all about Madonna

Like I'm Going to Tell You a Secret before it, The Confessions Tour is a CD/DVD souvenir set documenting a new millennium Madonna concert this time, a London show at Wembley supporting her 2005 neo-disco album, Confessions on a Dance Floor. Unlike Secret, whose centerpiece was a lengthy documentary, this is a straight-up live album with the DVD capturing a full 21-song set and the CD culling 13 highlights from the set, a whopping eight of them from Confessions ("Sorry" and "Sorry [Remix]" counted separately since they are, after all, indexed separately here). Even if the newer songs don't sound radically different from their album incarnations they're either delivered straight or puffed out like extended 12" remixes the handful of oldies that do show up here are given disco makeovers: "Like a Virgin" pulses with electro keyboards; "Lucky Star" eventually gives away to the ABBA sample that drives "Hung Up." This helps give the CD on The Confessions Tour a sonic cohesion that's about as stylized and chilly and its accompanying album the unity means it holds together, yet that icy reserve means it's not all that much fun to hear, even if the reinterpretations of the 20-year-old hits are interesting. The DVD doesn't feel as cold thanks entirely to the pizzazz of the visuals and the determined efficiency of the show, but even so, this is primarily of interest to the diehards who don't mind purchasing another live CD/DVD set just a year after the first.

The world can't get enough of Madonna, and with CD/DVD sets like The Confessions Tour dropping regularly, it's little wonder why. As a thrower of fantasy dance parties, she is peerless. As a physical role model for the 40-ish women who grew up on her music, she rules. And as an arbiter of what's going to sound shockingly original in any given decade--well, duh. The Confessions Tour rounds up songs from way back--"Ray of Light" and "La Isla Bonita" make the DVD, and "Lucky Star" and "Like a Virgin" are on the CD as well as the DVD--but this concert, filmed in 2006 at London's Wembley Arena, aims its sturdiest spotlight on Confessions on a Dance Floor, Madge's 2005 disco disc. You could argue, then, that unless you're in it for the sheer DVD spectacle (and what a spectacle it is), there's no sense in owning this package. Only you wouldn't be right. Because as any on-the-ball Madonna fan knows, what she's doing musically is telling a story--you may already know the characters, but that doesn't mean she hasn't completely reworked the plot. To that end, "I Love New York" gets its rock on, "Let It Will Be" has a musical temper tantrum, and "Hung Up" goes for the drama queen award. You've heard these songs before, but you've never heard them quite like this, to borrow a bad informercial phrase. As twisted and hopped-up as they've become, they're all worth getting to know again. --Tammy La Gorce

Over her 25-year career, Madonna has gone on a remarkable seven world tours, each one with its own unique qualities.

On her most recent Confessions Tour, which danced its way through the United States last summer, Madonna proved that she may be a middle-aged mother, but she is just as talented as when she first started, if not more so. The Confessions Tour was arguably her best to date, so it is quite a treat to have the whole show captured forever on DVD and CD.

The show itself is spectacular. Singing many hits from her strong "Confessions on a Dance Floor" album, as well as some older goodies, Madonna wows the audience with her non-stop energy and incredible dancing. For those who saw the show in its crudely edited form on NBC in November, the version included on the DVD is completely uncensored.

One can finally see the much-talked-about song Madonna sings on a cross, which NBC was pressured into not showing; however, the message behind the spectacle, which involved helping AIDS-stricken African orphans, is apparent when watching the DVD.

Also absent from the NBC broadcast and included on the DVD are a controversial interlude involving current politicians, as well as three additional songs.

While the show itself may be close to perfect, one may not think so from just watching the DVD. The DVD's director, Jonas �kerlund, is best known for directing music videos, including many of Madonna's.

�kerlund's expertise, unfortunately, seems to have influenced him to capture the show more like a music video than a live concert. Often the background screens are brought into the forefront or sliced into shots of Madonna and her dancers.

Such effects may be appropriate for a music video, but then take away from the live and palpable feel of a concert and only add unnecessary distractions.

The extras on the DVD include a photo gallery and some rehearsal footage, which can be interesting for major fans but boring for others. Perhaps rehearsal as well as behind the scene footage during the actual tour itself may have been a bit more enticing.

The Confessions Tour DVD also comes with a live CD of half the show. It is a bit baffling why Madonna did not just include a second CD so that fans could have the whole concert on CD.

The choice of some of the songs that are included are a bit odd as well, such as the spoken dancer interlude titled "Confessions," which is somewhat boring when just listening to the audio. With only half the show on CD, the space could have been better utilized with another song.

Sure, the Confessions Tour DVD/CD set has some blemishes, but the show itself is so sublime that it may be worth it to overlook those flaws. Especially since Madonna's last outing, the Re-Invention Tour, was never released in full, fans are happy to have this tour on DVD at all.

