Canadian TV: Confessions Tour

The Confessions Tour will be broadcast on TQS in Montreal, Quebec on Monday 31 December at 20:00 - for more information visit www.tqs.ca

Thanks to Alain

The Biggest Celebrity Paydays Of 2007

Forbes magazine have published their list of The Biggest Celebrity Paydays Of 2007 - due to her ground-breaking deal with Live Nation, Madonna makes the list at #8:

Madonna
October 10
$43 million
Some 25 years after she emerged as pop music’s most bankable provocateur, the 49-year-old mother of three shocked her fans again by dumping her longtime record label Warner Music in favour of a 10-year, $120 million deal with concert promoter Live Nation.
Madonna pocketed an $18 million signing bonus, plus another $25 million in stock. She’ll score $17 million advances for each of her next three albums under Live Nation. (She owes Warner one more studio album and a greatest hits collection before she bails.)

The mates taking on Madonna

Meet Madonna's competition at the Grammys – two mates from Sydney who thought the fruits of their labour were dead and buried.
Dean Bates and Reuben Field scored a nod last week for music's most prestigious award for their DVD showcasing Cuban rap music, Liberacion – The Songs of the New Cuban Underground.
The nomination in the category of 'Best Longform Music Video' pits them against the DVD of Madonna's Confessions tour and R&B megastar R. Kelly. It also makes them the only Australians in this year's awards.
'You can't believe that you're up against someone like Madonna,' said Bates, the producer half of the duo's small Darlinghurst film company, Starchild Productions.
Field, the director, said: 'As far as we knew the project vanished, fell off the face of the Earth 18 months ago. We hadn't heard a word about how it went in the US. It was literally dead and buried.'
Then Chris Murphy – the former INXS manager who shot more than 100 hours of footage in Cuba before handing it to Bates and Field to make into a film – rang with the incredible news.
The DVD explores the strange world of 'Reggaeton', a strain of music invented by Cubans listening to rap music on Miami radio using illegal long distance antennae.
Now the pair will jetting to Los Angeles in February for the Grammy Awards ceremony.
'We're not expecting to win since we weren't expecting to be nominated,' Field joked.

From news.com.au

Madonna flirted to recruit Grant

Richard E. Grant has revealed that he agreed to star in Madonna's directorial debut because the singer flirted with him.
The actor appears in Filth and Wisdom, which premieres at the Berlin International Film Festival in February.
Grant claimed he was persuaded to sign up for the film by Madonna's charm, saying: 'I respond well to flattery. Flattery and money.'
'Madonna flirted with me to get me to make her new film, Filth and Wisdom. She's a terrible flirt and very attractive. I was bewitched, so of course I fell at her feet.'

From contactmusic.com

Amazon MP3 Adds Warner Music Group Catalog

Amazon on Thursday announced the release of new music on its Amazon MP3 music download service, through an agreement with Warner Music Group (WMG). Now users can download Digital Rights Management (DRM)-free music from artists including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Madonna and Metallica.
Amazon bills its MP3 service as 'the Earth's biggest selection of a la carte DRM-free MP3 music downloads.' At about 2.9 million songs, Amazon MP3's catalog is less than half the size of Apple's iTunes Store, although many of the songs offered through the iTunes Store employ DRM protection.
The songs offered through Amazon MP3 play on almost all digital music players, including Apple's iPods. And while the WMG artists on Amazon MP3 are available via the iTunes Store as well, Amazon indicates that it will make available WMG album bundles containing exclusive tracks.
Most songs offered through Amazon MP3 are priced from 89 to 99 cents, with most albums priced from $5.99 to $9.99. All music is encoded at 256 Kbps.

