all about Madonna

I'm happy to announce that my new Madonna gallery is now online.
I'm still uploading images and I think there will be around 5000-6000 images until the end of February ...
When you're registered user you can upload images, post comments, rate pictures or send them as e-cards...
Enjoy your stay :)

Classic Queen tune Bohemian Rhapsody has been crowned Britain's greatest number one single ever in a new poll.
The song beat out offerings by Oasis, Kylie Minogue and Madonna to scoop the BBC Radio 1 honour yesterday following weeks of voting.
The survey was conducted to celebrate the 1,000th number one UK hit, which was achieved posthumously by Elvis Presley on 16 January.
source : contact music

To celebrate the 1000th number one single we asked you for your Greatest No.1.
We have a massive response with over 25,000 votes.
Here's who you voted the Greatest...
1. Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody
2. Iron Maiden - Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter
3. Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
4. Madonna - Like a Prayer
5. Madonna - Vogue
6. Elvis Presley - Jailhouse Rock
7. Oasis - Don't Look Back in Anger
8. Abba - Dancing Queen
9. Mariah Carey - Without You
10. John Lennon - Imagine
Madonna was the most voted for female artist with Like a Prayer at number 4, Vogue at number 5 and Music at number 21, as well as seven other songs receiving votes.
source : bbc.co.uk

According to Warner Music Portugal, April 4 is still the tentative International release date for the DVD... it is still uncertain that this will be the final date, but most probably will.
source : drownedmadonna

Pop superstar Madonna has turned down an offer from British comic Ricky Gervais to appear in his new TV comedy Extras.
Gervais, who starred in and created cult show The Office, has already landed homegrown actors Jude Law and Kate Winslet, while Hollywood stars Ben Stiller and Samuel L Jackson have also confirmed cameo appearances.
Each big name actor will be cast as themselves in their own episode of the new BBC comedy series, about film extras chasing their big break.
However, the Material Girl refuses to play herself and will only agree to appear in the show if a character is developed for her.
source : femalefirst

"American Bandstand" icon Dick Clark returned to his beachfront home Wednesday, more than seven weeks after what was described as a minor stroke. Clark, 75, was released from a Burbank hospital and will continue recuperating at his Malibu home, publicist Paul Shefrin said.
Clark was grateful for the many cards and letters he received during his hospital stay. "He was very touched by the outpouring of support, not only from the celebrity world but from the people on the streets of New York," Shefrin said.
For the first time in 32 years, Clark was unable to host his "New Year's Rockin' Eve" show from Times Square. Daytime talk show host Regis Philbin stood in while Clark watched from his hospital bed. During the broadcast, fans on the street held up "Get Well Dick" signs.
Madonna, John Travolta, Janet Jackson and other celebrities were shown on videotape expressing best wishes. Shefrin wouldn't discuss the impact of the stroke.
Clark produces the American Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards and Golden Globe Awards through his dick clark productions inc.
source : washingtonpost

Madonna.com is thrilled to announce the date of Madonna's appearance on Missy Elliott's The Road to Stardom. You can watch Madonna giving advice to aspiring singers on Wednesday February 18, 2005 8PM ET/PT on UPN. Click UPN.com for more information.

Reputable online DVD store Sendit.com (previously blackstar.co.uk) have just been given a release date of 04 April 2005 for the Re-Invention tour DVD in the UK.
source : madonnalicious

from Madonna.com : Iconers - You have been doing such a great job so far with these contests, that we decided it was time to make it a little harder . . . The Madonna.com front page has a new Classic Madonna Collection picture! Questions:
- Who took the picture and when?
- Which Madonna singles were released during the same period and that she both performed during the very same show?
- What was the name of this show and when was it broadcast for the first time?
Answer all of these questions correctly and you have a chance to win a Limited Edition Nobody Knows Me Book & an American Life Limited Edition CD with a poster inside & enhanced Cd with Madonna Extras!!!
Official Contest Rules
By entering or participating in the Icon Classic Madonna Collection Contest Part 3 (the "Contest") you agree to all of the following rules:
How to Enter: No purchase is necessary to enter the Contest. The Contest will be announced on the Madonna fan club web site. Members of the Madonna fan club may enter the Contest by clicking the online form or emailing their entries to icontest@moov-u.com. Please include in the "subject" line of the email: "Classic Madonna Collection Contest Part 3" In the body of the email include your full name, address, and member ID #, along with the entry. Any error or omission in the information in the entry will void the entry. All non-members may enter by mailing a 3" x 5" postcard containing the individual Contest name, which must be exact, your name, home address and telephone number or e-mail address and date of birth to Classic Madonna Collection Contest Part 3 c/o Musictoday, P.O. Box 1873 Charlottesville, VA 22903. On the postcard please include your entry. Any error or omission in the information on the card will void the entry. There is a limit of one (1) entry per person. If multiple entries are received from any person, only one entry can qualify to be chosen as a Winner. By participating, all entrants agree to abide by these Official Rules.
Eligibility: The Contest is open to members of the Madonna Fan Club, who are US residents and 16 years of age or older. Residents from other countries may not be eligible dependant upon the governing laws of their jurisdictional residence. This contest is void where prohibited by law. Proof of age may be required. Employees and affiliates of Madonna and Musictoday, Inc. members of such affiliates' immediate families or households are ineligible to participate in the Contest.
Prize Deadlines: All entries for the Contest must be received by midnight Eastern Time January 27, 2005. One (1) winner will be chosen by Madonna and/or Musictoday staff members and notified by January 31, 2005. The winner name will be posted on the Madonna fan club web site by January 31, 2005.
Winner Selection and Notification: The odds of winning are dependent upon the number of eligible entries received. The decisions of Madonna and Musictoday are final and binding in all matters relating to the Contest. Any attempted second entry shall be discarded and the entrant may be disqualified from the Contest at the discretion of Madonna and Musictoday. Entries are the property of Madonna and Musictoday and will not be returned. Winners will be notified by email. If a winner cannot be reached after a reasonable effort has been made, or if an entrant is found to be ineligible, an alternate winner may be selected. Winners will be selected from all eligible entries received. Winners may be required to sign and return a release and affidavit before claiming prize, at the discretion of Madonna and Musictoday.
Prizes: One selected winner of the "Classic Madonna Collection Contest Part 3" contest will win a merchandise package featuring one(1) Limited Edition Nobody Knows Me Book, one(1) Limited Edition American Life CD. Approximate retail value ("ARV"): $50.00. Prizes are not redeemable for cash or transferable. If the winner is unable to accept the prize for any reason, the winner will forfeit the prize and an alternate winner will be selected.
General Conditions: The Contest is void where and to the extent prohibited by law and is subject to all applicable laws, including, without limitation, federal, state, and local laws and regulations. In the event of non-compliance by any winner with the official rules of the Contest, an alternate winner may be selected. Prizes are non-transferable. Return of any prize or prize notification as undeliverable will result in a disqualification of the winner and an alternate winner may be selected. All prizes will be awarded. Except where legally prohibited, acceptance of any prize constitutes permission for Madonna and Musictoday to use each winner's name, photograph, likeness, voice, address (city and state) and testimonials, in printed, broadcast or other media, whether now known or hereafter developed, in perpetuity, in any manner it deems appropriate in connection with promoting this or any other Contest and/or promotion sponsored by it, without further compensation to the winner.
Releases: By participating, entrants agree that Madonna and Musictoday, and those involved in the development, production (including prize suppliers), implementation and distribution of the Contest and their respective parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, service providers, and agencies, and their directors, officers, agents, employees, attorneys, and any other person or entity associated with such entities and/or promotion (hereinafter collectively called "Promoters"), shall not be liable for any claims, damages, losses or injuries, including any third party claims, arising from or relating to, in whole or in part, the Contest, including entry and participation in the Contest and acceptance, possession, use or misuse of the prizes. Promoters shall not be liable for entries that are delayed, lost, misdirected, misdelivered, marked postage-due, illegible, mutilated, incorrect or incomplete, and such entries will not be eligible for the Contest. Promoters shall not be responsible for any technical malfunctions of any telephone network, computer on-line system, computer equipment or software; program malfunctions or other failures; delayed computer transactions or network connections; any errors of any kind, whether human, mechanical or electronic; or any combination thereof, including, without limitation, any injury or damage to the computer of any entrant or any other person related to or resulting from downloading any part of the Contest. Any person attempting to defraud or in any way tamper with the Contest will be ineligible for prizes and may be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Madonna and Musictoday reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to cancel or suspend a Contest should viruses, bugs or other causes beyond its control corrupt the proper administration or security of a Contest. Madonna and Musictoday reserve the right to modify the rules of the Contest in any way or at any time, as long as reasonable notice is given. All taxes on any prize won are the sole responsibility of each winner, including, without limitation, any federal, state, or local taxes, which may be deemed applicable in such winner's jurisdiction of residence. Each Contest shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States of America. By participating in this contest, entrants agree that the state and federal courts located in the Commonwealth of Virginia shall have jurisdiction over any dispute or litigation arising from or relating to this Contest and that venue for such litigation shall be only in the Circuit Court for the City of Richmond, Virginia, or the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division, or, at the election of Madonna or Musictoday, any dispute or claim of any kind will be resolved by binding arbitration, such arbitration to be held in Charlottesville, Virginia, and shall be held in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.
Rules/Winners List: A list of winner's names may be posted on the web of each drawing. To receive a copy of these Official Rules or the list of winners, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Madonna Fan Club Contests- Winners List, P. O. Box 1873, Charlottesville, VA 22903. Specify "winners list" or "rules" on your request. WA and VT residents may omit return postage.

