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Madonna news - Feb. 2014
← Jan. 2014 | March 2014 →
Bay City native Madonna to be honored with new signs
Source: WNEM - 20 February 2014BAY CITY, MI (WNEM) - Good news for Madonna fans: The Queen of Pop will be commemorated in her birthplace of Bay City. New signs will be placed at city entrances saying, "Welcome to Bay City: Birthplace of Madonna."
The idea came with much enthusiasm at a meeting Monday night. Bay City Commissioner Chris Girard, 6th Ward hopes honoring the diva will bring some tourism to the town.
"People see something like that," said Girard, "They may have interest in exploring our town a little more. I think it's something we've missed the boat on for many years, and so let's take advantage of that fact."
The Material Girl was born in Bay City, and frequently visited her grandparents during her childhood. Their home on the west side of the city still attracts some tourists.
A simple sign or two can do a lot to re-brand the city.
"When I go in the community and people ask me where I'm from, I say, I'm right here!," explained Girard holding up his hand, "Bay City, Michigan! I also talk about Madonna's birth town, and I think a lot of other people I've talked to kinda do the same thing."
For years, the city has had a love/hate relationship with the Queen of Pop. After she publicly called her birthplace a "smelly little town in Northern Michigan." This was not out of distaste for the town, but in reference to the smell from a petroleum plant close by that is now closed.
But now, city commissioners think it's time to change that image.
"Just having that name on there," said city resident Rody Dodd, "I think a lot of people will see that when they come in to town. I think that'll be great."
Other cities honor their famous residents, so Bay City wonders: why not them?
"I grew up in New Jersey," said George Herron in Bay City, "and Martha Stewart grew up there and they honor her. I think we outta do the same idea to Madonna here."
The new signs will be funded privately and visible to citizens not too long in the future.
Madonna says she's sick of her own music
Source: ContactMusic - 14 February 2014Madonna won't listen to her own music when she works out because she is ''sick'' of hearing it.
Madonna ''hates'' her own music.
The 55-year-old singer is tired of hearing her own songs so would never work out to a soundtrack of her own material.
She admitted: ''I don't work out to my music - I hate my music! I mean, I'm sick of it.
''I love my music, but I'm just kind of sick of it. I like to hear other people's music when I work out.''
The 'Hung Up' hitmaker - who has children Lourdes, 17, Rocco, 13, and Mercy and David, both eight - is known for her toned physique but she isn't always happy with her body.
Speaking at the opening of her Hard Candy Fitness gym in Toronto, Canada, she said: ''I have a love/hate relationship with my body. ''Some days I'm happy with it and other days... I wasn't born with Gisele Bundchen's body unfortunately, so you got to work for it - but it's OK.''
Madonna - who is dating 26-year-old dancer Timor Steffens - also admitted she isn't a fan of ''big bulky'' guys but does like them to be in shape.
Speaking to 'Entertainment Tonight Canada' reporter Roz Weston, she said: ''You need to work out. I'm not into big bulky muscles, but a little more definition would be good.
''I like a lean, mean, fighting machine!''
MDNA SKIN Launches in Japan On February 12
Source: Madonna.com - 12 February 2014Michelle Peck, Skin Care Artist and Madonna's Skin Care Advisor and Brand Ambassador Introduces MDNA SKIN on February l2th.
'MDNA SKIN' - the new innovative and revolutionary skin care brand created by Madonna in collaboration with MTG, Japan's leading beauty company, is scheduled to open in Omotesando for a limited time beginning Thursday, February 13th thru Sunday, February 23rd between 11:00 and 20:00. This will be the exclusive location to buy 'MDNA SKIN' in the world. The brand's goal is to challenge women and their awareness about the art of beauty and skin care.
The state-of-the-art treatment system consists of three components:
The clay oil therapy inspired CHROME CLAY MASK, made with a base of clay from Montecatini Terme in Italy, which performs multiple functions that enrich the skin.
The SKIN REJUVINATOR - the specialized Magnetic Force and Deep Derma induction system devised to remove impurities and revitalizes the skin.
THE SERUM - based on an original formula that was created exclusively for Madonna, it creates a glowing effect when used alone and is further enhanced when used with the CHROME CLAY MASK and SKIN REJUVENATOR.
Using these products routinely as part of daily skin care regime creates firm, resilient and radiant skin overflowing with energy after every use.
The MDNA SKIN POP UP STORE will give customers the opportunity to see, feel and experience the products and enjoy the multiple screen projected visuals. The store will also host a VIP area and the location for special events.
MDNA SKIN will be available at selected department stores in Japan on February 26th.