From PC World/Macworld By Peter Cohen

NOTE: The MP3 downloads are only available to US customers on amazon.com

Madonna film to debut at Berlin film festival

The first film directed by pop icon Madonna is to have its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival taking place from February 7-17, organizers announced Thursday. Filth And Wisdom, a romantic musical comedy reportedly based on the star's own experiences, is Britain's entry in the festival's Panoroma section, but will not be in line for an award in the main competition.
It is not clear if Madonna, 49, will put in an appearance in Berlin, but directors usually show up for the premieres of their movies.
The lead role is played by Eugene Huetz, whose Gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello accompanied Madonna during a concert in London this year. Other actors include Stephen Graham and Richard E. Grant.
Madonna, who is married to British director Guy Ritchie, does not appear in the film.
Around 50 works are entered in the Berlinale's Panorama section, among them efforts by Canadian underground star Bruce LaBruce and Taiwanese female director Zero Chou.

From EARTHtimes.org

German Magazines: In Touch

The new edition of German magazine In Touch (27 December issue) uses plenty of good pictures to illustrate a gossipy article about Madonna's 'quest for youth'!

Thanks to Kirsten

Madonna plans to overtake Presley's record

Pop superstar Madonna has come up with a plan to overtake rock legend Elvis Presley's record of producing Britain's maximum no. 1 hits.
Thesun.co.uk reports that she plans to re-release all her big hits as downloads this year to celebrate her 50th birthday. The move might upset her former label Warner because they want to make the most of her previous catalogue before she leaves them.

From CHINAdaily

Happy Christmas!

Happy Christmas to all madonnalicious readers!

Hope you enjoy this new look madonnalicious which now allows readers to subscribe to our news in RSS readers. We have also republished our Re-Invention Tour and Confessions Tour fan archives, full of pictures, reviews and video clips.

UK Magazines: first

Madonna's first 2008-dated UK cover is appropriately first magazine (07 January 2008 issue). The cover features a press shot from the New York City premiere of Revolver and the two-page article inside talks about possible cosmetic surgery.

Entertainment Weekly's 25 Essential Fansites

Top US magazine Entertainment Weekly have published a list of what they consider to be the 25 Essential Fansites - and madonnalicious makes #10!

They're sites made by fans for fans - obsessively tracking every episode, casting announcement, and live gig from our favorite TV shows, films, and musicians. We've whipped up the 25 sites that truly put the .com (or .net, or .org) in community....

10. Madonna
madonnalicious.com
Launch Date January 2003

What You'll Find:
London-based blogger Clare puts a decidedly European spin on Her Madgesty's comings and goings, from German tabloid scans to an archived BBC audio interview with Madonna's producer/collaborator Stuart Price.
Why It's Essential
Madonnalicious' basic HTML isn't pretty, but the site is incredibly meticulous - from constant updates on the Material Woman's estimated $120 million deal with Live Nation to camera-phone snapshots from the U.K. premiere of the new Desperately Seeking Susan stage show, all accompanied by Clare's chatty, conversational musings. There are also reams of vintage and obscure photos with handy links should you feel compelled to download a 1987 Madonna-starring Mitsubishi ad.

Official Site madonna.com
Find a feature on the singer's current cause, raisingmalawi.org, and design your own Madonna T-shirt; membership (which costs $39.99 a year) also gets you the digital magazine Icon - but none of the juicy pap shots or behind-the-scenes 'licious drama. - Leah Greenblatt

And Entertainment Weekly will be pleased to know that our basic HTML will get a little bit more prettier on Christmas Day when madonnalicious relaunches! ;-)

Events: The Ultimate Drag Off

A current off-broadway cabaret weekly game show in NYC called 'The Ultimate Drag Off' is seeking GUYS and GALS to do their BEST Madonna impersonations, singing live or lip-sync for their annual MADONNALOVEFEST on FEBRUARY 2nd, 2008!
You must be in or near the NYC area and you must submit your best photos or video clips doing your BEST Madonna you can.
Performers do 2 songs and the audience votes on your performance, plus play other events throughout the night and win prizes! This is a fun hilarious show hosted by NYC Nightlife guru, Miss Sweetie! For more information on the show and details with video clips and all visit: www.myspace.com/thedragoff or www.THEDRAGOFF.com

For a recent article on THE ULTIMATE DRAG OFF please read: broadwayworld.com

Happy 7th Wedding Anniversary!