Great Job on this contest, ICONERS! Madonna is pleased to announce the winner for the Classic Madonna Collection Contest #2 is Joni Barrowcliff.
source : madonna.com

Queen of Pop Madonna insisted on bringing her own lighting team with her while appearing on a BBC show, The Mirror claims.
Madonna appeared on a benefit show to raise money for victims of the Asian tsunami, but seemed to be more worried about her appearance.
"She insisted on her halo lights as they don't show as many wrinkles," a source told the Sunday Mirror. "Madonna dipped into her own pocket to pay for it."
source : digitalspy.co.uk

NBC raised more than $18 million for the American Red Cross to send to tsunami victims with its benefit broadcast last weekend, the network said Friday.
Individual NBC stations raised another $10 million through separate telethons, the network said. Stars donated their time and the $2 million in production costs were covered by a corporate sponsor.
Madonna sang "Imagine," and Elton John, Eric Clapton, Norah Jones, Maroon 5 and others all performed. Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, Johnny Depp and Ben Affleck were among the stars who took phone pledges.
The tsunami benefit, aired on NBC and its affiliated stations, struggled for viewer attention Saturday night. It was modeled after a similar benefit aired after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, which raised $130 million for victims.
source : sfgate.com

from drownedmadonna : Howard Stern Show has launched a contest.
You can win the $25,000 prize if you can have one of the following celebrities call into the show and speak with Howard Stern for at least 7 minutes: Jessica Simpson, Ashlee Simpson, Rush Limbaugh, Madonna, Michael Powell, Star Jones, Paris Hilton, Kobe Bryant, Osama Bin Laden, Michael Jackson, Kathie Lee Gifford, Farid Suleman, Richard Simmons, OJ Simpson, Sydney Simpson, Robert Blake, Jennifer Lopez.
Celebrities may also call the Howard Stern Show on their own behalf and talk to Howard Stern for a minimum of 7 minutes to win the Grand Prize or on the behalf of a Charity of their choice who will then receive the Grand Prize.
Visit HowardStern.com for more info.

Hip-hop producer Dr. Dre, R&B's Mary J. Blige and female rap artist Eve are being sued by Madonna's publishing company for copyright infringement regarding the song "˜Not Today' which featured on the official "˜Barbershop 2' soundtrack.
The track which was Dr Dre produced featured singer Blige and rapper Eve. The lawsuit is surprisingly coming from the people who own the rights to Madonna's "˜Holiday'. Even though the Madge track was made twenty odd years ago the lawyer's state the copyright has been breached.
Celebrity Justice has reported the publishing company claims the songs are just too similar, Judith Finell the top musicologist has compared them and declares, "Both the pitches and the rhythms sound closely related. I don't think they're identical, because Madonna's song is in what we call "˜major key' and Mary J Blige's song is in a minor key." Both parties had no comment on the matter. If the case goes to court the three music stars could face loosing up to $15 million to the plaintiffs.
source : thuglifearmy.com

A controversial Kabbalah Centre rabbi has relocated from London to Los Angeles and sources say Madonna may have had something to do with the move. Rabbi Eliyahu Yardeni has been under fire recently because of his comments that six million Jews died in the Holocaust because they didn't use Kabbalah. A source tells MSNBC.com that Madonna--who was close to Yardeni--was "instrumental" in getting him out of London, but even though the pop idol was "furious" about the rabbi's comments, the source insists he was moved for other reasons.
A spokesperson for Madonna said she didn't know if Yardeni's comments triggered the move, and that Madonna hasn't commented on the matter because she's been busy rehearsing and performing in the NBC Tsunami Telethon.
Yardeni made his comments about the Holocaust to a BBC television reporter who was working undercover on a story about the Centre. The secretly filmed report aired in the U.K. on January 13. Several high-profile celebrities have visited The Kabbalah Centres in London, L.A. and New York. The Centre teaches classes based on a branch of ancient Jewish mysticism, but Jewish religious leaders do not acknowledge the Centre as an authentic branch of Judaism.
In other news, Madonna was honored by the long-running BBC children's show Blue Peter recently. The singer received a Blue Peter badge for being on the program. Apparently, only five badges have been given out since the show's debut in 1958. Madonna is in good company--previous recipients of the badge are the Queen of England, Brad Pitt, Ralph Fiennes and Wallace And Gromit creator Nick Park.
In still other news, lawyers for Madonna are claiming that a song by Mary J. Blige on the soundtrack of the film Barbershop 2 is remarkably like Madonna's song "Holiday." Celebrity Justice reports that Madonna's publishers think the song "Not Today" featuring rapper Eve and produced by Dr. Dre has similar rhythms and harmonies.
source : launch

Madonna has picked a winner for the Classic Madonna Collection Contest #1! Click on the image bellow to see Steven Morgan's winning submission.

Here is the final confirmed tracklisting for Live@Roxy4 :
CD1: DJ Rooster & Sammy Peralta - Move Your Body / Suzanne Palmer - Sound Of the Drum / Psykofuk - Psykofuk / Decibel - I Like It / Avenue D - DO I Look Like A Slut ? / ATFC - Falldown / Pier Pressure - Want My Body / Sizequeen - Tribal Madness / Decibel - Might Wind / JOhnny Vicious - Bang 04 / The Transatlantins - Mysteriosa
CD2: K&S Project - The Music / Madonna - Mother & Father (exclusive) / FC Nond - Re Used / Altar - Sexercise / Robbie Rivera - Master Of Drums / David Morales - How Would You Feel / Spektrum - Kinda New /
Offer Nissim - That's The Way / Seal - Killer / Morillo - Waiting In The Dark / DJ Will Beats - Insanity
Release date (2xCD and 2xVinyl): 02/22/05

Britney Spearts has reportedly asked Madonna to be godmother to her not-yet-conceived firstborn.
The singer, who is said to be desperately trying for a baby with husband Kevin Federline, became a great friend of Madge after she introduced Britney to the mystic Jewish faith the Kabbalah over a year ago, reports the Femalefirst.
Britney has, since then called Madonna her pop idol and Madge too has been gifting the young star with lavish gifts including a 900-year-old Kabbalah book worth thousand of pounds.
source : ani

