Merchandise: A Portrait of M by Curtis Knapp

Nemo Media in collaboration with photographer Curtis Knapp are announcing for very first time an exclusive and strictly limited memorabilia collection.

Curtis has taken many beautiful photos of Madonna (including the iconic Island magazine cover from 1983) in his archives and now sets into print the most complete collection of this famous photoshoot ever.

Limited to only six hundred copies, this amazing book comes in a very special folder, with one lithograph (custom print), and one certificate signed and numbered individually by Curtis himself!

The book was published on Wednesday 25 May and is now available for shipping.

Click on the image below for more details or visit aportraitofm.editionsnemomedia

Here are some extra details about the book:

The preface is written by Jeremy Ayres (He has written for 'Interview' magazine, and he wrote several hits for the 'B52s' and 'REM').
The introduction is written by Matthew Rettenmund (author of 'Encyclopedia Madonnica' book / 'Popstar!' magazine Editor-in-Chief / 'Boy Culture' Founder/Blogger).
Curtis Knapp gave lot of details about his first meeting with Madonna, and how and where the shoot took place. The Greta Garbo picture below was the first inspiration proposed (and accepted) by Madonna for the photoshoot.

German Magazines: Bunte

The 26 May issue of German magazine Bunte featured this recent picture of Madonna out and about in New York City - click on the image to enlarge.

Thanks to Kirsten

Charity Auction: Steve Sidelnyk's Confessions Tour Drum Set

Steve Sidelnyk is auctioning his DW Custom Series 8 piece Drum Set that he used on the Confessions Tour and at the Live Earth concert.

Up for auction is an amazing opportunity for the lucky winner to own a piece of music history. I am offering up this well documented DW Kit that has literally been around the world and played in front of some of the largest audiences of all time. This is the kit I have owned since new and that I used on the Madonna 'Confessions' tour in 2006, one of the Top 20 grossing tours ever. It was also played at Madonna’s Live Earth performance in front of millions of TV viewers world wide.
I am selling this kit to raise money for a Easter Seals Charity fundraiser, these guys need your urgent support and publicity, so bidders 100% of your money will go to a uniquely worthy cause. Easter Seals Southern California’s mission is to provide exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities and other special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.

To view the auction and more information visit ebay.com/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem

Lady Gaga quizzed on Madonna comparisons

Lady Gaga was interviewed by Stephen Fry for FT Weekend and was asked about being compared to Madonna:

'I genuinely love her so much. I think she is so amazing. She could never be replicated and, yes, I’m Italian, I’m from New York, and not for nothing, it’s not my fault that I kind of look like her, right? So, look, if anything, it’s more annoying to me that people would insinuate that I don’t like to be compared to her....She’s wonderful and inspiring and liberating, and she’s certainly inspired my album, as did David Bowie, as did Prince, as did Michael Jackson, as did Grace Jones, and I would never take that away.'

Thanks to ljh bati

US Magazines: Us Weekly

The 23 May issue of US magazine Us Weekly featured a great picture of Madonna dressed in Stella McCartney at the Met Gala in New York City earlier this month.

Thanks to Elmira

Madonna: No photos, please

Madonna banned photographers from taking pictures of her at a MoMA party Monday night because she 'didn't feel she looked her best,' sources told us.
The newly single star sneaked in through a private entrance sporting black Henry Kissinger-like frames, red lipstick and a black blazer which made her look like a hot grad-school teacher.
Otherwise, it was 'Upstairs, Downstairs' at the party thrown with PS1 and Volkswagen. Madonna, James Franco and A-listers Lou Reed, Patti Smith, Yoko Ono and Marina Abramovic supped on a private balcony while taking in performances by violinist Hahn-Bin and Martha Wainwright. Below, guests invited to the after-party waited and waited for the behind-schedule dinner to wrap. One photographer got fed up and took off. The after-party people chilled in the garden until a downpour began. And Madonna, whose rep didn't get back to us, must have gone back underground.

From the New York Post

UK Magazines: Hello!

The 16 May edition of Hello! magazine (issue 1174) featured a full page of pictures of Madonna at the Met Gala with Paul and Stella McCartney - click to enlarge.

Madonna introduced as 'a viewer from New York City'

Madonna and Beyonce Knowles appeared on Oprah Winfrey's first farewell TV show yesterday (Monday 23 May).
The singing stars joined with Tom Hanks and Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Halle Berry for the first part of a double send-off for the hugely influential talk show host - once hailed as 'arguably the world's most powerful woman' by Time magazine.
Tom introduced surprise guest Madonna as 'a viewer from New York City,' saying: 'This hard-working mother-of-four says 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' means the world to her.'
Madonna paid tribute to the host - who is stepping down from the programme after 25 years - adding: 'It is no secret that millions of people have been inspired by Oprah and I'm one of those people.'

