Vote: 2010 Do Something Awards

Madonna's Malawi documentary I Am Because We Are is up for Best Documentary in the VH1 Do Something Awards 2010.

Fans can vote at www.vh1.com/do_something_awards/2010/docu-style

Please note thought that to be able to vote fans will have to sign up to VH1.

Thanks to Don

A Message from Madonna on the Release of Steven and Tiwonge

Madonna posted the following message on the Raising Malawi website:

I have always believed love conquers all - yesterday I got to see it in action.
In the last week over 30,000 of you added your name to mine calling for the release of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga - the Malawi couple sentenced to 14 years hard labor for the 'crime' of homosexuality. With incredible joy, I am writing to share with you that Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika has ordered their release. Steven and Tiwonge were freed on Saturday night.
They have won their freedom and you have been a part of it.
We celebrate this astounding turn of events with Steven, Tiwonge, and the countless Malawians fighting for their release. It is a historic day for Malawi.
Though they are free from prison, sadly their safety and future in Malawi is still unknown. I hope this is just the beginning of our work together.
Human rights injustices continue for so many Malawians facing poverty, disease, and a lack of critical resources. There are still over two million orphans and vulnerable children who need to experience love's embrace.
It is going to take the love and creativity of all of us to bring justice to the people of Malawi.
Thank you for joining me in Raising Malawi.

With great love,
Madonna

Share your thoughts with Madonna on this important day in Malawi at www.raisingmalawi.org/lovewins

UK Magazines: Grazia

UK magazine Grazia featured this glossy MDG advert on the back cover of a recent issue - click on the advert to enlarge.

New official Madonna tshirts from Trunk Ltd

Live Nation's official online Madonna store have got three new tshirts from Trunk Ltd. The tshirts feature Hard Candy, Ray Of Light and Substitute For Love designs.

Click on the tshirts to visit the store.

MDG Sunglasses

Dolce & Gabbana have launched the MDG website - giving fans access to the press images, backstage pictures, film footage and a detailed look at the sunglasses.

To explore the site visit www.dolcegabbana.com/boutique/dg/eyewear/mdg

Aguilera confirms Madonna video tribute

Christina Aguilera has confirmed that her latest video features several deliberate references to Madonna.
The singer, who took to the stage with Madonna and Britney Spears for a notorious performance at the 2003 VMAs, used her 'Not Myself Tonight' clip to salute the pop queen's legacy.
'One of my favourite videos ever is 'Express Yourself' by Madonna which came across as really strong and empowering which I always try to incorporate through my expression of sexuality,' Aguilera said.
'I love the direct reference I made to Madonna with the eye glass moment and the smoke and stairs. I was paying tribute to a very strong woman who has paved the way before.'
'Not Myself Tonight', the lead single from Aguilera's upcoming album Bionic, is available to download now.

From Digital Spy

UK Magazines: Record Collector

The June 2010 issue of UK magazine Record Collector features a small article about a newly discovered acoustic demo tape made by Madonna circa 1979/1980.

The tape features Madonna playing guitar on four tracks, Shine A Light, Safe Neighbourhood and Little Boy Lost - the fourth track is a previously unknown song.

Riseborough to Replace Farmiga in Madonna's 'W.E.'

Screen Daily reports that Andrea Riseborough will replace Vera Farmiga in Madonna's W.E. as Wallis Simpson, the divorcee whose romance with British monarch Edward VIII forced him to abdicate the throne in 1936.
Farmiga had been attached but left the project when she became pregnant.
Producer Colin Vaines told Screen Daily that an announcement of the actor who will play Edward is imminent. Ewan McGregor had been attached but has also left the film.

From www.hollywood.com

UK Magazines: Grazia

UK magazine Grazia (17 May issue) also picked up on Madonna's recent photoshoot for Interview magazine. Click on the article to enlarge.

