madonnalicious

Italian Magazines: MySelf

The December 2011 issue of Italian magazine MySelf featured this four-page article about Madonna's W.E. - click on the images to enlarge.

Thanks to Elmira

Madonna Wanted To 'Soak Up' Energy Of King

Madonna surrounded herself with pictures of King Edward VIII when she worked on 'W.E.' to 'soak up' his energy.
The pop superstar spent two years researching the lives of the British monarch and his lover Wallis Simpson, for the film she has directed.
Madonna wallpapered an empty room in her house with images of the pair because she wanted to fully immerse herself in the couple's love story, which led to the British monarch abdicating the throne in December 1936 after being told he couldn't marry the American divorcee by the Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin and the Church of England.
In an interview with the Daily Telegraph newspaper, the 'Hung Up' singer said: 'I was sitting in a room that was completely and utterly inundated with their images so I could soak up their energy. I was trying to understand the nature of their love story and trying to figure out for myself if there is such a thing as perfect love.'
Madonna admits she became enthralled with the couple's romance because Edward was prepared to sacrifice his position and power for the woman he loved.
The 53-year-old star - who has four children, daughter Lourdes, 15, with fitness trainer Carlos Leon, sons Rocco, 11, and David, six, with ex-husband Guy Ritchie, and adopted girl Mercy, five - is currently in a relationship with French break-dancer Brahim Zaibat and she insists she knows what it means to be truly loved by a man.
Madonna - who was also married to Sean Penn - explained: 'I know what it feels like to be loved a lot, but no one's ever given up their kingdom for me.'
'W.E.' - which is released in January - is a two-tier tale about the life of King Edward and his wife Wallis and a modern-day woman called Wally Winthrop who becomes obsessed with the couple's relationship.

From contactmusic.com

More pictures of Madonna in Gstaad

More pictures of Madonna and Brahim on the ski slopes of Gstaad in Switzerland have been published online at www.blick.ch/people

Thanks to Christian

Magazines: Harper´s Bazaar Indonesia and Korea Covers

Here are the December issues of the Indonesian and Korean versions of Harper's Bazaar featuring Madonna and Andrea Riseborough photographed by Tom Munro.

Thanks to Franco at www.madonnamexico.com

Madonna holidaying in Switzerland

According to Swiss website BLICK.ch Madonna and her family are holidaying in Gstaad, Switzerland as guests of fashion designer Valentino.

To read the report (and a not very convincing picture of Madonna on the slopes) visit www.blick.ch/madonna-bei-valentino-in-gstaad

Thanks to Alessandro

Madonna Loves It's A Wonderful Life

Madonna grew up wishing beloved actor James Stewart was her real father because she adored him in festive film It's A Wonderful Life.
The pop superstar admits she always makes time to watch the Christmas-themed classic during the holidays - and it always takes her back to her childhood.
She says, 'I love the message of it; I think it's so beautiful. I grew up wishing that Jimmy Stewart was my father. The story of wanting it all and having it all and then losing it all and then realising what's important, it's like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz - 'There's no place like home'.'
'It's kind of corny and cliche but, to me, it's a classic story that stands the test of time. I love it. I cry every time I see it.'

From contactmusic.com

Second Hard Candy Fitness Center Now Open in Moscow

Madonna in partnership with her manager Guy Oseary and Mark Mastrov, Chairman of New Evolution Ventures (NeV), announced their second Hard Candy Fitness Center in Moscow is now open for workouts. The beautifully designed, four-floor, 35,000 square foot facility near the Red Square, plans to host Madonna for a visit in 2012. The Hard Candy Fitness Center in Russia is operated by Irina Razumova, founder of the well known Russian chain Planet Fitness. The opening of this latest facility follows the one-year anniversary of the Hard Candy Fitness Center in Mexico City.
Hard Candy Fitness Moscow has state of the art equipment, an exclusive curriculum along with Mind Body Studio including the Great Wall, a Bike Studio, a Juice Bar/Cafe, lavish locker rooms and a 25 meter-long pool. Members will have the very best in innovative fitness programming including traditional classes, the newest trends in Yoga and original classes designed specifically for Hard Candy Fitness.
The design and programming of the Hard Candy Fitness Centers are inspired by Madonna's vision and commitment to fitness. Members will experience this first hand with signature Addicted to Sweat classes, featuring movements exclusively designed by the pop icon and her dance team. The Addicted to Sweat Cardio Dance and Jaw Breaker classes were inspired by the same choreography and toning exercises used in Madonna's personal fitness regime.
The facility contains more than 100 pieces of strength equipment / free weights with the best functional training accessories from Precor, Hoist, Free Motion, Concept and TRX suspension training. Hard Candy Fitness team members will sport the latest adidas by Stella McCartney and Porsche Designs attire from Winter 2011-2012 adidas collection.
The Hard Candy Fitness brand launched its continued expansion with a third location set to open for workouts in St. Petersburg, Russia early spring next year. Hard Candy Fitness will also make its mark on new territory, heading to Toronto, Canada in 2012. NeV's Mastrov and partners, 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.
For membership information, visit the newest Hard Candy Fitness at B. Kislovskiy per 9, Moscow Russia 125009 or call +7 495 933 71 00.