From contactmusic.com

Lindsey Wixson Once Played Musical Chairs With Madonna

Lindsey Wixson may be one of the modeling world’s biggest faces, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t get star struck. In an interview with Vogue UK, the 17-year-old rising star spills the beans about the most memorable experience of her career, why she fell so many times on the Fashion for Relief runway, and how her high school friends are, honestly, kind of a bunch of jerks.
Wixson sounds like she spent her high school years (like most of us, really) starring in her own personal version of Mean Girls.
'I was actually always really self-conscious about my gap (in her front teeth). In middle school, this group of girls were always trying to beat me up – they called my gap a parking lot. It was a really awkward time. I remember first mentioning to the girls I used to sit next to at lunch that I was looking for a model agent, and then the next week they came in with a list of things they didn’t like about me. I felt skinny and tall – it was the worst time of my life. But I don’t feel like that anymore. Modelling has really helped build my confidence.'
See, the good thing about being a supermodel is that when girls make fun of your teeth, you can airily tell them about the time you played musical chairs with Madonna.
'When I was shooting the Miu Miu campaign, Madonna turned up. She was supposed to be having dinner with the photographers Mert and Marcus, but they were busy shooting us, so she just had to wait. We started making the accompanying video and then Madonna stood up and said to us ‘I want to see if you girls can dance’. So we started playing Musical Chairs, with her counting the beats. She said, ‘It doesn’t matter if you’re out of time, just stay in character’. It was a brief meeting but pretty special.'
And as for the series of tumbles she took last week, Wixson told the British glossy, 'I’m over it all already. It was a mixture of the dress being too long and me walking too fast. I think I hadn’t had enough water, I was maybe a bit dehydrated.'

From Styleite

German Magazines: In Touch

German magazine In Touch featured two different Madonna looks in a recent issue, both casual and glamourous in New York City. Click to enlarge.

Thanks to Kirsten

'Glee' cast to cover Madonna in finale

Glee will once again pay tribute to Madonna by covering one of her songs during the upcoming second season finale.
Popeater confirmed that the New York-themed finale will feature a mash-up of the Madonna track 'I Love New York' and 'New York, New York' from the Broadway musical On the Town.
Glee previously covered a number of Madonna songs, including 'Vogue' and 'Express Yourself' in the season one episode 'The Power of Madonna'.
The season finale sees the New Directions heading to the Big Apple to compete at the National Show Choir competition, and will also feature performances of two original songs.
Matthew Morrison, who plays Glee club coach Will Schuester, will perform his new single 'Still Got Tonight' in the episode.
The second season finale of Glee is scheduled to air on May 24.
Listen to the Glee mash-up of 'I Love New York/New York, New York' below:

From Digital Spy

German Magazines: Gala

German magazine Gala covered Madonna'a recent appearance at the Met Gala in New York City - click on the image to enlarge.

Thanks to Kirsten

Liz Smith on Madonna's latest looks

Somebody who also often seems a bit too wiry and thin is Madonna. But not these days. She was a sensation at the recent Metropolitan Museum Costume gala, in a wonderful retro-style gown, slender but not skinny.
And she seems to be keeping up the 1930’s/40’s glamour. She looked terrific with Oprah, at the big taping of Oprah’s final shows. Madonna always looks best as a classic glamour girl. She herself prefers edgier designs. Either her taste is maturing or she is - clever girl - gearing up for the release of 'W.E.' (The portions of the movie that deal with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor are lavish in period detail and the clothes are exquisite.)
I remember around the time of publicizing 'Evita,' Madonna wore a lot of outfits suggesting Eva Peron. 'Evita' had been a ten-year journey for Madonna (and this column, which first suggested her for the role!) So, she was simply steeped in Eva and the fashions of the era.
'W.E.,' which Madonna wrote and directed, has also been a years-long labor of love. Nothing she has ever done has consumed her so much. So I think her return to classic glamour reflects the intensity and commitment to her film. Also, it’s terribly flattering.

From www.wowowow.com/liz-smith - thanks to Alex

Video: Madonna talks about Oprah Winfrey

CNN.com spoke to celebrities on the red carpet at the Oprah Winfrey farewell show that taped on Tuesday evening. Madonna is the first star featured on the clip.