Madonna's letter: Right to love and be loved

Madonna has published this letter via her Raising Malawi website asking for readers to pledge their support for the freedom to love:

Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga will spend the next 14 years in a Malawi jail, sentenced to hard labor.
They aren't murderers. They didn't steal. In fact, they didn't commit a crime.
They were convicted of homosexuality.
I call upon the progressive men and women of Malawi - and around the world - to challenge this decision in the name of human dignity and equal rights for all.
Please add your name to mine in a pledge of support for the freedom to love:

http://www.raisingmalawi.org/FreedomToLove

I am shocked and saddened by the recent decision made by the Malawian court. As a matter of principle, I believe in equal rights for all people, no matter what their gender, race, color, religion, or sexual orientation.
This week, Malawi took a giant step backward. The world is filled with pain and suffering; therefore, we must support our basic human right to love and be loved.
I will not sit back and be silent while two men are sentenced to 14 years hard labor simply for loving each other. I hope you will add your name to mine, and speak out to your friends and family on this issue:

Love,
Madonna

UK Press: Daily Mirror

UK newspaper the Daily Mirror were at the Aura nightclub in London when Madonna turned up to party on Thursday night - click on the article to enlarge.

Madonna responds to Malawi court decision

Madonna has issued a statement over the Malawi court ruling handed down to a gay couple in the country - for more information on the story visit news.bbc.co.uk

'I am shocked and saddened by the decision made today by the Malawian court, which sentenced two innocent men to prison.
As a matter of principle, I believe in equal rights for all people, no matter what their gender, race, color, religion, or sexual orientation.
Today, Malawi took a giant step backward. The world is filled with pain and suffering; therefore, we must support our basic human right to love and be loved.
I call upon the progressive men and women of Malawi - and around the world - to challenge this decision in the name of human dignity and equal rights for all.'

Fans can add their name to a petition to support Madonna's stand for equal rights in Malawi at www.raisingmalawi.org/statement

Dolce & Gabbana campaign in France

Madonna's Dolce & Gabbana campaign pictures greet you at this sunglasses store in Deauville, France - as shown in this picture by madonnalicious reader Stef.

Vote: SPIN's 25th Anniversary Readers Poll

A quick reminder that fans can vote for Madonna in several categories in SPIN's 25th Anniversary Readers Poll. Madonna is listed in the Best Solo Artist, Best Song (Like A Prayer) and Hottest Sex Goddess categories. We also suggest you add Madonna's name to the Best Live Act category as she is not listed there!

To vote for Madonna visit www.spin.com/spin25/readers-poll-spin-25

Fans can vote once every 24 hours and the results will be published in a future issue of SPIN magazine.

US Magazines: Us Weekly

US magazine Us Weekly (17 May issue) featured this small article about Madonna's talk with Interview magazine - click on the article to enlarge.

Thanks to Elmira

Glee creator confirms Madonna sequel

It’s official: The music of Madonna will be coming back to 'Glee.'
Series head honcho Ryan Murphy confirmed the rumors on Monday at the Peabody Awards in New York City.
'We are, we’re doing a sequel to the Madonna episode,' he told Access Hollywood.
Earlier this season, 'Glee' broke tradition and devoted an entire episode to only Madonna songs, but the date when Madonna will reign supreme for a second time, musically anyway, on the show is the only thing that has to be nailed down. When asked if it will occur next season, Murphy said, 'Probably. Yeah.'
Madonna is a fan of the show, after having watched it with her teenage daughter, Lourdes, and the rumors continue to run rampant that she will make a cameo on the hit FOX program.
'I can’t say,' Murphy told Access about Madonna’s rumored role. 'But she’s sort of the muse of our show, I think now. She loves the show and has supported it. She gets the show is about arts education and so she’s very supportive about that.'

From MSNBC.com

UK Magazines: New!

The 17 May issue of UK magazine New! featured this 'editors comment' about Madonna's photographs for Interview magazine - click on the article to enlarge.

Norton: Madonna is 'Holy Grail' of guests

Graham Norton has described Madonna as the 'Holy Grail' of chatshow guests.
The presenter said he wants the iconic singer on his show to such an extent that he would devote an entire programme to her.
Norton, who is also currently hosting BBC One's Over The Rainbow, told What's On TV: 'If we're on the air long enough, hopefully there will come a day when she'll come on. Essentially it's because I'd like to meet her, it's as simple as that. I've never met her and I'd like to.'
'In her case I think you'd do a special. I think you'd have to do a special just with her, maybe with other people along the way but it would be the Madonna show. If Glee can give up their show for her then I'm sure I can.'
Recent guests on The Graham Norton Show have included Jennifer Lopez and John Cleese.

