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Madonna news - April 2005
← March 2005 | May 2005 →
Condomania provides free Madonna condoms as response to Pope's ban
Source: Yahoo! Finance - 28 April 2005Condomania, America's first condom store, will provide 30,000 "Madonna" condoms to Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center (LAGLC) and Gay Men's Health Crisis in New York (GMHC) for distribution with each HIV test.
The donated condoms, featuring the licensed image of pop icon Madonna, serve as Condomania's response to the new Pope's stance forbidding condom use to prevent sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Vatican health secretary Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan recently stated, "The use of prophylactics is unacceptable even as a solution to the problem of AIDS, because the objective is the fight against fornication."
Condomania CEO Adam Glickman explains, "Nearly 40 million people worldwide are infected with HIV -- nearly 250,000 Americans don't even know they're infected. The Pope's unwavering opposition to condoms can only worsen this pandemic." Glickman continues, "Condom use and testing are critical to curbing the spread of HIV. While our selection of "Madonna" condoms is admittedly irreverent, the reality of the situation is quite tragic. If this encourages even one person to get tested and use condoms, then we've helped."
The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center is the largest gay and lesbian organization in the world offering a wide array of services for the GLBT community, in addition to free and anonymous HIV testing for anyone, regardless of sexual orientation. Upon hearing the news of Condomania's donation, the Center's Chief Public Affairs Officer Jim Key stated, "We're grateful for Condomania's support and for calling attention to the Catholic Church's stance on condom use. AIDS is ravaging the world and by opposing the use of condoms, the Pope is contributing to the spread of this deadly plague. We all can, and must, protect ourselves."
Gay Men's Health Crisis is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. In fulfilling this mission, GMHC will remain true to its heritage by fighting homophobia and affirming the individual dignity of all gay men and lesbians.
"Condoms have been universally proven to provide the best protection against HIV and other STIs. Using a condom, along with knowing one's HIV status, are key elements to stopping the transmission of HIV, thus saving lives. We're glad Condomania has taken such a lead on making condoms widely available," said George Ayala, Director of the Institute for Gay Men's Health, a collaboration between GMHC and AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA).
Director mocks Madonna
Source: Yahoo! Launch - 28 April 2005Madonna has responded to comments about her acting from director Norman Jewison. The "Moonstruck" director said: "Madonna? It's all hype. Come on. How do you know whether anybody can act?"
"You're told that they're a big star, you know, or somebody's got a cute ass or they've got great boobs. But Madonna has a small amount of talent when it comes to movies."
"We're all being suffocated by talentless stars in films. I can't believe that people are obsessed like they are now with celebrity. I don't know what's going on."
Madonna's spokesperson Liz Rosenberg responded: "I completely disagree with his statement about Madonna making a lot out of a little talent."
"I don't think you can sell 100 million records and sell out arenas and stadiums for over 20 years just being a celebrity."
"Madonna is a Golden Globe winner and a Grammy winner and has had an unprecedented career as an artist and actress."
Madonna won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Eva Peron in Evita in 1996.
Knight inspired by Madonna
Source: ContactMusic - 28 April 2005Former New Kids On The Block singer Jordan Knight credits Madonna with giving him the confidence to make a comeback - because she's proved age is no barrier in the pop industry.
The 1990s star - who recently tasted fame again by appearing in US reality TV show The Surreal Life - is desperate to launch a solo career, and refuses to view his 34 years as an obstacle.
He says, "Look at Madonna. She's in her forties and she's still making good music. It's a tough industry, but I've done it before and I'll do it again."
Madonna not voicing Puss in Boots
Source: ComingSoon.net - 27 April 2005UK's The Sun is reporting that Madonna will reunite with her Evita co-star Antonio Banderas to voice the animated "Shrek" spin-off Puss in Boots. ComingSoon.net sources have confirmed that there is no truth to this rumor.
The tabloid claimed that an insider said, "Madonna fancied doing something completely different and this sounded like so much fun. She is a fan of Shrek and thought Antonio was the best thing about the sequel.
She has two young children and sees how much they love the films. Madonna is also friends with Mike Myers and respects him. He told her Puss would be a hit and she trusts his judgement."