Amsterdam prosecutors said Monday they had decided not to press charges against US singer Madonna for blasphemy in relation to a concert she gave in the Dutch capital in September.
The youth wing of the orthodox Christian SGP had applied for the singer to be charged.
A scene in her act in which Madonna wears a crown of thorns and is raised on a cross during the song Live to Tell caused offence across Europe during a tour last year.
Prosecutors said, however, that the scene reflected Madonna's "disappointment and frustration over certain events in the world" and did not qualify as a punishable act.
Madonna has always maintained that the song is a call for people to show greater humanity to each other.

source : dpa

I've never had much desire to see Madonna in concert, but The Confessions Tour has changed my mind. The new CD/DVD combo is stuffed with so many unintentional moments of spit-take comedy and high camp that it may well have been worth $350 a ticket to see the show after all.
What's the finest moment? The crucifixion and crown of thorns (complete with dangling red crystal droplets of "blood") during Live To Tell? The guitar-hero moments as Madonna pantomimes some radical shredding on a black Stratocaster, grabbing chords that don't exist? The John Travolta/Saturday Night Fever-style dance-off? Or the repeated "rebel" gestures to the crowd as if she's just discovered she has a middle finger?
One is reminded of the old joke that the only thing actually "live" on a live album is the applause. So with Madonna's heavy use of backing tracks and rather transparent, er, "vocal enhancement," one wonders just how much singing and playing was done at this show. For some songs she's not on the stage at all, with prerecorded video and dance routines covering for her endless costume changes.
The 13-song CD is almost an afterthought. The best songs here, including Live To Tell and Ray of Light, appear only among the DVD's 21 cuts. You also have the obligatory behind-the-scenes footage, where buff twentysomething dancers swear that Madge dances circles around them.
The comedy just doesn't end.

She arrives by giant disco ball, which opens like a glittery spaceship. Out steps Madonna, done up as a horsewoman, to whip up excitement at London's Wembley Arena.

She earns the adulation in Madonna: The Confessions Tour. The DVD, which will be out Tuesday, serves as an important reminder. Madonna may make headlines for controversies, from adopting an African boy to hanging from a cross in the concert. She may keep reinventing her image to stay in the public eye.

Yet what matters most is that Madonna remains an electrifying entertainer, a determined singer and a tireless dancer.

NBC edited that "Live to Tell" segment, which Madonna performed on a cross, when the network aired this special in November. She could be seen wearing a crown of thorns as she issued a heartfelt plea to remember the 12 million African children made orphans by AIDS. The concert quotes the Bible to reinforce that plea.

NBC did her a favor, actually, because "Live to Tell" takes a splashy show in a jarring, serious direction. The DVD allows you to judge for yourself by giving you Madonna uncensored.

The special, shot with 15 cameras, provides an eye-popping record of two concerts from August. Madonna's razzle-dazzle showmanship echoes Cecil B. DeMille, Bob Fosse and even Steven Spielberg.

You want a light show? Madonna gives you one on "Future Lovers," which opens the concert, and another on "Ray of Light." Her pride in her dancers comes through in the showcases "Jump," "Sorry" and "Hung Up," the rousing finale.

Fans should be dazzled by the mix of videos, lighting and dancing. Maybe she'll win a few new admirers.

In the end, this concert DVD buttresses her status as the hardest-working woman in show business.

In recent months, Madonna has appeared in a world tour, released an album, voiced a role in a movie and begun the process of adopting an African child.
So when asked by reports at the London premiere of her latest film, Arthur and the Invisibles, if she planned to retire anytime soon, she responded with a smile - and a resounding: "Absolutely not!"
But the singer, who voices a character in the animated Invisibles, showed that family is her top priority. Leaving 15-month old Malawian youngster David snoozing at home, Madonna, walked hand in hand with husband Guy Ritchie and kids Lourdes, 10, and Rocco, 6.
Madonna and Ritchie, who have shot down rumors of a rift in their marriage, got cozy together to pose for family pictures. Madonna, clad in a Dolce & Gabbana coat and knee-high Stella McCartney boots, also stopped to sign autographs for fans.
When asked by reporters what she had coming up next in her busy career, the multi-hyphenated star answered: "H&M," referring to her "M by Madonna" line with the global fashion chain, which launches in stores worldwide March 25.
Also on deck for the singer is the release of her special edition CD/DVD The Confessions Tour on Jan. 29. The DVD, filmed during her eight-night stint at London's Wembley Arena last year, includes the controversial crucifixion scene that excluded from the NBC special that aired last November.

