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Madonna news - June 2013
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Q&A session: "Dietrich opened this theater"
19 June 2013After yesterday's premiere of The MDNA Tour documentary, Madonna answered some fan questions during a Q&A session. Here are some highlights. You can watch the full session below.
About her outfit of the night
"This theater has historical meaning to me, because it opened in 1948 and Marlene Dietrich was here at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, so hence my wardrobe"
About the pre-tour dance work-shops
"I forced everybody to go outside their comfort zone. So straight boys would have to wear high heels, and gay boys would have to, you know, man up. It's important for everybody to understand that they play characters when they come into my realm and that we're telling stories that hopefully everyone can relate to."
About her favourite moment of the tour
"I loved all the fighting and shooting and violence of Gang Bang. I'm sorry, it was just pretend but it was fun, I got a lot of agression out."
About the editing process of the documentary
"Basically me and the editor Danny Tull strangled each other all the time. We filmed all over the world. The base of the show was in Miami but we used footage from France, from England, from Argentina,..."
About the fashion on tour
"I create a character for every section of the show. The character of the first section is 'angry girl', in case you didn't notice. I think a lot of ideas and references from films."
"For the 3rd section I collaborated with Gaultier, he likes to play with gender. The last section was a strange marriage between martial arts and Joan of Arc."
Madge puts on the ritz
Source: NY Post - 19 June 2013NEW YORK — Madonna said there were days she was exhausted during her recent MDNA world tour, but she decided to press on.
You won't see those behind-the-scenes battles in her new concert film, "The MDNA Tour," which premieres Saturday on the online and cable network Epix. But you will see the 54-year-old pop icon performing — mainly highlights from her Miami shows — for two hours on her tour, which started in May of last year and wrapped in December.
"There's no such thing as not in the mood because the show music go on, right?" the singer said at the film's premiere Tuesday night at New York's Paradise Theater. "I'm a human being like everybody else, so I would have my nights, my bad nights and I would cry and I would say, 'I don't want to do this.'"
Madonna told a feverish crowd of fans, her dancers, her tour team, socialites and members of press that she wanted her shows to be a relief for those paying to see her.
"I sold the tickets and I can't let my audience down," she told the crowd of a few hundred. "Before every show everyone came into my dressing room and we got in a circle and said prayers and 50 percent of the time I said them and 49 percent of the time I was crying, usually from over-exhaustion. But there's something about pushing yourself out there when it's pouring rain or you're freezing cold or you don't feel well or something really crazy happened in the world like Hurricane Sandy."
Madonna's tour, which included design help from her 16-year-old daughter, Lourdes, also featured her 12-year-old son, Rocco, as a dancer.
"He was going to go on my tour whether he liked it or not," said Madonna. "I was thrilled to see him every night. He gave me a boost of energy. However, he does not look like that. In one year he has grown, he's 6 feet tall and his voice has deepened. I'm a little bit scared of him."
Madonna also unveiled a secret project Tuesday — a collaboration with Steven Klein. She showed a 1-minute trailer that featured her background dancers and showed the singer being dragged on the floor.
She was answering questions before she premiered the black and white video and told the crowd she was leaving the stage so they could see it.
"No," they screamed.
"Well I can't sit in front of the trailer. I'll just do a stage dive. No. I saw the Billboard Awards — no stage dive," she said jokingly, referring to R&B singer Miguel's jump that injured a woman at the awards show last month.
Madonna's new concert film will be released on DVD on Aug. 27.
Madonna goes Dietrich at NYC premiere of MDNA tour documentary
Source: Daily Mail - 19 June 2013She is certainly a big fan of making fashion statements in bizarre outfits when it comes to her red carpet appearances.
So Madonna pulled out all the stops at a party thrown in her honour on Tuesday.
But this time, the superstar singer finally chose to cover up and wore a classic black tuxedo with a white waistcoat and bowi tie, as worn by her idol Marlene Dietrich.
Madonna was naturally the guest of honour at a screening for the Epix World premiere of her Madonna: The MDNA Tour documentary, held at the Paris Theatre in New York.
The 54-year-old sported a black top hat and tails along with a cream satin bowtie and matching waistcoat, and platform black and white brogues with fashion by Tom Ford.
Having name checked Deitrich in her 1990 classic track Vogue, the Queen of pop appeared uncannily like her early 1900s German actress idol.
Madonna referenced her Eighties success with a chainmail glove on one hand, along with a monogram 'M' ring on the other.
The fitness fanatic wore her brassy blonde locks in tight curls and topped off her otherwise androgynous outfit with lashings of blood red lipstick.
Classic performer Dietrich was famous in the 1930s until the 50s for her film performances - working with directors including Alfred Hitchcock and Orson Welles.
By the 1950s, she had become almost an exclusive cabaret performer, selling out venues across the globe including Las Vegas and London - often performing the majority of her shows in a top hat and tails.
Making the evening a true family event, Madonna arrived at the venue with her dancer boyfriend Brahim Zaibat - being shielded by a sudden downpour of rain by an umbrella.
