Madonna meets with Janet Jackson

Her dream of singing with good friend Jacko was dashed by his untimely death, but now Madonna is plotting the next best thing - working with his little sister.
We can reveal that the Queen of Pop had a secret dinner with Janet Jackson on Sunday evening.
Over dinner at Butter in New York, the pair were overheard discussing how to honour Michael by 'doing something together'. Earlier Janet, 43, and Madonna, 51, had been hanging out together at the MTV VMAs, where they were seen hugging one another.
And when we caught up with Madonna backstage, just after her tribute to Michael, she told us: 'Now I've finally had a chance to say farewell to my dear friend.'
'I can now say I have paid my respects to Michael. That's why I'm here. To say good-bye.' Then she added: 'And Janet's performance was amazing - just the perfect tribute to her brother.' Both stars then left the glitzy bash early - narrowly avoiding the fallout surrounding Kanye West storming the stage and dissing Taylor Swift.
Over dinner they seemed to be getting on like old friends.

From mirror.co.uk

Lady Gaga hangs with Madonna

Lady GaGa met up with Madonna on Monday night at a Marc Jacobs fashion show in New York.
The Pokerface star posed with her idol and the fashion designer whilst attending the event the night after the VMAs.
Compared to the previous night’s nine different outfits GaGa’s get up was understated - she wore a studded black mask, gloves, dress and a white blazer to the New York fashion week event.
Madonna was attending with her boyfriend model Jesus Luz.
At the VMAs the Queen of Pop was asked if she minded Lady G being compared to her. According to reports her reply was: 'No, I’m very flattered.'

From MTV.com

Celebration slips to #3 on UK Midweeks

Madonna's Celebration single has slipped to #3 (from #2 yesterday) on the UK Midweek Singles Chart. David Guetta has now taken the #2 spot. If you are in the UK and you haven't downloaded the single yet now is the time to do it!

Thanks to Vickster

UK Press: Daily Star

Pictures of Madonna and Jesus attending the Marc Jacobs show at New York Fashion Week were featured in todays edition of UK newspaper the Daily Star.

Celebration: Madonna's 40 Most Impressive Instants

26 years to the chart week after notching her first No. 1 on Dance/Club Play Songs, Madonna rules for a 40th time, rising 2-1 with 'Celebration.' She easily extends her lead for most No. 1s in the chart's history, pulling further ahead of runner-up Janet Jackson, who has 18.
Madonna first appeared on the tally with 'Everybody' on the chart dated Nov. 6, 1982, eventually taking the cut to No. 3. Her follow-up, 'Burning Up/Physical Attraction' (counted as one title in Billboard's archives), also reached No. 3.
The third time was the charm for Madonna, as the double-sided 'Holiday/Lucky Star' marked her first No. 1 stay beginning Sept. 24, 1983.

To read a more detailed list of Madonna's 40 hits visit www.billboard.com

From Billboard.com

UK Press: Evening Standard

Madonna's front row appearance at the Marc Jacobs fashion show in New York City yesterday was featured on the front cover of London newspaper the Evening Standard tonight.

Celebration currently #2 on UK Midweek Singles Chart

Madonna's Celebration single is currently #2 on the UK Midweek Singles chart - 10,000 sales behind Tiao Cruz who is currently #1.

Thanks to Vickster

Press Pictures: Madonna at the Marc Jacobs Fashion Show

Madonna attended the Marc Jacobs Spring 2010 collection fashion show during fashion week on Monday 14 September in New York City - here are a couple of press pictures from the event.