Best wishes from all at madonnalicious to Madonna and Guy who celebrate their 7th wedding anniversary today.

Pictured below is the only photograph ever to emerge from their wedding day - as featured in Madonna's documentary I'm Going To Tell You A Secret.

Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales 2007

Madonna has two songs from her 2005 album Confessions On A Dance Floor in the Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales 2007 chart:

#2 - Jump
#10 - Get Together

Thanks to Micheal

Italian Magazines: Vanity Fair

The current edition of Italian magazine Vanity Fair features this previously unseen shot of Madonna and designers Dolce and Gabbana at the New York premiere of Revolver earlier this month.

Thanks to Francesco

Doctor Who star Tennant talks about Madonna

Doctor Who star David Tennant has credited pop superstar Madonna with his sexual awakening aged 14. The Scottish actor was obsessed with the singer when he was a teenager and admits he had raunchy posters of the Material Girl all over his bedroom wall.
And his teenage crush hasn't ended - Tennant admits he wouldn't turn the 48-year-old down today. He says, 'She's quite extraordinary. When I was 14, the first single I ever bought was Like A Virgin. She was kind of my sexual awakening. I had some full-on posters of her on my wall. I don't know what my parents thought. She still looks damn fit.'

From contactmusic.com - thanks to Mike

UK Magazines: Look

The current edition of UK celebrity and fashion magazine, Look (31 December issue) features these cute pictures of Madonna and Guy double dating with Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin in New York City recently.

More on the Gucci/Raising Malawi/UNICEF event

Gucci’s Feb. 6 fund-raiser to accompany the opening of its biggest flagship worldwide on Fifth Avenue won’t be in New York, at least not technically. The company disclosed that the event, dubbed 'A Night to Benefit Raising Malawi and UNICEF,' will take place in a purpose-built structure on the North Lawn of the United Nations.
The 18-acre U.N. site on Manhattan’s East River is international territory, which means that it doesn’t belong to any one country or government, and the Gucci soiree is the first of its kind to ever take place there.
It promises to be quite a party. Hosted by the luxury house and Madonna, Gucci tapped Alicia Keys, Timbaland and Rihanna for special musical performances; there will be a presentation by renowned economist and Columbia University professor Jeffrey Sachs, who is also a co-chair, and a live auction, slated to be emceed by Chris Rock.
Along with Madonna and Gucci creative director Frida Giannini, Drew Barrymore, Adrien Brody, Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault, Sting and Trudie Styler, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher, Gwyneth Paltrow, Arpad Busson, Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker, Téa Leoni and Lucy Liu will serve as co-chairs. Styler, Parker, Leoni and Liu are also UNICEF ambassadors.
Finally, Fashion Week Daily reports that according to Gucci, the location was chosen for its 'neutrality, connection to UNICEF, and symbolism of global unity, as it belongs to no country.'

From WWD.com

Tuesday Knight designing jewelry for album shoot

Actress turned singer, turned designer Tuesday Knight is designing and working with Madonna on photo shoots for her upcoming album.

Tuesday has also designed jewelry in the past for Madonna for her film Evita and for her 2003 VMA Performance with Britney Spears.

When Madonna and Tuesday met recently to discuss the plans for her designs, Madonna loved everything that is coming off of Tuesday’s new line.

Madonna's manager Angela Becker has previously told In Touch Weekly: 'Madonna is a big fan of Tuesday’s and loves her jewelry a lot. She is always showing us what she is designing next, and it should be considered Art.'

Fans can find more out about Tuesday’s designs at www.tuesdayshipvintage.com

Thanks to Michael

German Magazines: In

The new edition of German magazine In (20 December issue) features a small article on designer Miuccia Prada and pictures Madonna with her Prada handbag.

