Madonna biggest 2008 North American tour attraction

Madonna's 'Sticky & Sweet' concert tour was the biggest-grossing music tour of 2008 in North America, raking in $105.3 million, concert tracking magazine Pollstar said on Monday.
The Material Girl, whose 58-show world tour finished in Brazil last week, was closely followed by another solo diva - Canadian-born Celine Dion, who made $94 million in North America from her first tour since ending an almost five-year residency in Las Vegas a year ago.
Rock veterans The Eagles were third on Pollstar's list, grossing $73.4 million for their tour to support possibly their last studio album 'Long Road out of Eden'.
Country music star Kenny Chesney ($72.2 million) and rock band Bon Jovi ($70.4 million) came in fourth and fifth.
The Top 10 grossing tours of North America were rounded out by Bruce Springsteen and the E street band ($69.3 million), Neil Diamond ($59.8 million), Rascal Flatts ($55.8 million), The Police ($48.0 million) and veteran rocker Tina Turner ($47.7 million).
Pollstar's Top 10 list did not include global tour earnings for the year.

From Reuters Via Yahoo! News

Brazilian Magazines: Istoe Gente

The 22 December issue of Brazilian magazine Istoe Gente featured a picture of Madonna performing in the rain in Rio De Janeiro earlier this month - click on the cover to enlarge.

Thanks to Alisson Gothz

Miles Away on the Billboard Charts

As 2008 draws to a close here is how Miles Away is doing on the US Billboard Charts:

#1 Billboard Hot Singles Sales - Miles Away
#1 Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales - Miles Away
#1 Billboard Hot Dance Airplay - Miles Away
#5 Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play - Miles Away

Thanks to Micheal

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Philadelphia Fan Pictures - Part 2

madonnalicious reader Becky took this side-view pictures at the Philadelphia show on Thursday 20 November at the Wachovia Center.

These pictures complete the Philadelphia and Atlantic City tour galleries which can be viewed here.

UK Radio: 30 at 50

UK radio station BBC Radio 2 is featuring Madonna in the 30 at 50 series - the show will be broadcast tomorrow (Tuesday 30 December) at 2:00pm.

Madonna is now 50 years old. Simon Mayo counts down her 30 biggest selling singles in the UK and other music stars discuss her enduring appeal and their favourite Madonna songs.

International fans can listen online tomorrow at www.bbc.co.uk/radio2

Thanks to Mandi

Tour merchandise selling out fast!

Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour merchandise has been selling out fast this year - the tourbooks and regular Vote Obama tshirts (the babydoll ones are still available) are now sold out.

To get the remaining items before they sell out and become collectables visit the official tour merchandiser Fanfire.com

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Houston Fan Pictures - Part 2

Lets take a look at some more previously unpublished fan pictures from the Sticky & Sweet Tour - madonnalicious reader Ben took some great pictures at the Minute Maid Arena in Houston on Sunday 16 November.

With the addition of these pictures the Las Vegas, Denver, Detroit and Houston tour galleries are now complete and can be viewed here.

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Sao Paulo Fan Pictures - Part 3

madonnalicious reader Alisson Gothz sent in these great pictures from the last show of the tour on Sunday 21 December in Sao Paulo.

The request song was Like A Virgin, Madonna asked if she could sing it as she was feeling like one! The audience got a surprise when all the dancers came on stage just wearing Brazilian flags during Hung Up.

We are still accepting tour pictures and reports from any of the shows so please email us at [email protected] if you have any submissions.

Brazilian Magazines: Vogue

Here is an indepth look at the December 2008 issue of Brazilian Vogue featuring the Steven Klein portfolio that was shot on the set of the Get Stupid video from the Sticky & Sweet Tour.

Thanks to Jhunno

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Sao Paulo Fan Pictures - Part 2

Here are some fan pictures taken at the second Sao Paulo show on Saturday 20 December - this set was taken by madonnalicious reader Rodrigo.

