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Madonna news - Feb. 2011
← Jan. 2011 | March 2011 →
Madonna and Lola at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party
28 February 2011Madonna and daughter Lourdes appeared at the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party, which Madonna co-organized. The party, exclusive on invitation, had a royal theme and featured music from DJs Paul Oakenfold and Zen Freeman. Madonna arrived in a daring and sexy outfit, showing lots of cleavage and butt cheek. She was also wearing a white rose cut diamond ring by Loree Rodkin. Lourdes wore an AllSaints Aztec Dress Mini and Ovid Shoes.
Madonna to work with Diagram Of The Heart?
26 February 2011UK tabloid The Sun posted a small report about Madonna's plans:
Diagram Of The Heart are in the running to work with Madonna on an album after she heard their track "Dead Famous". Kye Sones said: "We've jumped at the chance. Hopefully I can take her for a drink after, she's still hot." In your eyes.
Kye Sones, one half of the UK-based electronic duo, formed in 2009, tweeted shortly after:
"Nice mention in the sun today about us working with Madge........"
"And yes she is still hot!!"
"Yes. Have some great ideas for her"
"Thanks for all ur Madge tweets. Can't say too much but thanks for all the love! Diagram"
Of course at first it's going to be the duo sending tracks to Madonna and her people and it doesn't mean these songs will be used for sure, but it's great to know the preparations have started. Will nine months be enough for new Madonna music to materialize this year?
We'll have to wait and see.
Preview of new ads with material girl Kelly Osbourne
Source: Hollywood Reporter - 24 February 2011Set to officially premiere in April fashion magazines, the new ads feature the ex-reality TV star set amidst an East Village backdrop once frequented by company CEO Madonna.
Madonna and her teen daughter Lourdes Leon's Material Girl fashion line offered up a sneak peak Wednesday at its new campaign featuring Kelly Osbourne, who has replaced Gossip Girl's Tayor Momsen as the new face of the line of rocker and retro styles aimed at young fashionistas.
"I take so much of my style from Madonna in the '80s and I really admire how Lola dresses and that she stays true to herself," Osbourne said is a press statement. "It's such an honor to be a part of this campaign and it was an amazing experience to work with Madonna and Lola. Material Girl is incredible because it's high fashion but it is accessible to everyone at Macy's."
Timeless trendsetter Madonna is equally enamored with Osbourne, who covered the singer's 1986 hit Papa Don't Preach as a bonus track on her 2002 rock album Shut Up. "Kelly represents a true Material Girl," said the 52-year-old pop superstar. "She is edgy, cool and has a unique sense of style that Lola and I love."
The 26-year-old former reality TV star's role as the new face of Material Girl was announced last month. The collection of vibrant ads feature a svelt and sexy Osbourne hyping MG styles in a series of glam images shot by Brooke Nipar in NYC at Madonna's old East Village stomping grounds, including the popular Mars Bar and Lit Lounge. The campaign is set to officially premiere in the April issues of Cosmopolitan, Seventeen and Teen Vogue.
Kelly Osbourne sings Madonna's praises
Source: MOG - 24 February 2011Kelly Osbourne has replaced "Gossip Girl" actress Taylor Momsen as the new face of Madonna and daughter Lourdes Leon's clothing line, Material Girl, and the blond Brit is in awe of Her Madgesty's "unaffected" daughter.
"I think [Lourdes] is the sweetest girl," Kelly told Access Hollywood of her 14-year-old boss at a Material Girl photo shoot in New York. "She's the most unaffected, well-mannered, well-brought up, sweet, loving, caring, normal girl I've ever met in her situation.
"There [are] not many girls in the industry or whose family [is] in the industry that aren't affected," Kelly continued. "It's really refreshing to meet someone like Lola who is just so genuine and so herself and stays true to it in every sense and, you know, people don't realize how rare that is."
Kelly credits Lourdes' charming demeanor to her famous mother – the queen of pop.
