Italian Magazines: MySelf

The December 2011 issue of Italian magazine MySelf featured this four-page article about Madonna's W.E. - click on the images to enlarge.

Thanks to Elmira

Madonna Wanted To 'Soak Up' Energy Of King

Madonna surrounded herself with pictures of King Edward VIII when she worked on 'W.E.' to 'soak up' his energy.
The pop superstar spent two years researching the lives of the British monarch and his lover Wallis Simpson, for the film she has directed.
Madonna wallpapered an empty room in her house with images of the pair because she wanted to fully immerse herself in the couple's love story, which led to the British monarch abdicating the throne in December 1936 after being told he couldn't marry the American divorcee by the Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin and the Church of England.
In an interview with the Daily Telegraph newspaper, the 'Hung Up' singer said: 'I was sitting in a room that was completely and utterly inundated with their images so I could soak up their energy. I was trying to understand the nature of their love story and trying to figure out for myself if there is such a thing as perfect love.'
Madonna admits she became enthralled with the couple's romance because Edward was prepared to sacrifice his position and power for the woman he loved.
The 53-year-old star - who has four children, daughter Lourdes, 15, with fitness trainer Carlos Leon, sons Rocco, 11, and David, six, with ex-husband Guy Ritchie, and adopted girl Mercy, five - is currently in a relationship with French break-dancer Brahim Zaibat and she insists she knows what it means to be truly loved by a man.
Madonna - who was also married to Sean Penn - explained: 'I know what it feels like to be loved a lot, but no one's ever given up their kingdom for me.'
'W.E.' - which is released in January - is a two-tier tale about the life of King Edward and his wife Wallis and a modern-day woman called Wally Winthrop who becomes obsessed with the couple's relationship.

From contactmusic.com

More pictures of Madonna in Gstaad

More pictures of Madonna and Brahim on the ski slopes of Gstaad in Switzerland have been published online at www.blick.ch/people

Thanks to Christian

Magazines: Harper´s Bazaar Indonesia and Korea Covers

Here are the December issues of the Indonesian and Korean versions of Harper's Bazaar featuring Madonna and Andrea Riseborough photographed by Tom Munro.

Thanks to Franco at www.madonnamexico.com

Madonna holidaying in Switzerland

According to Swiss website BLICK.ch Madonna and her family are holidaying in Gstaad, Switzerland as guests of fashion designer Valentino.

To read the report (and a not very convincing picture of Madonna on the slopes) visit www.blick.ch/madonna-bei-valentino-in-gstaad

Thanks to Alessandro

Madonna Loves It's A Wonderful Life

Madonna grew up wishing beloved actor James Stewart was her real father because she adored him in festive film It's A Wonderful Life.
The pop superstar admits she always makes time to watch the Christmas-themed classic during the holidays - and it always takes her back to her childhood.
She says, 'I love the message of it; I think it's so beautiful. I grew up wishing that Jimmy Stewart was my father. The story of wanting it all and having it all and then losing it all and then realising what's important, it's like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz - 'There's no place like home'.'
'It's kind of corny and cliche but, to me, it's a classic story that stands the test of time. I love it. I cry every time I see it.'