From Digital Spy

UK Magazines: Elle

Madonna's sunglasses range MDG is looked at in more detail in the June 2010 issue of Elle magazine. Click on the article to enlarge.

UK Magazines: Elle

The June 2010 issue of UK Elle magazine featured this full page advert for Madonna's upcoming sunglasses line with Dolce & Gabbana.

Books: Madonna and Demi offer dating tips

Stars including Madonna, Demi Moore and Cameron Diaz have offered up their best dating advice for a new book designed to help men find girlfriends and keep them happy.
The relationship manual, titled That's What SHE Said: Women Reveal What Men Really Need to Know, has been compiled by Punk'd producer T.J. Jefferson and features a foreword from the prank TV show's star Ashton Kutcher.
Kutcher's wife, Demi Moore, has contributed and doles out her own tips, urging men not to be selfish in bed or in matters of love.
Moore writes, 'If you want to get our clothes off focus on what you're giving, not on what you can get! You may be able to score once - but we can smell the stink of selfish desires a mile away and are not interested. Women are caretakers by nature, don't take it for granted. The romance we are looking for comes from being appreciated.'
Madonna wants men to let their woman take charge - and advises them to dole out plenty of compliments.
She explains, 'Women are here to smash man's ego, plain and simple. Accept this and life will be better. Also women like it when men tell them they look nice. If you want more than that you will have to pay for it.'
The book's author Jefferson tells Fox News, 'It's a fun read, but you can find something in there that can really help your relationship and stop you from sleeping on the couch that night. You've got people like Madonna giving advice in the book, but then you've got housewives in the Midwest and teachers and nurses. It might be hard for someone to relate to what Madonna is saying, but most of us can relate to everyday people, people that aren't famous and aren't in the spotlight - they need to be heard as well.'

From Jam! Showbiz

German Magazines: OK!

The new issue of German magazine OK! that hit newstands today features this small article about Madonna's new photoshoot for Interview - click to enlarge.

Thanks to Kirsten

French Magazines: Photo

The May 2010 issue of French magazine Photo (now available in some selected UK newsagents) features this four-page article looking at Madonna's Dolce & Gabbana advertising campaign. Click on the images to enlarge.

UK Press: The Guardian

UK newspaper The Guardian featured a four-page article today in the G2 supplement written by Wendy Shanker.

Author Wendy Shanker has been obsessed with Madonna since childhood, and even - briefly - became her assistant. She explains how Madonna transformed her life.

The full article can be read online at www.guardian.co.uk/music

Vote: SPIN's 25th Anniversary Readers Poll

Fans can vote for Madonna in several categories in SPIN's 25th Anniversary Readers Poll. Madonna is listed in the Best Solo Artist, Best Song (Like A Prayer) and Hottest Sex Goddess categories. We also suggest you add Madonna's name to the Best Live Act category as she is not listed there!

To vote for Madonna visit www.spin.com/spin25/readers-poll-spin-25

Thanks to Pascal

US Magazines: Billboard

The 08 May issue of US magazine Billboard features Madonna in the front cover collage celebrating Glee. In the article inside mentions how Glee creator Ryan Murphy got Madonna onboard:

The Madonna episode was the first time the music on the show was turned over in its entirety to one performer - and in the beginning getting the artist onboard was a challenge.
'Her camp did say 'no' originally, but we had gone in cold with little explanation as to what 'Glee' and Ryan Murphy's master episode plan was,' the show's music supervisor PJ Bloom says. 'Ryan closed the deal with an amazing appeal in letter form to Madonna, not just as the creator and driving force behind the show but as a lifelong fan.'

Singapore Press: Straits Times

The Friday edition of Singapore newspaper the Straits Times featured this interview with photographer Martin Schreiber to coincide with a recent exhibition he held in town. He talked about the nude pictures he took of Madonna 31 years ago and the challenge he recently offered her. Click on the article to enlarge.

