madonnalicious

Madonna attends the Vanity Fair Oscar party

Madonna and Lourdes attended the Vanity Fair Oscar party at the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood, Los Angeles last night (Sunday 27 February).

Pictures from AP / Reuters Via Yahoo! News

Material Girl collection arrives in Canada

Madonna's Material Girl collection arrived in Canada at the BAY department stores on Wednesday 23 February. Pictured below is a billboard from the flagship BAY store in dowtown Toronto.

Thanks to Peter

Kelly Osbourne: 'Madonna is a great mum'

Kelly Osbourne has declared that Madonna has done a 'fantastic' job raising her 14-year-old daughter Lourdes 'Lola' Leon.
Osbourne, who is modelling for Madonna and Lourdes's Material Girl clothing line, told Access Hollywood that she has developed an admiration for the 'Celebration' singer's parenting skills.
'I've always been a huge, huge, huge fan of Madonna, but it completely changed my whole opinion of her - made me like her even more once I met Lola because she's done a fantastic job with her,' she said.
The star, who scored a UK top five hit with a cover of Madonna's 'Papa Don't Preach' in 2002, further explained that it's a true honour to have been chosen to pose for a Material Girl photoshoot.
'To have it come full circle - now I'm actually doing something with her and her daughter - it's just kind of like....ahhh,' she beamed.
'I'm just still in a little bit of shock that I'm even actually doing this and going through emotions, having a great time hanging out with Lola in between shots and putting the outfits together. It's so much fun. This is like a girl's dream.'

From Digital Spy

German Magazines: Bunte

The 17 February issue of German magazine Bunte featured this new picture of Madonna on a night out during her recent trip to Berlin - click to enlarge.

Thanks to Kirsten

Madonna and Demi Moore to co-host glittering Oscars bash

Forget the ceremony, this is one Academy Awards after-party we’d really love an invite to. Madonna and Demi Moore are set to team up for the second year running, according to reports, to host a glittering post-Oscar bash for all their A-list friends.
It’s thought Madge and Demi will welcome pals to Madonna’s manager Guy Oseary’s luxurious LA pad around 10pm, as the awards draw to a close.
And the A-list guest list reads like a who’s who of Hollywood.
It’s thought hotly-tipped pair Natalie Portman and Colin Firth are both on the attendee list, as well as Justin Timberlake, Nicole Kidman and director David Fincher. Phew.
And that’s not all. Many more stars are expected to flood to the party when their official Oscar duties are over, to celebrate on into the night.
‘Everybody's on it,’ one insider told Variety of the super-exclusive guest list. ‘It gives the A-list Vanity Fair crowd someplace to go to.
‘It will probably be pared down to where it's 85-per-cent talent, not a lot of suits.’

From Marie Claire

New Material Girl collection pictures released

Pictures featuring Kelly Osbourne as the new face of the Material Girl collection at Macy's have been released - for more information visit materialgirlcollection.com

Pictures from Material Girl / Macys.com

Madonna to open third Hard Candy Fitness Center in St. Petersburg

Madonna’s third Hard Candy Fitness Center in St. Petersburg, Russia, a beautifully designed 52,000 square foot space in the center of the city is projected to open in mid-2011, it was confirmed today by Mark Mastrov, Chairman of New Evolution Ventures (NeV). The announcement of this latest facility follows the recent opening of the Mexico City Hard Candy Fitness and confirmation of plans for a Hard Candy Fitness Center in Moscow.
The St. Petersburg location holds special meaning for Madonna. 'St Petersburg, Russia was one of the most magical nights on my ‘Sticky & Sweet’ Tour and I’m thrilled that we’ve found the perfect location and ideal environment there for the next Hard Candy Fitness,' commented Madonna.
Both the Moscow and St. Petersburg location will be in partnership with Irina Razumova, founder of the well-known Russian chain Planet Fitness. 'We are honored to collaborate with Madonna and her team in designing and developing a beautiful facility like no other in the world,' stated Razumova.
NeV’s Mastrov, his partner Jim Rowley, along with Madonna and Guy Oseary are also exploring options of building additional Hard Candy locations in Italy, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Australia, Argentina, and Brazil, for facilities that will offer a unique member experience. Hard Candy Fitness Centers will include state of the art equipment, exclusive curriculum along with Mind Body Studio, The Great Wall, Sculpting, barre3, a Bike Studio, Capoeira, the newest trends in Yoga, a Juice Bar/Café and lavish locker rooms.
'The early success of the first Hard Candy Fitness Center in Mexico City - where Madonna taught a dance class to members at the opening - has inspired us all to create similar facilities and seek out local partnerships around the globe which embody Madonna’s workout philosophy. St. Petersburg and other locations of Hard Candy Fitness will be a place where members will enjoy their workout experience in a beautiful environment in each city,' commented Mastrov.
Due to tremendous interest and the many inquiries NeV has received from all over the world about Hard Candy Fitness Centers, fans have been asked to voice their choice for the next location by going to www.madonna.com/hardcandyfitness and vote on the interactive map for your dream location.