Thanks to Susanne

Forbes Savviest Celebrity Businesswoman

Forbes magazine just published their list of The Year's Savviest Celebrity Businesswoman - Madonna made the list and here's what they had to say:

In February, Madonna hooked up with Swedish retailer H&M to create her own fashion collection. The line encompassed everything from clothes to sunglasses and party bags. Madge probably got $2 million upfront for the line and then a percentage of sales, which did well, though not as well as Roberto Cavalli's. It did however cement her image with a new generation of fans and shoppers.
Then, in October, Madge, nearing 50 (in her always savy career) nailed one of her greatest business coups: a deal with concert promoter Live Nation that would reportedly earn her $120 million over 10 years. The sweeping partnership would encompass all future music and related busineses, including albums, touring, merchandising, DVDs, and music related film and TV projects.

Thanks to Micheal

World Magazines: Look and Voici

The appearence of bruising underneath Madonna's eyes while she was visiting New York City caused some magazines to speculate on some possible cosmetic enhancement work! Below are scans from UK magazine Look (31 December issue) and the current issue of French magazine Voici. Click to enlarge.

 

Thanks to Manuel

Merchandise: My Confessions

madonnalicious reader and long-time Madonna fan Akos has finalised his pictorial book about Madonna and it is now available for fans to buy:

The book gives a never seen tour review of the European leg of the tours. Photos taken from every different angle of the venues. Therefore you will discover the tours from a whole different point of view and with different show highlights. 100 colour pages, only 1 text page, all others are with photos. HQ!

Below is the new front cover of the book - available online at www.lulu.com or from Akos directly at [email protected]

Timbaland: Madonna set the deal

Timbaland was interviewed backstage at the Jingle Ball in Philadelphia this weekend by Q102. In the interview he talks about shooting the video for 4 Minutes to Save the World with Madonna and Justin Timberlake and how Madonna has 'set the rule':

On his possible retirement:
No, the next thing I'm shooting....the next video I am doing is me, Justin and Madonna.
Is there anyone else he wants to work with?
That was it, that set the deal, Madonna set the deal....after I did her album I'm cool. Me and Justin went in and did her album in London.

To view the interview with Timbaland visit www.q102.com

UK Magazines: National Enquirer

The 10 December issue of the UK edition of the National Enquirer featured this small piece in the Mike Walker gossip column. Click on the article to enlarge.

Timbaland plays 4 Minutes to Save the World

A track from Madonna's new album was given its world debut when Timbaland played it at a ball.
The producer unveiled his collaboration with Madonna and Justin Timberlake, called '4 Minutes To Save The World', during a DJ spot at last night's Jingle Ball in Philadelphia.
The song is believed to be the lead single on the pop icon's forthcoming eleventh album.
The LP - her first since 2005's Confessions On A Dancefloor - will also feature Kanye West and Pharrell Williams, fuelling speculation that it will be strongly influenced by hip-hop. Two other songs, 'Candy Shop' and 'The Beat Goes On', have already been leaked online.

From Digital Spy

Note:
Celebrity gossip site PerezHilton.com put the clip online, but had to immediately remove it, and other clips of the song that appeared on youtube.com have also been removed at the request of Warner Music Group.
However most fans that heard the track before it was removed are very excited by the track, and cannot wait to hear the full version of the song!

UK Magazines: Hello!

Madonna and Guy's appearance at a screening of Revolver in New York City earlier this month is featured in a one-page article in UK magazine Hello! (18 December issue 1000) - click on the article to enlarge.

UK Magazines: Reveal

The current edition of UK magazine Reveal (15-29 December issue) features this one-page article on The Ritchies cutting back on Christmas excess this year.

Madonna talks about Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Madonna has commented (via her representative) on the news that she is to be inducted into the 2008 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:

'I was fortunate to have inducted my idol David Bowie a few years back, so to be included alongside him and so many other amazing artists that have come before me is an honor,' the pop icon said in a statement to The Plain Dealer, sent Friday through her publicist.
Madonna did indeed do the honors when Bowie was enshrined in 1996, although he chose not to attend the festivities.
Madonna is expected to be on hand for the Rock Hall's 23rd annual induction ceremony Monday, March 10, at New York City's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, her publicist said.

From The Plain Dealer - thanks to Matthew

Events: Madonna Moscow Party

Vote: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

MSNBC.com are running a poll asking Does Madonna deserve a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? - of course she does!