MDNA SKIN POP UP STORE
DATE: 2/13 - 2/23
OPEN TIME: 11:00 - 20:00
VENUE: BA-TSU ART GALLERY
5-11-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
5 minute walk from Omotesando Station, Exit A1
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Chiyoda Line, Hanzomon
Madonna's trainer talks working with the icon: "She is the most incredible woman in the world"
Source: E! Online - 12 February 2014Celebrity personal trainer Nicole Winhoffer has worked with a bevy of stars, including Stella McCartney, Rachel Weisz and Abbie Cornish, but she's most known for working with the one and only Madonna.
In fact, Nicole and Madonna are opening their 8th Hard Candy Fitness club today in Toronto. But busy as Nicole is, she caught up with E! News to talk about her relationship with Madonna and all things fitness.
Nicole and Madonna met up in 2009 when she was working as a trainer on the Sticky & Sweet tour, but their real partnership came with the concept of Hard Candy, which opened up its first gym in Mexico City in 2010.
"Madonna stands as an icon. Her body, work ethic, and persistence is an inspiration to the people," says Nicole. "The gym is a place where people can experience the ‘Addicted to Sweat' workout that is inspired by the workouts I have been doing with Madonna for five years. I update the program every three months, so the gym always has fresh new content."
And of course it comes as no surprise that Nicole had nothing but high praise for the music legend. "She is the most incredible woman in the world. Her dedication, persistence, intelligence and work ethic are bar none," gushes Nicole. "I couldn't ask for a better workout partner."
And if you're wondering exactly what Madonna's workout routine looks like, Nicole gave us the details. "We work out six days a week, 90 minutes a day," explains the trainer. "I create a new program each week. Mondays we learn the new program together. We focus on new muscle groups, new music and planting the programs in our body. Our workouts are challenging, serious and always focusing on shocking the body!"
Nicole also sits in on Madonna's rehearsals. "I watch her in action, learn as much as I can and apply them to our workout," she says. "I watch each concert and take notes to inform me for our next day's session. She is an athlete, no doubt. I pay attention to every detail."
And what is one of Madonna's favorite ways to fuel up? Coconut water. "Coconut water is key for potassium, glucose and sugar to keep her energy levels up," says Nicole. "It's an all-natural source that does wonders for your skin." Excuse us while we start stocking up on coconut water, ASAP.
Oh, and if you're wondering if Madonna and Nicole are going to open up a Hard Candy gym near you in the states, there's hope! "It's always an option that I definitely hope happens," says Nicole. "We have many other cities around the world lined up and we look forward to opening them very soon!"
Madonna reveals plans for new album at Toronto fitness club launch
Source: Canadian Press - 12 February 2014
TORONTO - Madonna fans can expect to hear some new tunes in the future from the music icon with plans for a new album — but she's keeping a tight lid on the details.
"Yes, plans are in the works already. Don't ask me with who, it's a secret, top secret," Madonna said coyly in a red carpet interview Tuesday night at Hard Candy Fitness club in Toronto.
In the meantime, fitness was top of mind for the pop superstar who paid a visit north of the border for the official launch of her luxury fitness brand in Canada. The Hard Candy Fitness Toronto club opened for business in October, joining international locations in Berlin, Rome, Sydney, Santiago, Mexico City, Moscow and St. Petersburg.
In addition to the large-scale images of the Material Girl emblazoned on the walls throughout the facility, Madonna also has a hand in shaping the fitness routines with classes based on her daily workouts.
Madonna said dance has always been a big part of her shows and she can't imagine not having movement, dance and fitness being part of her work — a philosophy she's applied to her burgeoning fitness brand.
"I have fun working out and I don't think working out should be boring. And I think dance is an important part of a workout," said Madonna, looking elegant in a sleek black blazer and skirt designed by famed Canadian duo DSquared2, accessorized with black and gold gloves.
"I used to run when I stopped dancing. I used to run and I thought it was so boring. So dance is fun because you can play music, you can move your body in every direction."
A select few got to see Madonna in action as she led the cardio-based Addicted to Sweat class, which combines elements of high-impact aerobics with choreography. The session was closed to the media, but among the participants were 30 people who earned the chance to dance alongside the pop diva following several auditions.
"Just to have a window into that world, it's a once in a lifetime incredible opportunity. It's like being in a dream," said class participant Blair Boudreau prior to taking part in the session.
Nicole Winhoffer, Madonna's personal trainer, said the star averages between 1 1/2 and two hours for workouts six days a week, a rigorous routine that involves fully body conditioning with multiple repetitions, ab and arm work and use of jump rope or basketballs.
"She's actually really consistent, really easy. She gives such good direction. There's no guessing. I know what she's going to like, what she's not going to like. She gives us very clear feedback and we move very fast. It's so amazing to work with her."