source : people.com

1 Rolling Stones - 150.6 million dollars (£76.5 million)
2 Tim McGraw/Faith Hill - 132 million dollars (£67.1 million)
3 Rascal Flatts - 110.5 million dollars (£56.1 million)
4 Madonna - 96.8 million dollars (£49.1 million)
5 Barbra Streisand - 95.8 million dollars ( 48.6 million)
6 Kenny Chesney - 90.1 million dollars (£45.7 million)
7 Celine Dion - 85.2 million dollars (£43.3 million)
8 Bon Jovi - 77.5 million dollars (£39.3 million)
9 Nickelback - 74.1 million dollars (£37.6 million)
10 Dave Matthews Band - 60.4 million dollars (£30.5 million)

source: thisislondon

It was almost a full family affair when Madonna arrived at the premiere of her new film.
The Queen of Pop was flanked by director husband Guy Ritchie and their two excited children, Lourdes, 10, and Rocco, six, at the event.
But little David Banda, whose adoption from Malawi caused controversy after Madonna was accused of using her international stature to speed up the process, stayed at home "sleeping".
She said: "It was great fun. I got to voice the character while sitting there in my tracksuit."
Asked what attracted her most to the character, pop's most powerful woman answered: "I like how tough she is and that she knows how to use a sword."
She said of the film: "I like the fact that the good guys win in the end."
Asked how 15-month-old David was, she replied: "He's wonderful thank you. He's sleeping."
Madonna, wrapped up from the cold in a Dolce & Gabbana black coat with bronze buttons and heels designed by her friend Stella McCartney, spent 20 minutes outside the Leicester Square cinema where fans waited to see her.
Teenage star Freddie Highmore, who plays Arthur in Arthur and The Invisibles, was also at the screening. "I like to say I'm a normal kid, but then if I say that people say it's not very normal to fly around the world to make films." He added: "Everyone says Madonna is very nice, hopefully I'll get to meet her later."
The film is directed by Luc Besson, who joked: "Freddie is a genius, you are very lucky to have him and David Beckham.
"But you don't have Beckham any more. You exchanged him for Madonna and you won, although she doesn't play football."
He confirmed that he did not want to make any more films saying: "Ten films is enough. I've been in this business for 30 years. It's a long time."

source : The Daily Mail.

Madonna must be seen as well as heard, as the video portion of The Confessions Tour Live From London's CD/DVD combo proves. Whether emerging from a giant disco ball in an equestrian getup or hanging from a crucifix no other performer has her knack for turning arena concerts into performance-art spectacle Madge displays her genius for eye-popping (and scandal-seeking) tableaux. The CD is less engrossing, but it makes a good case for the 2005 Confessions... album even the woozy Kabbalah anthem ''Isaac'' holds up with Madge's best. B+

Several gossip Web sites reported the comments beneath headlines and lead paragraphs that said that Irish actor Liam Neeson had criticized Madonna's adoption of an African boy. Neeson threatenes to sue gossip Web sites over the reports.
"In response to totally unfounded allegations recently published on the Internet that I had criticized Madonna's decision to adopt an African child, I wish to make it absolutely clear that I have not at any stage sought to criticize or pass judgment on Madonna's decision," Neeson said in a statement supplied by his Belfast lawyer to The Associated Press.
"Indeed I did not even mention her name, and most certainly was not intending to refer to her, during the course of the interview which has been so blatantly distorted," Neeson said.
source : ap

She's sold over 200 million albums worldwide, won seven grammy awards, and is the highest earning female singer of all time. But even Madonna had to start somewhere. In this exclusive WOW TV clip, Madonna is filmed during her first-ever live performance.
The clip is featured on the WOW TV No Entiendes channel, a large archive of filmed performances from legendary doorman and club promoter Haoui Montaug's talent shows at New York's Danceteria in the 1980s. There's no grand entrance from a giant mirrorball, just a shabby red curtain pulled to one side by Montaug. There's no tightly choreographed dance troupe, just three mismatched dancers who look like they rehearsed in someone's kitchen. But there's no mistaking that Madonna, with her spunky persona, funky moves, and earnest voice, is already on her way to bigger and better things as she performs "Everybody." And just what is that glare we see the singer throw back at the dancers towards the end of the song? Is this clip also witness to the birth of Madonna the short-tempered diva?
WOW TV proudly presents the world premiere of Sire Recording artist Madonna, singing "Everybody" at Haoui Montaug's No Entiendes (1982).

Click here to watch this video.

English director Guy Ritchie is venturing into television with "Suspects," an ABC drama pilot that he will direct and executive produce.
"Suspects" is a procedural crime drama that tells the story of each suspect in a recently committed crime until the truth about which one of them committed the crime is revealed.
Ritchie is best known for writing and directing "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" and "Snatch," as well as the infamous remake of "Swept Away," starring his wife, Madonna.

Her Madge releases a live album, The Confessions Tour, on January 29. Where to next for the queen of controversy and reinvention? It's anyone's guess. As this top 10 demonstrates, she has covered a lot of bases, but key principles remain at the core of her work: attitude, danceability, savvy, elusiveness and tunes to die for.

1 Cherish - Quite simply one of the greatest pop songs ever. "Romeo and Juliet, they never felt this way, I bet", indeed.
2 Papa Don't Preach - Her best vocal, and the most musically rewarding of her early songs.
3 Material Girl - The defining anthem of the greed-is-good decade?
4 Vogue - Did anyone ever master the dance steps? Maybe not, but we sang along all the same.
5 Into the Groove - The moment when, with the Desperately Seeking Susan tie-in, she went stratospheric.
6 Like a Prayer - The video was condemned as blasphemous, overshadowing this hair-raisingly good song.
7 Ray of Light - Always at her best when written off, Madonna discovered rave here, and blazed back into contention.
8 Borderline - Impossibly addictive 1980s electro, back when she pretty much owned the genre.
9 Music - A return to her dancefloor roots reductive, in your face, unmistakable.
10 Like a Virgin - A helium-voiced come-on, touching the world for the very first time.