From Madonna.com

Carlos Leon Thanks Madonna For Lourdes

Madonna's ex-lover Carlos Leon says he is 'forever grateful' to the singer for giving him his daughter Lourdes.
The personal trainer-and-actor insists he has no regrets about his relationship with the pop superstar in the mid-90s because if it hadn't have happened he wouldn't be a father.
He told People: 'I'm forever grateful to [Madonna]. I have no regrets. I wouldn't change anything. I got the best thing out of that relationship, and that's my daughter. My daughter is everything to me.'
Carlos admits he finds it tough disciplining 14-year-old Lourdes - who designed the 'Material Girl' clothing line with her mother Madonna - and accepts he can be too soft with her, like a lot of parents with teenagers.
He added: 'I'm a lenient dad. I'm very empathetic, and I'm good at listening to my daughter....I'm probably a bad dad when it comes to disciplining her.'
The 44-year-old actor - who stars in new film 'Immigration Tango' - claims Lourdes hasn't started dating yet, and he is 'dreading' the moment when he has to meet her first boyfriend.
He said: 'I'm dreading it so much, because she's my little girl. I want her to stay young forever. I'm already overprotective, so when the time comes, I will be ready to have a talk with the guy she brings through the door. He better be ready, because I'll give him the rundown!'

From contactmusic.com

Material Girl Collection hits Toronto

The main flagship BAY store in Downtown Toronto, which takes up a whole city block, and has 8 floors, is featuring Material Girl Collection adverts in ALL the windows around the building!

Thanks to Peter

Madonna's 1994 letter to David Letterman

Vulture at NYMAG.com have published Madonna's 1994 letter to David Letterman after her controversial Late Show appearance. It was faxed to David after twelve days after her famously foul-mouthed Late Show guest appearance

Thanks to Jose

Rep: Madonna Never Emailed Lady Gaga About 'Born This Way'

Did Madonna really give Lady Gaga her blessing on 'Born This Way?'
Earlier this week, the singer told Jay Leno that the Material Girl approved her new single, which some critics called a rip-off of Madonna’s 'Express Yourself.' 'I got an e-mail from her people and her, sending me their love and complete support on behalf of the single and if the queen says it shall be, then it shall be,' Gaga said.
But Madonna's rep has told CNN’s Headline News Entertainment that she is unaware of any email that Madonna has sent.

From The Hollywood Reporter - thanks to Alessandro

Express Yourself: International Download Day

Help us make Madonna #1 on iTunes with Express Yourself. Spread the word....

'The Time is Now'. That's what Madonna taught us. Everyone is talking about Express Yourself right now. For this reason, a small group of Madonna fans jumped on the chance to create an even that will show their true love for the One and Only Queen of Pop.
The initiative has a rather specific objective: to bring together the most fans possible in the Facebook event 'Express Yourself: International Download Day'. Once they have reached a high number of participants, a specific date will be set and in that moment thousands of people should go on iTunes and buy 'Express Yourself', a piece of history that no less than 22 years ago tore through the international charts.
Imagine for one moment what it would be like if the song made it back to the top of the digital store's charts after all of this time. For sure, knowing Madonna who is known for her extraordinary ways, we can expect anything from her followers.
'What we Madonna fans who are participating in the event care most about is showing everybody how this eclectic group of people is able to organize something like this and carry it out, while sending a clear and positive message out to the lady who changed the history of music. Behind these profiles, tweets, avatars and so on, Madonna's people is on on the move, and this time we are going to do it right.'

Come on Madonna Fans, Do you believe in love:
'Cause I got Something to say about it,
And it goes something like this.