Thanks to Marguerita

Madonna and Glee hit the top in Australia!

madonnalicious reader Mark G has this news in from Australia:

Just saw the great Glee 'Power of Madonna' episode on Network 10 in Australia. Checked iTunes Australia store albums chart and Glee: The Music - The Power of Madonna is at #1 with Madonna - Celebration at #2!

UK Press: Metro

UK city newspaper the Metro published this picture of Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow at the Bent on Learning Benefit that took place in New York City late last month. Click on the article to enlarge.

'Glee' Lynch hoping for more Madonna

Jane Lynch has joked that she would like there to be an episode of Glee devoted to Madonna every year.
Lynch, who plays Sue Sylvester, recently recreated the video for 'Vogue' in a special edition of the show.
Madonna later said that the tribute had been 'brilliant on every level' and named Sue and Kurt (Chris Colfer) as her favourite characters.
'That was a big moment,' she told Zap2It. 'Chris Colfer, who also got called out by Madonna, came over to me shaking with his phone and said, 'Read this'. And we held each other tenderly.'
Lynch added that a second Madonna episode would be 'great', saying: 'We just scratched the surface with her. We've not yet begun to pay homage to Madonna.'
Asked if she would like a Madonna episode every year, she replied: 'Oh, absolutely. It will always be the best episode of the year, I'm sure.'

From Digital Spy

UK Press: Daily Mirror

Todays edition of UK newspaper the Daily Mirror featured this article about Madonna talking to Interview and the new photoshoot done for the magazine.

Australian TV: Glee

The Power of Madonna episode of Glee will be broadcast on Thursday 06 May at 08:00pm on Australian Television Channel 10.

Glee: The Power of Madonna EP is also available in music stores across Australia, including a sticker on the CD cover promoting the show 'As seen on 10'. The CD has been released in stores even before the episode has been aired on television.

Thanks to Pishpose

Madonna Exhausted By Movie Costume Plans

Style icon Madonna is growing increasingly nervous about the fashion in her upcoming drama W.E., insisting it will be 'pretty daunting' to outfit all her characters in lavish period costumes.
The story features flashbacks to the love affair between Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson - the Duke and Duchess of Windsor after he abdicated the throne of England - in the 1920s and 1930s.
The singer co-wrote the film and will be in the director's chair when shooting begins this summer, and she has been forced to call in favours from all her designer pals to ensure she accurately portrays the fashions of the period.
She tells Interview magazine, 'I didn't realise it when we were writing the script, but once I started casting and planning and working with my production designer, I went, 'Oh, f**k. I wrote a script about a bunch of rich people. That's going to be great for the budget.'
'The Duchess (of Windsor) has, like, 80 costume changes. She was dressed by Balenciaga and Christian Dior and Vionnet and Schiaparelli. A lot of the actual stuff is in museum archives (and) they're not going to give it to me.'
But Madonna has found a way to get her way, she explains, 'A lot of these couture houses have offered to make stuff for me.'
'Just the costumes alone are pretty daunting because the Duke and the Duchess (of Windsor) were both real clotheshorses. It'll be a combination of real vintage pieces; others we'll get remade based on patterns that have been dragged out of the archives, and then new stuff we'll make.'
'Next time, I'm writing a movie about one person in one place who has no wardrobe!'

From contactmusic.com

US Magazines: Interview Covers

Collectors beware! It looks as though there are two different Madonna covers for the May 2010 issue of Interview magazine. The magazine hit newstands in Los Angeles and New York City today and the rest of the USA on Tuesday 11 May.