Pictures from AP / Reuters Via Yahoo! News

Madonna attends New York City club opening night

The Standard Hotel’s club, the Boom Boom Room, threw a li'l party on Saturday and, according to Guest of a Guest, revelers included Madonna, Lindsay Lohan, Jude Law, Steven Klein, Rachel Zoe, and Simon Hammerstein. (Plus: Kim Gordon and Chloë Sevigny. And: Mary Kate Olsen. Oh, also: Jerry Seinfeld, Calvin Klein, Francesco Clemente, Ingrid Sischy, Aerin Lauder, Vivi Nevo, Tory Burch, and Kirsten Dunst.)
As for the man photographing them all, 'Patrick McMullan told [Guest of a Guest] that he hadn’t seen an opening quite like it since Studio 54.' Down by the Hipster also has high praise: 'Overall, the Boom Boom Room is a game changer in the history of New York City nightlife. We said it. Never has a space offered this level of quality in such a well designed room, smack dab in the middle of the downtown scene.'
And Time’s Fashion Week blog chimes in: 'It was one of the most spectacular rooms I've been in in New York, reminiscent of the Rainbow Room and that old New York style and romance and elegance that I think many of us miss so so much.'

Picture By Patrick McMullan - from nymag.com - thanks to Jonathan

Madonna 'Very Flattered' By Lady Gaga Comparisons

After talking with MTV News' Jim Cantiello about her heartfelt tribute to the late Michael Jackson at the VMAs on Sunday night, Madonna also answered questions about Lady Gaga and her daughter, Lourdes.
Gaga, of course, has been frequently compared to Madonna - both musically and as an icon - and her performance at the VMAs on Sunday has been compared with Madonna's famous VMA performances.
While she didn't see Gaga's avant-garde red-carpet getup in person, Madonna did catch it on a television screen backstage.
'I just saw Lady Gaga,' Madonna said with a smile. 'She looks like she's going to carnival in Venice, very beautiful.'
When asked if she feels at all threatened by the comparisons, Madonna said, 'No, I'm very flattered.'
What about Lady Gaga's escort, Kermit the Frog?
'I missed that,' Madonna said. Asked if she'd ever been escorted by Kermit, she joked, 'No, but I've dated some frogs.'
When asked if her daughter Lourdes - who is such a big Gaga fan that she danced on a table during a Gaga concert that Madonna took her to earlier this year - is interested in show business, Madonna turned serious.
'She's got school tomorrow, so she's in the bed sleeping,' she said. 'I think she has an interest, but she has time - she's not even 13 yet, so give her a few more years.'

From MTV.com

UK Press: Daily Mirror

Madonna's tribute to Michael Jackson at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday is briefly featured in UK newspaper the Daily Mirror today - click on the article to enlarge.

Lorenzo Agius prints for sale

A collection of A-list portraits including shots of Keira Knightley, Angelina Jolie and Ewan McGregor are to go on sale for the first time.
The pictures, by photographer Lorenzo Agius, show well-known faces in quirky settings. Knightley is eating chips, while Jolie is blindfolded, Madonna wears a top hat and is photographed with a mouse, and Kevin Spacey reads the Beano.
One photo shows McGregor in bed with Jude Law eating breakfast, smoking cigars and wearing matching pyjamas. Another is an image of McGregor used as a promotional poster for the 1996 film Trainspotting, the work which made Agius, 47, famous.
The photos are on sale at an exhibition in London called In the Mood - a selection of Italian-born Agius's most celebrated portraits. Limited edition prints will cost from £3,000 to £10,000.
Organisers of the show, at Alon Zakaim Fine Art in Cork Street, said references to British culture - such as fish and chips or boiled eggs with toast soldiers - were ongoing themes.
Anstice Oakeshott, who co-curated the exhibition with Agius, said: 'It's an opportunity for people to take the pictures home and we strongly believe these photographs will become some of the iconic images of our time.'

For more information visit www.alonzakaim.com

From thisislondon.co.uk

Press Pictures: Madonna Backstage at the MTV VMAs

Here are the press pictures from the backstage photocall at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards that took place last night in New York City.