So are there any Canadian artists on Madonna's workout playlist? When asked, she responded: "Drake."
And would she like to collaborate with the homegrown hip-hop star in the future?
"If he'll have me," Madonna replied.
Madonna opens her Hard Candy Fitness Center in Toronto
Source: Toronto Sun - 12 February 2014TORONTO - Madonna REALLY got into the groove in Toronto on Tuesday night.
The 55-year-old pop star turned up in high heels, fishnet stockings — with a bandaged left ankle visible, a black corsetted suit and a push-up bra to attend the grand opening of the downtown outlet of her fitness club chain, Hard Candy, which opened for workouts last October.
She was sexily dressed to impress but the fitness-inclined singer was also scheduled to help lead a master class with about 50 or so members from the club, named after her 2008 album of the same name, both locally and from around the world who had to “audition” to be part of the event.
The Material Girl was joined by the Hard Candy Fitness performance team including her personal trainer Nicole Winhoffer, 29, of New York City, who developed her signature Addicted to Sweat routine that she does with Madonna.
“It is intimidating, it is easy peasy, it is everything, so if you could think of every descriptive word it is all that in a bubble,” Winhoffer said of working out with Madge six times a week in two-hour sessions for the last five years.
“I have to inspire her, keep her mind engaged. She's done every single workout ever known to man so I'm constantly creating new things. ...Her body's amazing, and she still has the most even body tone, her shape is amazing, her waist, her arms, it's incredible. She's made it part of her life. She's just so consistent that it never changes.”
Winhoffer, a trained professional dancer, met Madonna when she was on the Sticky and Sweet Tour in 2008-09, and performed with her again on the 2012 MDNA trek.
There was a red carpet at the Toronto fitness club at 382 Yonge St. — the only Hard Candy in North America and the biggest in the three-year-old chain at 42,000 square feet — with reporters and camera people huddled around the reception area awaiting Madonna's arrival, which was about 85 minutes after the scheduled time.
“I asked her (why open in Toronto first in North America), and she said, ‘I love Toronto. It's so culturally diverse,' ” said Winhoffer. “Everytime she tours here the audience is just amazing. She loves how involved they are with the arts, writing, music and dance.”
Hard Candy Fitness has also recently opened clubs in Berlin and Rome, joining existing locations in Sydney, Santiago, Mexico City, Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia.
The Material Girl has been in the news lately for her role at the Grammys in late January where she took part in the live mass wedding of same-sex, mixed-race couples, wearing a grill on her teeth, carrying a cane (after hurting her ankle over the holidays in Switzerland) and singing her 1986 hit Open Your Heart alongside Macklemore and Ryan Lewis with Mary Lambert singing Same Love.
She also appeared on Miley Cyrus MTV Unplugged in late January singing a clunky mashup of Don't Tell Me/We Can't Stop alongside the 21-year-old, whose North American Bangerz tour launches Friday in Vancouver.
Who's That Girl? Madonna, 55, radiates youth at American Songbook event... (and shows Miley how to do a cheeky tongue poke)
Source: Daily Mail - 11 February 2014For all the Katys, Mileys, Ritas and Nickis there will be ever be, there will only ever be one Madonna.
And the queen of pop - as enduring as the actual queen of England and as unlikely to relinquish her throne - looked incredible at an event at New York's Lincoln Centre on Monday to honour agent Bryan Lourd.
Dressed in head-to-toe leather, Ms Ciccone looked as sleek as she did chic... but what stood out the most was the 55-year-old's stunningly youthful complexion and sculpted cheekbones.
But while she played it straight in her outfit, the Material Girl still managed to have some fun at the event and was spotted sticking her tongue out in front of Academy winner Anne Hathaway.
And later the stunning blonde could be found chatting animatedly with 007 himself, Daniel Craig.
Madge was famously lampooned for her wooden cameo in 2002's Die Another Day opposite Pierce Brosnan's Bond, luckily the film featured an invisible car so she wasn't the most laughable factor.
If she needed some help brokering a deal for a new role, help was at hand at this bash as the night's honoree, Bryan Lourd, is Madonna's agent.
Lourd, 53, has served as Partner, Managing Director and Co-Chairman of Creative Artists Agency (CAA) since October 1995.
Lourd's clients include George Clooney, Robert De Niro, Brad Pitt, Robert Downey, Jr., Drew Barrymore, Jimmy Fallon, Matthew McConaughey, Sean Penn, Naomi Watts, Natalie Portman, Robin Williams, Arnold Schwarzenegger, David Duchovny, Helen Hunt, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Cruise, Penélope Cruz, Taraji P. Henson, and Peter Jöback.
