Video: Hard Candy Fitness Launch

Sky News have broadcast this video clip of Madonna being interviewed on the red carpet at the launch party for Hard Candy Fitness in Mexico City last night.

Thanks to Ritchard

Press Pictures: Hard Candy Fitness Launch Party

Here are some pictures released to the press from the red carpet ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Hard Candy Fitness launch party that took place last night.

Pictures from AP / Reuters Via Yahoo! News

Madonna turns hand to fitness with gym launch

She writes children's books and makes wine, dons a spandex leotard like no one else and has sold millions of albums around the world. Now she wants you to have a toned body.
Madonna launched her new brand of 'Hard Candy Fitness' gyms in Mexico City on Monday, opening a huge, 30,000-square-foot (2,787-square-meter) compound where Mexico's rich and the beautiful can go through dance classes and fitness routines inspired by the singer's routines.
So why choose a sprawling metropolis of some 20 million people, struggling with crime, pollution and endless traffic jams to kick off an international sports venture that may eventually include gyms in Russia, Brazil and Argentina?
'I have a history with Mexico,' Madonna, wearing a black and white-striped dress with boots, told Reuters.
'I have a connection that I have always felt anyways because of my love and interest in Frida Kahlo,' she added, referring to one of Mexico's best-known 20th century painters.
Hundreds of screaming fans, from boys wearing 'Mexicans do it better' T-shirts to drag queens in leg warmers, lined up outside the gym in a fruitless effort to get a glimpse of the singer, who arrived tightly protected by security.
Guests at the launch included the capital's mayor, Marcelo Ebrard, and Carlos Slim Domit, the son of the world's richest man, Carlos Slim.
Inside the new gym, Madonna taught a short dance lesson to a handful of lucky gym members handpicked by her staff to join her on the dance floor for a few minutes.
She said she is getting ready for another busy year in 2011 that will include a new movie and an album that would follow on the steps of her highly successful 'Hard Candy' studio album.
Asked whether she would pursue new collaborations as she did with stars such as Justin Timberlake, she said only that she is working with fellow artists.
On the home front, the mother of four kept open the possibility of expanding her brood.
'Who knows?' she said.

From Reuters Via Yahoo! News

Hard Candy Fitness: Advertising Trucks

madonnalicious reader materialboy75 filmed this video clip of three trucks driving in convoy advertising Madonna's Hard Candy Fitness in Mexico City.

Hard Candy Fitness: Promotional Posters

Here are three posters promoting the members only launch party for Hard Candy Fitness that takes place in Mexico City tonight (Monday 29 November) - with Madonna and DJ Paul Oakenfold in attendance.

Another poster shows what classes are available for those signed up.

Thanks to Franco at www.madonnamexico.com

Hard Candy Fitness: Card and Wristband

This Hard Candy Fitness card features an even older Madonna image on it - rather than the Sticky & Sweet images previously seen in other promotional pictures - but still follows the 'boxing' theme.

Also pictured is one of the Hard Candy Fitness wristbands that will gain entrance for members to the venue.

Thanks to Franco at www.madonnamexico.com

German Magazines: OK!

German magazine OK! (25 November issue) features this one-page article about how Madonna keeps her power levels up - click on the image to enlarge.

Thanks to Kirsten

Events: 'Madonna's Christmas Carol'

Venus D-Lite, cast member for the third season of Logo's hit show 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' will star in a new Holiday-themed play by Tony Blass, 'Madonna's Christmas Carol,' in which the famed impersonator will star as the Material Girl.
In this modernized retelling of the Dickens classic, Madonna will encounter Cher (Joycelyne Lew), Britney (Sabrina Holguins) and Lady Gaga (Taylor Judkins) as the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future, and Joan Crawford (Josie Kat) substituting for Jacob Marley.
The outrageous comedy also stars Art Francisco, Sean McCullen, Michael Ojugo, Alberto Valdovinos, Cody White and Ben Woolf. Directed by international jazz and comedy sensation Leslie Bee. Costume and Sing-a-like contests every night.

Exclusive limited engagement at the Paul G. Gleason Theatre in Hollywood from Dec. 9 - 18, 2010. (Thursdays and Fridays at 8 PM and Saturdays at 7:30 PM)

Tickets available at: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/139482

German Magazines: Life & Style and OK!