Madonna has had more looks than acting jobs, but like her abominable turns on the big screen, she keeps 'em coming.
Her new stint as couture model (for a cool $20 million!) is no exception. The Material Girl has materialized in fashion rags as a Versace-clad secretary - minus the typing. See Madonna seductively lick an envelope while wearing a skimpy halter dress! Watch as the card-carrying Kabbalah worshiper takes messages in gold-lame platform sandals!
The pop star's newest transformation might make you wonder Who's That Girl - Again. If you're Desperately Seeking Madonna, we've put together a reinvention timeline that would make even Lon Chaney break out in a sweat:
- Belly-Bearing Bride (circa 1984): Madonna sent shock waves through the country after moaning and groaning "Like a Virgin'' on the MTV stage clad in a barely there bridal gown, complete with bustier, garters and a whole lotta attitude. Second-graders promptly begged parents for lace gloves, crucifix accessories and half-shirts.
- Marilyn Monroe Redux (circa 1986): The star proved herself to be a True Blue fan of Monroe's, chopping and dyeing her hair and singing about teen pregnancy in "Papa Don't Preach.''
- Buff and Blonde (circa 1991): When Blonde Ambition took over, she went with a pumped-up version of the Marilyn look, especially with her newfound figure (weightlifting, anyone?), John Paul Gaultier bra cones and whip-worthy ponytail.
- Sex, Erotica and Bedtime Stories (circa 1993): The pop star goes a little bit porn, baring it all in her book "Sex,'' exploring S & M in her videos for "Erotica'' and holding naughty sleepovers to promote "Bedtime Stories.''
- Mum's the Word (circa 1998): She's not the mother of all mothers, but this Madonna left all fashion by the wayside, shirking sexy lingerie for sweats and newsboy caps.
- Blinded By the Ray of Kabbalah Light (circa 1999): She's a mother and a mystic, but that doesn't stop her from channeling a "Lord of the Rings''-type fashion sense. Red bracelets might be in, but Madge has been all black.
- Cowboy Up (circa 2000): Don't Tell the Rhinestone Cowgirl to lose the chaps. Madonna made snap shirts and 10-gallon hats stylish again.
- "The English Roses'' Prim and Proper (circa 2003): Hmmm . . . what should an author wear? I know! Tweed, glasses and shirts that actually button up to the bra!

by By Lauren Beckham Falcone
source : bostonherald.com

During Howard Stern's show on Tuesday, he played Neil Young's version of the John Lennon classic 'Imagine' comparing it to Madonna's recent performance on the tsunami telethon over the weekend of the same song. Stern said it means something when Neil Young sings it, adding that he got the chills listening to Young's version. He said he doesn't feel anything when Madonna performs it. He played Madonna's version and talked about how she's not a singer.
source : popdirt

Iconers - Great job on last weeks contest! Madonna is reviewing the submittals now and we will have a winner shortly. Are you ready for your next challenge? Madonna.com's intro page has a new pic!
Please send an email identifying the date that this picture was taken, including day, month and year.
You aren't done yet!
Who designed the dress Madonna was wearing on this special night?
One more question right and you could be picked as a winner!
Once you have identified this annual event, please name the other times Madonna has been a guest and if she has ever been honored.

E-mail your answer to icontest@moov-u.com before Thursday January 20th, 6.00 PM Pacific Time. Your email must also include your name, address and your valid ICON member number. Prize this week? A Girlie Show DVD & a Drowned World Tour DVD! Ready . . . Set . . . GO!!!!!!

Official Contest Rules
By entering or participating in the Icon Classic Madonna Collection Contest Part 2 (the "Contest") you agree to all of the following rules How to Enter: No purchase is necessary to enter the Contest. The Contest will be announced on the Madonna web site. Members of the Madonna fan club may enter the Contest by emailing their entries to icontest@moov-u.com. Please include in the "subject" line of the email: "Classic Madonna Collection Contest Part 2" In the body of the email include your full name, address, and member ID #, along with the entry. Any error or omission in the information in the entry will void the entry. All non-members may enter by mailing a 3" x 5" postcard containing the individual Contest name, which must be exact, your name, home address and telephone number or e-mail address and date of birth to Classic Madonna Collection Contest Part 1 c/o Musictoday, P.O. Box 1873 Charlottesville,VA 22903. On the postcard please include your entry. Any error or omission in the information on the card will void the entry. There is a limit of one (1) entry per person. If multiple entries are received from any person, only one entry can qualify to be chosen as a Winner. By participating, all entrants agree to abide by these Official Rules.
Eligibility: The Contest is open to members of the Madonna Fan Club, who are US residents and 16 years of age or older. Residents from other countries may not be eligible dependant upon the governing laws of their jurisdictional residence. This contest is void where prohibited by law. Proof of age may be required. Employees and affiliates of Madonna and Musictoday, Inc. members of such affiliates' immediate families or households are ineligible to participate in the Contest. Winners of the contest must already have tickets for the show.
Prize Deadlines: All entries for the Contest must be received by midnight Eastern Time January 20, 2005. One (1) winner will be chosen by Madonna and/or Musictoday staff members and notified by January 24, 2005. The winner name will be posted on the Madonna fan club web site by January 24, 2005.

Winner Selection and Notification: The odds of winning are dependent upon the number of eligible entries received. The decisions of Madonna and Musictoday are final and binding in all matters relating to the Contest. Any attempted second entry shall be discarded and the entrant may be disqualified from the Contest at the discretion of Madonna and Musictoday. Entries are the property of Madonna and Musictoday and will not be returned. Winners will be notified by email. If a winner cannot be reached after a reasonable effort has been made, or if an entrant is found to be ineligible, an alternate winner may be selected. Winners will be selected from all eligible entries received. Winners may be required to sign and return a release and affidavit before claiming prize, at the discretion of Madonna and Musictoday.
Prizes: One selected winner of the "Classic Madonna Collection Contest Part 2" contest will win a merchandise package featuring one(1) Drowned World Tour DVD(1) Girlie Show DVD. Approximate retail value ("ARV"): $40.00. Prizes are not redeemable for cash or transferable. If the winner is unable to accept the prize for any reason, the winner will forfeit the prize and an alternate winner will be selected.
General Conditions: The Contest is void where and to the extent prohibited by law and is subject to all applicable laws, including, without limitation, federal, state, and local laws and regulations. In the event of non-compliance by any winner with the official rules of the Contest, an alternate winner may be selected. Prizes are non-transferable. Return of any prize or prize notification as undeliverable will result in a disqualification of the winner and an alternate winner may be selected.
All prizes will be awarded. Except where legally prohibited, acceptance of any prize constitutes permission for Madonna and Musictoday to use each winner's name, photograph, likeness, voice, address (city and state) and testimonials, in printed, broadcast or other media, whether now known or hereafter developed, in perpetuity, in any manner it deems appropriate in connection with promoting this or any other Contest and/or promotion sponsored by it, without further compensation to the winner.
Releases: By participating, entrants agree that Madonna and Musictoday, and those involved in the development, production (including prize suppliers), implementation and distribution of the Contest and their respective parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, service providers, and agencies, and their directors, officers, agents, employees, attorneys, and any other person or entity associated with such entities and/or promotion (hereinafter collectively called "Promoters"), shall not be liable for any claims, damages, losses or injuries, including any third party claims, arising from or relating to, in whole or in part, the Contest, including entry and participation in the Contest and acceptance, possession, use or misuse of the prizes. Promoters shall not be liable for entries that are delayed, lost, misdirected, misdelivered, marked postage-due, illegible, mutilated, incorrect or incomplete, and such entries will not be eligible for the Contest. Promoters shall not be responsible for any technical malfunctions of any telephone network, computer on-line system, computer equipment or software; program malfunctions or other failures; delayed computer transactions or network connections; any errors of any kind, whether human, mechanical or electronic; or any combination thereof, including, without limitation, any injury or damage to the computer of any entrant or any other person related to or resulting from downloading any part of the Contest. Any person attempting to defraud or in any way tamper with the Contest will be ineligible for prizes and may be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Madonna and Musictoday reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to cancel or suspend a Contest should viruses, bugs or other causes beyond its control corrupt the proper administration or security of a Contest. Madonna and Musictoday reserve the right to modify the rules of the Contest in any way or at any time, as long as reasonable notice is given. All taxes on any prize won are the sole responsibility of each winner, including, without limitation, any federal, state, or local taxes, which may be deemed applicable in such winner's jurisdiction of residence. Each Contest shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States of America. By participating in this contest, entrants agree that the state and federal courts located in the Commonwealth of Virginia shall have jurisdiction over any dispute or litigation arising from or relating to this Contest and that venue for such litigation shall be only in the Circuit Court for the City of Richmond, Virginia, or the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division, or, at the election of Madonna or Musictoday, any dispute or claim of any kind will be resolved by binding arbitration, such arbitration to be held in Charlottesville, Virginia, and shall be held in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.
Rules/Winners List: A list of winner's names may be posted on the web of each drawing. To receive a copy of these Official Rules or the list of winners, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Madonna Fan Club Contests- Winners List, P. O. Box 1873, Charlottesville, VA 22903. Specify "winners list" or "rules" on your request. WA and VT residents may omit return postage.