Thanks to Alex

Madonna's tribute to Oprah Winfrey

Madonna, Tom Cruise and Arnold Schwarzenegger's estranged wife Maria Shriver were among the stars at the taping of Oprah Winfrey's final chat show episodes.
Around 13,000 people attended the recording at the United Centre in Chicago - for two shows that will air on May 23 and 24, ahead of the last episode on May 25 - and saw the galaxy of celebrities pay tribute to the inspirational television presenter on Tuesday 17 May.
Madonna revealed she admired Oprah because she was a 'self made woman' who has shown people that hard work and determination pay off.
She said: 'It's no secret that millions of people are inspired by Oprah. She's a self-made woman who's been at the top of her game for over 25 years and she is still kicking ass and encouraging people to dream big to work hard, to read a book, to ask questions, to get an education no matter who you are or where you come from. I vow to be more courageous and never give up....Thank you for inspiring me.'

From contactmusic.com

Press Pictures: Oprah Winfrey's Farewell

Here are some pictures released to the press of Madonna appearing on stage for the Oprah farewell show in Chicago on Tuesday.

Pictures from AP / Reuters Via Yahoo! News

Madonna features in Oprah's star-studded farewell show

Oprah Winfrey wiped away tears as celebrity after celebrity surprised her during a farewell double-episode taping of 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' that will precede her finale.
'Thank you is not enough, but thank you,' Winfrey told the crowd of 13,000 gathered at Chicago's United Center on Tuesday night for 'Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular.' 'For your love and your support, thank you.'
The crowd gave Winfrey a standing ovation when she first walked on the stage. Then the stars came out, with Winfrey's producers making good on their promise of the biggest celebrities of movies, music and television.
Aretha Franklin sang 'Amazing Grace.' Tom Hanks acted as host for the evening. Michael Jordan, who led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships during the 1990s, told Winfrey she inspires him. Tom Cruise, famous for his couch jumping on Winfrey's show, was there. Jerry Seinfeld wore a tuxedo to give a comedy routine. And Madonna said she is among the millions of people who are inspired by Winfrey.
'She fights for things she believes in, even if it makes her unpopular,' Madonna said.
Winfrey announced in November 2009 that she would end her popular talk show after 25 years. Tuesday's taping will air May 23 and 24, before Winfrey's final show on May 25.

To read more visit www.huffingtonpost.com

Thanks to Sharon

Events: Madonnarama in Houston

UK Magazines: Grazia

The 16 May issue of UK magazine Grazia featured coverage of the Met Gala and put Madonna at the top of their 'Chart of Lust' - click on the articles to enlarge.

Events: Truth or Dare 20th Anniversary Screenings

Cinefest Film Theatre will be celebrating the 20th anniversary release of 'Madonna: Truth Or Dare' with an exclusive one-week only screening of this landmark documentary. Cinefest is Georgia State University's student-run art-house movie theater.

Cinefest Film Theatre
66 Courtland St. SE
Suite 240
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-413-1798
www.cinefestfilmtheatre.com

UK Magazines: Look

More coverage from the Met Gala is featured in the current edition of UK magazine Look (16 May issue) - click on the articles to enlarge.

UK Newspapers: Daily Mirror

Madonna was pictured in New York City wearing a floral dress in this shot featured in UK newspaper the Daily Mirror - click on the image to enlarge.

German Magazines: Bunte

German magazine Bunte (11 May issue) featured this great picture of Madonna at the Met Gala last week. Click on the image to enlarge.

Thanks to Kirsten

Rihanna is the face of Madonna's coconut water

Pop diva Madonna has hired R&B star Rihanna as the face of her coconut water drinks company Vita Coco.
'Rihanna is a natural fit for the Vita Coco brand and I'm so happy to have her on the team,' Madonna said.
The 52-year-old superstar, who became the leading investor in the company after being obsessed by the beverage, thinks that people should drink it everyday, reported Daily Mail.
Besides Madonna being loyal to the Vita Coco brand, actors Gwyneth Paltrow, Courteney Cox, Demi Moore and Matthew McConaughey are also said to be devotees along with Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis.
Rihanna, 23, who is also a fan of the drink thinks it is a good way to stay healthy.
'I love Vita Coco. It's real coconut water from hand-picked coconuts. It's delicious and so good for you,' she said.

From PTI / Yahoo! News

Madonna, Rihanna and Paul McCartney party together

After turning it out at the Met Costume Insitute Gala, Beyoncé and hubby Jay-Z partied uptown at Anna Wintour's bash at Crown. The two were the first to arrive, and they hit the dance floor after saying hi to DJ Cassidy, who spun tunes at the bash. Downstairs, Madonna, Rihanna and Paul McCartney hung out together, and McCartney kept requesting Michael Jackson songs. The trio were the last to leave the star-studded bash - which also drew out Kanye West, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen - around 3 a.m.