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Sao Paulo Soundcheck

Fans were again treated to watching Madonna soundcheck. This time it was before the last show of the tour on Sunday 21 December in Sao Paulo.

From globo.com/Agencia Estado - thanks to Daniel

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Sao Paulo Fan Pictures - Part 1

madonnalicious reader Nillcew was at the first Sao Paulo show at the Morumbi Stadium on Thursday 18 December - here are selection of their pictures from the show.

Do you have pictures or reports from the Sao Paulo shows? We are still wanting submissions especially from the second show to ensure we have a complete record of the Sticky & Sweet Tour. Please email us your pictures and reports to [email protected]

Every wine has a silver lining?

Madonna is set to enjoy a luxury holiday season after reportedly splashing out $7,500 on wine laced with silver.
The Material Girl is said to have purchased 25 bottles of luxury Spanish alcohol brand 24K Silver in Valencia, made by Artesanos del Vino.
The company's director Alberto Fernandez tells Britain's The Sun newspaper, 'It's made by mixing a liquor containing silver dust into a sparkling rose.'

From contactmusic.com

Argentinian Press: Clarin

Argentinian newspaper Clarin published this story about Madonna's rainy concert in Rio De Janeiro earlier this month.

Thanks to Anton

Madonna breaks more records as the tour ends

With the completion of Madonna's final show in Sao Paulo Brazil last evening - one of eleven record-breaking performances in South America - the 'Material Girl's' 'Sticky & Sweet' Tour reigns supreme by becoming the Number One Largest Grossing Tour in history by a solo artist, it was confirmed today by Live Nation, the tour's international producer. Her 58 shows in Europe, the US, Canada, Mexico and South America played for a staggering 2,350,282 million fans and sold over (USD)280,000,000 in tickets.
'Madonna has yet again demonstrated her true global appeal as a live performer whether in stadiums or arenas. Not only will this tour be the top selling tour of all time for a solo artist and a female artist (eclipsing her own record), but it will position her as one of the top selling touring artists of all time' said Arthur Fogel, Live Nation's Chairman of Global Music and CEO of Global Touring.
Along with record breaking ticket sales in South America with a total 650,000 tickets sold, the 'Sticky & Sweet' Tour sold 72,000 tickets at Zurich's Military Airfield Dubendorf - the largest audience ever assembled for a show in Switzerland. In London, where she performed in front of 74,000 fans with over 12 million dollars in ticket sales, Madonna surpassed all previous records at both the old and new Wembley Stadiums.
In New York City, Madonna's four sell-outs at Madison Square Garden shows added up to a record breaking 23 sold out performances since 2001 at that venue - a record for most appearances for a single artist in this decade.
Madonna's multi Grammy-nominated CD 'Hard Candy' debuted at number one early this year in over 37 countries.

From Madonna.com

Madonna videos removed from YouTube

Many readers have written into madonnalicious asking why Madonna's videos have all been disappearing from YouTube recently - well this BBC News article explains exactly what is happening:

Warner Music Group has told YouTube, the video sharing site, to remove music videos by its artists from the site.
Contract negotiations have ended because Warner wanted more money for having its music on YouTube.
But the Warner channel was still available on YouTube on Monday and Warner is reportedly still keen to reach a settlement.
The original 2006 deal was hailed as a landmark agreement, paving the way for deals with other music publishers.
YouTube also has deals with Universal Music, Sony and EMI Music. Analysts say that Warner's action may prompt other music companies to demand more money.
Thousands of videos from artists such as Madonna, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Kid Rock, could now be pulled from the site.
The original deal allowed Warner's material to be used legally on YouTube in return for advertising revenue.
Music companies typically get a share of advertising revenue associated with each video and a per-play payment - estimated to be a fraction of a penny - for every video viewed.
'We simply cannot accept terms that fail to appropriately and fairly compensate recording artists, songwriters, labels and publishers for the value they provide,' Warner said in a statement.
Sources close to Warner said the amount it received from YouTube was 'staggeringly low'.
In a statement on the YouTube blog, the company - which is owned by Google - said: 'Every day we work with the music community to license your favourite music for you to use on YouTube. But music licensing is very complicated.'
'Sometimes, if we can't reach acceptable business terms, we must part ways with successful partners. For example, you may notice videos that contain music owned by Warner Music Group being blocked from the site.'
The video sharing site added that its ultimate goal was 'to treat everyone fairly'.