From CNW Via Yahoo! News

Madonna at JFK airport

Madonna was photographed travelling through JFK airport on Friday 23 December with her daughter Lourdes. To view the pictures visit dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz

Madonna’s Truth or Dare fragrance ad revealed!

We all know that Christmas is a time for giving, and with that in mind, we have kindly been given the gift of a sneak peek at Madonna’s first advert for her debut fragrance, Truth or Dare.
It’s sultry, sassy and savvy, (try saying that after a few glasses of mulled mine) and everything we would expect from one of the most influential women of our generation.
Even though the image wasn’t shot exclusively for the perfume and was in fact from the Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott photo-shoot Madonna did for Interview magazine earlier this year, we think it fits the essence of the perfume perfectly.
Two photographic geniuses and a queen of pop really is a winning combination.
Apparently there are more pictures where this one came from, so we’ll keep you posted when they reveal themselves!

From myfashionlife.com

Man arrested in Spain over Madonna song leak

Spanish police have arrested and charged a man with illegally leaking an early version of a new Madonna song.
The 31-year-old is alleged to have put a demo of Gimme All Your Luvin on the internet in November.
The investigation began after lawyers traced the recording to Spain. The man, described by police as a big fan of the singer, was arrested in Zaragoza.
Madonna's first studio album in five years is due for release in late March, with the first single out next month.
Police have not named the man arrested, but confirmed his initials as J.M.R.
Officers in the northern Spanish city said they found recordings of the song in a search of the suspect's belongings.
Madonna, 53, was said to have been 'very upset' when the song first leaked last month.
Her manager, Guy Oseary, tweeted about the incident and asked fans to help police any further leaks.

From BBC Newsbeat

Masterpiece available to download from iTunes

The full version of Madonna's Masterpiece from the soundtrack to W.E. is available to download for free from iTunes in a podcast entitled In Contention: Oscar Talk.

Thanks to Vickster

Australian Magazines: Vogue

The December 2011 edition of Vogue magazine (Australian edition) features this two-page article about W.E. - click on the images to enlarge.

Thanks to Elmira

Madonna's Masterpiece doesn't qualify for Best Song Oscar

Madonna's Masterpiece failed to be shortlisted for the Academy Awards Best Song nominations that was announced on Monday, but according to thewrap.com it was left off the shortlist purely because it didn't qualify not because it was snubbed:

The Academy announced the 39 qualifying songs in this year's race Monday, with a handful of big names in the running - but one Golden Globes nominee, Madonna, conspicuously missing.
'Masterpiece,' a Madonna song from 'W.E.' that received a Globe nomination last week, did not qualify for Oscar contention because of its placement a minute-and-a-half deep in the final credits. AMPAS rules require an end-credits song to be 'the first music cue' in those credits to qualify.

Here is the exact ruling from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences:

To be eligible, a song must consist of words and music, both of which are original and written specifically for the film. A clearly audible, intelligible, substantive rendition of both lyric and melody must be used in the body of the film or as the first music cue in the end credits.