Source: The Times.

International Album of the Year
Christina Aguilera

International Female Artist of the Year
Christina Aguilera

3 Pictures - Madonna leaving the gym in London (January 18 2007) - are added to the gallery.

1. Oprah Winfrey
2. J.K. Rowling
3. Martha Stewart
4. Madonna
5. Celine Dion
6. Mariah Carey
7. Janet Jackson
8. Julia Roberts
9. Jennifer Lopez
10. Jennifer Aniston
11. The Olsen Twins
12. Britney Spears
13. Judge Judy
14. Sandra Bullock
15. Cameron Diaz
16. Gisele Bundchen
17. Ellen DeGeneres
18. Nicole Kidman
19. Christina Aguilera
20. Renee Zellweger

Madonna
Rank: 4
Net Worth (in $ millions): 325
Age: 48
Marital Status: married
Kids: 3
Source: music

She could have easily disappeared into pop obscurity like the other frothy pop tartlets (Cyndi Lauper, Neneh Cherry) who came to fame on nascent MTV in the early 1980s. But Madonna's masterful manipulation of her image and the press, combined with an astute business sense, have crowned her as one of entertainment's wealthiest and most enduring acts. While her albums don't sell like they used to, her concerts still set attendance records all over the world, grossing $1 billion over the course of her 20-year career. The Material Girl's portfolio is also crammed with expensive items like contemporary art, real estate and a wardrobe of no small historical significance.

source : forbes

Golden Globe winner Dame Helen Mirren finds Madonna's controversial 1992 Sex book inspirational - and admits she holds the star's outspoken sexual views in high regard.
Sixty-one-year-old Mirren, whose reputation for stripping off in films often obscured her acting ability, insists she hated having to play a certain type of 'sexy female' in the past - but admires Madonna's 'fantastic' and unique grasp of her sexual self.
She says, 'The thing that was imposed on me from the outside was crude and vulgar and distressful to me, and disturbing - that big t**s, blonde hair, Diana Dors, blowsy kind of thing. (But) I think Madonna got it right. Madonna claimed it for herself, and I've always admired her for that. I loved that Sex book she did. I thought it was fantastic, because it was a big two fingers up, 'This is my sexuality, it's not what you put on me, it's mine.'
source : contactmusic

Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone Ritchie is a dynamic entrepreneur who has succeeded in a competitive industry. How has Madonna achieved her success? And why should we care? Because the five dimensions of her successful strategy are equally important to success in the business world.
Vision. One of the most important drivers of Madonna's success has been her vision, held since high school, of becoming the world's foremost female performer. Firms too must have a vision of where they want to go and how to get there. Similarly, managers who are unsure of their career goals frequently miss opportunities.
Understanding customers and industry. It is clear that Madonna's successes have been underpinned by a deep and insightful appreciation of her customers and understanding of the music industry. Madonna was one of the world's first artists to bring the focus-group approach to the music industry. In mid-2005 she partnered with DJ and producer Stuart Price to test tunes (without vocals) in clubs from Liverpool to Ibiza. The reaction of the dancers was filmed and used to determine the tracks for Confessions on a Dance Floor. She has also realised the need to partner with the key industry players such as MTV and is a skilled self-publicist. To get ahead in an increasingly competitive and global world, companies must also develop a keen understanding of their customers and industries.
Leveraging competences, addressing weaknesses. Another important element in Madonna's success has been her ability to acknowledge her own competences and weaknesses. Very early in her career Madonna realised that neither her dancing nor voice were strong enough on their own, so she teamed up with people who could help her, including Michael Jackson's manager, Freddie de Mann. Similarly, companies and managers need to think about developing the skills and contacts that they need to ensure future success.
Consistent implementation. Madonna isn't the product of any music company her success is down to sheer hard work. Most of her entertainment interests have been owned or operated by her own companies. Likewise in industry, compiling strategy or setting targets is easy, the difficulty is in implementation.
Continuous renewal. The frequent reinvention of Madonna's style and sound has reflected an acute awareness of changing styles, social norms and attitudes in a rapidly changing industry. Likewise companies and individuals who are one-trick ponies can expect market or career derailment unless they are able to renew and reinvent themselves.
This is a precis of Entrepreneurs on a Dance Floor, by Jamie Anderson and Martin Kupp, in the London Business School magazine Business Strategy Review (Winter)

source : The Times

4 Pictures - Madonna leaving the gym in London (January 17 2007) - are added to the gallery.

10 Pictures - Madonna with Guy Ritchie on a dinner date with Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow (January 16 2007) - are added to the gallery.