"I've always been a huge, huge, huge fan of Madonna, but it completely changed my whole opinion of her - made me like her even more once I met Lola because she's done a fantastic job with her," Kelly raved. "Madonna is one of my idols and my first single I ever released was a cover of Papa Don't Preach.
"To have it come full circle - now I'm actually doing something with her and her daughter - it's just kind of like... ahhh!" she added.
Kelly has openly struggled with her weight, but has dropped over 48 lbs. since her stint as a "Dancing with the Stars" Season 9 contender. Now, the 26-year-old TV personality said it's hard to believe she's been hired to model clothing.
"I think tomorrow it'll really hit me when I wake up and realize everything that's happened today," Kelly told Access. "I'm just still in a little bit of shock that I'm even actually doing this and going through emotions, having a great time hanging out with Lola in between shots and putting the outfits together. It's so much fun. This is like a girl's dream."
Madonna to open third Hard Candy Fitness Center in St. Petersburg
Source: Madonna.com - 22 February 2011Madonna's third Hard Candy Fitness Center in St. Petersburg, Russia, a beautifully designed 52,000 square foot space in the center of the city is projected to open in mid-2011, it was confirmed today by Mark Mastrov, Chairman of New Evolution Ventures (NeV). The announcement of this latest facility follows the recent opening of the Mexico City Hard Candy Fitness and confirmation of plans for a Hard Candy itness Center in Moscow.
The St. Petersburg location holds special meaning for Madonna. "St Petersburg, Russia was one of the most magical nights on my Sticky & Sweet Tour and I'm thrilled that we've found the perfect location and ideal environment there for the next Hard Candy Fitness," commented Madonna.
Both the Moscow and St. Petersburg location will be in partnership with Irina Razumova, founder of the well-known Russian chain Planet Fitness. "We are honored to collaborate with Madonna and her team in designing and developing a beautiful facility like no other in the world," stated Razumova.
NeV's Mastrov, his partner Jim Rowley, along with Madonna and Guy Oseary are also exploring options of building additional Hard Candy locations in Italy, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Australia, Argentina, and Brazil, for facilities that will offer a unique member experience. Hard Candy Fitness Centers will include state of the art equipment, exclusive curriculum along with Mind Body Studio, The Great Wall, Sculpting, barre3, a Bike Studio, Capoeira, the newest trends in Yoga, a Juice Bar/Café and lavish locker rooms.
"The early success of the first Hard Candy Fitness Center in Mexico City - where Madonna taught a dance class to members at the opening - has inspired us all to create similar facilities and seek out local partnerships around the globe which embody Madonna's workout philosophy. St. Petersburg and other locations of Hard Candy Fitness will be a place where members will enjoy their workout experience in a beautiful environment in each city," commented Mastrov.
Due to tremendous interest and the many inquiries NeV has received from all over the world about Hard Candy Fitness Centers, fans have been asked to voice their choice for the next location by going to www.madonna.com/hardcandyfitness and vote on the interactive map for your dream location.
Madonna in Billboard Hot 100
20 February 2011Billboard has posted a chronological listing of the first 1,000 songs to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 since the chart's inception in August 1958 (coincidently the same month Madonna was born). Throughout her career, Madonna scooped up this top spot with 12 songs.
| Chronological position | Song Title | Peak Date | Weeks at #1 |
| 561 | Like A Virgin | 22 DEC 1984 | 6 |
| 567 | Crazy For You | 11 MAY 1985 | 1 |
| 598 | Live To Tell | 07 JUN 1986 | 1 |
| 605 | Papa Don't Preach | 16 AUG 1986 | 2 |
| 620 | Open Your Heart | 07 FEB 1987 | 1 |
| 635 | Who's That Girl | 22 AUG 1987 | 1 |
| 688 | Like A Prayer | 22 APR 1989 | 3 |
| 718 | Vogue | 19 MAY 1990 | 3 |
| 736 | Justify My Love | 05 JAN 1991 | 2 |
| 771 | This Used To Be My Playground | 08 AUG 1992 | 1 |
| 795 | Take A Bow | 25 FEB 1995 | 7 |
| 864 | Music | 16 SEP 2000 | 4 |
Madonna Malawi project leader lays out plans
Source: Madonna.com - 18 February 2011Logistical problems and other concerns have led Madonna to abandon her plan to build a girls-only school in Malawi, but the new leader of her effort says the superstar instead plans many more schools with educational groups already working toward that goal.