From contactmusic.com

Second Hard Candy Fitness Center Now Open in Moscow

Madonna in partnership with her manager Guy Oseary and Mark Mastrov, Chairman of New Evolution Ventures (NeV), announced their second Hard Candy Fitness Center in Moscow is now open for workouts. The beautifully designed, four-floor, 35,000 square foot facility near the Red Square, plans to host Madonna for a visit in 2012. The Hard Candy Fitness Center in Russia is operated by Irina Razumova, founder of the well known Russian chain Planet Fitness. The opening of this latest facility follows the one-year anniversary of the Hard Candy Fitness Center in Mexico City.
Hard Candy Fitness Moscow has state of the art equipment, an exclusive curriculum along with Mind Body Studio including the Great Wall, a Bike Studio, a Juice Bar/Cafe, lavish locker rooms and a 25 meter-long pool. Members will have the very best in innovative fitness programming including traditional classes, the newest trends in Yoga and original classes designed specifically for Hard Candy Fitness.
The design and programming of the Hard Candy Fitness Centers are inspired by Madonna's vision and commitment to fitness. Members will experience this first hand with signature Addicted to Sweat classes, featuring movements exclusively designed by the pop icon and her dance team. The Addicted to Sweat Cardio Dance and Jaw Breaker classes were inspired by the same choreography and toning exercises used in Madonna's personal fitness regime.
The facility contains more than 100 pieces of strength equipment / free weights with the best functional training accessories from Precor, Hoist, Free Motion, Concept and TRX suspension training. Hard Candy Fitness team members will sport the latest adidas by Stella McCartney and Porsche Designs attire from Winter 2011-2012 adidas collection.
The Hard Candy Fitness brand launched its continued expansion with a third location set to open for workouts in St. Petersburg, Russia early spring next year. Hard Candy Fitness will also make its mark on new territory, heading to Toronto, Canada in 2012. NeV's Mastrov and partners, along with Madonna and Guy Oseary are also exploring options of building additional Hard Candy locations in Italy, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Australia, Argentina, and Brazil, for facilities that will offer a unique member experience.
For membership information, visit the newest Hard Candy Fitness at B. Kislovskiy per 9, Moscow Russia 125009 or call +7 495 933 71 00.

From CNW Via Yahoo! News

Madonna at JFK airport

Madonna was photographed travelling through JFK airport on Friday 23 December with her daughter Lourdes. To view the pictures visit dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz

Madonna’s Truth or Dare fragrance ad revealed!

We all know that Christmas is a time for giving, and with that in mind, we have kindly been given the gift of a sneak peek at Madonna’s first advert for her debut fragrance, Truth or Dare.
It’s sultry, sassy and savvy, (try saying that after a few glasses of mulled mine) and everything we would expect from one of the most influential women of our generation.
Even though the image wasn’t shot exclusively for the perfume and was in fact from the Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott photo-shoot Madonna did for Interview magazine earlier this year, we think it fits the essence of the perfume perfectly.
Two photographic geniuses and a queen of pop really is a winning combination.
Apparently there are more pictures where this one came from, so we’ll keep you posted when they reveal themselves!

From myfashionlife.com

Man arrested in Spain over Madonna song leak

Spanish police have arrested and charged a man with illegally leaking an early version of a new Madonna song.
The 31-year-old is alleged to have put a demo of Gimme All Your Luvin on the internet in November.
The investigation began after lawyers traced the recording to Spain. The man, described by police as a big fan of the singer, was arrested in Zaragoza.
Madonna's first studio album in five years is due for release in late March, with the first single out next month.
Police have not named the man arrested, but confirmed his initials as J.M.R.
Officers in the northern Spanish city said they found recordings of the song in a search of the suspect's belongings.
Madonna, 53, was said to have been 'very upset' when the song first leaked last month.
Her manager, Guy Oseary, tweeted about the incident and asked fans to help police any further leaks.

From BBC Newsbeat

Masterpiece available to download from iTunes

The full version of Madonna's Masterpiece from the soundtrack to W.E. is available to download for free from iTunes in a podcast entitled In Contention: Oscar Talk.

Thanks to Vickster

Australian Magazines: Vogue

The December 2011 edition of Vogue magazine (Australian edition) features this two-page article about W.E. - click on the images to enlarge.

Thanks to Elmira

Madonna's Masterpiece doesn't qualify for Best Song Oscar

Madonna's Masterpiece failed to be shortlisted for the Academy Awards Best Song nominations that was announced on Monday, but according to thewrap.com it was left off the shortlist purely because it didn't qualify not because it was snubbed:

The Academy announced the 39 qualifying songs in this year's race Monday, with a handful of big names in the running - but one Golden Globes nominee, Madonna, conspicuously missing.
'Masterpiece,' a Madonna song from 'W.E.' that received a Globe nomination last week, did not qualify for Oscar contention because of its placement a minute-and-a-half deep in the final credits. AMPAS rules require an end-credits song to be 'the first music cue' in those credits to qualify.