The only factual information we know so far is that David H. Steinberg is writing the film. Banderas is likely to return to voice the title character.
Madonna is canned
Source: The Mirror - 27 April 2005She's married to one of Britain's best-known directors, but Madonna's failed to pick up on any of hubby Guy Ritchie's movie-making skills.
Organisers of the Cannes Film Festival in France recently decided the singer's new documentary was too poor to screen at the prestigious event.
But despite spending hours holed up with Swedish director Jonas Akerlund making cuts and tweaks in a re-edit, 3am has learnt new flick, Re-Invented Process, still isn't going to make the festival.
Madge and Akerlund, who also made druggie drama Spun, have been given a final thumbs-down and are said to be devastated the film has not been chosen for the festival.
It's another humiliating blow for the Kabbalah Queen, 46, who's seen her film career hit the skids in recent years. Her appearance in Ritchie's Swept Away was panned, whilst a cameo in his next movie Revolver has already made the cutting room floor.
A Cannes film festival insider confirmed: "There is a huge amount of competition at the festival. Madonna's was just one of thousands.
"We felt the documentary had a lot of merit, but in the end there were other more suitable submissions that pushed it out of the running."
Oh dear Madge, sounds like they weren't exactly Swept Away!
Madonna joins Puss In Boots cast
Source: ContactMusic - 26 April 2005Pop icon Madonna has agreed to lend her voice to upcoming animated adventure Puss In Boots - a spin-off from the Shrek series based around Antonio Banderas' feline swashbuckler alter-ego.
The Into The Groove singer has been keen to try her hand at something new after dabbling in acting and writing children's books - and she jumped at the chance to voice her own character.
A Hollywood insider tells British newspaper The Sun, "Madonna fancied doing something completely different and this sounded like so much fun. She is a fan of Shrek and thought Antonio was the best thing about the sequel.
"She has two young children and sees how much they love the films. Madonna is also friends with Mike Myers and respects him. He told her Puss would be a hit and she trusts his judgement."
Madonna joins stars urging British youth to vote
Source: ContactMusic - 26 April 2005Pop superstar Madonna has joined a host of stars in urging young people to vote in the British general election next month (MAY 05).
The American Like A Virgin icon is pleading with teens to take an interest in politics and shake off their youthful apathy, because their votes can make a difference to the UK's future political landscape.
Madonna has joined Coldplay singer Chris Martin, music mogul Simon Cowell and pop stars Geri Halliwell, Will Young and Beverley Knight in championing British newspaper The Sun's Rock The Vote campaign.
She says, "Take responsibility for yourself and the world around you. Vote!"
Madonna has made Britain her home since marrying Snatch director Guy Ritchie in 2000.
Mirwais confirmed for new album
25 April 2005Fellow fansite Madonnalicious reports: "It has been confirmed by insiders to madonnalicious that Madonna is indeed working with Mirwais on her new record, that he is at work on new tracks in a London studio and that they are 'very pleased' with the progress to date."
Mondino photo on Madonna.com
25 April 2005Madonna.com has been updated with a gorgeous Jean-Baptiste Mondino shot from his 2000 photo shoot.
Mother and Father debuts on Billboard Club Chart
Source: Jimmyrad @ MIR - 25 April 2005Mother and Father will debut at No. 45 on the 5/7 Dance/Club Play chart. It's the Peter Rauhofer remix that recently was sent out to clubs.
The hills are alive with the sound of Madonna
Source: DrownedMadonna, MIR - 25 April 2005When Madonna went to the Purim party at the London Kabbalah Centre she treated her fellow Kabbalists to a sing-a-long. 20 minutes after she arrived her guitar was brought in so she could entertain the 75 people at the party.
She spotted the fans and photographers outside and asked if all the windows could be shut and the curtain closed so no-one could listen in. Rumour has it that she sang some songs from the musical "The Sound Of Music" ! Apparently everyone had a very good night with lots of wine and lots of partying.
A party for passover is being held at the London Centre this Saturday. Madonna and her family are expected to attend as it looks like her recording/editing commitments will stop her from going to Florida, mind changes expected.
Penn thanks wife for healing anger at Madonna
Source: Irish Examiner - 25 April 2005Sean Penn has hailed his wife Robin Wright Penn for helping him banish the bitterness he felt towards Madonna.