Argentinian Magazines: Pronto

Argentinian magazine Pronto (12 December issue) featured a large article on Madonna's visit to the country for the Sticky & Sweet Tour.

Thanks to Mariela

Vote: Virgin Media Awards

Fans can vote for Madonna in three categories in the 2008 Virgin Media Awards.

* Best Album - virginmedia.com/awards2008/best-album/

* Best International Act - virginmedia.com/awards2008/best-international-act

* Best Comeback (Did she ever go away?!) - virginmedia.com/awards2008/best-comeback/

Thanks to Didier

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Sao Paulo Press Pictures

Brazilian website globo.com published these press pictures from Madonna's first show in Sao Paulo on Thursday 18 December.

Have you attended (or are going to) the Sao Paulo shows? Then please email us your pictures and reports to [email protected]

Thanks to Daniel

Madonna on the Billboard charts

Madonna is still reigning supreme on the USA Billboard charts:

#1 - Billboard Hot Dance Airplay - Miles Away
#5 - Billboard Hot Dance Club/Play - Miles Away
#7 - Billboard Hot Dance Single Sales - Miles Away
#8 - Billboard Hot Dance Single Sales - Give It 2 Me
#10 - Billboard Hot Dance Single Sales - 4 Minutes

Thanks to Micheal

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Rio De Janeiro Fan Pictures - Part 2

madonnalicious reader Daniel also attended the second show in Rio De Janeiro on Monday night and sent in these pictures from the show.

Madonna meeting the Governor of Rio De Janeiro

Madonna and her dancers met the Governor of Rio De Janeiro backstage before her second show in the city. He presented her with a Brazilian football shirt which she wore later in the show!

Members of Madonna's official fanclub ICON can find an exclusive video clip of the meeting in the video section of the fanclub site.

From globo.com - thanks to Daniel

Rolling Stone Magazine: Tour of the Year

Rolling Stone Magazine named Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour as the tour of the year!

Madonna muscles her way to Number 1! Unlike the Federal Reserve Bank, Madonna presided over a fiscally phenomenal year, launching the highest grossing tour of 2008 - and the biggest tour ever by a solo artist. We're also pretty sure she could kick Fed Chief Ben Bernanke's ass in a fair fight.

Thanks to Micheal

Brazilian Magazines: Veja

Brazilian magazine Veja (11 December issue) featured this five-page article about Madonna visiting South America and reaching 50 years of age.

Thanks to Beatrix

German Magazines: Stern

This rare picture of Madonna and writer William S. Burroughs was featured in the latest edition of German magazine Stern (11 December issue). Click on the image to enlarge.

Thanks to Margit

German Magazines: OK!

Madonna's forthcoming campaign for Louis Vuitton is previewed in the German edition of OK! magazine (12 December issue).

Thanks to Kirsten

Madonna and Guy 'happy' with deal

Madonna and Guy Ritchie are both 'happy' with their divorce agreement, they have said in a joint statement issued by Ritchie's publicist.
But an earlier statement released to the press suggesting the singer paid Ritchie £50m was 'misleading and inaccurate', they added.
The Associated Press news agency had quoted Madonna's US spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg on Monday.
The new statement said settlement details would 'remain private'.
Ms Rosenberg had told AP on Monday that Ritchie had been given £50-&#pound;60m ($76m-$92m) and that the figure included the value of the couple's Ashcombe House estate, on the Wiltshire/Dorset border.
Custody of the couple's children had yet to be worked out, she added.
She told AP: 'I'd assume it's one of the largest payouts ever in a divorce.'
But in the new statement released by Ritchie's representatives on Wednesday, the couple said: 'We have tried to maintain a dignified silence regarding the details of our divorce for the last few months whilst accepting the obvious media interest.'
'A misleading and inaccurate statement, specifically in relation to the sums of money involved, was wrongly issued to AP this week.'
'The financial details of the settlement will remain private, save to say that both of us are happy with our agreement.'
Their primary concern was 'the care and wellbeing of our children', it added.
A London representative of Madonna confirmed to BBC news that it was a joint statement.

