.

But it has been bought by a British art investor for £50,000 less. Another of Howson's portraits of Madonna, which was priced at £120,000, remains unsold. The artist said he was "delighted" to have sold the picture. He added: "I feel I have exorcised Madonna as an artistic obsession. I just do not think of her any more."

A spokesman for Flowers East Gallery, London, said it had sold the painting but it may be loaned back for exhibition in April. He added: "The buyer is not a collector of Peter's work but he does appreciate its value. He is not Scottish or connected to Madonna."

The nude paintings caused a storm when they were first revealed at a show in Ayr last summer. Glasgow-based Howson, who first met the singer 15 years ago, was described as Madonna's favourite contemporary artist. She is believed to have several pieces of his work.

Madonna done with Brits?

Source: IOL - 4 January 2003

American popstar Madonna, who ascended into Britain's high society with her marriage to film director Guy Ritchie, said she is fed up with "everything that is English", according to a British press report on Saturday.

The 44-year-old vegetarian and yoga convert, thinks hunting game and deer is "barbaric", and so much so, that she will no longer tolerate 34-year-old husband Guy's involvement in the sport at their home in Wiltshire, southwest England. The deeper problem, however, according to the Daily Mail, is that Madonna's love affair with the English way of life is coming to an end.

"She hates the weather, the people, and above all hunting," the report said, and besides, Guy's hunting parties with his friends are too "buddyish" for her. Madonna, who was enthusiastic at first, fitted herself out from head-to-toe in traditional tweeds, a hunting cap and rubber boots but later told her husband why he should retreat from the sport.

Her decision was made on the basis of protecting the "souls of the poor birds" who were being shot. But according to the Mail, Madonna only came to this realisation after her own shooting abilities proved to be a "total flop".

12-minute track / electronic disco / promo tour ? rumour

3 January 2003

After we got the official album news from Madonna.com this morning, fansite Madonnarama now posted the following: "It's the beginning of a lot of speculation about Madonna's plans for 2003! Expect many of these stories to appear in the press over the next week. These are akk from a very reliable source but are not 100% confirmed:

There is a track on the new album which is over 12 minutes long.
Some sources are saying that the album is pure electronic disco - others are saying that it features a lot of guitar.
Madonna will definitely be touring this album and has been saying that she feels that the DW Tour was too self-indulgent. She wants to redress the balance.
Following the tour will be a box set featuring all Madonna's singles and some rarities."

~ This all sounds great! The box set was already mentioned by Caresse Henry, and the tour rumour has surfaced before. Let's hope they all turned out to be true! Stay tuned for more soon!

Official album news: april release / new video by Akerlund official

3 January 2003

Madonna.com announces: "Madonna's next album is scheduled to be released in April, and there is no title as of yet. The video for the first single will be shot in February and will be directed by Jonas Akerlund. The album cover will be shot next week by Craig McDean (he also did the Vanity Fair/ Madonna cover). "

Madonna has most beautiful 40+ body

Source: Sky News - 3 January 2003

Kylie Minogue and David Beckham have been voted the world's most beautiful celebrity bodies. Prince Harry also made the Celebrity Bodies magazine Top 10, although there was no placing for his popular elder brother, Prince William.

Big Brother's Jade Goody also made the list. She finished 50th in the women's list, despite flashing her "kebab belly" to the nation during Big Brother 3 last summer. The 21-year-old, who recently lost weight, finished just one place behind tennis beauty Anna Kournikova.

Oscar-winning Halle Berry was second and actress and singer Jennifer Lopez finished third. New mother Liz Hurley scooped fourth, and Lara Croft's alter ego, Tomb Raider star Angelina Jolie, completed the top five.

Madonna was the highest placed star over the age of 40 in the poll, finishing ninth. In the men's list, actor Brad Pitt was runner-up, and fellow American actor Mark Wahlberg was third.

Singer Robbie Williams finished seventh and Arsenal star Thierry Henry was ninth. More than 10,000 men and women voted for their favourite male and female bodies in the magazine poll.

Madonna among top U.K. singles artists of all time

Source: Launch3 January 2003

Elvis Presley, Elton John, and Madonna are among the top U.K. singles artists in the 50-year history of the British chart, according to the latest edition of the Guinness Book Of Hit Singles. Presley ranks as the top male; Madonna is the top female.

Surprisingly, the Beatles only come in at Number Nine. The top group honor goes to the Shadows, the band that often backed British singer Cliff Richard, who lands just above them on the list in the Number Two spot.

The following are Guinness's Top 10 British single chart artists of all time:
1. Elvis Presley
2. Cliff Richard
3. The Shadows
4. Elton John
5. Madonna
6. Diana Ross
7. Michael Jackson
8. Rod Stewart
9. Beatles
10. David Bowie

Ritchies sell country house

Source: CBS - 2 January 2003

Pop chameleon Madonna and film director husband Guy Ritchie are selling their $13.5 million English country mansion only a year after purchasing it. The move is thought to be due to a series of privacy disputes and Madonna's sudden dislike for blood sports.

The couple bought the Georgian property in 2001, amid claims that they wanted to "be part of the English country set and go shooting." The "Material Girl" had previously seemed to embrace the traditional country life of hunting and shooting, but appears to have had a change of heart.

The couple's religion of Kabbalah, which forbids such blood sports, is thought to be behind the move, despite Ritchie's childhood spent growing up on a similar country estate. They are also tired of local ramblers using the right-of-way public thoroughfare on the 1,132-acre estate, which allows people to come up to 100 yards away from their home.

They have fought public officials about this matter to no avail. Local residents have also been enraged by plans for the celebrity couple to build separate staff quarters, with one villager dubbing it, "an outrage and a scandal."