Here are the latest clippings from German magazines Life & Style and OK! (18 November issues) - click on the articles to enlarge.

Thanks to Kirsten

Events: Madonnarama in Chicago

Lea Michele wants Madonna on Glee

Lea Michele wants Madonna to appear on Glee.
The actress - who plays Rachel Berry on the hit Fox television series - is desperate for the Queen of Pop to follow her showbiz pal Gwyneth Paltrow in appearing on the program and possibly singing.
'We all loved the Madonna show we did but we are hoping to do a part two with Madonna,' she said.
'That would be a dream. I have not met Madonna but I would love to. The only thing is, of my idols I have met, I have thoroughly embarrassed myself!'
Lea has previously hinted she’s bored with her role on the program.
'I would love to do a straight play,' says Lea. 'I love singing but I would love to see what it is like to not rest on that and the whole ‘This is how I feel, let me sing it to you’. I would like to just rely on being there as an actor and just standing there being in a scene.'

From Showbiz Spy

Hard Candy Fitness Launch Party Poster

Here is a look at a promotional poster for the launch party of Hard Candy Fitness in Mexico City on Monday 29 November.

Thanks to Roby and Pablo

Hard Candy Fitness Venue Preparations

The Hard Candy Fitness venue in Mexico City is almost ready for the launch party next Monday as this picture from madonnalicious readers Roby and Pablo shows.

In this video clip shot outside the entrance by madonnalicious reader materialboy75 shows cameras being set up - possibly ready to film Madonna'a arrival!

Hard Candy Fitness in Mexico City

madonnalicious reader materialboy75 sends in this report from Mexico City about preparations for the opening of Hard Candy Fitness next Monday 29 November.

One rumour in in the press is that Madonna could be giving dancing classes to 30 lucky Hard Candy Fitness members, but another newspaper report suggests it really will be a flying visit with Madonna only scheduled to spend eight hours in Mexico city.

Below is a picture of the stand where people can join Hard Candy Fitness (picture courtesy of Poncho Pacheco).

Events: Madonna & Me US Premiere

The Edge Theatre Company, based in Rock Hill, SC will produce the US Premiere of Madonna & Me by Tommy Kearney.
The London smash hit will make its trek across the Atlantic Ocean this spring, Thursday 07 to Sunday 10 April 2011. Directed by The Edge Theatre Company's Artistic Director, Jimmy Chrismon the show promises to be as fresh and exciting as the Queen of Pop herself!

Madonna & Me is a coming of age tale about the power of Madonna and 'a group of friends who grow up together on a council estate in Whiston and share life’s triumphs and disasters as a solid unit; always there for each other and always offering advice and a willing shoulder to cry on. They are one. They are a team. Until, that is, adulthood offers temptations and trials beyond their collective resistance and things begin to implode.' - Chris High.

For tickets or more information about the show or company please visit www.theedgetheatre.org

Madonna featured on new Michael Parkinson DVD

2entertain has announced the release of The Michael Parkinson Collection. The DVD will feature Parkinson's personal choice of the best moments from over 2000 interviews from the entire back catalogue of Parkinson.
With a career spanning over 40 years, Michael Parkinson is the most successful and recognised interviewer in the country and one of the nation's favourite television personalities. For the first time ever BBC DVD offers The Michael Parkinson Collection DVD available from 22nd November.
The DVD allows viewers to watch Parkie's career, all hand-picked and introduced by the man himself featuring classic in-depth interviews with some of the most famous people in the world.
The DVD features conversations with John Wayne, James Stewart and Jimmy Cagney and modern greats such as Tom Hanks, Samuel L Jackson and Tom Cruise. It also features some of Parkie's most well known moments such as; Lauren Bacall, the housewife megastar Dame Edna Everage, Jane Fonda, Madonna, when Parkie met Meg and wrestled Emu.
This two disc collection also includes interviews with celebrated sportsmen from Muhammad Ali to David Beckham, the legendary John Lennon, Sir David Attenborough and Richard Burton and the great raconteurs such as Kenneth Williams and Peter Ustinov, as well as the best comedians of their generation from Tommy Cooper and Robin Williams to Les Dawson and Peter Kay.
Extras include a specially made documentary charting the history of the show and lifting the lid on the behind the scenes secrets plus a collection of moments the host would rather forget.