Madonna Brings Her Own Bottle To Dinner

Madonna took her own wine when she went out to dinner on Saturday night.
The 53-year-old singer and her boyfriend Brahim Zaibat dined out at the Osteria Cotta on New York's Upper West Side, and surprised fellow guests when she whipped out her own bottle of alcohol and two crystal glasses.
An onlooker told the New York Post newspaper: 'She brought her own red wine in a bag, along with two beautiful crystal glasses.'
'They poured the wine and immediately put the bottle back in the bag, so nobody could see what it was. At the end, they took the empty wine bottle and the glasses with them. We couldn't figure out if Madonna prefers specific wine or is a total germaphobe.'
The couple ordered an arugula salad, pizza margherita, bruschetta and a side of roasted cauliflower.
When they finished, the 25-year-old dancer picked up the bill and paid by credit card, and the 'Celebration' hitmaker ordered him to tip well.
Madonna recently claimed she will only date men who her children - Lourdes, 15, Rocco, 11, David, six, and Mercy, five - will respect.
She said: 'It's important that my children admire and respect this partner that I would choose for myself. Especially for my sons, who have their father but they need a male role model as well.'
'So I need to keep this in mind: What is this person modelling to my sons, what kind of man is he, what values does he have, what energy is he giving off? Because they are impressionable. It's so important.'

From contactmusic.com

Madonna and family go out to celebrate in New York City

Madonna and her family stepped out in New York City on Friday night to celebrate Madonna's two golden globe nominations for W.E. - to view pictures of the night visit www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz

W.E. Promotional Documentary

A 23 minute long documentary about the filming of W.E. has been put online. The film features interviews with Madonna and the cast of the film and behind the scenes footage.

Madonna prays for music guru Molly Meldrum's recovery

Superstar Madonna is praying relentlessly for Molly Meldrum as the rock guru remains in a coma.
'He is a one and only,' Madonna said yesterday. 'I've always adored Molly and I'm praying around the clock.'
Madonna said he had been an inspiration throughout her career.
As Meldrum rests in intensive care in a Melbourne hospital, still listed as critical after an accident at his home on Thursday, popular singer Michael Buble also added his best wishes.
'I was devastated to hear about Molly's accident,' the crooner said. 'My family and I are praying for him.'
It is understood Madonna, Buble and Cher have sent flowers.
Relatives face an anxious wait as the extent of Meldrum's brain injury becomes more clear in coming days.
Meldrum crushed his skull and punctured his lung when he fell in the backyard of his Richmond home while putting up decorations.
Doctors are monitoring the pressure in Meldrum's brain and are confident it will gradually ease.

From couriermail.au

Madonna's excitement at Golden Globe nominations

Madonna describes her excitement at waking up and checking her phone, only to find out her new film 'W.E.' had been nominated for two Golden Globes.

From ITN.co.uk

Korzeniowski: Following Madonna's marching orders

Madonna has more than a few things in common with Tom Ford beyond their mutual love of fashion. Both took on the challenge of filmmaking from the pinnacle of other creative expressions: his from couture, hers from pop. And Ford's influence on Madonna's sophomore directorial effort, 'W.E.,' about the scandalous love affair between King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, is evident in the film's Vogue-magazine visuals, exquisite costumes and Abel Korzeniowski's hypnotic music.
Madonna knew she wanted Korzeniowski to score 'W.E.' - which alternates between the royals circa '30s/'40s England and a modern-day New Yorker, Wally (Abbie Cornish), obsessed with their romance - from the get-go. After all, she had temp-tracked Korzeniowski's music from Ford's 'A Single Man' into the film's rough cut, and the 'Single' score had already been referenced early on in the screenplay she co-wrote with Alek Keshishian. So when Korzeniowski got the call last December, as 'W.E.' was in the early stages of post-production, it was a fait accompli.
'She basically interviewed Tom about me, how it is to work with me, and apparently she got a greenlight from Tom,' recalls Korzeniowski about their initial meeting in L.A.
Being a musician herself, Madonna provided the yin to Korzeniowski's yang by trying to keep things simple and direct. 'It is not the type of score where you go through crazy harmonic changes and modulations,' says Korzeniowski. 'This was one of the very precise notes I got from Madonna, that I was not supposed to over-think this music.'

To read the full article visit www.variety.com/article

Madonna Anderson Interview: Preview Clip

As exclusively revealed by madonnalicious last week, Madonna was interviewed by Anderson Cooper yesterday in New York City.