Pictures from AP / Reuters Via Yahoo! News

Madonna wrote Jackson speech 'from my heart'

After delivering her heartfelt tribute to the late Michael Jackson at the VMAs, Madonna talked with MTV News' Jim Cantiello about her speech backstage.
'Michael Jackson was born in August 1958,' her speech began. 'So was I. Michael Jackson grew up in the suburbs of the Midwest. So did I. Michael Jackson had eight brothers and sisters. So do I. When Michael Jackson was 6 he became a superstar and was perhaps the world's most beloved child. When I was 6 my mother died. I think he got the shorter end of the stick.'
She went on to talk about the time they spent together, her admiration for his talent, his 'vulnerability and charm,' and her sons' love for his music.
After the show, with a somber face, Madonna explained just how much the dedication to Jackson meant to her.
'[It was] extremely important because I didn't really have my chance to pay my last respects to him or speak of him in the way that I wanted to,' the Material Girl said. 'It was a privilege and an honor for me to say what I had to say.'
'[It] took me all week to write [the speech], and I just wrote it from my heart,' she added. 'And I kept slashing and burning and editing.'
While she did admit that she left out some choice MJ anecdotes, it was purely in the interest of time.
'I really cut it down. It was painful,' she said. 'I said what I had to say at the end of the day.'

From MTV.com

Madonna's full speech can be read online at www.mtv.co.uk/vmas/news

Press Pictures: Madonna Pays Tribute to Michael Jackson

Here is Madonna onstage at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City last night as she delivered her Michael Jackson tribute speech.

Fans can view Madonna's speech online at YouTube.

Pictures from AP / Reuters Via Yahoo! News

Madonna pays tribute to Michael Jackson at VMAs

Michael Jackson, who was not only one of the most influential forces in MTV's history but also provided its Video Music Awards with some of its most irreverent moments, got reverential treatment Sunday as Madonna and his sister Janet provided emotional tributes - one through words, one through song.
It was a tender, special moment - a rarity for the Video Music Awards. But the mood didn't last for long, thanks in part to another onstage outburst from Kanye West.
Madonna kicked off the show at Radio City Music Hall with a poignant speech about her relationship with Michael Jackson, which began when she was a youngster idolizing the then-child star, then morphed into a friendship when both were at the apex of their careers, and later, grew distant.
Madonna lamented the negative publicity that dogged him in his later years.
'Sometimes, we have to lose things before we can truly appreciate them,' said Madonna, dressed in black.
'Yes, Michael Jackson was a human being, but yes, he was a king,' she told the celebrity-studded crowd, which included Michael's brother Jermaine and father Joe Jackson. 'Long live the king.'

From AP Via Yahoo! News

UK Press: Metro

UK newspaper the Metro chose Madonna as their 'Date With History' celebrating the fact that twenty-five years ago today Madonna made her debut performance at the MTV Awards - performing Like A Virgin in 'that' wedding dress!

Events: Dublin Celebration Launch Party

Vote: World's Greatest Popstar

UK music channel 4music are doing a massive vote to crown the World's Greatest Popstar and are going to announce the winner at a special Live event at Earl's Court, London in November.

A show will be shown on each contender on 4music and Channel 4 with superfans arguing the case for their nominee.

The contenders are: Britney Spears, Eminem, Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Kylie Minogue, Take That, Girls Aloud, Beyonce, Robbie Williams and Pink.

To vote for Madonna (one vote per email address) visit www.4music.com

Thanks to Dean

UK Magazines: New!

The 14 September issue of UK magazine New! features these two mentions of Madonna - her visit to Petra in Jordan, and Lourdes cameo in the Celebration video. Click on the articles to enlarge.

Vote: Celebration on VH1

VH1 has added Celebration to their videos (on-line). But fans need to get it into the Top 20 Countdown. The video can be viewed at: www.vh1.com/video/play

To vote visit www.vh1.com/top_20_countdown and follow these instructions:

1) Click large, orange 'Vote!'
2) Select Wildcard at the bottom by typing in 'MADONNA' and 'CELEBRATION'
3) Added to top of list, so then hold and drag Celebration to #1 spot
4) Click 'Submit' vote! Fans can vote more than once.

Thanks to Randy

UK Press: Metro

UK newspaper the Metro (11 September issued) published this picture of Sarah Jessica Parker dressed as a Madonna-wannabe in a 1980's flashback during the filming of the new Sex and the City movie.