From PR News Wire / Centre Daily - thanks to Roby

The 25 Most Powerful Women of the Past Century

Time magazine have listed the The 25 Most Powerful Women of the Past Century and Madonna makes the list.

Every pop star of the last two to three decades has Madonna to thank in some part for his or her success. The triple threat who does it all - chart-topping singer, energetic dancer and all-around provocateur - left her home state of Michigan with $35 in her pocket and a dream to make it in New York City, and far exceeded that goal with hit singles like 'Vogue,' 'Like a Virgin' and 'Ray of Light.'
The one-named wonder's memorable music videos and live performances, which almost always include extravagant dance numbers, over-the-top outfits and eyebrow-raising concepts, made her one of MTV's most popular artists. After causing no shortage of controversy with her unabashed sexuality and outspokenness, Madonna has since turned some of her efforts toward being a mother and humanitarian - but not before cementing her place in pop culture as the best-selling female rock artist of the 20th century.

Here is the full list (Time magazine do not put the women in number order but list them in alphabectical order):

Jane Addams (1860-1935)
Corazon Aquino (1933-2009)
Rachel Carson (1907-1964)
Coco Chanel (1883-1971)
Julia Child (1912-2004)
Hillary Clinton (1947-Present)
Marie Curie (1867-1934)
Aretha Franklin (1942-Present)
Indira Gandhi (1917-1984)
Estée Lauder (1908-2004)
Madonna (1958-Present)
Margaret Mead (1901-1978)
Golda Meir (1898-1978)
Angela Merkel (1954-Present)
Sandra Day O'Connor (1930-Present)
Rosa Parks (1913-2005)
Jiang Qing (1914-1991)
Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962)
Margaret Sanger (1879-1966)
Gloria Steinem (1934-Present)
Martha Stewart (1941-Present)
Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
Margaret Thatcher (1925-Present)
Oprah Winfrey (1954-Present)
Virginia Woolf (1882-1941)

From www.time.com - thanks to Alex and Roby

'Madonna kissed me,' dancer Carrie Ann Inaba reveals

Carrie Ann Inaba, a judge on reality television show Dancing With The Stars, claims the Erotica singer smooched her during a crazy after-show party at the end of her 1993 world tour.
'She came and she sat right here,' the TV star said, pointing at her lap. 'I was like 'Okay, I love Madonna. Hi'.'
Inaba, 42, reminisced about her time as a backing dancer on Madonna's 1993 Girlie Show world tour during an appearance on George Lopez's US chat show.
The performer, who sits alongside Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli on the Dancing With The Stars panel, told the talk show host how Madge first took he by surprise by kissing her in the middle of one of her concerts.
'We had this moment on stage where there was this huge orgy,' she explained.
'Suddenly Madonna’s coming to kiss me and I'm like 'Oh my god, Madonna's going to kiss me.''
'We kissed – it was very nice. We had this amazing kiss on stage.'
'At the very end of the tour we played truth or dare. I don't remember what happened, but when somebody dared Madonna she came by,' she said.
Although Madonna failed to ask permission for a kiss, Inaba met her gaze and the pair puckered up.

From Musicrooms.net

Madonna Changed My Life Essay Contest

Marla Cukor, the president of Rant & Rave Communications are sponsoring an essay contest for an (in the works) anthology about Madonna (kind of like the 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' series), only written by real people who have have been inspired and/or profoundly effected by Madonna.

Has Madonna - her music, her life, her personality - changed or effected your life (now or when you were growing up), in a profound or inspirational way? Tell us about it!

My name is Marla, I'm a longtime Madonna fan, and I'm currently putting together a small anthology of approximately 101 inspirational stories written by women (and a few good men), detailing (in 500 words or less), how the pop icon known to us and the world as Madonna, has in some way (big or small) positively impacted the lives of the millions of women and men who've grown up living in her 'material world.'

Some examples....
Perhaps you lost your virginity while a song of hers was playing on the radio?
Perhaps you went through a tough breakup at a time when when she was going through one as well?
Perhaps you found inspiration or strength through her example?
Perhaps you found the courage to 'reinvent' you life, just like Madonna did....