3 Pictures - Madonna leaving the gym in London (January 16 2007) - are added to the gallery.

3 Pictures - Madonna leaving the gym in London (January 15 2007) - are added to the gallery.

Madonna was nearly chased off the road after her appearance on "Late Show With David Letterman" last week and had to call the cops for help, according to an Internet gossip site.
Two vehicles reportedly were tailgating the Material Mom's car, and the pop star's chauffeur tried to elude them by turning onto Fifth Ave.
The pursuing drivers then tried to ram Madonna's car, forcing her to call 911, gossip blogger Perez Hilton claimed on perezhilton.com.
The NYPD could not confirm the emergency call, and Madonna's spokeswoman, Liz Rosenberg, said she was unaware of the close call, which was reminiscent of Princess Diana's last moments.
Rosenberg did say the singer encountered "a danger situation" directly outside the Ed Sullivan Theater, where she had told Letterman about her controversial adoption of an African orphan and Britney Spears' pantyless photo op.
The crushing crowd of 500 fans that surged toward her on Broadway "was pretty scary," Rosenberg said.
Rosenberg would not confirm whether Madonna or her entourage called for a police escort last week or in the past.
"I don't comment on her security," she said.
source : nydailynews

Carlos Leon and Madonna didn't last long as a romantic couple. But the two, who never married, have remained friendly as the parents of Lourdes, 10. They had dinner Thursday night at Nobu 57, carefully arriving and leaving separately. Madonna and Leon held hands and seemed "very flirty, very friendly, they were having a wonderful time," said a witness. "They set a good example for other couples who have kids," said Madonna's spokeswoman, Liz Rosenberg. "It's lovely they get along and remain friends."
source : nypost

Material Girl nearly rammed off road...
Madonna was recently involved in a high speed chase through New York, where two large vehicles tried to ram her off the road.
The Material Girl had just appeared on the David Letterman show where she had poked fun at Britney and other stars for not wearing any pants, when she was pursued by the marauding vehicles.
As Madonna's driver turned onto Fifth Avenue to shake off their tail, the two cars that had been driving closely then tried to ram them off the road forcing the superstar to finally call 911.
Eventually the Hung Up singer's driver lost the persuing cars after a high speed chase and a lenghty phone call to the police.
We wonder where Britney, Lindsay and Paris were that night?
source : entertainmentwise

Best Solo Artist :

WINNER: Madonna
2nd: Christina Aguilera
3rd: Justin Timberlake

When Madonna initiated the adoption of a Malawian boy, she was "saving a life," the singer told David Letterman on Thursday, as she called for increased adoption from the African nation.
"There's over a million orphans in Malawi, and in my opinion the laws need to change because these children need to be rescued," the Material Mom said on CBS's "Late Show."
Madonna, 48, said she had been warned that pursuing an adoption from the country could be difficult.
"My social worker ... said, 'Good luck. You're going to be making it up as you go along,"' the pop star recalled. "She didn't say don't do it, but she just said expect challenges, and, boy, did we get them."
Madonna and her husband, movie director Guy Ritchie, 38, have been allowed to take 1-year-old David Banda to their home in London. She has two other children, Lourdes, 9, and Rocco, 6.
Yohane Banda surrendered his son to an orphanage after his wife died last year. The couple's two other sons died in infancy from malaria. Banda has said he wants David to stay with Madonna and Ritchie.
Human rights groups in Malawi have said they are concerned the government cut legal corners to fast-track the adoption and they want adoption laws there clarified. A November court ruling allowed a coalition of rights groups to monitor the process.
On the show Thursday, Letterman voiced support for the adoption.
"I found it a little upsetting that there was such a tumult and furor over this when in fact the net result was here we have a human being that now has a life," he said.
source: ap

UGO: Also in 2006 there was a lot of talk about certain celebrities adopting third world children and they caught a lot of flack for that. Did that ever happen to you when you adopted any of your children?
MIA: No. I have ten children adopted from all over the world and some from the United States. I don't really see boundaries when it comes to needy children. I have been asked frequently to comment about the Madonna adoption, of which I know nothing. But I felt happy that one child, of the millions of orphans across Africa, won't have to worry about healthcare or education. That child will have a loving family.
source ugo.com

In her first-ever live TODAY interview, the pop princess discusses new motherhood, her new movie, and sticks up for her friend Rosie
On this morning's TODAY, Madonna became the latest celebrity to weigh in on the Donald Trump-Rosie O'Donnell feud.
"People are giving Rosie a hard time. I wish they'd stop, I don't think it's fair" the singer told TODAY's Meredith Vieira in her first-ever live interview on the morning show. The pop star said she first heard about the flap while on vacation in the Indian Ocean and immediately sent O'Donnell an email. The two have been good friends since they starred in 1992's "A League of Their Own."
"I don't know exactly the context of what she said," Madonna told Vieira Thursday morning. "I have to hear it from the horse's mouth. She's a standup comic. All standup comics talk about provocative things in their monologues before shows."