Let’s Celebrate Madonna’s 40th Number One Single

In Billboard's September 26th issue (out next week) Our Lady of The Dancefloor Madonna will have her 40th! - that's right - her 40TH NUMBER ONE SINGLE on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play Chart - more than any artist in the history of that chart.

From Madonna.com - thanks to Micheal

London's Bond Street Louis Vuitton Store

While the Louis Vuitton flagship store on London's Bond Street gets a makeover, Madonna's campaign for the company is featured on the huge hoardings covering the store as these pictures show.

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Tel Aviv Fan Pictures - Part 4

madonnalicious reader Michal captured some great shots at the final show in Tel Aviv last week. She even caught the moment the dancers 'surprised' Madonna when they took off their capes at the end of Spanish Lesson to reveal they were wearing nothing more than their underwear!

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Tel Aviv Fan Pictures - Part 3

This set of pictures from the last night of the tour in Tel Aviv on Wednesday 02 September were taken by madonnalicious reader Michal T.

Sticky & Sweet Tour: The Final Speech and Last Goodbye

madonnalicious reader Alejandro also filmed Madonna's final speech of the tour at the show on Wednesday 02 September.

Also captured on film was Madonna (and Lourdes) final appearance during Give It 2 Me - waving to the crowd as the screen turned to say Game Over one last time.

Events: London Celebration Launch Party

Madonna's definitive Greatest Hits Collection is released shortly and what better way to celebrate Celebration than the 15th London Madonna Party!

When? SATURDAY 3rd OCTOBER, 2pm - 10pm
Where? G-A-Y Late, Goslett Yard = 1 minute from Tottenham Court Road Tube

** FREE RAFFLE ** GIVEAWAY INCLUDING SIGNED CD DIRECT FROM MADONNA'S TEAM
Everyone who arrives before 5.30pm will get TWO FREE RAFFLE TICKETS to DOUBLE your chances of winning!

8 HOURS of Madonna's GREATEST HITS and PERFORMANCES, Remix Videos EXCLUSIVE to the Party and as many of your requests that we can squeeze in.
Plenty of room to DANCE, plenty of room to sit and drink and catch up with your friends....just make sure you're there and don't be late!

Click ATTENDING on the Facebook Group: www.facebook.com to show you are coming.

Pre-order Celebration single on UK iTunes

UK fans can now pre-order Madonna's Celebration single on UK iTunes. The single will be available from Sunday 13 September.

Get pre-ordering and give Madonna another UK number one hit!

Thanks to Vickster

Sticky & Sweet Tour: One Last Celebration!

This clip filmed by madonnalicious reader Alejandro shows all the tour dancers (and Rocco!) dancing onstage during Paul Oakenfold's playing of Celebration before the final Sticky & Sweet Tour show in Tel Aviv.

Susan Boyle to record Madonna hit on new album

Scottish songstress Susan Boyle will cover a Madonna song on her upcoming debut album, it has been revealed.
The 'Britain’s Got Talent' star will include the pop legend’s 1995 track 'You’ll See' because it is a personal favorite of hers, sources say.
'Susan chose it herself - it's a song she has loved for years,' they told Yahoo Music.
'She sang it at auditions for TV shows and music contests when she used to be cruelly turned away by people.'
'At the end, when she was sometimes reduced to tears, she used to say, 'You'll See.’ And she's proof she can do it now as one of the most famous women in the world.'
Over the past few months, Boyle has been working on material for her album, which is titled 'I Dreamed a Dream' after her unforgettable 'Britain’s Got Talent' performance that generated millions of hits on YouTube.
'I Dreamed a Dream' is scheduled for a November 24 release, and has already blown the competition out of the water by topping Amazon’s U.S. pre-release chart.

From IrishCentral.com

Events: Mendoza, Argentina Celebration Party

Sticky & Sweet Tour: A Family Affair

Lourdes accompanied Madonna on the piano for the performance of Devil Wouldn't Recognize You at the last show of the tour in Tel Aviv - madonnalicious reader Alejandro captured the moment in this video clip.