Here is the exact ruling from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences:

To be eligible, a song must consist of words and music, both of which are original and written specifically for the film. A clearly audible, intelligible, substantive rendition of both lyric and melody must be used in the body of the film or as the first music cue in the end credits.

Madonna Brings Her Own Bottle To Dinner

Madonna took her own wine when she went out to dinner on Saturday night.
The 53-year-old singer and her boyfriend Brahim Zaibat dined out at the Osteria Cotta on New York's Upper West Side, and surprised fellow guests when she whipped out her own bottle of alcohol and two crystal glasses.
An onlooker told the New York Post newspaper: 'She brought her own red wine in a bag, along with two beautiful crystal glasses.'
'They poured the wine and immediately put the bottle back in the bag, so nobody could see what it was. At the end, they took the empty wine bottle and the glasses with them. We couldn't figure out if Madonna prefers specific wine or is a total germaphobe.'
The couple ordered an arugula salad, pizza margherita, bruschetta and a side of roasted cauliflower.
When they finished, the 25-year-old dancer picked up the bill and paid by credit card, and the 'Celebration' hitmaker ordered him to tip well.
Madonna recently claimed she will only date men who her children - Lourdes, 15, Rocco, 11, David, six, and Mercy, five - will respect.
She said: 'It's important that my children admire and respect this partner that I would choose for myself. Especially for my sons, who have their father but they need a male role model as well.'
'So I need to keep this in mind: What is this person modelling to my sons, what kind of man is he, what values does he have, what energy is he giving off? Because they are impressionable. It's so important.'

From contactmusic.com

Madonna and family go out to celebrate in New York City

Madonna and her family stepped out in New York City on Friday night to celebrate Madonna's two golden globe nominations for W.E. - to view pictures of the night visit www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz

W.E. Promotional Documentary

A 23 minute long documentary about the filming of W.E. has been put online. The film features interviews with Madonna and the cast of the film and behind the scenes footage.

Madonna prays for music guru Molly Meldrum's recovery

Superstar Madonna is praying relentlessly for Molly Meldrum as the rock guru remains in a coma.
'He is a one and only,' Madonna said yesterday. 'I've always adored Molly and I'm praying around the clock.'
Madonna said he had been an inspiration throughout her career.
As Meldrum rests in intensive care in a Melbourne hospital, still listed as critical after an accident at his home on Thursday, popular singer Michael Buble also added his best wishes.
'I was devastated to hear about Molly's accident,' the crooner said. 'My family and I are praying for him.'
It is understood Madonna, Buble and Cher have sent flowers.
Relatives face an anxious wait as the extent of Meldrum's brain injury becomes more clear in coming days.
Meldrum crushed his skull and punctured his lung when he fell in the backyard of his Richmond home while putting up decorations.
Doctors are monitoring the pressure in Meldrum's brain and are confident it will gradually ease.

From couriermail.au

Madonna's excitement at Golden Globe nominations

Madonna describes her excitement at waking up and checking her phone, only to find out her new film 'W.E.' had been nominated for two Golden Globes.