source : madonna.com

Here's a small preview of their first magazine

Pop star Madonna has been given a coveted Blue Peter badge by the long running BBC children's TV show. Presenter Matt Barker interviewed the singer about her fourth children's book The Adventures of Adbi.
The interview will be shown on digital channel CBBC on Tuesday and on BBC One on Wednesday. Other famous Blue Peter badge-holders include the Queen, Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park and actors Brad Pitt and Joseph Fiennes.
Madonna's Blue Peter award came for her appearance on the programme and is the same honour bestowed upon viewers who contribute an idea to the show or appear as a guest.
Kabbalah faith
There are five Blue Peter badges in total. Others include a gold award for outstanding achievement, a silver award for a special contribution, a green award for conservation efforts and a competition badge.
Madonna's book is based on the Kabbalah faith which she has embraced in recent years, alongside husband Guy Ritchie.
In November Madonna gave a public reading to the launch the book on London's Oxford Street.
The illustrated story, part of a series of five tales, centres on Italian greyhound Lotsa de Casha, a wealthy dog who is still unhappy.
Blue Peter has been on air since 1958 and is screened five nights a week.

With Norah Jones singing "we're all in this thing together," movie and music stars contributed their talents for a hastily arranged benefit for tsunami victims televised live on Saturday.
The two-hour program aired on NBC Universal-owned stations, with all donations going to the American Red Cross International Response Fund.
"We have a choice," actor Clint Eastwood said. "We can either look away or we can help."
The benefit wasn't without a glitch: Singer John Mayer uttered an expletive that got on the air even though NBC was using a five-second delay to protect against such things.
Women had their choice of heartthrobs answering phones and taking pledges in the NBC Universal studios in Los Angeles: Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Affleck, Nicolas Cage, Johnny Depp, George Clooney, Tom Selleck and James Caan.
The concert was reminiscent of a similar benefit that ran on more than 30 television networks less than two weeks after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. That benefit raised nearly $130 million for that cause.
In an echo of that concert three years ago, Madonna sang John Lennon's "Imagine," dressed in a black dress. Singer Neil Young performed the same song at the 2001 benefit.
Actors told stories about the tsunami, and NBC showed pictures of the effects of the devastating waves and the agony of children left behind.
Morgan Freeman told of a 60-year-old man in Sri Lanka who survived for two weeks before being found by rescuers.
"Miracles do happen," he said. "You can be that miracle also."
While he was singing "Bold as Love," Mayer swore while backing away from the microphone during a guitar solo. The audio briefly cut out about a second or two after he had said it.
NBC spokeswoman Rebecca Marks acknowledged the incident and said NBC's standards people had been too slow on the button to remove it. She said it would be bleeped out when NBC showed the telethon by tape delay on the West Coast.
NBC is only two weeks removed from a New Year's Eve telecast where Motley Crue's Vince Neil swore while wishing bandmate Tommy Lee a happy New Year -- instigating a Federal Communications Commission investigation.
Appearing also was Fox News Channel commentator Bill O'Reilly, who had questioned on his show whether participating stars would follow through to see if the money made it to its intended beneficiaries. Clooney immediately challenged O'Reilly to do his part and participate.
When people are in trouble, "they turn to friends who become their lifeline," O'Reilly said. "Who are their friends? You are."
Gloria Estefan sang "There's Always Tomorrow," former Beach Boy Brian Wilson sang "Love and Mercy" and Lenny Kravitz sang "Let Love Rule." In pre-taped performances from London, Elton John sang "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" and Pink Floyd founder Roger Waters sang "Wish You Were Here," accompanied by Eric Clapton.
Viewers were continually urged to call 1-800-HELPNOW or log on to the Red Cross' Web site. Besides NBC, the program was carried on CNBC, MSNBC, USA, Bravo, Telemundo, Pax TV, Trio and the Sci-Fi Channel.
NBC said it had no immediate estimate on how much money was raised.
Sony's Connect music store will offer downloads of live performances from the concert, with proceeds going to the American Red Cross. SBC Communications is underwriting the commercial-free program.

Madonna has persuaded Britney spears to appear in the animated film version of her children's book The English Roses.
The Material Girl superstar pleaded with the Toxic singer to voice the story's heroine Binah - and Spears was eager to accept.
Madonna, 46, has also managed to secure the vocal skills of David Bowieand rapper Snoop Dogg for the big-budget movie, which will be produced by her husband Guy Ritchie.
The pop veteran herself will voice the Fairy Godmother in the tale of a girl - based on her eight-year-old daughter Lourdes - excluded by a group of schoolmates who are jealous of her beauty.
source : contactmusic

Madonna's status as an international icon of fashion, film and music is undisputed, and her signature hit, "Holiday," took the world by storm in 1983 and eventually became a classic.
Twenty years later, singer Mary J. Blige came out with "Not Today," with rapper Eve and produced by Dr. Dre. The song was featured in "Barbershop 2." But now Mary J, Eve, Dre and others connected to the song are being sued by the people who own the "Holiday" copyright, who think "Not Today" sounds a little too similar to Madonna's song.
In court documents, the publishing company claims "Not Today" contains several unequivocal points of duplication, including sections of the rhythm and much of the harmonic content. But are they singing the right tune?
Judith Finnell, a New York musicologist and expert witness on copyright infringement who, in the past 20 years, has testified for the likes of Michael Jackson and Julio Iglesias, compared the two songs for "CJ." "It sounds similar enough to bear further consideration," she observed. "Both the pitches and the rhythms sound closely related. I don't think they're identical, because Madonna's song is in what we call "˜major key' and Mary J Blige's song is in a minor key."
If this ever does go to a jury and jurors decide "Not Today" sounds significantly like "Holiday," the plaintiffs could win at least $15 million.
source : celebrityjustice.warnerbros.com

Mer Girl - Madonna Best Links, Click the image to visit site.

The webcast will stream live at the time of the event at 8PM EST, Saturday, January 15th and will be repeated at 8pm PST to coincide with the West Coast airing. Watch it on Yahoo and MSNBC.

Performances will be available for download on Sony Connect. In association with this event, Sony's Connect music store will offer exclusive downloads of live performances from the concert. All proceeds from download sales will be donated to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, and Sony Corporation of America will match the first $100,000 raised through domestic download sales. Downloads will be available at www.connect.com.