To join the event visit: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=151898824866835

Madonna Malawi project leader lays out plans

Logistical problems and other concerns have led Madonna to abandon her plan to build a girls-only school in Malawi, but the new leader of her effort says the superstar instead plans many more schools with educational groups already working toward that goal.
'Basically, what we'd be doing is expanding the ability for a group of nonprofits to provide education to more kids,' said Trevor Neilson in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday.
Neilson, a former executive with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, joins the Raising Malawi project as a partner of the Global Philanthropy Group, a leading international organization that works with organizations and governments around the globe.
He and several other experienced philanthropy experts became part of Raising Malawi's revamped team in November.
'Madonna increasingly began to have concerns about the effectiveness of the existing strategy and management team, and as a result has made sweeping changes in order to better serve more children in Malawi,' he said.
The Kabbalah Centre, once a part of the project, is no longer involved, Neilson noted. Madonna has practiced Kabbalah, a form of Jewish mysticism, for years.
The bigger changes involve the scope of Madonna's educational plans in the impoverished African country. The superstar, who has adopted a boy and a girl from Malawi, had initially planned to build a school for girls, most of whom don't get the opportunity to go to school.
The school was to be on an approximately 117-acre plot of government land near the capital, Lilongwe. But soon after the location was announced, several local villagers claimed they owned the land and the government was forcing them off of it.
'Obviously, Raising Malawi didn't know anything about this, and was surprised, yet Raising Malawi paid those people over $130,000, which in Malawi is a lot of money,' Neilson said.
Even after that, however, he said, Raising Malawi never got title to the land. In addition, Neilson said the school was being built in an area where there were not many children, and too much effort was being paid to the design of the building.
'Madonna was shocked to find out how much time and money had been spent on architecture,' he said, though declining to give an exact estimate, simply saying, 'too much!'
Instead of creating a Raising Malawi school, the new plan is to use Raising Malawi's resources to partner with other NGOs, or non-governmental organizations, already working to provide a better education in Malawi.
'Working in consultation with a series of non-profits and education efforts, we're looking at a new strategy that builds more schools, but embeds them in communities of Malawi where the students are,' he said.
'Basically what we'd be doing is expanding the ability for a group of non-profits to provide education to more kids,' he added.
Neilson said Raising Malawi has contacted its key donors and informed them of the change in strategy: 'All of the major donors we've talked to are really excited about the strategy.'
Neilson also added that contrary to reports, the charity is still working very closely with the government, and that Madonna called the president's office and explained her new plans.
New schools could be built by the end of this year, and the educational efforts, while geared toward girls, will not exclude boys, he said.
'The need is so broad that you don't want to come into a community and say, `Sorry boys, you can't go to school,'' he said.
Neilson said Madonna would go to the region 'soon' and stressed that she was still fiercely committed to the country: He said Raising Malawi has dispersed $13 million toward charitable efforts over the last few years.
'She's very frustrated that the project has not moved faster and has not reached children with these services in a faster way,' he said. 'Ultimately, that's all that matters, is that children go to school.'
He said Madonna has also denounced Malawi's anti-gay measures, but said she would still work with the country to help the children. 'I don't think that that is core to this project in any way.'

From AP Via Yahoo! News

US TV: A Tale of 3 Divas

CBS have published an interesting video on what Madonna, Lady Gaga and Barbra Streisand all did behind-the-scenes on their 60 Minutes interview shoots?

Watch the video clip below or visit www.cbsnews.com/video/watch

Thanks to Marjol

Guy Oseary talks albums, DVDs and tours

Guy Oseary has taken to Twitter this afternoon answering fans questions about a tour, new album and those long-awaited for tour DVDs:

When asked about the chance of a tour this summer he replied:
not this summer... we have to make an album first.. and as i said before, this will happen soon as she's done with the movie..

For news on the new album Guy said:
she is currently listening to new music.. and is very eager to make a new album!!!
most of the music madonna is liking for new album are from all unknown producers. from what she played me, the tracks sound amazing

On the chance that Blond Ambition and Re-Invention Tour will make it onto DVD:
I never said no to releasing the dvds. I only said there were no plans for it.. I met with warner this last week to discuss it..
this wont be quick at all. its a long process, at least the dvd conversation has begun. I wish it was easier.
We had our first meeting about dvd's, with the intention of making it happen, but this will take some time.
also, we have no idea what has been shot and what hasn't.. We have no idea the quality of the footage.. This will be a process!

On Madonna's drive to make new music and not stop:
I would love to let her rest, but she is eager to get into studio and get working on an album. I'm not pushing.. This is all her!