From ITN.co.uk

Korzeniowski: Following Madonna's marching orders

Madonna has more than a few things in common with Tom Ford beyond their mutual love of fashion. Both took on the challenge of filmmaking from the pinnacle of other creative expressions: his from couture, hers from pop. And Ford's influence on Madonna's sophomore directorial effort, 'W.E.,' about the scandalous love affair between King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, is evident in the film's Vogue-magazine visuals, exquisite costumes and Abel Korzeniowski's hypnotic music.
Madonna knew she wanted Korzeniowski to score 'W.E.' - which alternates between the royals circa '30s/'40s England and a modern-day New Yorker, Wally (Abbie Cornish), obsessed with their romance - from the get-go. After all, she had temp-tracked Korzeniowski's music from Ford's 'A Single Man' into the film's rough cut, and the 'Single' score had already been referenced early on in the screenplay she co-wrote with Alek Keshishian. So when Korzeniowski got the call last December, as 'W.E.' was in the early stages of post-production, it was a fait accompli.
'She basically interviewed Tom about me, how it is to work with me, and apparently she got a greenlight from Tom,' recalls Korzeniowski about their initial meeting in L.A.
Being a musician herself, Madonna provided the yin to Korzeniowski's yang by trying to keep things simple and direct. 'It is not the type of score where you go through crazy harmonic changes and modulations,' says Korzeniowski. 'This was one of the very precise notes I got from Madonna, that I was not supposed to over-think this music.'

To read the full article visit www.variety.com/article

Madonna Anderson Interview: Preview Clip

As exclusively revealed by madonnalicious last week, Madonna was interviewed by Anderson Cooper yesterday in New York City.

Madonna sat down for a one-hour interview with Anderson, discussing her new film 'W.E.,' her upcoming performance at the Super Bowl, and in this show preview, the superstar shares her exclusive reaction to the film's two Golden Globe nominations for Original Song and Original Score.
'I am so proud of Abel Korzeniowski, who did the score of my film. It was a great way to wake up this morning,' Madonna tells Anderson.

The 'Anderson' episode will air in February 2012.

Two Golden Globe nominations for W.E.

The nominations for the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards were announced this morning in Los Angeles. Madonna's W.E. has received two nominations.
The awards will be presented on Sunday 15 January 2012.

Best Original Song
'Hello Hello' - Gnomeo & Juliet - Elton John
'Lay Your Head Down' - Albert Nobbs - Sinead O'Connor
'The Living Proof' - The Help - Mary J. Blige
'The Keeper' - Machine Gun Preacher - Gerard Butler
'Masterpiece' - W.E. - Madonna

Best Original Score
The Artist, Ludovic Bource
W.E., Abel Korzeniowski
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
Hugo, Howard Shore
War Horse, John Williams

Three Album Licensing Deal with Interscope Records Confirmed

Madonna will have a new album out in late March; it was officially confirmed today by Interscope Records. In one component of a very broad plan developed by long time manager Guy Oseary and Live Nation Entertainment, the Material Girl has signed a three album deal with Interscope Records.
The new album, her first in five years, has been completed. 'Gimme All Your Luvin,' the first single from the album, will be released the last week in January prior to her upcoming Bridgestone Halftime Superbowl appearance on February 5th.
In 2007, Madonna signed a multi-faceted deal with Live Nation that includes new studio albums, touring, merchandising, fan club/website, DVDs, music-related television and film projects and associated sponsorship agreements. 'We look forward to a great partnership,' commented Live Nation Entertainment's Chairman of Global Music & CEO, Global Touring Arthur Fogel.
Oseary was equally enthusiastic: 'We couldn't be happier to work with Jimmy Iovine , Lucian Grainge (Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group) and the entire Interscope team. We anticipate a very bright future at our new home,' added Jimmy Iovine , Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M. 'Very rarely does an opportunity like this come around. We would like to thank Madonna, Guy and Live Nation for their belief in us.'

From PRNewswire Press Release

Ask Madonna a Question!

'Nightline' anchor Cynthia McFadden has an upcoming exclusive interview with Madonna, which will air on 'Good Morning America,' 'Nightline' and '20/20' in the coming weeks.
But now is your chance to ask the iconic queen of Pop anything you want to know. We want you, the viewers, to ask the Material Girl questions. Fill out the form to tell us your question and 'Nightline' anchor Cynthia McFadden could put it directly to Madonna. Some will be selected for a special online feature.