To show your support for Madonna, go and vote at: www.msnbc.msn.com

Canadian Press: Metro

Canadian newspaper the Metro (Ottawa edition) featured this small piece on Madonna allegedly clearing out a yoga class and her reps comment on the story.

Thanks to Chantale

2008 Roll and Rock Hall of Fame

Madonna and John Mellencamp will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year, alongside Leonard Cohen, the Ventures and the Dave Clark Five. Philly Soul songwriter/producer team Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff will be presented the Ahmet Ertegun Award (previously known as the non-performer category) and blues harmonica player Little Walter will be inducted in the sideman category.
This is Madonna's first year of eligibility; her debut single, 'Everybody,' was released twenty-five years ago in 1982. The induction ceremony will take place on March 10th, 2008 at New York's Waldorf Astoria.
Among the artists who were nominated this year but did not get in are the Beastie Boys (who were eligible for the first time) and Donna Summer. Read on for a list of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees from the past ten years.

From RollingStone.com - thanks to Michael

UK Magazines: Look

The 17 December issue of UK celebrity fashion magazine Look features this small snippet on Madonna's alledged adoption demands.

Madonna not formally backing Clinton

Madonna may have expressed her admiration for Hillary Clinton and said she supports her but has not officially endorsed Hillary according to her representative:

'Madonna has not formally endorsed Hillary Clinton. She's certainly spoken highly of her, but that's it.'

UK Magazines: Grazia

Madonna is eating porridge to help make her look younger according to UK magazine Grazia (17 December issue) - the magazine contains a three-page article about her porridge diet and the story is even splashed on the front page!

Adoption given the okay for Madonna

Madonna has gotten 'the best Christmas gift she's ever received' - the government go-ahead to adopt the Malawi tot to whom she's been the foster mother for more than a year.
After months of waiting - and an initial firestorm of criticism over how she reportedly worked the system to take now-2-year-old David Banda from the tiny African country - the Material Mom, 49, and director hubby Guy Ritchie were finally cleared to adopt the adorable toddler, In Touch Weekly reports.
'Madonna hid it well, but there was a part of her that was worried that the adoption wouldn't go through,' a pal said. 'This is the best Christmas gift she's ever received.'
The child had been living with the singer since October 2006.

From the New York Post

Confessions and Re-Invention Picture Book

Fans can snap up this pictorial celebration of Madonna's Confessions and Re-Invention tours in this book. All the pictures were shot by Madonna fan Akos.

The book is 100 colour pages, 27x36 cm size, with hundreds of professionally shot photographs on high quality paper. There is no text in the book, only pictures.

For more information contact Akos directly at [email protected]

A look inside Madonna and Guy's marriage

At the Tribeca Grand premiere for Guy Ritchie’s shoot ’em up Revolver, Madonna wouldn’t stop talking to him and her manager, Guy Oseary. Two girls spent two hours-plus standing in the aisle next to them, acting sometimes as coatracks, sometimes as cocktail waitresses.
At the after-party atop the Gramercy Park Hotel, Ritchie and Madonna stayed until the bitter end, downing green martinis and sequestering themselves in a corner with Donna Karan, Steven Klein, and Sarah Jessica Parker. But earlier, they spoke with a group of reporters, while bantering and correcting each other the entire time, and coming across as a more or less normal couple.