The pop icon's remarks came during a wide-ranging interview that was delayed because the international superstar was late (she blamed it on her hair). Showing up without a coat because she was told about last week's unseasonably warm weather in New York, Madonna spoke about the latest developments in her own life including the child she adopted and a new movie.
Madonna was in New York promoting her latest project, providing the voice of the beautiful Princess Selenia in the new animated feature "Arthur and the Invisibles." Later in the day she was scheduled to host special screenings of the movie at two city charter schools.
The 48-year-old singer didn't discuss the headline-grabbing controversy surrounding her planned adoption of David Banda, a one-year-old boy from the impoverished African nation of Malawi. She also steered clear of any reference to Angelina Jolie's remarks about the adoption in a French gossip magazine. A furious Jolie has since told People magazine that her remarks were twisted.
Early last year, Madonna founded "Raising Malawi," an orphan care initiative to help Malawi's estimated one million orphans.

In an interview with Vieira that aired on TODAY in November, Madonna said all the attention on David's adoption was actually a blessing. "Now people know about Malawi. Now people know about the orphans there. And now David's home."
In today's interview, the singer said that family life with three kids is "amazing" and that her daughter Lourdes, 10, babysits for David. (She also has a son Rocco, 6, with husband Guy Ritchie.)
Madonna said she enjoyed her role of "Arthur and the Invisibles," in which she co-stars along with the voices of Robert De Niro, Jimmy Fallon, David Bowie, Mia Farrow, because it was a departure from fans' image of her.
"They perceive me as a queen, not a princess," Madonna joked. "And I don't normally fall in love with 10-year-olds."
The first animated feature by filmmaker Luc Besson ("La Femme Nikita," "The Fifth Element") is about a boy who sets out to save his family home from real estate developers after his grandfather disappears. Arthur discovers that he must follow his grandfather's clues to a vast treasure, and unlock the gateway to a new world filled with mysterious little people whose help he must enlist.
Madonna's character is one of the tiny people who help Arthur. Madonna herself has penned critically acclaimed children's books, including "The Adventures of Abdi," "The English Roses," and "Lotsa de Casha."
Of her role she said: "I play a princess, which is new for me. I just loved the idea of playing a character where I can create a fantasy world that has nothing to do with who I am, or what people associate with me."
At the start of the interview at 8:39 a.m. ET, Madonna waved at the crowd outside the TODAY studio and asked "Why are they up so early?" She said she had so far avoided a live interview on TODAY because "I don't like getting up and talking to people this early." She said she agreed to come on the show at the behest of the film's producer.
"I saw my career flashing before my eyes when they said you weren't here," Vieira told Madonna, when the star hadn't arrived at the studio quite in time for the planned 8:35 a.m. spot.
"I'm always seeing my career flash before my eyes," Madonna said of her chronic lateness.
When asked about her friendship with Britney Spears, with whom she shared an infamous kiss at the 2003 Grammys, Madonna said the two have drifted apart. "We shared a kiss and I never saw her again. That's how it goes in my life," the singer joked.
After the interview Madonna headed outside to the plaza to greet fans.
Madonna, who lives mainly in England, told Vieira that she misses New York City. "I keep telling my husband I want to come back here and I want to live here," she said.
source : today

Madonna's longtime representative Liz Rosenberg insists there is no tension between the pop star and Angelina Jolie because of comments the actress made about the singer to a French magazine.
Jolie was quoted in Gala magazine reportedly criticising Madonna's decision to adopt one-year-old David banda from Malawi because there are no clear legal procedures. Ironically, it was Jolie's boyfriend Brad Pitt who encouraged the Hung Up singer and husband Guy Ritchie to adopt when the two couples dined together last year.
But Rosenberg has hit out at reports of friction, telling American publication Us Weekly, "I doubt Madonna is aware of Angelina's comments, and I don't think Angelina said anything bad.
"True, it might have been easier had Madonna adopted a child from another country, but Madonna doesn't shy away from things because they are difficult."
Jolie issued a statement on Monday clarifying her statements to the magazine, saying, "The article included many falsehoods. I said many positive things that were omitted."
source: contactmusic

7 Pictures - Madonna at The Late Night with David Letterman (New York, January 11 2007) - are added to the gallery.

12 Pictures - Madonna at The Late Night with David Letterman (New York, January 11 2007) - are added to the gallery.

139 Pictures - Madonna at the screening of Arthur and the Invisibles (New York, January 11 2007) - are added to the gallery.