Eldest child, Lourdes, was also at the event looking very much like a younger version of her mother, wearing a black outfit.
Son Rocco was also there looking smart with a red tie - his looks taking after his father, Guy Ritchie.
Madonna was joined at the event, which was hosted by Dolce & Gabbana and The Cinema Society, by plenty of her famous friends.
Kelly Osbourne, who used to be the face of the diva's clothing line Material Girl, looked to be attempting to pay homage to the star in her Desperately Seeking Susan era.
The Fashion Police host wore black leather trousers along with a matching jacket slung over her shoulders, with a black and white striped top underneath.
She also sported white platform court shoes and a Celtic cross pendant worn on a string around her neck.
The 28-year-old had her signature lavender locks tied into a messy updo and topped off with a studded black bow headband.
Nicky Hilton meanwhile sported a pretty pink pleated dress which showed off her slender legs, along with black studded peep toes.
Howard Stern’s wife Beth Ostrosky looked glamorous in a strapless tangerine dress which clung to her slim figure and highlighted her golden tan and matching tresses.
The guestlist also included the likes of Martha Stewart and fashion designers Christian Siriano, Rachel Roy and Stacy Bendet.
The MDNA Tour concert special can be watched on EPIX on June 22, before it will be released on DVD on August 27.
Madonna's new doc: 'You never know what you're going to get,' says director
Source: EW - 18 June 2013Madonna still matters.
That's the message of Madonna: The MDNA Tour, a documentary that chronicles her top-grossing 2012 worldwide tour. Ostensibly a concert film, The MDNA Tour also sheds light on the impact Madonna has had on a generation of artists, dancers, and general fans who refuse to conform for conformity's sake.
Director Danny Tull, who's edited several of Madonna's recent projects, including W.E., took a close-up look at the icon's legendary drive, cutting the best moments of 88 different shows into one cohesive documentary. "There was just a mammoth amount of footage to get through and find that perfect shot for her," says Tull, who literally worked his fingers to the bone in the editing suite for six months. "On 'Like a Prayer,' there must be [cuts of concerts from] 50 countries inside that song alone. It was really intense. I think I looked down one day and I was like, 'Oh, my fingers are about to fall off.' But it was worth it.'"
By the end, Tull knew the ins and outs of the concert perhaps better than Madonna herself, but she still never ceased to surprise him. "The interesting thing with her is you never know what you're going to get," he says. "She always brings something different to the table. Maybe fans had known it before, but I think her Olympian spirit will be reinforced again [with the doc]. It's just unbelievable, the pace of the show. It's just non-stop. It's very difficult to keep up."
The pace slows down, however, for this very-slightly NSFW exclusive scene, in which Madonna auditions some of the show's dancers, a talented group that is full of Madge admirers. Madonna still matters — you'd better believe it!
Slackliners - Madonna: MDNA Workshop
Bone Breaking Dancers (Double-Jointed) - Madonna: MDNA Workshop
Madonna playing Don't Tell Me backstage
Madonna on Mensa's Genius list
Source: The Celebrity Café - 13 June 2013Mensa International has released a list of celebrities with IQ's which deem them "geniuses." Among the list includes The Voice coach Shakira and "Like a Virgin" singer Madonna.
In order to make it into the Mensa International, one must have an IQ of above 139, Yahoo reports.
The list revealed that Madonna has an IQ of 140, Django Unchained director Quentin Tarentino has an IQ of 160 and actor James Woods tops the list with an IQ of 180.
Modern Family actor Nolan Gould is the youngest member on the list at the age of 14. He has an IQ of 150, according to the report. Gould is so smart, in fact, he graduated high school at 13-years-old.
Also on the list, according to the website, is A League of Their Own actress Geena Davis, former Playboy playmate Dr. Julie Peterson, John Malkovich's wife Glenne Headly has an IQ of 140, the hilarious Steve Martin has an IQ of 142 and Dolph Lundgren, who has a reported IQ of 160.
Madonna attends Stella McCartney's Spring 2014 collection presentation
Source: Hello! - 11 June 2013A host of celebrity pals stepped out to support designer Stella McCartney on Monday as she unveiled her Spring 2014 collection.
Superstar Madonna was spotted giving friend Stella a big hug as she arrived at the presentation, held at West 10th Street in New York City. The 54-year-old had shunned the spring theme, opting for a black trench coat and black sunglasses.
The singer was joined by Hollywood ladies Cameron Diaz and Naomi Watts. Cameron, 40, looked fitting for the season, showing off her model-esque frame in a white dress with matching sandals. Her hair was pinned back in a chic, tousled updo.
Madonna to attend MDNA Tour screening in NYC
11 June 2013The MDNA Tour will premiere Saturday, June 22nd at 8pm ET on EPIX HD. The broadcast will last about two hours.