Madonna is to appear in a TV benefit show for victims of the Asian tsunami. She will record a performance at BBC TV Centre today. And she has dipped into her own pocket to pay the band that accompanied her on her recent world tour.
A source said: "Madonna wanted to do something to help."?
Her performance will be screened on Saturday night during a two-hour telethon on US network NBC. Madonna's involvement has led Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton and Elton John to volunteer. A broadcast after 9/11 raised £80million.
source : thesun

News that Madonna's role- playing has extended to embrace the sexy secretary should come as no surprise - we've all seen her effortlessly transform from virgin bride to siren, and from respectable wife to bespectacled mother. This latest incarnation is, on paper, rather more demure - and even passive - than most, however. Still, good old Madge is stepping in to the breach - or did she do it for the money? - in an attemptto reverse the fortunes of her old muckerina Donatella Versace, who hasn't had the easiest of times recently, both personally and professionally.
It's no secret that the house that Gianni Versace founded has struggled with the best of them over the past few years. Donatella Versace no longer shows at the biannual Parisian haute-couture, the jewel in fashion's crown, in a bid to redirect funds elsewhere. Similarly, the Versace monopoly on front-row celebrities and guest supermodel appearances is no longer - it was only a matter of time before the whippersnapper likes of Dolce& Gabbana would cotton on to this particular formula. Even the unashamedly flashy aesthetic for which Versace has always been famous has been exploited by more than a few other designers, Roberto Cavalli, to name just one.
It is heart-warming to note, then, that help is at hand. The March issues of the international fashion glossies will see the aforementioned World's Most Famous Woman starring in a Versace advertising campaign photographed by none other than Mario Testino, Madonna's and Donatella's old muckerino, neatly enough - the photographer shot Madonna for another Versace campaign 10 years ago now.
And it is a resounding return to high-camp, high-octane form. Here is the pop icon poised for dictation, pen and paper in hand. There she is chatting on the phone. The distinct impression is that there's no need for her to file her nails while she does so. Methinks this particular nine-to-fiver would have someone else to do that for her.
Because, Madonna being Madonna, the impression is not of a secretary as you or I might know one. Only very few of that profession are likely to write notes lying back on a pristine white day- bed, or lick envelopes lasciviously, kneeling, legs apart, on the equally white carpeted floor. That sort of behaviour is the preserve of a rather different profession, I think you'll find. Equally, not many women have so many fabulous handbags - one for every day of the week - just for carrying to the office.
And then there are the clothes: a draped jersey dress split almost to the crotch and gathered at the waist with a gold Medusa buckle; a signature loud and proud Versace shirt worn with skin-tight blue jeans or cream tailored trousers and, of course, the highest metallic strappy sandals. These are not feet that have ever touched the ground. Public transport is anathema to them.
In the world according to Donatella Versace, however, Madonna is doubtless wholly convincing. This is not surprising given that the designer herself can sometimes be seen with her hairdresser in tow, brushing those trademark platinum tresses as she walks. With this in mind, one can well imagine the two of them dreaming the whole thing up in a close woman-to-woman kind of a way, Madonna choking on the endless stream of Marlboro reds on which La Versace famously puffs away. The lady doesn't do Lights.
Whichever way you choose to look at it, their view of reality is hardly in line with that of the rest of us.
In the spring of 1998, just months after her brother died, I interviewed Donatella Versace in Gianni Versace's former home, a town house on the Upper Westside of Manhattan. On arrival I was let in by the butler and left to ponder for a while the wall-to-wall black marble, wall-to-wall Picassos, and the fountain just beyond a first set of French windows, in which rose petals had been lovingly scattered, as they would continue to be until the lady of the house departed for Milan. Ms Versace would be with me in just a moment, I was told. She was downstairs in the kitchen swapping recipes with a member of staff, as you do.
When she appeared - dressed in black jeans and T-shirt, and wearing diamond rings so huge that she couldn't bend her fingers - she was insistent that the main difference between herself and Gianni Versace was that she was a woman and therefore had an empathetic, even sisterly approach to clothing. She was, she insisted, very much the pragmatist. "I would like all women to be able to wear my clothes," this woman of the people claimed. And to Donatella Versace, Madonna might indeed serve as some kind of Everywoman.
"She relates to women of all ages," Versace said last week of her latest leading lady. Whatever she may be, however, Madonna is no secretary.
"Take a letter, Miss Ciccone. And take off those PVC handcuffs."
by Susannah Frankel

source : new zeland herald

(Playboy Interviewer) : How do you want to be called?
Madonna: Madonna ! Or you can call me the Queen of England. Some people call me Mrs. Ritchie (but she seems not liking that), People from Germany call me often "M" . I like this, it reminds me of Fritz Lang's movie "Metropolis"
I: You are a singer, actress and author of children books. What do you enjoy the most?
M: The most satisfying thing is creating live shows, I enjoy that even more than performing each evening on stage. I love to be the captain who is holding the whole team together. Also I enjoy writing, the stillness while doing it. On the other side writing music bores me. I've done this for a long time now. And what I don't like at all is being in a recording studio.I have to get in, but there are things far more exciting to do.
I: You said you could have avoided lots of pain and sorrow if you only knew the principles of the universe earlier. What does this mean?
M: These principles say: "All you are doing is coming back to you" it's a law of physics by Isaac Newton. He was also studying Kabbalah. Do you know this?
I: No.
M: He's a brilliant scientist. Kabbalah unites spirituality and science. Every action is causing a reaction. That's the science part, but it's happening in our human lives, too.If you do something wrong, it will come back to you. maybe in the next 5 minutes, maybe ten years later. But in the Kabbalah as well as in the quantenphysics there's no time, no space, you only see the beginning and the end.We all could live in a happier way, if we were following the rules of the universe.
I: And these rules you are following around the clock?
M: Exactly. I'm working on doing this each day. It Is an everlasting job.We should never stop to learn and to study.
I: Are you always following the principles of Kabbalah ?
M: Absolutely. We are all connected. If I lie to you, I'm lying to myself. If I'm hurting you I'm hurting myself. That's exactly what Jesus Christ is telling us: Love the other the way you love yourself!The problem is: You read it, go to church and on your way home you are cheating your wife. Studying Kabbalah gives you the tools against your animal nature.
I: Sounds interesting...And you are also studying the "72 names"?
M: Kabbalah has a system of numbers, mathematical wisdom and is in harmony with nature.
I Now it's getting confusing...
M: The whole world is based on numbers.If you talk with mathematics, astronoms or physics about numbers and the mathematical poesie of the universe, they'll tell you Kabbalah is an uniting science.
I Is Guy Ritchie also a fan of Kabbalah?
M: He loves it the way I do. Our whole family! The kids can visit the foundation Spirituality for Kids when school is over.
I: How do you explain terror and war? Where is the better world?
M: There are always 2 sides: Bad and good, darkness and light.There are lots of people on this planet connected to the darkness. It's our aim to change this. The way to fight the darkness is to turn on the light!
I: Will you ever write a novel?
M: I'm always reading novels, but I have not enough concentration to write one by myself.But I will never say never. I never wanted to be a singer.
I: Really?
M: I wanted to be a dancer.
I: Why did you become a singer? Accident?
M: There's no accident at all. You are walking down a street, turn around and know you'll be walking on the other side!
I: What can we expect next from the artist MADONNA?
M: I'm working on a musical, a movie. All is strictly secret. But I can tell you: It's going to be really cool.The shooting has already begun. I'm not only playing the leading role, but I'm also writing the music. Beside Jonas Akerlund did a documentary about my last tour, it's being on work right now and should be released in spring.