Don't forget you can follow Guy on Twitter at twitter.com/guyoseary

Lady Gaga addresses Born This Way comparisons

Lady Gaga has finally chimed in on the controversy that her new single, 'Born This Way,' sounds like Madonna's 1989 anthem, 'Express Yourself.'
Fresh off her appearance at the Grammys on Sunday night, Gaga paid a visit to 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' where Jay asked her what her thoughts were on the comparisons that are being made between the two songs.
'There is really no one that is a more adoring and loving Madonna fan than me,' Gaga responded. 'I am the hugest fan personally and professionally.'
The pop superstar went on to reveal that she received communication from her Madgesty, and that she's OK with the song.
'Well, the good news is that I got an e-mail from her people and her, sending me their love and complete support on behalf of the single and if the queen says it shall be, then it shall be,' Gaga told Jay.
As previously reported on , Gaga dropped 'Born This Way,' the lead single off her album of the same name, on February 2, and almost immediately, people were comparing it to Madonna's iconic tune.
Gaga's performance at the Grammys - where she had a long blonde ponytail, not unlike Madonna's previous look - just prompted more fodder on the topic, including headlines like E! Online's 'Is Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' A Rip-Off of Madonna Classics?' and MTV's 'Does Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Owe Debt To Madonna?'

From AccessHollywood.com

Madonna dines out in Berlin restaurant

Madonna visited a restaurant in Berlin's Gendarmenmarkt Square on Sunday 13 February after presenting clips of her film W.E to the film industry.

Pictures from Reuters.com

Madonna wows Berlin buyers

Berlinale buyers were in a frenzy on Saturday night after Stuart Ford's IM Global screened footage of Madonna's second directorial effort, 'W.E' to a limited amount of industryites.
IM Global brought the thrush-turned-helmer to the European Film Market to screen a promo reel of the pic, a parallel love story about the affair between King Edward VIII and American divorcee Wallis Simpson and a contemporary romance between a married woman and a Russian security guard.
Foreign buyers queued up outside the Cine Star in hopes to nab a seat to the exclusive screening, which saw Madonna provide an intimate Q&A later.
Sources say that buyers were told they couldn't bid for the pic unless they saw the footage, which had buyers scrambling to save seats for the event.
Strictly no press were allowed and attendees were not permitted to use mobile phones throughout the event.
During the Q&A, Madonna revealed that she was willing to travel to promote the pic for distribs, which apparently hit the switch for interested parties.
Bids were fielded almost immediately after the event with several international territories already expected to have closed.

From Variety.com

Madonna, NYC, 1982 by Laura Levine

Music photographer Laura Levine has decided to extend the sale of her Madonna print through till the end of February. Orders have come in from Australia, Estonia, Poland, France, Italy, Austria and the UK as well as the US, and the feedback she has received on the quality of the print has been wonderful:

Renowned music photographer Laura Levine is releasing for the first time a limited edition of one of her favorite early images of Madonna as a signed archival pigment ink print.
Madonna and Levine did an extended photo portrait session in Levine's Chinatown apartment back in 1982 for Andy Warhol's Interview magazine. This was right before Madonna's debut album and first single (Everybody) were about to be released. Madonna arrived at the apartment by herself and the two spent the next several hours shooting away.
Between now and the end of February we are pleased to offer this fine art print at a very special price to friends and collectors.

Madonna, NYC, 1982 by Laura Levine is available in three sizes:

8 x 10 inches - edition limited to 100 ($95. + 10 US shipping)
11 x 14 inches - edition limited to 75 ($200. +15 US shipping)
16 x 20 inches - edition limited to 50 ($350. +20 US shipping)

Each archival pigment ink fine art print in this limited edition is printed on Cansone Platine Fibre Rag paper and is hand-signed and titled by photographer Laura Levine in ink on the front.

Please click here to place your order: www.illogator.com/lauralevine

Due to the custom order nature of these prints, please allow three weeks for delivery. International orders, please email us first for shipping rates.
This introductory offer is only for a limited time. After February 28, 2011 - if the edition has not sold out - the print will be available at its regular price, which will be $250, $350. and $500. Gelatin silver prints are also available, at $1200 for 11" x 14" and $1500. for 16" x 20" in smaller editions.