The winning essay writer with receive a one-time payment of $500, and may possibly see their essay published in a future compilation.
All essays sent in will become the property of the anthology authors and, by submitting, you agree to allow your essay to (*possibly*) be published in the forthcoming anthology.

How to submit your madonna essay: IT'S EASY!

Email your essay to (subject line): 'Madonna Essay' to: [email protected]

Essays should be received no later than Friday 31 December 2010 and be no more than 500 words in length.
One person will win for best essay, the rest may or may not receive a 'honorary mention' in the form of publication in a future anthology.
The winner be chosen by completely subjective decision. The most moving, uplifting, enlightening essay wins.

For more details of the contest visit madonnachangedmylife.weebly.com/

Madonna eyes Windsor jewels?

Madonna has reportedly taken a fancy to some of the Windsor jewels she had replicated for her royal film WE.
The 52-year-old star, who has been directing a film centred around Edward VIII's abdication from the British throne, was apparently spotted in Sotheby's trying on several pieces of the Cartier jewels Edward gave American divorcee Wallis Simpson, The Daily Mail reports.
Madonna is said to have replicas of the jewels - which are due to be sold by current Syrian billionaire owner Wafic Said - made for her movie, but has now apparently fallen for the real thing.
The singer reportedly has her heart set on an onyx and diamond panther bracelet estimated to fetch up to £2 million when it is auctioned later this month.
WE charts the life of Edward VIII's wife Wallis Simpson, who will be played by Andrea Riseborough, and will mark Madonna's feature-length directorial debut. James D'Arcy will play Edward.

From Independent.ie - thanks to Roby

Styx Magazine: 1980-1990 and 1990-2000

Here is a look inside the latest Madonna issues of Styx Magazine. These issues feature the 'best-of' Madonna 1980-1990 and 1990-2000.

The limited-edition magazines were published last month and fans can buy them at www.styxmagazine.net/madonna

Madonna's gym revenge?

Is Madonna flexing her muscles at her former trainer, Tracy Anderson? The Material Girl recently announced a plan to open a series of Hard Candy Fitness Centers worldwide, where, sources tell us, 'she'll be closely involved in developing dance-based workouts.'
Her first gym opens in Mexico City this month, with plans for Russia, Europe and eventually the US. Sources said the plan may have evolved after Anderson famously had a falling-out with Madonna over Anderson's capitalizing on the superstar's name to build her fitness empire in New York and LA. But a different source close to Madonna said: 'I don't think she even gives Tracy a second thought. It's a natural idea for her to have her own gym. This is a business plan that she has been working on for some time with her business partner Guy Oseary.' A rep for Madonna declined to comment.

From the New York Post

German Magazines: Life & Style

The German magazine Life & Style (11 November issue) also features a two-page article about Madonna and Lourdes. Click on the article to enlarge.

Thanks to Kirsten

German Magazines: In Touch

The current edition of German magazine In Touch magazine (11 November issue) features this two-page article about Madonna and Lourdes. Click to enlarge.

Thanks to Kirsten

Forbes Richest Women in Showbiz

Forbes have published a new list naming the Richest Women in Showbiz - Madonna comes in at #5 on the list:

It's Oprah Winfrey all the way again, as far as the richest women in showbiz world goes, according to the latest Forbes list.
Oprah Winfrey Hollywood Oprah's earnings grossed at $324 million according to a list released by Forbes recently. The second in the list is Beyonce who made $89 million. There is a difference of a vast $235 milion between the two. In fact, if the earnings of the next five in the lists are added up, Oprah is still likely to top all of them. The television host is reportedly making more than her rival talk show hosts like David Letterman, Jay Leno and Conan O' Brien.
Britney Spears occupies the third position with $65 million. Lady Gaga, who is fourth, reported earnings of $64.5 million. Her money has pushed Madonna to the fifth slot with $59.9 million. Miley Cyrus is the youngest earner in the list at seventh position with a take-in of $48.4 million.
Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift are first-timers on the list. Another interesting fact that comes out from the Forbes list is that half of the Hollywood top earners are below 30. Sandra Bullock and Ellen DeGeneres also make the list.