6 Pictures - Madonna out for dinner with friends in New York (January 11 2006) - are added to the gallery.

23 Pictures - Madonna at The Today Show (New York, January 11 2007) - are added to the gallery.

8 Pictures - Madonna going to the gym in London (January 10 2007) - are added to the gallery.

Madonna's record breaking Confessions Tour filmed at London's Wembley Arena during her worldwide sold-out 25-City run in 2006 is scheduled to be released as a DVD/CD on sale January 30th, it was announced today by Warner Bros. Records.
The highest-grossing tour ever by a female artist, "The Confessions Tour - Live from London" DVD, first broadcast on NBC last November, includes songs that span the course of Madonna's extraordinary career. "Like A Virgin," "Hung Up," "Erotica" and "Music" are just a few of the hits that can be seen on the DVD and heard on the bonus CD included in the package as well as several songs from her "Confessions On A Dance Floor" CD which debuted at No. 1 in 29 countries. In addition, "The Confessions Tour" DVD includes bonus footage, which did not appear on the broadcast, including Madonna's early classic hit "Lucky Star" as well as the full unedited version of the controversial performance of "Live To Tell." The "Confessions" DVD will have never before seen rehearsal footage and a unique photo gallery. The DVD was directed by Jonus Akerlund. The show was directed for the stage by Jamie King. Musical Director was Stuart Price.

'The Confessions Tour - Live from London' CD/DVD"The pop spectacle of the year -- a politically charged combination of Cirque du Soleil, performance-art commentary and dance party explosion that more or less sums up everything she has been striving to say and show this decade... it's quite possibly the best production she's ever concocted," raved the Orange County Register in their review of Madonna's show.
Madonna is scheduled to appear on tomorrow's (January 11th) airing of "The Late Show with David Letterman," make a live appearance on the "Today" Show and "Live with Regis and Kelly" -- to promote the film, "Arthur and The Invisibles" -- and will also host a screening of the film in Tribecca.
"I want to turn the world into one big dance floor," claimed the Material Girl when The Confessions Tour began. Now, the singer, songwriter, video visionary, designer, producer, children's book author and artist, who has enthralled millions of fans all over the world and has sold 200 million plus CDs, is extending that commitment to the living rooms of the world.
source : marketwire / warner bros

Gwen Stefani insists there is no bad blood between her and Madonna and freely admits she has used the pop superstar as a role model throughout her career.
The What You Waiting Fizor singer admits the two have much in common, including Italian-American heritage and British husbands. She tells the US edition of Elle magazine, 'It is weird that we have all of these similarities. Madonna's had us over for dinner and stuff, and she's always been very nice to me.'
Stefani admits the Hung Up singer seemed less-than-impressed when she first mentioned she was recording a solo album featuring dance tunes. She adds, 'I remember telling Madonna I was going to do an '80s dance record and she rolled her eyes, because I think when you've lived through it like she did, she's like, 'Whatever.' But a lot of my influence came from her early work, like directly, like a Xerox.'
source : contactmusic

17 Pictures - Madonna going to / leaving the gym in London (January 08 2007) - are added to the gallery.

Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie has said she was shocked by attacks on Madonna over her adoption of a Malawian boy, but said she would only take a child from a country where the rules on adoption are clearly defined.
Madonna's adoption of the boy last year led some right groups in Malawi to question whether the American pop star had used her celebrity to bypass laws governing the adoption of Malawians by foreigners -- an argument denied by her lawyers.
"I was horrified by the attacks against her," Jolie, who has two adopted children herself, told French magazine Gala.
But Jolie added that she would have steered clear of adoption from a country like Malawi.
"Madonna knew the situation in Malawi ... In this country, there is not really a legal framework for adopting. Personally, I prefer staying on the right side of the law. I would never bring back a child from a country where adoption is illegal."
Jolie and actor Brad Pitt have formed one of Hollywood's most glamorous families with baby daughter Shiloh, adopted Ethiopian daughter Zahara and adopted Cambodian son Maddox.
Madonna signed interim adoption papers for one-year old David Banda when she and her husband, British film director Guy Ritchie, visited Malawi in October on what they said was a humanitarian mission to help orphans in the southern African nation.
David Banda, whose mother had died, was living in an orphanage and his father -- who initially voiced some questions about the process -- later said he supported it.
Under the interim order, David Banda was to stay with Madonna for 18 months during which time his progress would be monitored by Malawian officials before deciding whether final approval may be given for him to remain with her family.
source : reuters

Malawi's government is happy with the way pop diva Madonna is looking after a one-year-old Malawian boy after her plans to adopt the child last year caused a storm of controversy, an official said on Friday.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Welfare Adrina Mchiela told Reuters the government is satisfied so far at the way Madonna is looking after David Banda.
"We have been monitoring her and so far we see a loving mother in Madonna and David is very fine... the father should not be worried," Mchiela said.
Yohane Banda, David's father, this week said he wanted to talk to Madonna and find out how the child is doing.
Cyrus Jeke, the deputy director for Child Welfare in the Ministry, said a senior government official has been assigned to monitor how David is faring with Madonna and her husband, film director Guy Ritchie, with the help of the British government.
Neither Mchiela nor Jeke would disclose whether the official had visited Madonna's London home, where David has been living since October.
Madonna signed interim adoption papers when she and her husband visited in October on what they said was a humanitarian mission to help Malawi orphans.
David Banda, whose mother had died, was living in an orphanage and his father -- who initially voiced some questions about the process -- later said he supported it.
Under the interim order, David Banda was to stay with Madonna for 18 months during which time his progress would be monitored by Malawian officials before deciding whether final approval may be given for him to remain with her family.
Yohane Banda complained early this week that he does not have access to the American singer and wants to find out how his son is doing. But Mchiela said he would have to wait.
"Banda will have a chance to see his child again after 18 months elapses because Madonna will have to come back to Malawi for the court to rule whether she can get full custody of the child. He need not worry," Mchiela said.
A Scottish well wisher last week gave Banda a check of 400 pounds ($775) sterling to help him get in touch with Madonna and get to talk to his child.
Madonna's adoption of the child grabbed world headlines and caused some rights groups in Malawi to question whether she had used her celebrity to bypass laws governing the adoption of Malawians by foreigners -- an argument denied by her lawyers.
The adoption controversy has helped to spotlight the plight of orphans in Malawi, where more than 900,000 children are orphaned and another 500,000 have lost at least one parent, many of them to the country's devastating HIV/AIDS pandemic.
source : reuters