NEW YORK: You had to reedit the entire movie. Do you think you got a bad rap from critics the first time around?
RITCHIE: 'Do I think? I know!' [Laughs]
MADONNA: 'Yes.'
Why do you think that is?
RITCHIE: 'Well, I don’t think they liked it.'
MADONNA: 'No, I don’t think they bothered to really watch it. I think they were criticizing Guy, not the movie.'
So, Guy, have you heard Madonna’s new CD?
RITCHIE: 'I have. I have heard her CD. I think it’s her best CD, and I’m not just saying that. [Pause.] Well, I am just saying it, but I also mean it.'
You’re more of a hip-hop guy?
RITCHIE: 'No is the answer to that.'
MADONNA: 'He’s an Irish-folk-song guy.'
RITCHIE: 'I like republican, political?....'
MADONNA: [Interrupts.] 'No, not republican, baby. That’s different here.'
Yes, that’s different in the U.S.
RITCHIE: 'Oh, okay. We don’t like Republicans, then.'
How long have you been doing jujitsu?
RITCHIE: 'About ten years.'
What color belt do you have?
RITCHIE: 'No, I’m not going to tell you, ’cause it’s embarrassing what belt I’ve got.'
MADONNA: 'It’s the lowest one.'
RITCHIE: 'No, it’s not. It’s somewhere in the middle.'
INSTYLE REPORTER cuts in: What have you learned about fashion from Madonna?
RITCHIE: 'Not to wear the same dresses as her.'

From New York Magazine By Bennett Marcus and Amy Odell

German Magazines: Gala

The latest issue of German magazine Gala features Madonna and Guy at the Revolver premiere in New York City earlier this month. Click to enlarge the article.

Thanks to Susanne

Madonna slams age stereotypes

ThSuperstar Madonna has criticised society's long-held stereotypes for the middle-aged, insisting she will never conform to most people's expectations of a 50-year-old woman.
The singer is apprehensive about reaching her landmark 50th birthday in August 2008 - but adamantly refuses to become a victim of ageism. She says, 'Not only does society suffer from racism and sexism but it also suffers from ageism. Once you reach a certain age you're not allowed to be adventurous, you're not allowed to be sexual. I mean, is there a rule? Are you supposed to just die?'

From contactmusic.com

Note:
Thanks to all the readers who have written in to us saying that this is an OLD quote from an interview way back in 1992....before she'd even turned 40! Not sure why the press chose to revive this quote.

Site News: Latest Pictures

You can view the latest upload of 200 pictures to the galleries here.

Events: Madonna-esque in Texas

Liz Speaks: Wrong title. Release date wrong.

Madonna's record label has denied reports that her new album will be called 'Licorice' and will come out in late April.
Billboard.com reported that Sirius Satellite Radio host Larry Flick, a former Billboard editor, announced the title and release date on his 'OutQ' show Thursday.
'Sirius does not know what they are talking about,' Warner Bros, spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg said in an email to Reuters. 'Wrong title. Release date wrong etc.'
Flick reportedly aired two songs from the album, 'Candy Shop' and 'The Beat Goes On,' both of which leaked online earlier this year.
The new album will be Madonna's last release of new material for Warner Bros. before she begins a wide-ranging 10-year deal with Artist Nation, a new initiative launched by concert promoter Live Nation. Warner Bros. will also release a hits collection.

From Reuters UK - thanks to Anna-Clare

Licorice catches out Larry Flick

Looks like DJ Larry Flick may have got caught out by a fan made fake album cover that had been floating around the internet since August (see story below).

Talented artist Robster had made the fake cover and called the album Licorice - so unless Madonna has started to name her albums after being inspired by her fans artwork then the suggested album title (which is now all over the internet as confirmed in various news reports) is probably not true....but fans did like the name!

Here is a look at the FAKE fan made cover that maybe confused the press:

Madonna's files suit against her Co-op Board

Madonna managed to get something else done this week while she was in town for the premiere of Guy Ritchie's movie, Revolver. She filed suit against her Central Park West building's co-op board, saying they blocked her from buying a neighbor's apartment, which she had been planning to adjoin to her current 6,000-square-foot spread. (Hey, a girl needs room!)
We imagine she feels the old biddies on the board should be grateful for her presence: After all, her building, Harperley Hall, 41 Central Park West, 'was not one of the area's more notable buildings until she put down roots there in the early 1990's,' the Times said in 2003, noting that after her arrival, property prices had gone up by about 25 percent.
Madge has had bad luck with co-ops before — she was rejected by the San Remo in 1985 — and was looking at townhouses earlier this year. 'I believe she’s looking on the Upper East Side,' publicist Liz Rosenberg told New York back in March. Could this be the conflict that pushes Madge out of the Upper West Side for good? If so, we have two words for her: Palazzo. Chupi.