From BBC News

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Beat Goes On Video Backdrop

Here is the complete video backdrop for the Beat Goes On featuring Pharrell Williams from the Sticky & Sweet Tour.

Thanks to Sébastien at New Madonna Music

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Los Angeles Fan Pictures - Part 2

This great set of pictures by madonnalicious reader Lorenzo complete the Los Angeles section of the tour gallery which can be viewed here.

Please keep sending in your tour pictures to [email protected] - madonnalicious is slowly(!) working through all your great submissions so far.

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Last Night in Rio De Janeiro

madonnalicious reader Leonardo was at the second Rio De Janeiro show last night at the Maracana Stadium and sent in this report:

No rain, no rain! 55,000 crazy fans at Maracana Stadium. Everything worked. Madonna talked a lot with the audience. The request of the night was 'Dress You Up'. She dedicated 'Miles Away' to the city of Rio de Janeiro. During 'Give It 2 Me' she wore a special t-shirt of the Brazilian soccer team with her name on the back! Amazing.

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Rio De Janeiro Fan Pictures - Part 1

Madonna's first show in a rainy Rio De Janeiro on Sunday 14 December was captured in these pictures by madonnalicious reader Daniel.

Another photoshoot in Brazil?

Fellow fansite MadonnaOnline Brasil are reporting that Madonna will do a exclusive photoshoot in Brazil with Steven Klein for W magazine.

The photos will be taken on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 December in Rio de Janeiro with some 'athletic' models with long hair. The art direction will be by Giovanni Bianco.

Thanks to Rafa

Brazilian Magazines: Chiques e Famosos

Madonna is the cover star of the 12 December issue of Brazilian magazine Chiques e Famosos - click on the cover to enlarge.

Thanks to Paulo

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Rainy Rio De Janeiro

Brazilian website globo.com features lots of press pictures from last nights show in Rio De Janeiro. The show was plagued by rain and even Madonna slipped on the stage during She's Not Me! The request song was Express Yourself.

Fans can view all the pictures online at g1.globo.com

Thanks to Sinuhe

Madonna and Guy Ritchie Reach Divorce Settlement

Madonna has reached a divorce settlement with Guy Ritchie, according to the singer's rep.
The pop star will pay her ex between $76 million and $92 million, her spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg tells the Associated Press.
Rosenberg says the figure includes the value of their country home Ashcombe, in western England, as well as the couple's London pub, the Punchbowl.
'I'd assume it's one of the largest payouts ever in a divorce settlement,' Rosenberg told the AP.
While the financial details of the settlement have been ironed out, Madonna, 50, and Ritchie, 40, are still finalizing custodial arrangements for their children.
Madonna filed for divorce citing Ritchie's 'unreasonable behavior' as a cause. The two were granted a preliminary 'quickie divorce' on Nov. 21 in the High Court of London.
Ritchie's rep declined to comment to the AP.
As for reports that the couple plan to spend Christmas together, Madonna's rep tells PEOPLE that is not true.

From PEOPLE.com

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Rio De Janeiro

Brazilian website globo.com have published this short video clip of Madonna performing Candy Shop at the Rio De Janeiro show last night.

Have you been/are going to the Rio De Janeiro shows? The please send in your pictures and reports to us at [email protected]

UK Press: Metro

UK newspaper the Metro featured the rumour about Madonna returning the favour to Britney be making a 'surprise' appearance at one of Britney's forthcoming shows.