Madonna sat down for a one-hour interview with Anderson, discussing her new film 'W.E.,' her upcoming performance at the Super Bowl, and in this show preview, the superstar shares her exclusive reaction to the film's two Golden Globe nominations for Original Song and Original Score.
'I am so proud of Abel Korzeniowski, who did the score of my film. It was a great way to wake up this morning,' Madonna tells Anderson.

The 'Anderson' episode will air in February 2012.

Two Golden Globe nominations for W.E.

The nominations for the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards were announced this morning in Los Angeles. Madonna's W.E. has received two nominations.
The awards will be presented on Sunday 15 January 2012.

Best Original Song
'Hello Hello' - Gnomeo & Juliet - Elton John
'Lay Your Head Down' - Albert Nobbs - Sinead O'Connor
'The Living Proof' - The Help - Mary J. Blige
'The Keeper' - Machine Gun Preacher - Gerard Butler
'Masterpiece' - W.E. - Madonna

Best Original Score
The Artist, Ludovic Bource
W.E., Abel Korzeniowski
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
Hugo, Howard Shore
War Horse, John Williams

Three Album Licensing Deal with Interscope Records Confirmed

Madonna will have a new album out in late March; it was officially confirmed today by Interscope Records. In one component of a very broad plan developed by long time manager Guy Oseary and Live Nation Entertainment, the Material Girl has signed a three album deal with Interscope Records.
The new album, her first in five years, has been completed. 'Gimme All Your Luvin,' the first single from the album, will be released the last week in January prior to her upcoming Bridgestone Halftime Superbowl appearance on February 5th.
In 2007, Madonna signed a multi-faceted deal with Live Nation that includes new studio albums, touring, merchandising, fan club/website, DVDs, music-related television and film projects and associated sponsorship agreements. 'We look forward to a great partnership,' commented Live Nation Entertainment's Chairman of Global Music & CEO, Global Touring Arthur Fogel.
Oseary was equally enthusiastic: 'We couldn't be happier to work with Jimmy Iovine , Lucian Grainge (Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group) and the entire Interscope team. We anticipate a very bright future at our new home,' added Jimmy Iovine , Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M. 'Very rarely does an opportunity like this come around. We would like to thank Madonna, Guy and Live Nation for their belief in us.'

From PRNewswire Press Release

Ask Madonna a Question!

'Nightline' anchor Cynthia McFadden has an upcoming exclusive interview with Madonna, which will air on 'Good Morning America,' 'Nightline' and '20/20' in the coming weeks.
But now is your chance to ask the iconic queen of Pop anything you want to know. We want you, the viewers, to ask the Material Girl questions. Fill out the form to tell us your question and 'Nightline' anchor Cynthia McFadden could put it directly to Madonna. Some will be selected for a special online feature.

To submit your question visit abcnews.go.com/Nightline

Thanks to Alex

Madonna signs new record deal

Madonna has signed a three-album deal with Interscope Records.
The 53-year-old singer finished her contract with Warner Music Group - who she had been signed to since the start of her career in 1982 - with her third greatest hits album, 'Celebration', in 2007 and inked the new deal, thought to be worth $1 million an album, with the label, owned by Universal Music Group.
A source told the New York Post newspaper: 'It's just about keeping relevance so that she can tour. She is still in the demo phase, but the idea is to get the first album out early next year.'
While she will release her records through Interscope, Madonna will continue to tour under her agreement with Live Nation Entertainment.
Madonna has also been confirmed to perform at the NFL Super Bowl Half Time Show in the US next February, which is when she is expected to make her comeback.

From contactmusic.com

Madonna and M.I.A. sing Happy Birthday to Nicki Minaj

Madonna and MIA have celebrated Nicki Minaj's 29th birthday as the three filmed a new music video together.
Minaj and MIA will feature on Madonna's forthcoming single 'Give Me All Your Love', which will receive its official premiere in early 2012.
After singing happy birthday to the rapper, Madonna kissed the Pink Friday star to cheers from the production crew and cast.
Addressing the crowd, Minaj said: 'You know what? Thank you so much and I have to thank the queen, Madonna, for giving me this amazing opportunity.'
'I love her so much and she is fierce. She didn't have to do this for me and MIA, but we love you and thank you so much for everything.'
She then joked: 'Did you get my kiss with Madonna on camera? Oh my God!'

From digitalspy.co.uk