From New York Magazine - thanks to Lauren

New Album Named: Licorice

Madonna has christened her final Warner Bros. studio Album 'Licorice' and will release it in Late April.
The news was broken today on former Billboard editor Larry Flick Sirius satellite Radio Show 'OutQ'. He also previewed two songs, 'Candyshop' and 'And the Beat Goes On' that features guest Kanye West.
On the broadcast, Flick also aired two songs from the album, "Candy Shop" and "The Beat Goes On" featuring Pharrell. Both cuts leaked online earlier this year.
Unconfirmed reports say Madonna previewed the album in recent days for Warner Bros. staff members in New York. Kanye West is said to guest on 'The Beat Goes On,' while an older unreleased tune, 'The Devil Wouldn't Recognize You,' appears in a new version.
As previously reported, following 'Licorice' and a greatest hits collection, Madonna will record for Artist Nation, a new initiative launched by concert promoter Live Nation.
The 10-year deal encompasses all of Madonna's future music and music-related businesses, including the exploitation of the Madonna brand, new studio albums, touring, merchandising, fan clubs/Web sites, DVDs, music-related television and film projects and associated sponsorship agreements.

From Billboard.com - thanks to Lenny and Micheal

Confessions Tour DVD nominated for a Grammy

It was announced today that the DVD release of the Confessions Tour has been nominated for Grammy as Best Long Form Music Video.

The award itself is: For video album packages consisting of more than one song or track. Award to the Artist and to the Video Director/Producer of at least 51% of the total playing time.

Madonna faces competition from:

Live & Loud At The Fillmore - Dierks Bentley
Trapped In The Closet Chapters 13-22 - R. Kelly
10 Days Out - Blues From The Backroads - Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Various
Liberacion - The Songs Of The New Cuban Underground - Various Artists

The Grammy Award ceremony takes place in Los Angeles on 10 February, 2008.

Thanks to Matthew

Guy Ritchie: What can you do? She's Madonna

Director Guy Ritchie seems comfortable in his own skin as he sits in a pricey hotel suite in Beverly Hills, full of boyish enthusiasm about his latest film 'Revolver,' which debuts in U.S. cities on Friday.
He has been married to Madonna, one of the world's leading pop singers and trendsetters, for over two decades, but Ritchie, wearing a nondescript blue shirt and dark pants, seems unimpressed by designer labels.
In an accent that still sounds more working-class London than elite private school he talked about life at home with an icon and 'Revolver,' an existential gangster tale starring Jason Statham and Ray Liotta:

Q: So, how's married life these days?
A: 'I enjoy it enormously. Wish I'd done it sooner.'
Q: Many people said it would never last, so what's the secret to a happy showbiz marriage?
A: 'Pretty much ignore all the stuff they say and write about you.'
Q: But Madonna just signed this huge deal reportedly worth $120 million over 10 years with concert company Live Nation. Do you ever feel your career gets overshadowed by hers?
A: 'Don't know what you mean! She's got her career and I've got mine. What can you do? She's Madonna.'
Q: The critics were pretty unkind when you remade 'Swept Away' with her.
A: 'Were they? I thought our remake was fine It's a funny thing, as once we made the movie, I went, 'Oh yeah, that's the movie we wanted to make.' It wasn't supposed to be a big deal. It was just supposed to be a pleasant remake. And she was good in it. That's what I couldn't understand, because she was conspicuously good in it. But what can you do?'
Q: So would you work with Madonna again?
A: 'I don't know. We don't want to stick our chins out again.'
Q: Then, who's in charge at home?
A: 'I've got to tell you, we're just like any other married couple.'
Q: So she's in charge?
A: 'Yes!'
Q: Any plans to adopt more kids?
A: 'Listen, you've got to speak to the boss about that.'

From Reuters

Events: Madonna and Me

Tickets for the Liverpool run of the successful London play Madonna and Me by playwright Tommy Keaney are now onsale.