"Basically, what we'd be doing is expanding the ability for a group of nonprofits to provide education to more kids," said Trevor Neilson in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday.
Neilson, a former executive with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, joins the Raising Malawi project as a partner of the Global Philanthropy Group, a leading international organization that works with organizations and governments around the globe.
He and several other experienced philanthropy experts became part of Raising Malawi's revamped team in November.
"Madonna increasingly began to have concerns about the effectiveness of the existing strategy and management team, and as a result has made sweeping changes in order to better serve more children in Malawi," he said.
The Kabbalah Centre, once a part of the project, is no longer involved, Neilson noted. Madonna has practiced Kabbalah, a form of Jewish mysticism, for years.
The bigger changes involve the scope of Madonna's educational plans in the impoverished African country. The superstar, who has adopted a boy and a girl from Malawi, had initially planned to build a school for girls, most of whom don't get the opportunity to go to school.
The school was to be on an approximately 117-acre plot of government land near the capital, Lilongwe. But soon after the location was announced, several local villagers claimed they owned the land and the government was forcing them off of it.
"Obviously, Raising Malawi didn't know anything about this, and was surprised, yet Raising Malawi paid those people over $130,000, which in Malawi is a lot of money," Neilson said.
Even after that, however, he said, Raising Malawi never got title to the land. In addition, Neilson said the school was being built in an area where there were not many children, and too much effort was being paid to the design of the building.
"Madonna was shocked to find out how much time and money had been spent on architecture," he said, though declining to give an exact estimate, simply saying, "too much!"
Instead of creating a Raising Malawi school, the new plan is to use Raising Malawi's resources to partner with other NGOs, or non-governmental organizations, already working to provide a better education in Malawi.
"Working in consultation with a series of non-profits and education efforts, we're looking at a new strategy that builds more schools, but embeds them in communities of Malawi where the students are," he said.
"Basically what we'd be doing is expanding the ability for a group of non-profits to provide education to more kids," he added.
Neilson said Raising Malawi has contacted its key donors and informed them of the change in strategy: "All of the major donors we've talked to are really excited about the strategy."
Neilson also added that contrary to reports, the charity is still working very closely with the government, and that Madonna called the president's office and explained her new plans.
New schools could be built by the end of this year, and the educational efforts, while geared toward girls, will not exclude boys, he said.
"The need is so broad that you don't want to come into a community and say, 'Sorry boys, you can't go to school,'" he said.
Neilson said Madonna would go to the region "soon" and stressed that she was still fiercely committed to the country: He said Raising Malawi has dispersed $13 million toward charitable efforts over the last few years.
"She's very frustrated that the project has not moved faster and has not reached children with these services in a faster way," he said. "Ultimately, that's all that matters, is that children go to school."
He said Madonna has also denounced Malawi's anti-gay measures, but said she would still work with the country to help the children. "I don't think that that is core to this project in any way."
17 February - Guy talks about DVD's, tour & music
Following recent rumours about DVD's, summer tours and new music, Guy Oseary has replied to a range of fan questions on Twitter. Here's a summary.
About releasing tours on DVD
Explaining his comment from last week, Guy says he didn't say no to the idea of releasing previous tours (such as the Virgin Tour and Blond Ambition Tour) on DVD. He had a meeting with Warner Records about it last week, which is a start. But it will take some time to figure out which footage is available and in which quality. So far, it's only an idea and no concrete plans or promises yet. So we shouldn't expect anything in the short term.
"There are NO plans. We had our first meeting about dvd's, with the intention of making it happen, but this will take some time. Also, we have no idea what has been shot and what hasn't. We have no idea the quality of the footage. This will be a process! I would like it as well!! When we left warner records, a lot of this went away, we just met and are hopefully on the right path."