To submit your question visit abcnews.go.com/Nightline

Thanks to Alex

Madonna signs new record deal

Madonna has signed a three-album deal with Interscope Records.
The 53-year-old singer finished her contract with Warner Music Group - who she had been signed to since the start of her career in 1982 - with her third greatest hits album, 'Celebration', in 2007 and inked the new deal, thought to be worth $1 million an album, with the label, owned by Universal Music Group.
A source told the New York Post newspaper: 'It's just about keeping relevance so that she can tour. She is still in the demo phase, but the idea is to get the first album out early next year.'
While she will release her records through Interscope, Madonna will continue to tour under her agreement with Live Nation Entertainment.
Madonna has also been confirmed to perform at the NFL Super Bowl Half Time Show in the US next February, which is when she is expected to make her comeback.

From contactmusic.com

Madonna and M.I.A. sing Happy Birthday to Nicki Minaj

Madonna and MIA have celebrated Nicki Minaj's 29th birthday as the three filmed a new music video together.
Minaj and MIA will feature on Madonna's forthcoming single 'Give Me All Your Love', which will receive its official premiere in early 2012.
After singing happy birthday to the rapper, Madonna kissed the Pink Friday star to cheers from the production crew and cast.
Addressing the crowd, Minaj said: 'You know what? Thank you so much and I have to thank the queen, Madonna, for giving me this amazing opportunity.'
'I love her so much and she is fierce. She didn't have to do this for me and MIA, but we love you and thank you so much for everything.'
She then joked: 'Did you get my kiss with Madonna on camera? Oh my God!'

From digitalspy.co.uk

Mick Rock's Iconic Rock 'n' Roll Photos

Time was, you had to really know a celebrity to photograph her with her guard down, licking her shoulder, a la Madonna Louise Ciccone (she still had all three names) in 1980.
Before the days of cell phone cameras and Twit-pics, Mick Rock was there - backstage, in hotel rooms, off-hours, 'getting into all kinds of mischief' - with rock 'n' roll's most iconic figures. Queen, David Bowie, Blondie, the Sex Pistols, Joan Jett: He snapped them all, and then some.
More than a dozen of his portraits, new and old, have been collected into an exhibition that will travel to W Hotels across the country throughout 2012. ABCNews.com asked Rock for the stories behind the photos at show's opening reception at the W New York Downtown.

Madonna, 1980
'She hadn't even made a record. Somebody brought her up to my studio, and he would bring young people up, some not for any purpose other than to say hi. She had aspirations, and I just took a few pictures.'
'[The pose] wasn't my idea. There was no 'Baby' then. She was very brazen. She's had an amazing career since that day, and I take my hat off to her, because she broke a lot of ground in a business sense, for women. She took control of her destiny and she set the trail for people like Lady Gaga.'

To read the rest of the article and view more pictures visit abcnews.go.com

Picture courtesy of Mick Rock

What can we expect from Madonna's Super Bowl performance?