The Oscar-winning actor admits his life was almost ruined by the time he divorced Madonna in 1989 but Penn's sympathetic spouse has put painful memories of his previous marriage into perspective.
Penn now says he enjoys a friendly relationship with Madonna.
He said: "When I got together with Robin, things changed. She was also very good at getting me to deal with memories of my first wife.
"She told me: 'Madonna's very real, sensitive and wants what we all want out of life.' She was right. I've talked to Madonna since and we get along fine."
Madonna sued by British director
Source: Ireland Online - 21 April 2005A British director and production company have sued Madonna for failing to pay expenses racked up during the making of a television show, it emerged today.
Hamish Hamilton claims the pop star refused to pay his director's fee after employing him to direct a two-hour concert special.
In the same lawsuit, filed in a Los Angeles court, London-based production company Done and Dusted is also seeking production costs after filming various concerts and rehearsals in the making of the programme.
"Despite acknowledging that the money is owed, Madonna refuses to pay Mr Hamilton his $175,000 (€134,000) director's fee and refuses to reimburse Done and Dusted Ltd for approximately $175,000 for expenses incurred," the suit reads.
Hamilton claims he was employed in May 2004 to direct a two-hour programme about Madonna's European Re-Invention Tour.
At her request, he said he attended shows around the world but the singer has failed to pay the costs as promised, according to the complaint obtained by the Celebrity Justice website.
Madonna's publicist was unavailable for comment.
Mr Hamilton has directed several music television shows including the 2004 Brit Awards, Britney Spears Live from Miami and Robbie Williams Live at Knebworth.
Madonna gives Britney pregnancy advice
Source: TeenToday - 21 April 2005Madonna has reportedly been offering Britney Spears pregnancy advice. The mother-of-two, who has become close friends with the 23-year-old singer, was only too happy to oblige when Britney wanted an expert to help guide her through her first pregnancy.
A source said: "When Britney found out she was expecting one of the first things she did was phone Madonna. "Madonna has been sending books and offering advice about pregnancy to Britney almost daily." Earlier this year, it was claimed Britney, who is married to dancer Kevin Federline, had asked Madonna to be godmother to her firstborn - even though she wasn't pregnant at the time.
The sexy singer was said to have been so thrilled when Madonna agreed she gave her a diamond-encrusted Cartier watch. The two celebrities have been friends since the 'Material Girl' introduced Britney to the mystic Jewish faith the Kabbalah over a year ago. Madonna has since laden the young star with lavish gifts including a 900-year-old Kabbalah book - worth thousand of pounds - as an engagement present.
Penn shares blame with Madonna over ill-fated marriage
Source: ContactMusic - 21 April 2005Actor Sean Penn has concluded his marriage to Madonna collapsed under the strain of their equally bad behaviour.
The Mystic River star, 44, admits his desire to stay out of the limelight mixed with Madonna's quest for international superstardom was a damaging combination, one which ultimately led to their divorce in 1989, after a turbulent four-year union.
And while Penn - who's now married to Robin Wright Penn - accepts his wildman, angry reputation at the time was justified, Madonna was not the innocent victim of his rage. He says, "She was in the process of becoming the biggest star in the world. I just wanted to make my films and hide.
"I was an angry young man. I had a lot demons and don't really know who could've lived with me at the time. I was just as badly behaved as her, so I can't point the finger of blame."
It's official: No Re-Invention in Cannes
19 April 2005Today the selection of movies for the Cannes Film Festival was announced. As was predicted in the latest news stories, Madonna's documentary Re-Invented Process has not been chosen to be screened at the prestigious French festival.
Madonna is believed to be re-working the movie with Jonas Akerlund, hoping to premiere it later this year at the film festival in Venice.
Madonna letter in new ICON
19 April 2005Here's what Madonna.com writes about the new ICON issue:
"Madonna is pleased to announce the release of issue #43 of Icon Magazine, the quarterly publication of the official Madonna fanclub. In this new issue you will find a special portfolio named "M 2004", which features exclusive and never before seen images illustrating 12 months of Madonna achievements.