Britney Spears: Madonna inspires me

Britney Spears is always 'flattered' to be compared to pop icon Madonna.
The 29-year-old singer took to Twitter yesterday to chat openly with loyal fans. During the conversation, she revealed that when fans cite similarities between her and pop legend Madonna she is thrilled.
The pop singers recorded song Me Against the Music together in 2003. The track was successful, peaking at the top of the charts in many countries and won the Hot Dance Single of the Year accolade at the 2004 Billboard Music Awards. The accompanying music video shows Britney and Madonna playing opposites in a nightclub. A cat-and-mouse chase ensues and Britney finds Madonna in the end, only for the latter to disappear before they kiss.
'It's so flattering!' she said. 'I really LOVE Madonna and she has been a huge inspiration for me.'

From Yahoo!l Philippines News

Madonna performers wanted for Ultimate Drag Off

The Off-Broadway Hit ULTIMATE DRAG OFF, NYC's weekly Drag Spectacle is seeking MADONNA performers for their SATURDAY 05 MARCH NIGHT SHOW. ASAP.
PLEASE SEND clips/pics of your best MADONNA as we celebrate Madonna’s life and times. There is pay, stipend, bonus and Off-Broadway Credit.
You must perform two madonna songs, lip-sync or sing live, look, move and turn it out in your full out drag form and style.
Get into the Groove as we Celebrate a Holiday with Madonna performances and fans from all over.

Send all your information to: Ultimatedragoff@gmail.com
Visit: www.DRAGOFF.com for more information on the show.

Madonna 'can't wait' to record new album

Madonna's manager has revealed that she is ready to record a new studio album.
The singer, whose last release was 2008's Hard Candy, is said to be going back in the recording studio after she wraps up directing her latest film.
Responding to rumours that she will appear at the Grammys and release a concert DVD, the star's manager Guy Oseary tweeted: 'Madonna will not be at grammys. I have no idea where the rumour of a live dvd box set is coming from. Im not against doing it....just not true.'
'The update is that Madonna cant wait to get into the recording studio....This will happen as soon as she finishes the movie she directed....(sic)'

From Digital Spy

UK Press: Metro

UK newspaper the Metro featured this article about Boy George's photography work for The Hepatitis C Trust's GET TESTED! campaign.

The singer dressed some of his celebrity friends as 1980's musical icons for the images that will be auctioned next month at London's Jazz Cafe.

Sadie Frost recreated the Like A Virgin Madonna look - click to enlarge.

Madonna's Mercy family to sue over break of visit vow?

Madonna might face legal action from her adopted Malawian daughter's family, after they claimed the singer broke her promise to let them see the little girl.
Madonna, 52, is said to have guaranteed them regular contact with Mercy James, 5, after she adopted the tot from an orphanage in June 2009.
But they have not seen her since, even though Madonna has made two return visits to Malawi with the little girl.
Now they have enlisted the help of the country's leading civil rights group CILIC to prepare a legal case.
The child, whose 16-year-old mother died five days after giving birth, was raised by her grandmother and uncles, but placed in the care of the Kondanani Children's Village when they could no longer look after her.
'Mercy's family have met me several times over the past year and they have been very upset,' the Daily Mail quoted Emmie Chanika, director of CILIC, as saying.
'They have a strong recollection of being told that they would be able to see Mercy and have regular contact with her - and that when she is an adult she will return to live with them in Malawi.'
'I believe they have a case in law because there appears to have been a verbal contract between them and Madonna's representatives.'
'I have already consulted a lawyer on their behalf. Obviously there could be problems as there is no written agreement, but the lawyer is looking into it.'
'I am preparing a letter which will appeal to Madonna's lawyer Alan Chinula to intervene on the family's behalf and ask Madonna to kindly let Mercy meet her family.'
'None of us desires an embarrassing and expensive court case which could humiliate or inconvenience Madonna. The best outcome would be a proper agreement to let Mercy meet her family on a regular basis,' Chanika added.

From ANI

Kelly Brook copied Madonna's scent

The 31-year-old model-and-actress - whose former boyfriend Jason Statham is close pals with the singer's ex-husband Guy Ritchie - loves the scent Fracas by Robert Piguet after first smelling it on the 'Hung Up' hitmaker.
She said: 'I first smelt this perfume on Madonna and asked her what it was. I decided there and then that I always wanted to smell like her. Who wouldn't want to smell like Madonna?'
'It's a lovely jasmine-based scent which you can get from Harrods. Once somebody came up to me and said, 'Madonna wears that fragrance too.' And I replied, 'Yeah I know.''

From Yahoo! News

Pictured below are Madonna and Kelly at the 2001 Snatch premiere in Los Angeles.