Argentinian Press: Gente Madonna Special

Argentinian magazine Gente (09 December issue) also featured a special Madonna 'insert' in the magazine celebrating the Sticky & Sweet Tour arriving in the country. The insert featured 50 pages looking at Madonna's tours, movies, lovelife and looks!

Thanks to MOSS

Argentinian Press: Gente

The 09 December issue of Argentinian magazine Gente took a look at Madonna's first visit to Argentina since filming Evita back in 1996.

Thanks to MOSS>

Billboard Year End Charts

Here is how Madonna ranked on the Billboard Year End Charts:

#1 - Madonna - Billboard Hot Dance Single Sales Artist
#2 - Madonna - Billboard Hot Single Sales (4 Minutes)
#3 - Madonna - Billboard Hot Dance Airplay Artist
#4 - Madonna - Billboard Hot 100 Canadian Songs (4 Minutes)
#5 - Madonna - Billboard Hot 100 European Songs (4 Minutes)
#9 - Madonna - Billboard Hot Digital Tracks (4 Minutes)
#10 - Madonna - Billboard Hot Digital Songs (4 Minutes)

Thanks to Micheal

Chilean Press: Sticky & Sweet Tour Coverage

Madonna's tour stop in Santiago, Chile last week got extensive coverage in the Chilean newspapers - below are scans from La Cuarta (10/11/12 December), La Hora (10/11 December) and Publimetro (11 December).

Thanks to Eduardo

UK Magazines: Look

UK fashion and celebrity magazine Look (15 December issue) featured this look at the Louis Vuitton fashion campaign that Madonna is now starring in.

Madonna arrives in Brazil

Brazilian news website globo.com have published pictures and video footage of Madonna, Lourdes, Rocco and David looking and waving out of their hotel window to fans and press below after arriving in the country yesterday.

To read the report and view more pictures visit www.globo.com/Noticias/PopArte

Thanks to Daniel and Lucas

Madonna to get Brazil 'Sticky & Sweet' as tour wraps up

US pop star Madonna arrived in Brazil Friday ahead of the final concerts of her worldwide 'Sticky & Sweet Tour' that showed that, at age 50, she can still sell out top-notch venues.
The entertainer, who is undergoing divorce proceedings from her British filmmaker husband Guy Ritchie, landed in Rio de Janeiro where she was met by a security detail that whisked her to a five-star Copacabana beach hotel.
She is to perform two concerts in Rio, on Sunday and Monday, before going to Brazil's biggest city of Sao Paulo for gigs next week on December 18, 20 and 21.
The concerts are the last in her four-month tour across Europe, North America and Latin America, which kicked off August 23 in Wales, Britain.
In all she will have played 58 shows that raked in more than 200 million dollars, according to Billboard magazine.

From AFP Via Yahoo! News

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Santiago Fan Pictures - Part 2

Madonna's second show at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago took place on Thursday 11 December and madonnalicious reader Koke captured these pictures at the concert that night.

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Soundcheck Pictures

madonnalicious reader Eduardo captured some great pictures of the Santiago soundcheck that was also filmed for the upcoming documentary.

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Santiago Soundcheck

Lucky fans who entered the stadium early at the second Santiago show were greeted with watching Madonna's soundcheck! Madonna even chatted with the crowds and was filmed by documentary film director Nathan Rissman.

UK Magazines: Grazia

UK fashion magazine Grazia (15 December issue) features Madonna's campaign for Louis Vuitton as one of the 'hot' stories this week.

Sticky & Sweet Tour: DVD Filming in Buenos Aires

madonnalicious reader Ale took these pictures of the crew setting up for the filming of the tour DVD at the Friday 05 December show in Buenos Aires.

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Santiago Fan Pictures - Part 1

Madonna played the first of two nights at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago, Chile last night. She plays the second concert there tonight.

madonnalicious reader Rodolfo sent in these words and great pictures from the show.

Madonna was impressive, wonderful, delicious, energetic and nice with the audience! We simply love her!
The request song was Holiday, Madonna said that we needed to help her remember the lyrics!