Madonna's husband Guy Ritchie revealed how he won over the Material Girl in an interview with Hello magazine. "We met at lunch. She was with her boyfriend and he was sulking, and they were a few seats down in the restaurant from where I was sitting and I thought, [bleeping bleep], it's Madonna. So I went up to her and made crap jokes," Ritchie explained. "I think I said: 'If you play your cards right, I'll put you in a movie.' She thought I was cocky and things went from there."
source : popdirt

A television benefit show for victims of the Asian tsunami featuring Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, Elton John and a string of Hollywood celebrities has run into controversy in the United States before a note has been played or a dollar pledged.
Fox TV conservative commentator Bill O'Reilly started the furor by suggesting that not all the money raised would aid tsunami victims.
Actor George Clooney, one of the organizers of the telethon scheduled for Saturday on NBC, hit back with a letter accusing O'Reilly of creating a fuss for his own personal gain.
"Because of it fewer people will donate money to help truly traumatized victims. they'll be afraid that their money will do no good," Clooney wrote.
He urged O'Reilly to take part as a presenter and followed up with a letter saying, "We're not playing games here, we're trying to save lives. It's as simple as this; you're either with this joint effort or against it."
O'Reilly said before making a decision he wanted to know more about the format of the benefit and how donations would be distributed.
He said he would be "watching to see if the money gets to the tsunami victims" and warned that the celebrities taking part "had better be involved all the way down the line."
The show is due be broadcast from studios in New York, Los Angeles and London, England to raise money for the work of the American Red Cross in the tsunami and earthquake devastated Indian Ocean region.
The broadcast, originally scheduled for one hour, has been extended to two hours.
Performers will include Diana Ross, Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, Annie Lennox and Brian Wilson. There will also be appearances by Actors Clint Eastwood, Halle Berry, Meg Ryan, Kevin Spacey and other stars.
"All the donations will go to support tsunami relief," said American Red Cross spokesman Darren Irby. He said the organization had raised about $160 million so far but expected it will need to spend around $400 million on the disaster.
A similar telecast carried by all four main U.S. networks after the Sept. 11 2001 attacks raised more than $150 million.
source : reuters

Meg Ryan, Clint Eastwood, Renee Zellweger, Ray Romano, Ben Affleck, Morgan Freeman and Robert Downey, Jr. have joined many already scheduled to appear on the live broadcast of NBC Universal's benefit special "Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope" airing on NBC, all NBC Universal cable platforms, Telemundo and PAX at 8:00pm on Saturday, January 15th.
Additionally, Elton John, Annie Lennox and Nelly are now scheduled to perform.
The special has expanded to two hours and all viewers will be encouraged to donate to the American Red Cross International Response Fund in support of tsunami relief through its website and donation hotline.
Clear Channel, NBC Universal's promotional partner on this special, begins their promotion tomorrow nationwide.

SATURDAY, 1/15 :

5:00 AM SUZE ORMAN SHOW
6:00 AM OUTSIDE THE BOX (1/2 HR.)
6:30 AM PAID PROGRAMMING
7:00 PM TIM RUSSERT
8:00 PM TSUNAMI AID: A CONCERT OF HOPE LIVE
10:00 PM TIM RUSSERT
11:00 PM TSUNAMI AID: A CONCERT OF HOPE RE-AIR
1:00 AM TIM RUSSERT
2:00 AM PAID PROGRAMMING
3:00 AM TSUNAMI AID: A CONCERT OF HOPE RE-AIR
source : nbc

from BBC : As we approach the 1000th number one single we'd like to know which one you think is the greatest. We'll use your choice to compile the top ten Greatest No.1 Singles of Radio 1 listeners which we'll announce later in the month.

The shortlist of nominees for the 2005 Meteor Ireland Music Awards has been announced, with the public eligible to vote in five of the categories. In total 16 awards will be presented at the awards ceremony which will be hosted by comedian Ed Byrne at The Point Theatre on Thursday 24 February 2005
The nominees for Best Live Performance Visiting Act are Franz Ferdinand, Killers, Madonna, Metallica, Pixies and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
source : drownedmadonna

Pop superstar Madonna has agreed to host a US TV benefit show to raise money for the American Red Cross's tsunami-relief efforts in south east Asia.
The Material Girl - who has been attacked for donating 10,000 bottles of Kabbalah Water to areas hit by the 26 December (04) tidal wave - will take part in American TV network NBC's Tsunami Relief Telethon on 15 January (05).
She will be joined by Dirrty singer Christina Aguilera, soul star Diana Ross, rockers Maroon 5 and actors including George Clooney, Kevin Spacey and Uma Thurman.
source : contactmusic

Tsunami Telethon will be aired on Saturday, January 15 on NBC, Bravo, CNBC, MSNBC, SCI FI, Telemundo, TRIO, and USA Network (8-9 p.m. ET)
In response to aid victims of the tsunami tragedy, NBC Universal Television Group will air a live benefit special across its broadcast and cable platforms on Saturday, January 15, 2005 at 8:00pm.
The hour-long, music and celebrity driven broadcast will air live to the East Coast, tape delayed on the West, on NBC, USA, Bravo, Trio, SCI FI, MSNBC and CNBC with phone lines remaining open throughout the evening.
Clear Channel has signed on as promotional partner and will promote the broadcast on their radio stations across the country. The special is being executive produced by Dave Broome of 25/7 Productions, Tony Eaton and Larry Kline of Tall Pony Productions.
source : nbc

Madonna is rumoured to have earned $10.3 million dollars for as the new face of Versace. The spring - summer campaign was shot by Mario Testino and styled by Brana Wolf.
The campaign has a theme of women in the office and centres on 4 images of Madonna in day and evening wear.
The 46-year-old star is a longstanding friend of Donatella Versace and is the latest in a long list of celebrities to promote fashion brands.
Donatella is quoted as describing Madonna as an icon and a friend of hers and her fashion house for many years and a natural choice to be the new face of Versace.
source : femalefirst.co.uk

Are you a member of Icon, Madonna's official fan club? Are you ready to prove you know Madonna more than anybody else? Our new Madonna Classic Collection contest series is made for you! Play along with Madonna's amazing career and win tons of cool goodies! This week, we have a Re-Invention package waiting for one lucky Iconer. The package includes one Re-Invention Tourbook, t-shirt and coffee mug. Are you ready to play with us? Here we go:
Check Madonna.com's link > current intro page. Can you see the Madonna quote included on her right? The question for you is: Where and when did Madonna say this quote for the very first time? If you have the answer to this question, don't think you're done! Now, your mission is to e-mail the name of this event to us along with at least one photo taken from the event where Madonna pronounced those words. The photo should be 1.000 pixels "tall" max and nothing above 200KB. E-mail both your answer and the photo to icontest@moov-u.com before Thursday January 13th, 6.00 PM Pacific Time. Your email must also include your name, address and your valid ICON member number.
Madonna herself will review all the valid entries and choose the winner. Good luck to you all!
For more info visit madonna.com.

More than a dozen musical acts have signed on to perform in NBC Universal's tsunami benefit special, which will raise money for the American Red Cross's relief efforts. Among those scheduled to perform in the special, titled "Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope," are Madonna, Sheryl Crow, Lenny Kravitz, Eric Clapton, Mary J. Blige, Kenny Chesney, Brian Wilson, India.Arie, John Mayer and Gloria Estefan. A number of other stars, including George Clooney, Usher, Halle Berry and Uma Thurman, are also set to appear.
The concert, airing at 8 p.m. ET Saturday (Jan. 15), will be broadcast on NBC and all its cable networks. The PAX network, which is partly owned by NBC, and Spanish-language broadcaster Telemundo will also air the benefit.
During the benefit, viewers will be directed to a phone number and web site for the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which is working to provide victims of the Dec. 26 disaster with food and water and to prevent disease in the areas hit by the tsunamis.
The Red Cross is at work on long-term aid efforts that include mental health counseling and disaster preparedness initiatives.
source : zap2it.com

Madonna.com will be celebrating Madonna's versatile career with a ongoing retrospective of images & quotes called the Classic Madonna Collection. Madonna.com will also be running fun trivia contests for ICON members, so stay tuned to Madonna.com News for more details on how to win cool prizes.