Also featured in this issue, all of the Versace Spring campaign images, a double sided poster, a "UK Hall Of Fame" special, some cool interviews with Madonna and her assistant Angela, a special spread devoted to the 10th anniversary of Take A Bow, and much much more!
A newsletter listing the content of issue #43 of Icon and giving details on a new contest offering Iconers a chance to win the original letter Madonna typed and signed for the magazine has been e-mailed to members this friday."
This is what Madonna writes in her ICON letter:
Dear Fans,
Happy New Year! 2005 is a great year already. I had a relaxing holiday with my family and was happy that my husband and I finally had two weeks off at the same time and were able to be together with our children.
I have been back in the studio writing new songs for several different projects. Should I do a musical?? Should I record another album? Stay tuned to find out what I decide to do...
All of my projects are labours of love, however, my book series is particularly dear to me as all of the proceeds go to the Spirituality for Kids Foundation. My final book in the series, Lotsa de Casha, will be out in June.
And the English Roses Collection has been doing well at retail and I am thrilled about the look of the Fall '05 line which I have just finished designing. It is just another reminder to always look for new ways to be creative and to never stop reinventing yourself.
Speaking of Reinvention, upcoming is the release of the tour documentary which I have been working on tirelessly with the director Jonas Akerlund. It starts out being a film about me and my life on tour and ends up being a story about Humanity.
I am very excited about it and hope to premiere it at the Cannes Film Festival.
Take Care,
Work hard,
Be Brave!
MADONNA
'Madonna: Re-Invented' Polish exhibition & party
19 April 2005During the European leg of the Re-Invention Tour, Mad-Eyes was honoured to show the amazing pictures of Madonnafan and dear friend Marcin, which were taken during the concerts in Paris and Arnhem. Marcin, who is a true photography lover, will now be showing some of his best Re-Invention pictures during his MADONNA: RE-INVENTED photo exhibition.
This exhibit will be held at Le Madame, a club in Warsaw, Poland, on Saturday April 30th. Afterwards, there will be a fantastic Madonna party, so all the reason to check it out! Mad-Eyes will be there too and will be reporting back from this unique Madonna event.
'Madonna: Re-Invented' Polish exhibition & party
15 April 2005During the European leg of the Re-Invention Tour, Mad-Eyes was honoured to show the amazing pictures of Madonnafan and dear friend Marcin, which were taken during the concerts in Paris and Arnhem. Marcin, who is a true photography lover, will now be showing some of his best Re-Invention pictures during his MADONNA: RE-INVENTED photo exhibition.
This exhibit will be held at Le Madame, a club in Warsaw, Poland, on Saturday April 30th. Afterwards, there will be a fantastic Madonna party, so all the reason to check it out! Mad-Eyes will be there too and will be reporting back from this unique Madonna event
Cannes shuns Madonna
Source: ContactMusic - 15 April 2005Pop legend Madonna's hopes of securing a screening at the Cannes Film Festival next month (MAY 05) have been dashed after organisers snubbed her documentary movie.
The untitled film, which the Material Girl hoped would premiere at the prestigious event, was described as "interesting" by a selection panel, but they judged the overall quality of the project failed to meet the festival's notoriously high standards.
But Madonna remains undeterred, and is busy editing the production with Swedish director Jonas Akerlund with a view to a premiere at the Venice Film Festival later this year (SEP 05).
Demi steps into Madonna's shoes at Versace
Source: Hello magazine - 15 April 2005When a bikini-clad Demi Moore emerged onto the beach in Charlie's Angels 2, much was made of her age-defying good looks. Two years later the actress seems to be losing none of her allure, as she has been chosen to take over from Madonna as the face of Versace.
Now 42 years old, Demi will appear on billboards and magazine pages for the Italian fashion house. And Versace has evidently rejected the industry norm of only using very young models - the Material Girl had already turned 45 when she posed for last year's campaign.
Rumours the GI Jane star would be modelling for the firm first began circulating last week after she was spotted having dinner with Donatella and photographer Mario Testino in London. After dining at the fashionable Vong restaurant, the party moved on to Fifty Casino on St James' Street.