About a new tour
As expected, Guy denied a summer tour in 2011. "We need to make an album first". To an Australian fan, he repeated "I've already made a promise to Australia and I intend on keeping my promise!".
About new music
We already knew that Madonna will hit the recording studios once her movie W.E. is finished (though that will probably still take a few months time). As for the style of the new album, he says: "She is currently listening to new music and is very eager to make a new album!!! [...] Most of the music Madonna is liking for new album are from all unknown producers. From what she played me, the tracks sound amazing. [...] I've always wanted to a Madonna unplugged, the new album will be quite the opposite of unplugged. I have one word for you: DANCE."
About the movie release
"No information on movie release yet.. when we know, we will definitely tell everyone."
Gaga: "Madonna supports Born This Way"
Source: Jam! - 15 February 2011Lady Gaga has addressed accusations she ripped off Madonna's Express Yourself in her new single Born This Way, insisting she's received the Queen of Pop's "complete support" over the track.
The pop sensation sparked a huge buzz in the lead up to releasing her highly-anticipated track, which she hailed as an anthem for a new generation, on Friday.
But following the release, thousands of fans, as well as online critics, pointed out the track is almost identical to Madonna's 1989 classic.
During an interview with U.S. chat show host Jay Leno, Gaga failed to dismiss the criticisms, but insisted the Material Girl has no issue with her song - and so neither should anybody else.
She said, "There is really no one that is a more adoring and loving Madonna fan than me. I am the hugest fan personally and professionally."
"Well, the good news is that I got an email from her people and her, sending me their love and complete support on behalf of the single and if the queen says it shall be, then it shall be."
UPDATE: Liz Rosenberg denied that such an e-mail was sent: "I am not aware that Madonna sent Gaga an email. That's all I have to say on the matter."
Live Nation hints on future of Madonna deal
13 February 2011Billboard.biz has recently published an article on Madonna's Live Nation deal, sprung off on Guy Oseary's recent quotes regarding "Madonna can't wait to get into the studio":
Asked if the Madonna album would come through Live Nation, Azoff responded, "Yes," meaning Madonna's album could be the first recorded content overseen by Live Nation. The Zac Brown Band's LP "The Foundation" was initially geared to be a Live Nation project in 2008, but the company folded its label division with the exit of then-chairman Michael Cohl and the record ended up on Atlantic.
After the Madonna deal, Live Nation subsequently announced long term multi-rights deals with such artists as U2 (which does not include recorded content), Shakira, Jay-Z and others. Still, it is likely Live Nation would partner with some other entity in releasing the record, as executives at the firm have stated repeatedly that they don't intend to enter the record business full-tilt.
"Live Nation, prior to the merger, entered into some of these all-rights deals, so there are certain artists, Madonna being one of them, that there is a recorded music strategy," Azoff saod. "Once she gets the album recorded, we'll sit down with her and her manager Guy Oseary and figure out what's best for the record. It has to start with the music."
All of the artists with whom Live Nation has secured long-term deals are doing well, particularly U2, currently on their record-shattering "360" tour. which will end up as the highest grossing tour of all time. Still, when asked if Live Nation would be cutting similar deals in the future, Azoff said, "No, we're not going to do multi-rights deals. But look at what's going on with our partners at Roc Nation and the kind of year that Jay-Z had. Shakira's touring has been really well-planned and has been incredibly successful this past year."
~ Which means nothing is concrete yet and Madonna's quote from last year about "not having a record deal" makes sense now, since Live Nation will only start planning when Madonna brings them the music so we might not see anything until late 2011...
Madonna wows Berlin buyers, is willing to promote movie
Source: Variety via ONTD - 13 February 2011Berlinale buyers were in a frenzy on Saturday night after Stuart Ford's IM Global screened footage of Madonna's second directorial effort, W.E. to a limited amount of industryites.
IM Global brought the thrush-turned-helmer to the European Film Market to screen a promo reel of the pic, a parallel love story about the affair between King Edward VIII and American divorcee Wallis Simpson and a contemporary romance between a married woman and a Russian security guard.