He was married to the actress Carrie Fisher, 57, with whom he has 21-year-old daughter Billie; he came out as a gay man after the relationship broke down.
Also at the event were Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese
Madonna’s official number one singles' sales revealed!
Source: OfficialCharts.com - 8 February 2014It's an incredible 30 years since the undisputed Queen of Pop had her very first Top 10 hit with Holiday. To celebrate Madonna's three decades of Official Charts supremacy, we count down her 13 Number 1s and reveal the biggest selling of them all…
13. Sorry (2006)
To kick things off, it's one of Madonna's most recent chart-toppers. The second single to be released from Madge's big return to the disco album Confessions On A Dance Floor, Sorry was something of a surprise Number 1 for her. The video was Madonna in full kitsch mode – first driving around in her own version of the Vengabus (possibly) before rollerskating dressed like a kind of disco astronaut. It was catchy, it was energetic and it was a worthy chart-topper
WHO DID IT BEAT? Corinne Bailey Rae 's Put Your Records On had to settle for Number 2.
CHART FACT: It was the first time she'd had two consecutive Number 1s in five years.
SALES: 200,000
12. Who's That Girl (1987)
A product of Madonna 's movie ambitions – with some success – Who's That Girl was the first of three tracks released from the soundtrack of the movie of the same name. After a whole campaign with blond hair, brunette Madonna was back and up to her usual tricks, dancing about and ‘causing a commotion' in between clips from the movie. Critics had their knives out for the movie, in which Madonna played a kooky ex-con with sticky fingers but a heart of gold, but Madge just about pulls it off. As lead singles go, it may not be up there with Madonna 's finest, but it has a certain charm.
WHO DID IT BEAT? Madonna knocked Pet Shop Boys ' It's A Sin off the top. Almost 20 years later, they would remix Sorry for its single release. So no hard feelings, then. That's good.
CHART FACT: Who's That Girl was Madonna 's second chart-topper to spend just one week at Number 1. SALES: 350,000
11. American Pie (2000)
A long, long time ago… well, 1972 to be exact, Don McLean had a hit with the classic American Pie , which was so long it took up two sides of a 7” single (ask your mum). Madonna , for reasons that are unclear, decided to cover the song, but to make it all fit nicely onto one CD (ask your older sister) she edited the track considerably. Then-collaborator William Orbit added his signature swooshes and even Rupert Everett , Madonna 's co-star from movie The Next Best Thing, popped in to lay down some backing vocals and appear in the video.
WHO DID IT BEAT? American Pie knocked All Saints ' Pure Shores – another William Orbit production – off the top spot and left N Sync settling for Number 3 with Bye Bye Bye . Madonna would later go on to team up with N Sync 's Justin Timberlake on another Number 1…
CHART FACT: Don McLean 's version only got to Number 2.
SALES: 390,000
10. La Isla Bonita (1987)
Just before Who's That Girl came La Isla Bonita, a song which, legend has it, was originally written for Michael Jackson . Madonna got her hands on it first, however, and created a new anthem for anybody who wishes their holiday would go on for a bit longer – and she loves a Holiday does our Madge .
WHO DID IT BEAT? La Isla Bonita held off Judy Boucher 's boohoofest Can't Be With You Tonight .
CHART FACT: La Isla Bonita took four weeks to slowly climb from Number 5 to spend two weeks on the top spot. Not bad for a fifth and final single from an already huge-selling album, True Blue.
SALES: 410,000
9. Music (2000)
Madonna was a force to be reckoned with in late 2000, and enjoyed her second Number 1 of the year with this, the true lead single off her album Music. Although she had just given birth to her second child, Madonna went on a promo blitz for Music, performing a special concert in Brixton that was broadcast over the internet (more impressive then than it sounds now). The Mirwais -produced Art Of Noise -style romp went straight in at Number 1 and is a favourite of hers – she still performs it regularly. Hey Mr DJ, put a record on… is possibly one of her best opening lyrics.
WHO DID IT BEAT? Madonna knocked another dance classic off the summit – Spiller and Sophie Ellis–Bextor 's Groovejet slipped to Number 2.
CHART FACT: Music was deposed after just one week by A1 's cover of the A-ha chart-topper Take On Me.
SALES: 415,000
8. 4 Minutes (2008)
Madonna 's most recent chart-topper weighs in next, a duet with Justin Timberlake and featuring Timbaland in the background. It was the very first time a collaboration had hit Number 1 for Madonna – at that point she preferred to take centre-stage all by herself.
WHO DID SHE BEAT? Madonna nudged American Boy by Estelle off the top spot, taking five weeks to do it.