From People.com - thanks to Alex

UK Press: Daily Mirror

UK newspaper the Daily Mirror pictured Madonna dancing in her chair at the Met Gala honouring Alexander 'Lee' McQueen, they also thought that Madonna had one of the 'super star' looks of the night. Click on the article to enlarge.

Liz Smith on Madonna at the Met Gala

I could wring the neck of my old pal Madonna. She looked spectacular at the Alexander McQueen tribute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art the other evening. The iconic star wore a gorgeous blue gown that fit her like a glove and was in every way suitable to her alluring maturity and her soon-to-be lauded efforts as the director of 'W.E.'
But what did M have to say when asked how she felt? 'I feel fat in this dress!' she said. I’m sure designer Stella McCartney loved that!
La Ciccone looked in fact, healthy, trim, but rounded in all the right places. She even cut her hair a few inches which makes a big (positive) difference.
I wish she’d stop this foolishness. If she gained twenty pounds she wouldn’t be fat. It’s okay to be a little voluptuous.
Indeed, I caught Madonna and Warren Beatty in their 1990 film 'Dick Tracy' the other night. He insisted she put on weight. She did (they were romancing at the time) and she has rarely looked better onscreen, and she’s terrif in that movie.
My favorite scene is when Warren (as Dick) goes backstage to visit M (cabaret singer Breathless Mahoney) whose gangster lover, Lips, has just been killed.
'No tears for Lips?' asks Tracy
'I’m wearing black underwear.'
'I wonder whose side you’re on' Tracy presses.
'The side I’m always on,' replies Breathless, 'Mine!'
I recall when I saw this movie at an early screening, the audience went wild over that line; it seemed to confirm and conform to her public image - the ruthless, ambitious, sexually predatory diva.
She was some of that, but less than she led people to believe. She’s quite different now. But she still has a fine, sane, disregard for public opinion. And she’s still much nicer than she lets on.

From Liz Smith at www.wowowow.com/culture/liz-smith - thanks to Alex

UK Press: Metro

UK city newspaper the Metro thought that Madonna's gown stole the show at the Met Gala in New York City last week - click on the article to enlarge.

The Beats Within blog launches

Peter Magennis, the man behind The Beats Within has now launched a blog that continues his work looking at Madonna's music and will feature interviews with lots of her music collaborators giving fans more insight and history behind her songs.

In 2008 madonnalicious interviewed Peter about his cover story on Madonna B-sides and rarities for UK music magazine Record Collector which can be read here and here.

In the first two days since the launch of the blog Peter has exclusively revealed the titles of two previously unknown Madonna songs - Angels with Dirty Faces and I Want You - so for more information on these songs and more visit www.thebeatswithin.blogspot.com

Madonna charity subpoenaed

Madonna's charity Raising Malawi and the Kabbalah Centre were hit with subpoenas this week as part of an IRS investigation. But don't expect Madonna - or Kabbalah bigwig Karen Berg - to appear before a grand jury soon. The subpoenas are for documents, not testimony, we are told. Also subpoenaed was Kabbalah charity Success for Kids.
Sources say that behind the scenes, Kabbalists still blame a 'disgruntled former member' for the media storm surrounding the organization, as well as the IRS investigation. Feds are probing the religious non-profit status of the Kabbalah Centre, according to sources. Kabbalah outside litigation council Mathew Rosengart said in a statement, 'The centre and SFK intend to work closely with the IRS and the government, and are in the process of providing responsive information to the subpoenas.'
'Raising Malawi is actively cooperating with all investigations and will continue to do so,' Madonna's publicist, Liz Rosenberg, told The Associated Press in an email saying it would be her only comment.

From the New York Post

Merchandise: A Portrait of M by Curtis Knapp

Nemo Media in collaboration with photographer Curtis Knapp are announcing for very first time an exclusive and strictly limited memorabilia collection.

Curtis has taken many beautiful photos of Madonna (including the iconic Island magazine cover from 1983) in his archives and now sets into print the most complete collection of this famous photoshoot ever.

Limited to only six hundred copies, this amazing book comes in a very special folder, with one lithograph (custom print), and one certificate signed and numbered individually by Curtis himself!

The book is available for pre-order and will be published on Wednesday 25 May.