Foreign buyers queued up outside the Cine Star in hopes to nab a seat to the exclusive screening, which saw Madonna provide an intimate Q&A after the footage.
Sources say that buyers were told they couldn't bid for the pic unless they saw the footage, which had buyers scrambling to save seats for the event.
Strictly no press were allowed and attendees were not permitted to use mobile phones throughout the event.
During the Q&A, Madonna revealed that she was willing to travel to promote the pic for distribs, which apparently hit the switch for interested parties.
Bids were fielded almost immediately after the event with several international territories already expected to have closed.
Pic toplines Andrea Riseborough, Abbie Cornish, James D'Arcy and Richard Coyle and is penned by Madonna and Alek Keshishian, who directed the queen of pop in 1991's "Madonna: Truth or Dare."
Kris Thykier ("Kick Ass") produces the pic alongside Hagen Bogdanski and Colin Vaines, who also produced Ralph Fiennes' directorial debut "Coriolanus," which is screening in competition at Berlinale.
~ According to German news sites, Madonna said she spent 3 years of hard work on this project and it is very important for her.
Oseary denies Grammies and DVD box, says M in the studio after W.E.
12 February 2011In a Twitter update earlier this week, manager Guy Oseary killed the rumours about Madonna making a Grammies appearance and about the release of a live DVD box set. He also added Madonna will hit the recording studio as soon as she finished her movie W.E.:
"Madonna will not be at grammys. I have no idea where the rumor of a live dvd box set is coming from. Im not against doing it.. just not true."
"The update is that Madonna cant wait to get into the recording studio.. This will happen as soon as she finishes the movie she directed..."
Blond Ambition Tour DVD to be released this year? *rumour*
6 February 2011UK celebrity columnist Dean Piper at the Mirror posts the following:
For Madonna fans it's the closest thing to the Holy Grail – and it's coming our way soon.
The notorious Blond Ambition world tour – arguably her best – is set to be released on DVD. My source tells me: "It'll be later in the year – the wheels are in motion."
A DVD for this show has been rumoured for ages, so we ask the fans to take this with a grain of salt, but it does seem like a possible scenario to release an old show for the fans during this calm period, to tide us over. The Blond Ambition Tour is also famous for its Laserdisc-exclusive deal that supposedly halted any release on other formats for many years.
The Laserdisc, which won a Grammy, contains the last show of the tour, filmed in Nice, France, which was also broadcast on HBO and in our opinion, if a DVD of this tour would be released, it most likely would be the Laserdisc transfer.
Guetta's Revolver remix gets Grammy nomination
1 February 2011David Guetta’s remix of Revolver is nominated for a Grammy Award in the 'Best Remixed Recording' category. The 53th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony will take place on February 13th. Make sure to watch! (source: Madonna.com)
UPDATE: David Guetta won the Grammy, congratulations!
Madonna planning a Glee tour? *rumour*
Source: Contactmusic - 1 February 2011Madonna is planning to hit the road for a new tour this year (11) - and she's taking the cast of U.S. TV hit GLEE with her, according to U.K. reports. The pop superstar has performed for fans tirelessly over the last decade, staging four huge global tours since 2001. Her last trek, the Sticky + Sweet Tour in 2008 and 2009, became the highest grossing roadshow by a solo artist in history, pulling in $408 million (£320 million). The Material Girl is preparing to take a new show on the road later this year (11) - and she wants the stars of musical phenomenon Glee to perform with her, according to Britain's News of the World.
The publication reports Madonna is eager to use segments of last year's (10) Glee tribute episode, which featured her biggest hits, in her new concerts. A source tells the newspaper, "Madonna wants to break records and make her career bigger than ever. And because the Glee episode featuring her music was such a hit, there are plans for the cast to appear. "She is in amazing shape for her age but this could be her last big world tour she does for a while as she wants to concentrate on business ventures."
~ This rumour seems rather unlikely to us, so let's not get excited before an official statement has been released.
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