CHART FACT: It was the first time a Madonna Number 1 hadn't gone straight in at the top of charts since Vogue in 1990. It's also Madonna 's biggest selling download ever and spent a month at Number 1.
SALES: 500,000
7. Vogue (1990)
Perhaps one of Madonna 's signature tunes, she has learned to love again this massive hit from 1990, last performing it at her Superbowl Halftime Show in 2012. Vogue came seemingly out of nowhere after Madonna 's Like A Prayer album ended. Madonna was said to be in her ‘imperial phase' – she was just about the hugest star on the planet and was set to bare all in fly-on-the-wall movie about her Blond Ambition tour and star in movie Dick Tracy with then-boyfriend Warren Beatty . Soundtracking Madonna 's year of excess, Vogue was sophisticated, slowed-down house dripping in glamour. Featuring a rap that namedropped a host of ‘40s screen legends, Madonna 's place among them in the A-list was quickly secured.
WHO DID IT BEAT? Madonna Vogued her way to Number 1 at the expense of Snap 's The Power , which ran out of batteries and slid to runner-up spot after two weeks.
CHART FACT: Vogue was the 8th best selling single of 1990 and spent four weeks at Number 1 in April.
SALES: 515,000
EXTRA CHART FACT: If Beautiful Stranger had been a Number 1, it would have placed here on her sales countdown – 530,000 copies sold.
6. True Blue (1986)
Madonna 's third Number 1 was also the third single from the album it gave its name. True Blue was a huge success and its ‘60s-throwback title track saw Madonna at her most demure – something we wouldn't see again for quite a while. Written for her then-husband Sean Penn , Madonna seems to have airbrushed True Blue out of history – she hasn't performed it since 1987.
WHO DID IT BEAT? Five Star 's Rain Or Shine had to settle for second place that week, while the Communards ' Don't Leave Me This Way fell from the top to Number 3.
SALES: 540,000
5. Frozen (1998)
Returning to pop after a few years off starring in Evita and having her daughter Lourdes , the Madonna of 1997 was her most unusual reinvention yet. Part-Earth mother, part-trance goth and looking a bit like a witch (in the best possible way), Madonna released Frozen , a traditional Madge ballad with a twist, as the lead single from comeback album Ray of Light.
WHO DID IT BEAT? Frozen knocked Cornershop 's Brimful Of Asha off Number 1, and kept My Heart Will Go On at Number 2 for another week.
CHART FACT: Frozen was Madonna 's first Number 1 for eight years.
SALES: 545,000
4. Like A Prayer (1989)
She'd been away for a while, but in early 1989 Madonna made a dramatic comeback. It's not just her hair that had got dark – her sound was more serious too. Like A Prayer, a rousing gospel-influenced epic, caused instant controversy thanks to its video (pretty tame by 2014 standards, really) and was an instant classic. Even Madonna had to admit in an interview years later that Like A Prayer was “up there” when it came to her best work.
WHO DID SHE BEAT? Madge evicted Jason Donovan's Too Many Broken Hearts from Number 1. And just behind him was Donna Summer's This Time I Know It's For Real.
CHART FACT: Like A Prayer spent three weeks at Number 1 and was 11th best selling single of 1989.
SALES: 580,000
3. Hung Up (2005)
Into the Top 3 of Madonna's chart-toppers now, and this one came courtesy of a pretty big Abba sample. Coming after American Life, a fan-favourite album, but one which hadn't performed as well as previous albums. Madonna went back to basics and headed back to the discotheque with this storming global hit. Even though she was recovering from a rather nasty fall from a horse, Madonna really went for it in the video, even stopping off at the arcade to have a go at Dance Dance Revolution.
WHO DID SHE BEAT? It was bad news for Westlife – You Raise Me Up had to take a step down.
CHART FACT: Hung Up sampled Abba 's Gimme Gimme Gimme , which only made it to Number 3 in 1979.
SALES: 610,000
2. Papa Don't Preach (1986)
She'd been flirting with controversy since the very moment she first pulled on a pair of lace gloves and rolled around a gondola in Venice on Like A Virgin, but Madonna was straying into new territory with this tale of teenage pregnancy and a girl who was determined “I'm keepin' my baby”. Churches were outraged, prim aunties clutched their pearls… and everyone else rushed out to buy this amazing record immediately. It was Madonna 's first proper foray into pushing people's buttons and making everyone think, but certainly not her last. And, no, it wasn't her real dad in the video. And, yes, that Italians Do It Better T-shirt is still brilliant.
WHO DID SHE BEAT? Madge knocked Wham! 's Edge Of Heaven off the top.