Mother And Father remix released to clubs
15 April 2005Madonnalicious visitor and Billboard DJ Frank Carroll has this interesting piece of news regarding a Mother and Father remix by Peter Rauhofer:
Mother and Father (Peter Rauhofer Re-Invention Mix) is getting released to all Billboard DJs as of next week. The single apparently broke out last week on the Billboard dance chart, which gave Warner Bros the incentive to release it properly.
Here is the Breakout List from last week's Hot Dance Club Play chart:
1 - What Happens Tomorrow - Duran Duran (Epic)
2 - The Only One - Todd Gardner (Tweek'd)
3 - You're All - Mike Rizzo Presents Allie (Koch)
4 - The Music - K&S Project Featuring Shelby (Star 69)
5 - Mother And Father - Madonna (Maverick)
When a single is released to the 'Billboard DJs,' they mean the dance club DJs that report to the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart - not mainstream U.S. radio stations. Meaning that Warners have officially released the song to US clubs but not to US radio.
Madonna.com goes mobile
15 April 2005Madonna.com takes a break from the classic collection contest and promotes on its splash page Madonna ringtones and logos.
Ray Of Light in Ice Princess
Source: Madonna.com - 15 April 2005Ray of Light is used in the new Disney film "Ice Princess" starring Michelle Trachtenberg and Kim Cattrell. The main character, played by Trachtenberg, uses the song during her short program ice skating competitions.
Madonna concentrates on producing movies
Source: ContactMusic - 11 April 2005Madonna has turned her back on acting to focus on producing movies, after her onscreen efforts were axed from husband Guy Ritchie's latest movie.
The 46-year-old pop superstar's scenes in new film Revolver have reportedly been cut, but the disappointment hasn't deterred Madonna from pursuing her big screen ambitions.
She's now hoping a feature-length documentary - based on her 2004 Re-Invention world tour - will bolster her status in the movie industry, especially if it's included in the line-up of films to premiere at this May's (05) prestigious Cannes Film Festival in France.
Madonna's also eager to appear at Cannes so she can chat to directors about some of her film ideas.
A source tells British newspaper The Mail On Sunday, "Madonna has learned the hard way from Revolver that the only way to have a say is to become a producer.
"It's been her dream to premiere in Cannes, but she cannot afford to make another mistake so she's working with Swedish director Jonas Akerlund, who directed Mickey Rourke and Brittany Murphy in Spun.
"She also plans a light, fluffy teenage movie called Material Girls about a pair of cosmetic company heiresses who lose their family fortune."
Madonna mistaken for a receptionist
Source: FemaleFirst - 11 April 2005Pop beauty Madonna was mistaken for a receptionist when British author James Jackson paid her visit to her director husband Guy Ritchie's office to deliver a script.
The aspiring scribe failed to recognise the Papa Don't Preach icon when he met her in person and asked if she would make him a cup of tea - only to be embarrassed when her identity was finally revealed.
He says, "I went into the office and there was a small lady sitting in a chair, so I asked her for a cup of tea.
"When I later found out it was Madonna, I was just a little bit embarrassed! I did wonder why she looked a bit vague when I asked her."
Versace pic on Madonna.com
9 April 2005The picture in this week's Classic Madonna Collection @ Madonna.com isn't really a classic but in fact a very recent one: one of the pictures of Mario Testino for the Versace campaign.
Duff to cover Madonna's 'Material Girl'
Source: Zap2it - 8 April 2005After covering the Go-Go's "Our Lips Our Sealed," Hilary Duff is now taking on the Material Mom herself, Madonna.
The teen star will sing a cover of the '80s hit Material Girl for her appropriately titled upcoming film "Material Girls" co-starring sister Haylie Duff, report news sources. There's no word if the Duffster will re-create Madonna's video, a tribute to Marilyn Monroe's "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" sequence from "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."
For those with foggy memories or unfamiliar with Material Girl, here's a sampling of the lyrics: "Boys may come and boys may go, and that's all right you see/Experience has made me rich, and now they're after me."
Perhaps Hilary can embrace this verse as a rallying cry to deal with her bad experience with Aaron Carter, the teen philanderer who was two-timing her with teen queen Lindsay Lohan.