From ibtimes.com - thanks to Alex

UK Press: Metro

UK city newspaper the Metro featured this article about Madonna's interview with Ellen DeGeneres on US TV - click on the article to enlarge.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show: The Unedited Interview

Madonna opened up about the recent issue of bullying on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Tuesday, but there wasn't enough time to air all of it.

You can see the whole interview below or at: ellen.warnerbros.com

US TV: The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Here is a video clip of Madonna's appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show today.

Madonna speaks out on bullying on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

During a satellite appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show Tuesday, Madonna makes a heartfelt plea to end bullying in America.
'I'm incredibly disturbed and saddened by the overwhelming number of teen suicides that have been reported lately because of bullying,' she says. 'Suicide in general is disturbing. Teenagers committing suicide is extremely disturbing, but to hear that teenagers are taking their lives because they are being bullied in schools and dormitories, what have you, is kind of unfathomable.'
Madonna, now 52, says she was bullied as a kid growing up in Michigan.
'I still feel different,' she says. 'I can totally relate to the idea of feeling isolated and alienated. I was incredibly lonely as a child, as a teenager. I have to say I never felt like I fit in in school. I wasn't a jock. I wasn't an intellectual. There was no group that I felt a part of. I just felt like a weirdo.'
It wasn't until her ballet teacher, who was gay, took her under his wing and introduced her to a community of artists that she felt 'it was OK to be different,' she says.
The gay community 'has been incredibly supportive of me,' she says. 'I wouldn't have a career if it weren't for the gay community.'
She says she's been talking to her children about bullying. 'We talk a lot about the importance of not judging people who are different - not judging people who don't fit into our expected view of what's cool and what isn't,' she says. 'The concept that we are torturing teenagers because they are gay - it's unfathomable. It's like lynching black people or Hitler exterminating Jews. Sorry if I'm going on a rampage right now, but this is America. The land of the free and the home of the brave....'
Her solution? 'I think it would be interesting for everybody to try one simple experiment: Try to get through the day....without gossiping about somebody,' she says. 'And not only that - not even listening to gossip, walking away from it. Can you imagine what your day would be like? How much more free time you'd have? I also feel like you'd feel about better about yourself.'

From UsMagazine.com

Russian Magazines: Elle

Madonna is one of the inspirations for this fashion article on 1980's inspired jewelry that is featured in the November 2010 issue of the Russian edition of Elle magazine. Click on the article to enlarge.

Thanks to Elmira

US TV: The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Madonna will be appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Tuesday 09 November.

She's the biggest-selling female artist of all time, and she only needs to go by one name - MADONNA - is talking to Ellen! She'll tell Ellen what she's been up to, and she has some important things she'd like to share with everyone.

For more information visit: ellen.warnerbros.com

Thanks to Roby

Books: Madonna - L'itinéraire d'une Légende

Here is a sneak-peek at the publishing proofs for the front and back cover of a new Madonna book that will be published on Saturday 11 December - the 288 page book takes a look through images at Madonna as a singer, actress, fashion icon and humanist.

The profits from this book will go towards the Raising Malawi Academy for Girls project - for more information and to pre-order the book visit madonnalitinerairedunelegende.hautetfort.com

German Magazines: Bunte

German magazine Bunte (04 November issue) features this one-page article about Mercy's adoption - click on the article to enlarge.

Thanks to Kirsten

Madonna attends Fashion Delivers Gala

Madonna attended the fifth annual Fashion Delivers Gala in New York City last night.

Dressed in Stella McCartney thigh-high boots and a sparkly minidress. Madonna presented an award to Neil Sticks, the president of Iconix.

Thanks to Roby

UK retailer M&S gets in Vogue

Fans in the UK may have spotted the Marks and Spencer Christmas advert that hit TV screen this week. The advert pays homage to different dances from films.

Saturday Night Fever, West Side Story, Chicago and Grease are some of the dances/looks recreated. Madonna's iconic Vogue video is included, featuring 60's supermodel Twiggy recreating Madonna's moves with some 'help' from comedian Peter Kay.

US Magazines: Us Weekly

US magazine Us Weekly published this small Q&A session with Madonna about W.E. and her return to New York City in a recent issue of the magazine.

Thanks to Elmira

German Magazines: Grazia

The German version of Grazia magazine (28 October issue) talks about Madonna's latest 'love interest' - click on the article to enlarge.

Thanks to Kirsten