Madonna has played many roles in her long and lucrative career: virgin, pop star, actress, music mogul, sex symbol, fashion icon, yoga expert, feudal landlord, model-mother and tweeds-and-wellies country wife.
But a secretary? Even in the most up-market and stylish office, you are unlikely ever to hear the instruction: "Take a letter, Miss Ciccone."
Secretarial chic, however, is the latest image that Madonna - worth a conservative -227 million at last count - has chosen to promote for the new Versace advertising campaign.
As might be expected, she is no ordinary secretary. The Versace clothes she wears in just three of the photographs add up to GBP7,000 - not counting the watch - which probably represents a few months' take-home pay for a secretary in a fairly senior position.
Madonna's fee, by all accounts, is a "sizeable chunk" of the GBP10.6 million cost of the campaign - which may ease her disappointment over the sluggish performance of her most recent album, American Life.
Donatella Versace said yesterday: "She's the best in her field and she relates to women of all ages. She's got extraordinary personal style and has been a friend of mine and the house for many years."
source : telegraph.co.uk

Superstar Madonna has laughed off reports she renewed her wedding vows with husband Guy Ritchie after only four years of marriage. British newspaper THE SUN claimed the couple exchanged rings in a Kabbalah ceremony on their fourth wedding anniversary on 22 December (04) in their Wiltshire country estate in England. However, Madonna's spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg tells website The Scoop, "Mr and Mrs Ritchie spent their fourth wedding anniversary with 16 close friends at their country home. All these folks were at the wedding but I was not given names. "Madonna is working on her documentary film of the tour and Guy is working on his film. Just a normal working class couple. Ha ha." The singer and film-maker married in Skibo Castle near Dornoch, Scotland, in 2000 the day after their son Rocco was christened.
source : contactmusic

Italian fashion house Versace has confirmed US rock star Madonna will be the face of its new advertising campaign. The 46-year-old singer is a friend of Donatella Versace, the artistic director of the couture and luxury read-to-wear label. Fashion photographer Mario Testino will shoot the themed 'women in the office' campaign. The campaign will centre on four pictures of Madonna wearing day and evening wear.
"She's an icon," Donatella said in a magazine interview. "She is an innovator, a groundbreaker and the best in her field. She relates to women of all ages. She's got extraordinary personal style and has been a friend of mine and the house for many years." Madonna joins a long list of celebrities, including Nicole Kidman, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Uma Thurman, who have recently been pressed into service to promote perfumes or fashion brands.
source : abc

Movie star Sean Penn has no regrets about his brief marriage to Madonna and still thinks the pop superstar is a wonderful person. Now happily married to actress Robin Wright Penn, the Mystic River star admits he had a volatile relationship with the Material Girl - but he blames himself for its failure. He says, "It was a miserable marriage, but I like her a lot. It got me steps further and clearer into knowing what I wanted. I still had a lot of demon doors to go through. "I describe that marriage as loud... I don't recall having a single conversation in four years of marriage. I've talked to her a couple of times since, and there's a whole person there. I just didn't know it."

Madonna announced this month that she, too, is back in the studio during breaks from her photo shoots for an ad campaign promoting the spring Versace line. The woman responsible for unleashing the annoying Kabbalah trend is said to be working with William Orbit again, the producer behind her critically acclaimed and Grammy-winning "Ray of Light."?
According to the online rumor mill, she is also working with Depeche Mode's Martin Gore on new material. No official word on whether this is for a new album or part of the soundtrack for hubby Guy Ritchie's new film.
There's also the reported spring release of her "Reinvention"? tour on DVD to get fans through the cold winter months ahead.
source : southernvoice.com

Madonna has completed two tracks with Stuart Price they are titled "Haunted" and "If You Were Here". This is in no way confirmation that these tracks will appear on her pending album currently under the working title "Project 05", simply that the songs have been written and printed.
The collaboration with Missy Elliot was on a track titled "Cali Dreams" and is about the cost of fame. If the track is included, Madonna's only contribution are background vocals....this will NOT be a "Me Against The Music" type thing. It was rumoured to be called "Liquid Dreams".
Madonna has also reached out to an AMERICAN producer for her next album, tapping Emilio Estefan Jr. to crank out a demo for her. Madonna wants a latin track for her next album and is a big fan of Estefans work.
Also...talks for "Streets of Paris" are warming up some. However, word is that Cate Blanchett is also interested in the role Madonna has her eyeson...and Modino is no longer in the running to be director.

Madonna discusses her relationship with her father in the song "Haunted". The track which is a string sweeping ballad mixed with a slight Moroccan percussion. The tracks lyrics address her perception of her father while she was a child and now. It is almost as if the track Mother and Father from American Life was simply a jumping point for Madonna's theme of speaking about her father. Some of the lyrics are:
"And I'm haunted/by the visions in the grieving room/daddies working hard/never saw the clouded doom/eclipsing his broken heart"
The song "If You Were Here" is a hard bass driven dance track unlike anything Madge has recorded. The track is very techno acid but with a trip hop twist.
"If you were here/everything would be much easier/If you were here/Damn I'd be happier/If you/If you/If you were here"

source : drownedmadonna

Fellow songstress Madonna spent the holidays with her family in England, and now people are saying the original pop diva took time out to renew her vows -- but don't you believe it. Reps say that reports Madonna received a $190,000 dollar ring during a Kabbalah-based ceremony are untrue.
source : extratv

source : madonnamegacollection

Sandra Bullock and Leonardo DiCaprio were the first to step up to the plate.
Other A-list celebs are likely to follow with their own large-scale donations to tsunami relief efforts in Africa and Asia.
The American Red Cross said yesterday several celebrities already have made anonymous donations in response to the Dec. 26 disaster.
But most stars prefer to dish out their millions in the camera's eye.
"Hollywood is not a citadel of humility,'' said Los Angeles-based celebrity publicist Michael Goldman. "Very few people give anonymously, and even fewer give anonymously in Hollywood.''
The entertainment community is expected to generate international fund-raising buzz Jan. 15, when NBC and its sister networks air a prime-time relief telethon featuring "Sex and the City'' star Sarah Jessica Parker, singer Clay Aiken and "Will and Grace'' star Debra Messing.
Country singer Willie Nelson will headline a tsunami-relief benefit concert Sunday night at Austin Music Hall in Texas, and the 1985 African famine-relief benefit song "We Are the World'' is being revived for tsunami relief efforts in a new Chinese version featuring Jackie Chan, Andy Lau, Jacky Cheung and other top Hong Kong stars.
Earlier this week, Bullock donated $1 million to the American Red Cross. DiCaprio followed with an unspecified "large donation'' to UNICEF to help children in Thailand.
The "Miss Congeniality'' star impressed fans three years ago when she donated $1 million to Sept. 11 relief efforts along withJim Carrey, Rosie O'Donnell, Michael Jordan and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Topping that, Madonna, Julia Roberts and Britney Spears gave $2 million apiece for relief efforts after the terror attacks.
It's no secret that attaching a celebrity name gives a charity an immediate fund-raising boost.
Richard Gere, Aerosmith, Jane Fonda, Gloria Estefan, Peter Jennings and Robert Redford are just a few of the celebs who have created foundations named after themselves.
The most generous stars in Hollywood? Here's a few recently listed in BusinessWeek magazine:
Oprah Winfrey: The talk-show goddess is the only celeb who ranked on BusinessWeek's 2004 list of the nation's Top 50 most generous philanthropists, contributing $175 million to educational and other initiatives.
Steven Spielberg: The filmmaker's charitable giving now exceeds $96 million, including donations to children's initiatives and Jewish causes.
Michael J. Fox: Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1998, the "Spin City'' star has raised $50 million to fight the disease through his foundation.
Angelina Jolie: The "Alexander'' star recently donated $1 million to aid Afghan refugees, and pledged another $5 million to establish a wildlife sanctuary in Cambodia. Jolie gives a third of her income to charity, according to BusinessWeek, which didn't specify the annual dollar amount.
Bill Cosby: The legendary comedian has donated more than $20 million to educational causes, including numerous college endowments and scholarships.
source : bostonherald.com