Hilary first announced her plans to team up with sister Haylie for "Material Girls" in November. The project revolves around a couple of celebutante -- yes, we dare use the word -- siblings who are heiresses to a cosmetics empire. When they are suddenly left penniless due to a corporate scandal, the sisters take matters into their own hands, snooping around to uncover the rascal who did them wrong.
"The Prince and Me" helmer Martha Coolidge will begin shooting the Maverick Films and Patriot Pictures co-financed project on Monday, April 18 in Los Angeles. Maverick Films just happens to be Madonna's film production company.
"Joey" scribe John Quaintance wrote the screenplay, rewritten by Susan Jansen ("The Lizzie Maguire Movie") and Amy Rardin & Jessica O'Toole.
The Sisters Duff collaborated to sing "Our Lips Are Sealed" for the "A Cinderella Story" soundtrack and for the Ice Breakers Liquid Ice ad campaign. They will also lend their voices to the CG-animated "Foodfight!," which is set in a supermarket after the customers have gone home.
Haylie Duff, 20, has made guest appearances on her sister's Disney Channel show "Lizzie Maguire" and "Boston Public." Her most recent film credit is the quirky Fox Searchlight comedy "Napoleon Dynamite."
Hilary Duff, 17, is currently taking remote online courses for Harvard and recently completed a couple tour dates in Texas. On the big screen, she's starred in "The Lizzie Maguire Movie," "Cheaper by the Dozen," "A Cinderella Story" and "Raise Your Voice." She next stars opposite Heather Locklear in the comedy "The Perfect Man," which will be released in the summer.
Flo re-invents Versace pix
8 April 2005French Madonnafan and artist Florence has send us some of her new work, which re-interprets the Versace photos. Click to enlarge. Thanx Flo!
More info on Michael Savage
8 April 2005Earlier this week, we posted an article in which American writer Michael Savage criticised Madonna. Mad-Eyes reader Richard has written us with some more information on Savage, which seems to prove to us that criticism from this kind of person shouldn't be taken too serious.
Clearly, Mr. Savage has some serious psychological issues and we'd advise him to seek professional help for his frustrations rather than spread his criticism and hatred. Here's the info (thx for that Richard!):
"I thought you would like to know what kind of person this writer Michael Savage is. Visit the website mediamatters.org, and type Michael Savage in the search box. You will find many articles exposing the truth about him. Try clicking on the one that begins with "Savage on the tsunami."
Then try "TOP TEN MOST OUTRAGEOUS STATEMENTS OF 2004" to see his warning that homosexuals want to rape people's sons. On page 6, you can get his opinion on Brown vs. Board of Education, which outlawed segregation of black people in America. He calls it "sickening." On page 7, see how he calls Arabs "non-humans"."
Versace campaign in Belgian Marie Claire
7 April 2005The Versace campaign appears in this week's Belgian edition of Marie Claire. Click on the image to enlarge the article (in Dutch); this is the translation (courtesy of Mad-Eyes):
"When thinking of Madonna, you won't picture an average business woman. But that's exactly how the singer was photographed by Mario Testino for the latest Versace campaign. Talking on the phone in her fancy office, Madonna shows off the summer collection.
Supposedly, Versace is spending 20 million dollars to promote this campaign, but it's possible a large amount will disappear in Madonna's pockets.
According to Donnatella Versace Madonna is worth every penny: "She's an icon, a chameleon, a trendsetter, and she's the best in her profession. It doesn't matter how old you are, everybody wants to identify himself with Madonna."
Madonna can't comprehend her children
Source: ContactMusic - 7 April 2005Pop icon Madonna struggles to understand her two young children properly, because they speak to each other in French.
Lourdes, eight, and four-year-old Rocco both attend London's Lycee Francais school where they study the gallic language - but the Like A Virgin singer and her Snatch director husband Guy Ritchie have no knowledge of French.
The children's grandfather John Ritchie says, "Rocco is certainly picking up a lot of French. He speaks it all the time at home because Lourdes is fluent. They talk to each other in French all day, chatting away to each other non-stop.
"It's very funny. Neither Guy nor Madonna speak the language so they cannot understand anything the children are saying. They haven't a clue. It's almost like the kids have their own secret language."