Alejandro also filmed Rocco acting the DJ in the performance of Music at the same show in Tel Aviv on Wednesday 02 September.

German Magazines: OK!

Madonna's dip in her hotel swimming pool while on tour in Romania was featured in the German edition of OK! magazine (03 September issue).

Thanks to Kirsten

Vote: Celebration Video

Madonna's Celebration video can be voted for at some TV channels websites around the world - to vote click on the links below:

MTV Italia
MTV Romania
Much More Music
Much Music

Thanks to Trovante

Events: German Celebration Release Parties

Click on the image below to see all the dates and venues of various Celebration release parties taking place in Germany during September.

Thanks to Franky

Mexican TV: Sticky & Sweet Tour - Live in Buenos Aires

Mexican fans will get a chance to view Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour - Live in Buenos Aires on Saturday 19 September at 8:30pm on CityVibe - micityvibe.com

Thanks to Adrian

Official Louis Vuitton desktop wallpapers

Fans can download three official wallpapers featuring Madonna's latest Louis Vuitton campaign - to download the wallpapers visit www.louisvuitton.com

Madonna lights Sabbath candles with Israel PM

Madonna joined the Israeli prime minister and his family Friday in the traditional ritual welcoming the Jewish Sabbath.
A statement from from the prime minister's office says the singer spent two hours with Bejamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara at their home lighting candles and reciting a blessing together.
Although not Jewish, the 51-year-old pop star claims a special bond with Israel and Jewish tradition.
She's been exploring Kabbalah, a form of Jewish mysticism, for more than a decade and has taken the Hebrew name, Esther.
She arrived in Israel on Sunday and performed in Tel Aviv on Tuesday and Wednesday.
She was wearing a short-sleeved black dress as she left the heavily guarded Netanyahu home Friday.

From AP Via Yahoo! News

Press Pictures: Madonna's and friends visit Safed

Madonna was joined by Jesus Luz, Guy Oseary and Steven Klein as she visited the tomb of Jewish mystic Rabbi Isaac Luria in Safed, northern Israel yesterday evening.

Pictures from AP / Reuters Via Yahoo!

Press Pictures: Madonna's visit to Petra

Madonna and Guy Oseary visited the ancient Roman-era city carved out in red stone of Petra, South of Jordan yesterday evening (Thursday 03 September) - here are some selected press pictures of the visit.

Pictures from AP / Reuters Via Yahoo!

Madonna visits ruins in Jordan

Madonna wrapped up her world tour with a sightseeing trip to Jordan's famed ruins in Petra.
The Queen of Pop was flown by helicopter into the ancient Roman-era city carved out in red stone in a trip arranged by Queen Rania, the wife of Jordan's King Abdullah II.
The pop star, in a white shirt and trousers, was escorted by Jordanian security and an armed bodyguard during her 15-minute tour.
Madonna, who has been on her Sticky And Sweet world tour, made no comment to reporters as she walked in almost total darkness. Security lit the area with headlights from their vehicles.
The 51-year-old arrived in Jordan from neighbouring Israel, where she performed two concerts over the last two days.
While she was in Israel, the singer headed to Jerusalem's Old City where she toured an ancient tunnel near the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray. She also had dinner with Israeli opposition leader Tzipi Livni.

From the Press Association

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Tel Aviv Fan Pictures - Part 2

madonnalicious reader Yoni also sent in some great pictures from Madonna's final show last night in Tel Aviv.

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Tel Aviv Soundcheck and Oakenfold Set

Fans who got to the venue in Tel Aviv early had one last chance yesterday to catch Madonna doing her soundcheck. madonnalicious reader Yoni captured the soundcheck in pictures and also managed to grab some pictures of when all the dancers, Rocco and David joined Paul Oakenfold for his set.