Click on the image below for more details or visit aportraitofm.editionsnemomedia

Madonna’s Childhood Home Priced for a Song

Here’s your chance to have a piece of the Material Girl’s history: Madonna’s childhood home is on the market in Michigan.
The price for the home outside of Detroit is $48,600, according to real-estate website Zillow. Madonna shared the two-story colonial with her seven siblings until she left home at the age of 18 to become, well, Madonna.
When her father and stepmother moved out of the home in July 2001, it fetched $270,000. It was then placed on auction site eBay, where it went for $331,000.
The home was then sold in 2004 for $324,000 and again in 2005 for $245,000, according to Zillow’s price history chart. In 2008, a fire damaged the four-bedroom, two-bathroom structure. The buyer will have to repair the damage.

From the Wall Street Journal

Madonna's Chanel boots up for auction

Lourdes' school LaGuardia are holding an auction on Saturday 07 May to which Madonna has donated a pair of Chanel boots:

These gorgeous Chanel thigh-high black and white leather boots were chosen by Madonna right out of her closet exclusively to benefit the LaGuardia Arts High School in New York City for their annual fundraiser on May 7, 2011. Madonna boldly and beautifully signed each boot along the sides, 'Love Madonna,' in black sharpie pen. These gorgeous, tall, boots, are a European size 38 and close with snaps going up along each boot.
All proceeds will go directly to LaGuardia’s school programs and materials for their students, including: grants to each studio (art, music, drama, dance, and technical theater), substantial funding for the college office and college fairs, after-school enrichment, AP tutoring, library upgrade, sports equipment, sponsorship of Rising Stars (the unparalleled school-wide talent showcase), and other programming needs.

To view the auction visit: gottahaverockandroll.com or laguardiaarts.ejoinme.org

Vote: Best Dressed at the Met Gala

Fans can vote for Madonna as the Best Dressed as the Met Gala in an online poll by Access Hollywood - to vote for Madonna visit www.accesshollywood.com/polls

Thanks to Miguel

Video: Stars interviewed at the Met Gala

NYMag.com have published a video clip of stars being interviewed as they arrived at the Met Gala. Madonna is asked about when she first met Lee McQueen.

Thanks to Jonathan

Stars Honour Alexander McQueen At Met Gala

An impressive collection of A-list stars have attended the Costume Institute Benefit Gala in New York, which honoured the life of the late designer Alexander McQueen.
The annual event marked the opening of the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition and Sir Paul McCartney, Beyonce and Gwyneth Paltrow were among the guests.
Madonna spoke emotionally on the red carpet about McQueen, who committed suicide in February 2010 aged 40.
'I miss him terribly,' the singer said.
'Not only as a person but as a designer. I think the fashion business is a little bit dull without him and I loved his provocative punk rock attitude.'
'I think his designs were brilliant. I think he was brilliant. And I hope he's having fun wherever he is right now.'
Francois-Henri Pinault and his wife Salma Hayek served as the event's honorary chairmen, with Colin Firth, Stella McCartney and Anna Wintour as vice chairmen.
Other stars who walked the red carpet included Jennifer Lopez, Penelope Cruz, Jessica Alba and Taylor Swift.

From Sky News Via Yahoo! News UK

Press Pictures: Madonna at the Met Gala

Madonna and Guy Oseary attended the Costume Institute Benefit Gala in New York City last night, which honoured the life of the late designer Alexander McQueen.

Madonna was wearing a stunning star-spangled Stella McCartney gown.

Pictures from AP / Reuters Via Yahoo! News

Debbie Harry: I could have been Madonna

Debbie Harry thinks she could have 'been Madonna' if she’d worked harder.
With her edge style and daring on-stage outfits, the Blondie frontwoman is often cited as a precursor for today’s major music icons including Rihanna and Lady Gaga.
Despite her legendary status as a musician, the 65-year-old star says she would have been able to achieve the same levels of fame as Madonna if she had put more thought into her long-term plan. Debbie thinks the American star – often nicknamed the Queen of Pop – is clearly more driven than her, an idea which was compounded when they met.
'Did I ever meet her? Yes. I worked with Mary Lambert [film-maker who directed Madonna’s Like A Virgin and Material Girl videos] on my hit I Want That Man video. She took me to Madonna’s birthday party. But we are from totally different ways of thinking,' she said in an interview with Q magazine. 'She is so totally career-orientated and showbiz-minded. I missed the boat on that one. If I had thought more I would probably have been Madonna before she was.'
Despite their differences, Debbie considers Madonna an exceptional artist. However, there are many other artists she’s been even more impressed with.
'She had some really great songs. She’s a great performer and a great dancer. Anyone who has that determination and drive, you have to give them credit. But she wasn’t my favourite,' she added.

From Yahoo! OMG!