Before its EPIX television broadcast, Madonna will attend the world premiere of the MDNA Tour screening in New York City on June 18th. After the screening, there will be a Q&A with Madonna. EPIX is offering US fans the chance to win a luxury trip to NYC and attend the screening. Check their Facebook page for more info.
MDNA Tour to be released on DVD & Blu-Ray on August 26
Source: Madonna.com - 6 June 2013
Madonna's groundbreaking, critically acclaimed, controversial and visually stunning MDNA concert will be available in the US on August 27th (August 26th globally), it was announced today by Universal Music. The two hour MDNA extravaganza was the most successful tour of 2012. Presented by Live Nation Global Touring, the tour included 88 sold out shows in 29 countries. Madonna and her ten member band lead by musical director Kevin Antunes and troupe of 25 dancers performed a wild two hour spectacle that fascinated, enthralled and entertained 2.2 million fans.
"Madonna spent six months personally editing the video footage from 30 cameras and many different shows to put together the MDNA DVD. Her attention to every frame, every detail and nuance and total commitment to show her creative vision has been done to perfection. Each song is like a short movie. One minute you are in an action movie and the next you're at a golden era musical before shooting across to India and back for a house party to finish. It's better than any 3-D Imax movie out there and at a break neck pace that would make any Olympian struggle for breath," commented the show's co- director and supervising editor, Danny B. Tull.
Songs included Girl Gone Wild and Gang Bang from Madonna's MDNA CD which debuted at No. 1 in 35 countries as well as fan favorite classic Madonna songs such as Hung Up, Express Yourself, Vogue, Open Your Heart, Like A Prayer and Celebration.
"My show is a journey.. the journey of a soul from darkness to light. It is part cinematic musical theatre, part spectacle and sometimes intimate performance art. I know people can relate to it. It's very important to me as an artist that my show not be taken out of context. It must be watched with an open heart from beginning to end.. I am sure if it is viewed this way, the viewer will walk away feeling inspired, invigorated and will want to make the world a better place.. And this of course is my intention," remarked Madonna in her manifesto about the show.
Amongst the glowing reviews, the Daily Mail raved, "The queen of pop's latest album MDNA provided the bedrock for a two hour show that sent out a powerful message to any young pretenders eyeing up her crown.. She remains one of the greats."
"Madonna's sold-out concert was a jaw-dropping sequence of stunningly designed set pieces; including an aeriel drum crops, a battalion of dazzling dancers, an explosively bloody gangster fantasy and a surreal spiritual voyage," remarked The Miami Herald.
"The Material Girl proceeds to take us through a song cycle that examined sex, liberation, sin, empowerment, love, addiction, rebellion and finally redemption.. She did it all in classic Madonna style - controversial and eye-popping," commented The Dallas Morning News.
The MDNA DVD was directed by Danny B. Tull and Stephane Sennour and was produced by Madonna. Executive producers: Arthur Fogel, Guy Oseary and Sara Zambreno. Tour wardrobe was created by Arianne Phillips. Supervising Editor Danny B. Tull. Director of Photography Mark Ritchie.
Madonna to open Hard Candy gym in Berlin
Source: AFP - 5 June 2013After the recent launch of her new luxury Hard Candy Fitness center in Rome, Madonna has just announced plans to expand her fitness empire to Berlin.
Her second location in Europe, the new club will come equipped with dance studios, weight rooms, swimming pools, Jacuzzi and a lounge with a bar to relax and hang out, and is set to open in September.
Madonna and her trainer, Nicole Winhoffer, also recently released a series of four workout DVDs featuring Winhoffer and incorporating objects such as a bathroom towel and a sturdy chair into the routines. The set, "Addicted to Sweat," is based on the same high-impact dance workout programs Madonna relies on to achieve her svelte physique.
The Material Girl opened the first Hard Candy gym in Mexico City in 2010 and has since launched clubs in Moscow, Sydney, St. Petersburg, and Santiago.
Madonna announces support for girls' education at The Sound Of Change Live Concert
Source: Madonna.com - 1 June 2013On June 1, 2013 Madonna announced her plans to support girls' education in Pakistan and Afghanistan through her Ray of Light Foundation at The Sound of Change Live concert which was presented by CHIME FOR CHANGE, a campaign for improved Education, Health and Justice for women and girls worldwide.
Madonna took the stage with Humaira Bachal, the courageous young Pakistani woman who has overcome extreme adversity to educate girls in Pakistan. During her speech, Madonna challenged everyone to join her "Revolution of Love" to "end violence, promote peace, demand justice and help ensure education for girls everywhere."
She asked viewers to help contribute to the building of a new and bigger school for Humaira's students and personally committed to funding the completion of the school's construction if viewers funded the first floor.
To help build Humaira's school, visit:http://ichime.in/madonnahumaira
Madonna also announced her plans to support Afghan women through the Afghan Institute of Learning and has offered to match donations 2:1 in support of this project. To donate, visit:http://www.catapult.org/team/madonna
To learn more about the Ray of Light Foundation and Madonna's Revolution of Love, please visit www.rayoflight.org
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