Sticky & Sweet Tour second highest grossing of all time

Madonna's Sticky & Sweet tour wrapped yesterday, putting the lid on what looks to be the second-highest grossing tour of all time.
With a gross of $408 million, Sticky & Sweet is the top-grossing tour by a solo artist of all time, and second only to the Rolling Stones' $558 million Bigger Bang tour of 2005-2007. 'She is absolutely one of the great performers of all time,' says Arthur Fogel, Chairman of Global Music and CEO of Global Touring for Live Nation, producer of Madonna's tours. 'That this tour will take its place as the second highest grossing tour in the history of our business says it all.'
Since its launch in August 2008, Sticky & Sweet has moved more than 3.5 million fans to 85 shows in 32 countries, according to Live Nation. Madonna set an attendance record for the biggest crowds in history in Zurich, Switzerland, where she drew the largest audience ever for a concert in that country (72,000). According to Live Nation stats, her Gothenburg, Sweden show, seen by 119,000 fans, broke the record for highest grossing multiple shows in the country's history.
In Helsinki, Finland, Sticky & Sweet sold more than 85,000 tickets, making it the biggest single show by an artist in history for all of Scandinavia. Other highlights on the tour included stops in Buenos Aires, Argentina (256,000), Santiago, Chile (146,000), Sao Paolo, Brazil (203,000), Tallinn, Estonia (72,000), Warsaw, Poland (79,000), Bucharest, Romania (69,000), and Sofia, Bulgaria (54,000).
Sticky & Sweet broke Madonna's previous record for top solo tour ever with her Confessions tour, which grossed $194 million in 2006, according to Billboard Boxscore. The 2008-2009 tour was the first under Madonna's $120 million, 10-year multi-rights deal with Live Nation.

From Billboard.com - thanks to Micheal

UK Press: Daily Record and Metro

UK newspapers the Daily Record and Metro both picked up on the story that Lourdes dresses as the Like A Virgin Madonna in the Celebration video.

Sticky & Sweet Tour: More Billboard Boxscores

Here are the latest Billboard Boxscores from Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour dates in mid/late August:

Parc Izvor – Bucharest, Romania – Aug. 26, 2009
$4,659,836
69,088 / 69,088
1 / 1
$265.29, $34.60

Kincsem Park – Budapest, Hungary – Aug. 22, 2009
$3,920,651
41,045 / 41,045
1 / 1
$290.95, $69.83

Olympiastadion, Munich, Germany – Aug. 18, 2009
$3,655,403
35,127 / 35,127
1 / 1
$235.71, $78.57

Usce Park – Belgrade, Serbia – Aug. 24, 2009
$1,738,139
39,713 / 39,713
1 / 1
$138.90, $41.61

Thanks to Micheal

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Game Over!

Last night saw the final show of the 2009 leg of the Sticky & Sweet Tour take place in Tel Aviv, Israel. madonnalicious reader Scotty P sent in this news from the show:

Show just finished tonight. Rocco got into the act tonight too - during Music - wearing a DJ hip hop outfit. And Lola returned for Give It 2 Me. Madonna didn't see her, and she suddenly did by bumping up next to her and turning around, they fell down on top of each other for 20 second giggling before being lifted up.

madonnalicious would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the tour news during the tour and would still love any contributions (pictures or reports) that readers have to send - just email us at madonnalicious@gmail.com

Sticky & Sweet Tour: Tel Aviv Fan Pictures - Part 1

Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour played Tel Aviv for the first time in 16 years last night and madonnalicious reader Scotty P captured some moments from the show, including the Give It 2 Me finale featuring a cameo from Lourdes.

Please remember it is not too late to send in your tour pictures and reports to us at madonnalicious@gmail.com

UK Press: Daily Mirror

The cameo appearances of Lourdes and Jesus Luz in Madonna's Celebration video are highlighted in this article in UK newspaper the Daily Mirror today - click on the article to enlarge.

A second version of the Celebration video will be released later this month - which should include the footage of the fans that was shot in Milan - and Lourdes dressed as Like A Virgin Madonna.