US talk show queen Oprah Winfrey has leaped to the defence of pop superstar Madonna, insisting her adoption of a Malawian tot was an "amazing" act.
Winfrey visited Africa herself earlier this week to open a school for disadvantaged girls in South Africa and she can't understand why Madonna's adoption of baby David Banda has received so much criticism in the press.
Speaking on British current affairs show Newsnight yesterday Winfrey said: "I applaud Madonna. I think it's an amazing thing that she did, and it makes me sick that people criticise her, because there are millions of children in this world who will die because no one came to save them.
"I think she deserves praise and applause and not to be criticised."
Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie were granted interim adoption of David in October.
source : examiner.ie

Madonna's adopted son David won't be having his haircut until he turns three, because of rules set by the Kabbalah faith.
The singer wants to make sure that her 16-month-old son is brought up in accordance with the teachings, which have links with Judaism.
A source allegedly said: 'Madonna has made it clear that David's hair is not to be touched at all, even if it grows into an Afro.
'When the time comes it will be a big ceremony and lots of men in the Kabbalah community will gather round and each of them will cut a bit off.'
source : metro.co.uk

The father of the Malawian baby Madonna is the process of adopting has asked the pop star for an update on his son.
Yohane Banda has told local Malawi newspaper the Daily Times that keeping in touch with Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie since baby David moved to them in October has so far proven difficult.
The impoverished farmer, who gave his son up for adoption, says: "I don't have her phone and mailing addresses. All I want is to find out how my son is but I don't know how I can do it."
Banda made the comments after the newspaper presented him with a €590 check from Scottish nun, Christine Webster who told the paper she believes the infant would have been better off if Madonna had left him in Malawi.
Madonna and Ritchie are bringing up baby David in England, but the pop star insists she's planning regular trips back to Malawi, where she has set up a charity foundation, so that her adopted son-to-be will know his homeland.
But the one-year-old boy's father can't wait to hear about his son's new life: "I want to talk to her (Madonna) now and find out about my child."
But Yohane Banda has dismissed all suggestions that he feels he made a mistake in letting Madonna take his son away from Malawi.
He adds: "All I want is to find out how my child is doing and not to have him back."
source : ap

She beat the likes of Charlotte Church and Robbie Williams to top a survey of the most popular personalities requested by people searching on the entertainment search engine Celebrities Worldwide. Richard Brecker of www.celebritiesworldwide.com said: "The results show quite emphatically that more people were interested in Madonna than any other celebrity or reality star this year." Her ability to stay ahead is phenomenal - particularly in such a difficult year."
The singer attracted great controversy over the much publicised adoption of her son David from Malawi and has also reportedly faced marriage difficulties with her husband Guy Ritchie.
It has not been a good year for David Beckham who has slipped from No 4 ranking as the most requested name in 2005 to his current number 11 spot.
Beckham relinquished his captaincy of the England soccer team following their poor showing in the World Cup, has been dropped from the squad by new manager Steve McLaren and has struggled to hold a regular place in the first team at Real Madrid.
But some consolation - Becks still finishes five places higher this year than his publicity hungry wife Victoria
Little Britain TV star Matt Lucas in 10th position proves a bigger hit than his co-star David Walliams who trails four places behind Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne, star judges on the hit TV series "X Factor" battle it out at 31st and 32nd spot respectively. One time showbiz outcast Noel Edmonds has catapulted back into the reckoning through the success of his TV show "Deal or No Deal"
Celebrities Worldwide is accepted as a benchmark of celebrity status and popularity and its website attracts more than 4 million visitors per year.

Top 20 Names of 2006
1. Madonna
2. Charlotte Church
3. Jamie Oliver MBE
4. Robbie Williams
5. Jonathan Ross OBE
6. Billie Piper
7. Ricky Gervais
8. Jeremy Clarkson
9. Stephen Fry
10. Matt Lucas
11. David Beckham OBE
12. Gordon Ramsay OBE
13. Trinny Woodall
14. David Walliams
15. Fearne Cotton
16. Victoria Beckham
17. Elton John
18. Kylie Minogue
19. David Tennant
20. Rachel Stevens

source : prnewswire