Madonna Talks 'W.E.' Film, Gets Glamorous In Interview

In the May issue of Interview magazine, Madonna reveals details of her upcoming film 'W.E.,' somewhat fitting, considering she was speaking with director Gus Van Sant.
The film - co-written by Madonna (who will also direct) and 'Truth or Dare' director Alex Keshishian - is set to begin photography this summer and flashes back and forth between pre-World War II England and New York in 1998. Though the plot remains a tightly guarded secret, Madonna made it clear that early reports on the film had at least one key aspect wrong.
'Yeah, [it's] the movie everyone thinks I'm making that's supposed to be a musical about the duke and duchess of Windsor. I don't know why that got in the newspapers,' she tells Van Sant. 'The duke and duchess of Windsor are in the movie, but it's not going to be about them. It's really about this other woman's journey, and the duchess is kind of her spiritual guide....I use the Sotheby's auction in 1998 of the duke and duchess of Windsor's estate as a device to flash backward from.'
Madonna freely admits that the concept behind 'W.E.' is 'fantastic and complicated,' involving not only the lives of the duke and duchess of Windsor, but 'a girl who has this obsession and is going to the auctions.' It's a complicated piece and very much a labor of love.
'I've been writing it for the last two and a half years, to tell you the truth. It's been kind of an obsession of mine,' she said. 'I started writing it when I finished filming [2008 directorial debut] 'Filth and Wisdom.' It was actually an idea I had before that, but I made 'Filth and Wisdom' because I realized that I didn't really have a right to make a bigger film until I made a smaller film - and learned how to make a film.'
In the issue - which hits newsstands in New York and Los Angeles on Tuesday and goes nationwide May 11 - Madonna also admits that working on the film has shifted her focus away from her other career.
'I don't have a record deal right now with anybody. I don't know how I'm going to get my music out the next time I make a record,' she said. 'I'm going to have to reinvent the wheel. I haven't really been focused as much as I should be on the music part of my career, because this movie has just consumed every inch of me. Between that and my four children, I don't have the time or the energy for anything else.'
'For example, I do appreciate that lots of people worked long and hard putting together things like the DVD of the Sticky & Sweet Tour that we just released, and I have seen the finished product, but I have got no idea how people are going to find out about it or how it's going to be sold.'
'They'll find it,' Van Sant said.
'Hopefully,' Madonna joked. 'I think I have a fan club - well, that's what they say.'

From MTV.com

US Magazines: Interview

US magazine Interview have now published the full Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott portfolio and Gus Van Sant interview at www.interviewmagazine.com/madonna

Fans can also view a behind-the-scenes video clip of the photoshoot.

US Magazines: Interview Preview

Madonna will be the cover star of the May 2010 issue of Interview. The magazine features a brand new photoshoot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. Madonna chats to film director Gus Van Sant about his film Milk, her early career and her involvement in Malawi.

Scan from www.madonnasworld.com

madonnalicious is always needing scans from any US magazines or newspapers, so if you can help please contact us at [email protected]

Russian Magazines: Harpers Bazaar

The May 2010 issue of Russian Harpers Bazaar features this two-page look at Madonna shooting the MDG sunglasses campaign - click to enlarge.

Thanks to Elmira

UK Charts: Glee: The Power of Madonna

The Power of Madonna EP and singles from the Madonna episode of Glee have hit the UK charts:

The Glee cast version of Like A Prayer is a new entry at #16 on the Top 40 Singles Chart.

The Power of Madonna EP is a new entry at #4 on the Top 40 Album Chart.

And on the back of all the interest in Madonna, her Celebration album is at #15 on the Top 40 Album Chart.

Russian Magazines: Marie Claire

The Russian version of Marie Claire magazine (May 2010 issue) features a closer look at one of the MDG sunglasses that are due in stores next month.

Thanks to Elmira

Madonna Music Reaches No. 1 With Glee’s 'Power Of Madonna' CD

Madonna is back on top as 'The Power of Madonna' soundtrack from the hit tv show 'Glee' jumps into the No. 1 slot on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart.
According to Billboard, the 'Glee' cast’s version of Madonna’s l989 No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit, 'Like a Prayer' was the biggest selling individual track from the show last week, debuting at No. l0 on the Digital Songs chart with 87,000 downloads sold. 'Prayer' debuted today at No. 27 on Billboard’s Hot l00 singles chart.
'I’m thrilled to be Number One....It’s such an honor. It makes me want to go back into the studio and write more songs,' commented the Material Girl.
The Material Girl’s catalogue sales have also surged this week. The appropriately titled, 'Celebration' re-enters Billboard 200 at No. 85 - up 219%. All told, Madonna’s catalogue of albums saw a 44% jump in sales with '4 Minutes' and 'Like a Prayer' gaining sales of l83% and 267% consecutively.

From Madonna.com