Marketing rumours for new album *rumour*
7 April 2005Fellow fansite MadonnaTribe has reported some interesting rumours about the upcoming album. Please bare in mind that we're still in the rumour phase for this album and that nothing has been officially confirmed yet.
"MadonnaTribe team member from France Madoky has heard a few things about Madonna's new album coming from sources close to Warner France.
According to these sources the new Madonna album, which has little to do with Rock, is now completed and it is now time to start thinking about marketing plans. Apparently this time Warner is determined to not repeat what had happened with American Life and secure to this new album the visibility it deserves.
Apparently right now the first single is being discussed:
- Which song?
- The same single in every country?
- What will be the best time for a release; before or soon after the summer?
As usual we remind you that these are just rumours about what is going on at the moment at Warner France, but as usual in these cases when the fans are eager to hear new material from Madonna, it is something worth reporting."
Two French articles on Madonna
5 April 2005Mad-Eyes reader Florence from France has scanned and sent us two articles that appeared in French magazines this week.
The first one talks about the "shocking" dress-up party as nun & pope and compares it with the religious imagery in the videos of Like A Virgin, La Isla Bonita and Like A Prayer. (Was that dress-up shocking for you too? Give us your vote).
The second article treats the mystery of the admiration of blondes and mentions Madonna among some other famous blondes, such as Jean Harlow, Marilyn Monroe, Sharon Stone and Lady Di. (thanx to Flo)
Madonna gets Savaged
Source: Gigwise - 5 April 2005Queen Of Pop Madonna has been heavily criticised by American DJ and writer Michael Savage in his new book.
Not only does Savage take a swipe at Madge, but also at her friend and Chris Martin’s missus Gwyneth Paltrow.
The New York Post reports him saying, "Here's a woman who made a career as a pseudo-pornographic belly dancer cavorting with a whip, and now suddenly, after having a baby, she pretends to be a holy woman riding her bicycle in England on her country estate with her imbecilic buddy, Gwyneth Paltrow.
They both fled America because America wasn't clean enough for their offspring. In Madonna's view, we're a spiritually bankrupt nation — which she helped create! What could Madonna know about the sacred arm of Judaism? Answer: Nothing!"
But who is Michael Savage to launch such a scathing criticism? Those in the UK might not have heard of him, but his radio shows pull in ten million listeners and he is the author of 18 books, including 2 best sellers. But if you think about it, David Beckham's had a best seller, so it isn't actually that impressive.
Re-Invented Process
4 April 2005Madonna's documentary has finally been given a title: Re-Invented Process. Only few information about the movie has been made public so far, which is kinda strange when a premiere is expected in May-June. Movie database IMDB has added the movie to their website, although there's no mention of Madonna.
This is the information we get:
- it was directed by Jonas Akerlund
- the movie is in "post production"
- it should premiere at the Cannes film festival on May 22nd (as Mad-Eyes exclusively reported in september)
- it was filmed in Portugal, the UK and the US
New photo shoot & video
4 April 2005Check MadonnaTribe for pictures of Madonna after a new photo shoot, held in London last week. According to the Daily Star, she also recorded a new music video that week; check the newspaper scan at Madonnalicious.
Madonna's role cut from Revolver? Unlikely.
Source: ContactMusic - 4 April 2005Madonna has been cut out of husband Guy Ritchie's latest movie - after shooting a cameo role as a female crime boss.
The blonde superstar, who endured scathing reviews for her cinematic collaboration with spouse Ritchie in 2002's Swept Away, flew to England's Isle of Man last November (04) to film her appearance in gangster movie Revolver - but has failed to make the final edit.
A source says, "Perhaps Guy did not want Madonna's kiss of death on his latest movie, or perhaps he just decided the scene wasn't quite right, but either way Madonna does not make the final cut.
"She did fly to the Isle of Man and spent a lot of time on the set."
~ This story seems rather unreliable, since both Madonna and Guy have dismissed rumours of the very existence of the cameo. In a february interview Guy told Empire magazine: "No, she's not in it. [The story is] completely made up. That's rare, isn't it?"