CHART FACT: Papa Don't Preach was the 11th out of 35 consecutive Top 10 entries for Madonna between 1984 and 1994. 35!
SALES: 640,000
1. Into The Groove (1985)
“And you can dance… for inspiration…” So the biggest selling Madonna number one is the song that kicked off that impressive 13-strong run of chart-toppers. Released almost as an afterthought, Into The Groove was taken from the soundtrack of Madge 's first movie hit (and, er, last for quite for a while). Despite not having a proper video, and only being a B-side in the USA, Into The Groove is a Madonna classic that almost everyone knows the words to. Its success was perhaps helped by the fact that a) it didn't appear on Madonna 's Like A Virgin album until a hasty reissue once it hit Number 1 and b) Madonna was at the very height of her early popularity and c) it was amazing. Into The Groove spent pretty much all of August 1985 at Number 1 and was knocked off the top by UB40 and Chrissie Hynde 's cover of the Sonny & Cher classic I Got You Babe .
WHO DID SHE BEAT? Until Madonna came along throwing her pop weight around, Eurythmics were enjoying their first ever Number 1 with There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart) . It lasted at the top for just one week.
CHART FACT: Holiday was rereleased in July 1985 and peaked at Number 2, sitting right behind Into The Groove for one week. Into The Groove is also Madonna's best-selling single in the UK, spending 12 weeks in the Top 40, and selling…
SALES: 870,000
Official Charts Flashback: 30 years of Holiday, Madonna’s first Top 10 hit
Source: OfficialCharts.com - 8 February 20141984: A song called Holiday jets into the Top 10 for the very first time – but certainly not the last. Madonna's debut hit and signature song has been a Top 10 hit THREE times.
Can you remember a time before Madonna ? If you can't, and only know her as the global superstar she is now, there's every chance you won't know just how exciting, different and interesting this ragtag American singer with a kind of squeaky voice seemed when her ditty about skiving off work entered the Top 10 this week in 1984.
Sassy solo female singers were nothing new, of course and another young American lady named Cyndi Lauper was enjoying her first Top 10 hit with Girls Just Want To Have Fun a little further up the chart , but Madonna seemed to have something special from the start. Brutally honest and funny in interviews, her music was unashamedly poppy and devoted to having a good time and Holiday, now one of her most famous songs, perfectly encapsulated Madonna 's whole ethos: “Awww, just have a day off, it'll be fine”.
Watch Madonna perform Holiday on Top Of The Pops before we tell the story of her very first feelgood smash. The guy dancing to the left of her with the impressive sweatpatches is her brother Christopher.
Little did we know that behind those bright eyes and kind of half-hearted dancing there was an ambitious workaholic, who would stop at nothing until she achieved global domination and, well, it didn't take her very long.
Holiday had been in the Top 40 for three weeks before it finally clambered into the Top 10. It seemed odd that this happy, carefree record hadn't been released in the height of summer and when it peaked at Number 6, Madonna obviously decided that wasn't good enough – it was rereleased 18 months later covered in suntan lotion and in the height of Madonnamania , this time making it all the way to Number 2.
Holiday was Madonna's first Top 10 hit but her next two singles fared less well. Lucky Star landed at Number 14 and Borderline , a huge fan favourite, actually stalled at Number 56 first time round. That one usually comes up in pub quizzes – nobody can quite believe it wasn't an instant hit.
Perhaps sensing that plan for world domination couldn't be achieved by tracks from her debut, self-titled album, she moved on to the Like A Virgin era in November 1984, beginning a residency of the Official Singles Chart that would see every single she released for the next 10 years chart in the Top 10. Yes, all 35 of them. 35! The spell was finally broken by Take A Bow , one of her biggest hits in the US, which peaked at Number 16 in the UK.
Borderline would get another shot at the Top 10 in 1986, when it zoomed up to Number 2, coming at the end of a blitz of Madonna chart entries – eight within a year. She would have to wait until August 1985 for her first Number 1, Into The Groove. For one week, Holiday sat right behind it in Number 2. There'd be another 12 chart-toppers to come – check out how how Madonna's Number 1s measure up, as we count down to the biggest seller of them all !
After Madonna released her first greatest hits collection in late 1990, The Immaculate Collection (still one of the biggest selling albums in the UK of all time, fact fans), Holiday 's time had come once more. It was rereleased the following summer with some tunes that hadn't made the greatest hits and so had another crack at the Official Singles Chart. This time, it reached Number 5. Three goes at getting to the top spot is a pretty impressive run, and even more impressive to hit the Top 20 every time, but you've got to know when it's time to retire, and Holiday finally went on a very long chart vacation and hasn't been since.