Archived interviews with music legends including Madonna, John Lennon and Eric Clapton will be dusted off to help celebrate Radio Forth's 30th anniversary.
Bosses at the city-based broadcaster are planning to raid their vaults and showcase exclusive chats with some of the biggest names in show business.
Rod Stewart, Ozzy Osbourne, Sir Mick Jagger, Joan Collins and Liza Minnelli are some of the stars to have appeared on Radio Forth since it began broadcasting in January 1975. Station chiefs today unveiled plans to open the archives for the first time since the interviews were originally broadcast.
Among the station's other memorable guests are Billy Connolly, Sir Cliff Richard, Jon Bon Jovi, Kylie Minogue and Sir Paul McCartney.
Forth - which covers the whole of east-central Scotland - says it has been working for months to produce special features, programmes and promotions for the weeks leading up to the actual anniversary on January 22.
As well as the interviews, the station is to re-live the way it covered major news and sporting events over the last 30 years.
Former presenters such as Jay Crawford, Bill Barclay, Tom Steele and Alison Craig will be returning to the airwaves for guest appearances.
Steve Hamilton, the station's first on-air presenter, and Richard Findlay, the original programme controller, whose voice was the first to be heard on Forth, will also make comebacks.
Mr Findlay went on to head up Forth's parent company Scottish Radio Holdings.
Adam Findlay, managing director of Radio Forth, said: "There is no doubt at all that it is a major achievement for Radio Forth to hit this milestone.
"Forth was one of the first commercial radio stations to be launched in the UK and there are very few that are still going strong.
"We want to revisit a lot of the interviews Forth has carried out with celebrities over the years, as well as getting some of our best-known characters and personalities back on air.
"It's been great fun going back over the last 30 years and it's been a great project for everyone to get their teeth into."
The station has been divided between the FM and AM frequencies - now known as Forth2 and Forth One - since 1990.
It will also offer listeners the chance to play their own part in the celebrations by sharing their special memories of Forth on air. Major cash giveaways are also planned.
Bosses at the station - which has been based in Forth Street since its launch - are also planning to throw a major party for its 90-strong workforce.
Forth was launched with just GBP300,000 being spent to put the station together, including its newsreaders, DJs, administration staff and technicians.
A spokeswoman for Forth added: "While our researchers are piecing together the interviews and archives the one important piece of the Forth's history which is still missing is the memories of people living in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
"We're appealing for people to come forward with their memories of Forth from the past 30 years which will become a special part of the celebration programmes."
source : scotsman.com

Pop diva Madonna has renewed her wedding vows with film-maker husband Guy Ritchie at a secret ceremony four years after they tied the knot, the Sun newspaper reported on Tuesday.
They swapped rings and vows in a low-key Kabbalah-based ceremony at their Ashcombe country estate in Wiltshire, in the west of England, the popular tabloid said, quoting an unnamed source close to the couple.
"Christmas is a special time for them because they originally tied the knot on December 22 four years ago" at Skibo Castle in the Highlands of northern Scotland, the source was quoted as saying.
Ritchie (35) reportedly gave Madonna (46) a ring worth GBP100 000 ($190 000) from Parisian jeweler Fred, while Madonna reciprocated with a ring she ordered more than six months ago.
The Sun said the couple decided to renew their vows after a stressful year in which Ritchie put his career on hold to accompany Madonna on her 55-date international concert tour.
"Madonna and Guy are closer now than ever before," the Sun's source said.
source : iafrica.com

Madonna hits the #5 spot in a list of the 100 most successful recording artists of all time. The list, published by the Guinness British Hit Singles and Albums book, ranks artists according to how many weeks they have spent in the UK singles and albums charts. Madonna is also the only female act to make it into the top ten with a score of 1,653 weeks, right behind Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, The Beatles and Queen.
source : madonna.com

from Madonnalicious.com : On ABC in the US last night just before midnight a videotaped message from Madonna was played. Dick Clark, the popular U.S. personality who has hosted New Year's Eve for 32 years, suffered a stroke last month. Clark, of course, might be the first person to introduce the U.S. population to Madonna on his show American Bandstand in 1983 when Madonna announced I want to conquer the world. Regis Philbin, who was stepping in for Clark for New Year's, said he had a VERY special message for the hospitalized Dick Clark. Madonna filmed the message in London whilst recording The Early Show interview. Cut to Madonna's message:
Dick, I hope you're feeling better. We love you, we need you, we miss you, and get well soon. I'd like to wish you, and everyone watching tonight, a Happy New Year.

Who's that girl lazily tapping away on her computer keyboard?
The platinum blonde Barbie doll look-alike is none other than Queen of Pop Madonna in the latest Versace ad campaign. Devout Kabbalah convert Madge, 46, halted the shoot with celebrity snapper Mario Testino for half an hour to meditate and pray for a period of good fortune. And it seems to have paid off.
She will pocket a reported $10.5million for the campaign and will receive free Versace clothes for two years.
Ads are a lucrative sideline for Madonna. She has banked millions from deals with Gap, Pepsi and Max Factor.
Seems like the Material Girl has never been more in vogue!
source : sundaymail.co.uk

Much negative press has surrounded the pop star Madonna's embrace of the Kabbalah, an esoteric Jewish mystical practice dating back to medieval Spain. Prominent scholars of Jewish mysticism claim that as a Christian she has no business studying the Kabbalah, which traditionally is reserved for married Orthodox Jewish men over 40 who have parented at least one male and one female child.
Except for being married and having parented a son and a daughter, Madonna meets none of the other criteria for becoming a Kabbalist. I suggest that it is less because she is a Christian than it is because she is a woman that Madonna's Kabbalah is being pilloried.
Interestingly, all the scholars interviewed on the subject have been men. Rabbis, mostly. This is not to say that there aren't any female scholars or rabbis who practice and teach the Kabbalah, but their opinions about this important spiritual phenomenon have been largely ignored by the media. Indeed, I suspect that this is part of a general religious backlash against the women's movement, as evidenced most recently by the pope's denunciation of feminism as a "heresy" and the reelection of a Christian fundamentalist to the US presidency.
Given the enormous surge of interest in women's spirituality, one can hardly be surprised that male religious leaders are bristling at the scriptural interpretations of feminist theologians, not to mention more widely read pop culture icons like Dan Brown, whose bestselling novel, "The DaVinci Code," has generated global fascination with an ancient form of goddess worship purportedly banished from mainstream Judaism and Christianity.
In this context, Madonna's Kabbalah is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a widespread trend in the feminist revitalizing of Western religion.
Put another way, one could say that Madonna has injected an obscure, ailing form of patriarchal Jewish mysticism with a much needed dose of woman's chutzpah. Why is this so threatening to the religious establishment? Could it be because Madonna celebrates her sexuality and the pleasure of her body so openly? Or that, like the prophetess Miriam and her band of Israelite women, Madonna worships so joyfully, with song and dance rather than with weeping? Or could it be that Madonna is challenging the Kabbalists' patriarchal image of the ideal woman as chaste, humble, and modest?
Although Jewish mystics agree that the feminine "Shekhinah" provides the major entry to the experience of God, the Kabbalah has been closed to women for so long that many of today's Jewish feminists are abandoning the teachings of their male forebears and adapting traditional mystical practices in radical new ways for women. Role-breaker Aviva Cantor, for example, resurrects the legendary Lilith, Adam's first wife, banished by Yahweh from Eden for refusing to assume the missionary position in sex. Perhaps even more shocking than her demand for sexual equality, is the modern Lilith's invasion of sacred spaces that for centuries have been closed to "unclean women."
The practice of Kabbalah is especially problematic for men because it regards the Torah as the embodied "Shekhinah," the female aspect of the male Yahweh, and Kabbalistic meditations are dedicated to uniting the divine couple. Reenacting the ancient sacred marriage of the goddess and her consort, male Kabbalists visualize the sacred Hebrew letters of the Torah in the form of a mating couple when making love to their wives. Yet, while human female partners are indispensable to this practice of "cleaving to God," these meditations have never been open to women for fear they might reassert Lilith's confident demand "to be on top."
Clearly, Kabbalists like Madonna are changing all that.
By Perle Besserman
source : madonnanation/boston.com