Bend it like Madonna.com
4 April 2005Although fans are eager for information on Madonna's upcoming documentary and other current projects, the only activity on her official site is the change on the splash page. After last week's Ray Of Light shot they now show off an outtake from Steven klein's 2003 photo shoot (click on the picture on the right).
Madonna, Ritchie trying to justify their love
Source: Chicago Sun-Times - 4 April 2005It's been a while since we've heard splitsville rumors about Madonna and Guy Ritchie -- not since the director's disastrous Swept Away (starring his wife) bombed so badly in 2002. Back then, tension on the set was cited to explain alleged marital woes.
Now comes word the superstar's hubby is fed up with her bossy ways -- at least according to Us Weekly, which also reports Madonna has not been regularly wearing her wedding ring.
''Totally inaccurate" and ''utter nonsense'' is the official word from the Material Mom's spokeswoman, which yours truly tends to believe. After all, the Ritchies sure looked pretty happy last week -- even as they ticked off a ton of Roman Catholics by wearing those nun and pope costumes to a costume party celebrating the Jewish holiday of Purim.
Madonna should be 'beaten' for dressing as a nun
Source: Female First - 4 April 2005Madonna should be "beaten" for dressing as a nun at a fancy dress party, a leading US Catholic has claimed.
The stunning singer, a former Catholic before she converted to Kabbalah, was spotted last Thursday (24.03.05) dressed as a holy sister with husband Guy Ritchie, who was sporting a priest outfit'
The couple were going to a party to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim at London's Kabbalah Centre.
But the stunt has provoked outrage from William Donahue, president of the American Catholic League, who claims the two stars should be beaten by a real life priest and nun for desecrating the scared attire just three days before Easter Sunday, the faith's most revered holiday.
He is quoted by E Online as saying "They're trying to tweak Catholicism again by exploiting the Jewish holiday. "She needs to be beaten with a ruler by a real-life nun and he needs to paddled on his behind by a real-life priest."
In a further tirade against the couple, Donahue described the 46-year-old singer as a "buffoon" and admitted he was astonished the pair would choose to wear such inappropriate costumes while Pope John Paul II, the head of the Catholic Church, was in such ill health.
He added: "Madonna's such a buffoon that we come to expect it, but Ritchie is morally depraved and a jackass. It's particularly vulgar to dress up like that at a time when the pope is failing at his health."
However, the 46-year-old star's representative, Liz Rosenberg, has played down the incident insisting Madonna of her husband meant to disrespect Catholics.
She said: "No disrespect was intended. Madonna dreamed of becoming a nun when she was a little girl."
Catholic leaders blast Madonna and Ritchie
Source: Ireland OnLine - 4 April 2005Madonna and her film-maker husband Guy Ritchie have infuriated religious chiefs following their decision to attend a party dressed as a nun and the Pope respectively - at a time when Pope John Paul II is becoming increasingly frail.
Madonna and Ritchie celebrated the Jewish holiday of Purim by dressing up for a Kabbalah bash in London last Thursday - angering Catholic leaders.
America's Catholic League president William Donahue says: "It just goes to show you what a moral slug this man (Ritchie) is that he would get dressed up as the Pope at a time like this.
"We're quite disappointed. We Catholics thought we had finally gotten rid of the witch when she (Madonna) discovered Kabbalah."
However, Madonna's publicist says: "No disrespect was intended."
Boy George is jealous of Madonna
Source: ContactMusic - 4 April 2005Pop stalwart Boy George has tempered his bitter feud with Madonna by confessing he's jealous of the Material Girl's standing as the number one gay icon.
The Karma Chameleon star infuriated Madonna last month (FEB 05) when he slammed her for embracing the Kabbalah, the mystical offshoot of Judaism, claiming it preaches that homosexuality is a disease.
Madonna hit back, vehemently denying the Kabbalah is homophobic.
But rather than further fuel their war of words, openly homosexual George admits he's fascinated by Madonna's ever-changing image and outlook on life - and is a little jealous of her high position in gay culture.
He says, "It would be dishonest to say that there wasn't a degree of jealousy, not that it's something I lose sleep over. I don't think about her day and night.
"If someone like Madonna changes her morality and her stance on things people just accept it, whereas somebody else would be dragged over the coals for doing that. That amazes me and it is fascinating. She is very fascinating."
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