Madonna 's not one for showing much affection for her old hits, but Holiday has fared better than most – she has performed it on all but one of her nine live tours. And you love it too: it is one of her biggest selling singles, shifting 795,000 copies in the UK.
Watch Madge – we can't believe we got the whole way through an article without calling her Madge until now – perform it on her Re-invention Tour in 2004. She's come a long way, hasn't she?
Madonna, Pussy Riot speak at human rights concert
Source: AP - 6 February 2014NEW YORK (AP) — Instead of singing, Madonna and Pussy Riot spoke with passion about human rights issues at a concert for Amnesty International.
Madonna told the crowd of thousands Wednesday night that she received death threats for standing up for Pussy Riot, a Russian protest punk band, when two of its members were arrested for hooliganism after staging a protest in a Russian church in 2012.
"The right to be free, to speak our minds, to have an opinion, to love who we want to love, to be who we are — do we have to fight for that?" the pop icon said, answering her own question with an expletive. "I've always considered myself a freedom fighter since the early '80s when I realized I had a voice and I could sing more than songs about being a material girl or feeling like a virgin. And I have definitely paid for and have been punished for speaking my mind and for sticking my neck out for this kind of discrimination. But that's OK."
At the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Madonna introduced Maria Alekhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, who were released from prison in December and made their first public appearance in the U.S. on Tuesday. They spoke through a translator at the "Bringing Human Rights Home" concert, telling the audience they were grateful to be free, but have to continue to fight to save others who are imprisoned.
Alekhina and Tolokonnikova, who wore T-shirts featuring cross designs Wednesday, thanked supporters for sending letters while they were in jail and Amnesty International for its mission to protect human rights.
"Thank you to all of those who are bold enough and who care enough to speak out against injustice and speak the truth," Alekhina said.
The Moscow-based group, which features nearly a dozen female musicians, has been critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin and political conditions in their homeland.
"Russia will be free!" they yelled along with the crowd before they exited the stage.
While Madonna and Pussy Riot didn't perform, the Flaming Lips and Yoko Ono closed the more than four-hour event, while Imagine Dragons were crowd favorites with their Grammy-winning hit, "Radioactive."
Lauryn Hill and Blondie earned cheers as they entered the stage. Hill kicked off her set — each act roughly performed three songs — with "Ready or Not" from her Fugees days, while Debbie Harry was a firecracker when she sang "One Way or Another" and "Call Me."
Amnesty International's "Bringing Human Rights Home" also included performances from Cake, the Fray, Bob Geldof, Tegan and Sara, Colbie Caillat and Cold War Kids. It is the organization's first concert since the "Human Rights Concerts" were held from 1986 to 1998, and included U2, Bruce Springsteen, Sting and Peter Gabriel.
Madonna teases her new 'Madonna Skin' project
5 February 2014
Madonna posted another selfie in her bathroom on her Instagram account, writing: "She's done for the day! Bath or Shower? #MDNASKIN"
It's the first time she refers to the project that was rumoured a while back with a mysterious billboard in Tokyo. Though it's still not sure what the project is actually about, the name "Madonna Skin" seems to refer to a beauty product, possibly skincare or lingerie.
Surely this is only the first teaser and we'll soon hear more.
Grammy Awards rock charts
Source: Billboard - 5 February 2014Notable re-entries on the Billboard 200 this week include Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life" and Madonna's The Immaculate Collection.
25-time Grammy winner Wonder joined Daft Punk for a medley of songs on the show, which included the "Songs" cut "Another Star." The album returns to the list for the first time in more than 30 years, re-entering at No. 99 with 4,000 sold (up 1,037%). It's the set's best sales week since Christmas of 1999.
As for Madonna, the diva assisted Macklemore & Ryan Lewis in their "Same Love" Grammy performance, by singing a few lines of her No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit Open Your Heart. The song, first released in 1986 on the True Blue album, is also featured on Madonna's first greatest hits album, The Immaculate Collection. The latter re-enters the Billboard 200 chart for the first time since 1993, as it returns at No. 153 with 3,000 (up 494%). It's the best sales frame for Immaculate since July of 2008.
Both Wonder and Madonna's albums also profit from a limited-time sale price in the Google Play store last week, where each title was briefly marked down to 99-cents for select consumers.
Belgian court decides Frozen is not plagiarism
Source: VRT; translation by Mad-Eyes - 4 February 2014
In 2005, the Belgian court of Bergen decided in favour of the unknown composer Salvatore Acquaviva who claimed that the 1998 song Frozen plagiarized part of his 70s song 'Ma Vie Fout Le Camp'. The decision was based on the vague assumptions that Madonna, who stayed in France for a while in the late 70s, could possibly have heard the song back then and could possibly have used it to compose her song almost 20 years later.
The absurd court decision meant that the song was never to be played on Belgian radio again, and that all recordings (including the Ray Of Light album and GHV2) were banned from record stores. In 2009, a special version of Celebration was released in Belgium, which omitted Frozen as well.
Yesterday, there was a new court hearing on the case after the involved record companies filed for rectification. This time the court decided against Acquaviva, saying that Frozen did not plagiarise his song.
However, it could still be a while before we hear Frozen on Belgian radio again, since the composer will probably appeal this decision again.
William Orbit posts The MySore Files
4 February 2014
William Orbit posted two soundwaves on his Facebook pages, labelled "The Mysore Files". These were made during the recording process of the Music album. You can recognize parts of what would later become the B-single Cyber-Raga. The out-take La Petite Jeune Fille, which leaked online a while back, was also a product of this session.
Madonna and Katy Perry stand up for LGBT Russians with #GayPropaganda
Source: The Advocate - 4 February 2014With the Sochi Olympics fast approaching, Katy Perry and Madonna have combined their star power to bring attention to the increased violence LGBT people in Russia are experiencing since the country's government passed legislation banning so-called gay propaganda .
Ending Perry's month-long guest curation of Madonna's Art for Freedom initiative — a global digital initiative committed to bringing awareness to human rights violations — she and Madge have premiered a new digital movement though a series of PSA videos proclaiming: (We Are) #GayPropaganda.
According to a recent press release, the new initiative “seeks to redefine ‘gay propaganda' by asking LGBT communities and their allies around the world: What does #GayPropaganda look like to you?”
Join the movement by uploading projects of your own to Artforfreedom.com, or spread the word through social media with the hashtag #GayPropaganda.
“I am so fortunate to have the freedom to express myself through music,” Perry said in a press release. “I believe that 2014 can be a year of great social change. Together we can all stand up for human rights. Join the conversation, and let your art be your voice.”
Watch the third video in the series, “The Peace Sign,” below, which was inspired by recent images of violence against the LGBT community in Russia.
Madonna donates money to Italy quake victims
Source: New West Newsleader - 4 February 2014LONDON (Reuters Life!) - U.S. pop star Madonna has donated a "substantial sum" to the victims of Monday's earthquake in central Italy, her London publicist said on Wednesday.
The 50-year-old singer's paternal grandparents lived in the village of Pacentro, close to where the earthquake struck killing 260 people, until 1919.
"I am happy to lend a helping hand to the town that my ancestors are from," Madonna said in a statement. "My heart goes out to the families that have lost loved ones or their homes."
The spokeswoman did not say how much money Madonna donated, but celebrity website People reported the sum was around $500,000.
Madonna video fest, symposium to be held in Bay City
Source: ABC12 - 4 February 2014BAY CITY (WJRT) - (02/03/14) - She's nothing short of a polarizing figure - who happens to be from Bay City. This week kicks off a big push to reconnect Madonna with her hometown.
"You love her or hate her. I don't think that everyone approves of what she's done, but you know what? So what. We're going to have fun," said Chris Girard, Bay County 6th Ward Commissioner.
That effort begins Saturday afternoon at the Bay County Historical Museum with a screening and discussion of the Material Girl's music videos.
"Starting out with Burning Up, the first video she ever produced, right through some classics like Material Girl, Like a Virgin," said Gary Johnson, Rock 'n' Roll historian.
Johnson hopes this will help to reignite Bay City's relationship with one of its most famous natives.
"We're lucky enough that she came from Bay City, and I'd like the city to take advantage of that," he said.
Johnson hopes that maybe this will lead to some of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer's personal memorabilia ending up in the museum.
"We would attract visitors from all over the world to Bay County, and there are a lot of economic possibilities," he said.
Speaking of those possibilities - Girard is putting together a Madonna festival for May 31.
"I've got to get my Vogue down. We're going to do things like bring people in that want to dress like Madonna, she's got a great following," he said.
The event will feature Madonna films at the State Theater, tribute artists, and a Madonna-themed tour around town - all while bringing in money for a variety of causes.
"We have programs at our organization Do-All that provide assistance, material assistance, so what better way to raise funds and raise awareness than to connect with the Material Girl," Girard said.
This year's inaugural Madonna festival in Bay City will be a one-day event, but organizers have some big hopes for what might develop down the road."
"Someday, we'll be able to have her here for this large, week-long event and she kicks it off. Who knows? You don't know unless you try, and that's what we're going to do. We're going to try."
The Madonna video fest and symposium begins at noon on Saturday. It's free, but seating at the Bay County Historical Museum is limited.
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