Madonna may be 27 years removed from her first No. 1 hit, but something about her Super Bowl halftime show will be brand new: The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and MTV-era icon will sing on an Indianapolis stage for the first time.
Eight Madonna tours, from 'The Virgin Tour' in 1985 to 'The Sticky & Sweet Tour' in 2008, have bypassed Indianapolis.
It took the Super Bowl - a sporting phenomenon that's never been presented in New York (at least it won't be until 2014), Chicago or Las Vegas - to bring the Material Girl to the Circle City.
What's in it for her?
The football game is expected to attract more than 100 million TV viewers in the United States, giving Madonna a massive and captive audience for marketing purposes.
Her most recent album, 2008's 'Hard Candy,' yielded one Top 10 single, '4 Minutes,' and two songs that fell short of the Top 40.
New Madonna music, a single titled 'Give Me All Your Love' featuring guests Nicki Minaj and M.I.A., will be released in February, while rumors of a 2012 world tour populate the Internet.
The Super Bowl could even boost 'W.E.,' Madonna's latest effort as a film director. The romantic drama arrives in theaters Feb. 3, two days before the big game.
'What a launching pad,' said Steve Gerardi, owner of Indianapolis-based concert promotion company SG Entertainment. 'It's great exposure. Look at the cost of a 30-second ad, which is more than $2 million. You can't beat that in valued exposure.'
A Super Bowl halftime show typically lasts 12 minutes.
For the NFL and NBC, the network carrying Super Bowl XLVI, Madonna's appearance may attract viewers who otherwise wouldn't check out the telecast.
'People are going to watch the game, period,' Gerardi said. 'I think the NFL is going to get a big 'wow' out of this show. It's another great decoration and the icing of the cake.'
Professional critics and amateur social-media pundits gave low marks to the Who's heritage rock at Super Bowl XLIV and the Black Eyed Peas' modern pop at Super Bowl XLV, leaving the NFL with a two-year skid of absent 'wow.'
Nikki Reed, an on-air personality at Top 40 radio station WZPL-FM (99.5), said she isn't sure Madonna can snap the streak.
'I'm bored with the idea of Madonna,' Reed said. 'It's been awhile since she has been this huge figure. I hope that I'm wrong, and I hope that she kills it. That would be an incredible thing for her career.'
At the office of the Super Bowl Host Committee, news of Madonna's halftime booking arrived Sunday night with the public announcement made on NBC.
Spokeswoman Dianna Boyce said the host committee has no role in selecting the halftime artist (or the yet-to-be-announced performer of 'The Star-Spangled Banner').
'For the host committee, it's really just the next stop in building the level of excitement toward game day,' Boyce said of the halftime announcement. 'It's all about the fever and fervor and the level of fan enthusiasm.'
Madonna sounded genuinely fired up on Sunday night, when showbiz TV show 'Extra' asked her about the Super Bowl gig.
'It's a huge deal,' said Madonna, attending a New York screening of 'W.E.' 'To be as exciting as the football game is a huge challenge. And to get your stage set up in eight minutes, another huge challenge.'
In 2004, Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson were singing one of Timberlake's hits, 'Rock Your Body,' when he grabbed Jackson's bustier and pulled away the material that covered her right breast.
A split-second of nudity resulted in a $550,000 indecency fine for CBS.
In subsequent years, acts selected to play halftime have skewed decidedly older than Timberlake (23 at the time), Britney Spears (19 at Super Bowl XXXV) and Christina Aguilera (19 at Super Bowl XXXIV).
Prince was 48 when he played Super Bowl XLI. Subtract last year's appearance by the Black Eyed Peas, and Prince is the youngest performer in a post-'wardrobe malfunction' parade of Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and the Who.
For the record, Madonna will be 53 when she takes the stage at Lucas Oil Stadium.
But does middle age guarantee a squeaky-clean show? If that's the NFL's logic, radio personality Reed offered this zinger:
'If they're old enough that it's going to take 10 minutes to take off their pants on live TV, we're safe to go with that,' Reed said.
Gerardi said it's unlikely that Madonna's performance will be hailed as a universal smash, but it's already making headlines.
'It's impossible to please everybody. I'm sure a lot of people will say, 'Why didn't they get Taylor Swift or the Foo Fighters or Jay-Z?' But Madonna is an American icon.'

By David Lindquist / INDYSTAR.com - thanks to Brad

Giovanni Bianco for new album artwork

Creative director Giovanni Bianco has confirmed he is working on the artwork for Madonna's new album in this recent tweet:

I'M SO HAPPY TO BE DOING MADONNA'S ALBUM COVER FOR THE 3RD TIME! PHOTO BY MERT&MARCUS AND STYLING BY ARIANNE PHILLIPS.

Thanks to Shah

Madonna admires Kate Middleton's style

Madonna, a notorious Anglophile, highly approves of Kate Middleton's style.
'She is a lovely girl with a great sense of style,' the Material Girl told People at a screening of 'W.E.' at the MoMA on Sunday. 'Her wedding dress by Alexander McQueen was very beautiful...I like her choices. She’s elegant and still knows how to have some fun. I’m a fan of her style.'
Madonna's statement is surprising because, apart from their mutual love of McQueen, Madge's look has very little in common with Middleton's. While Madonna is known for wearing cone-shaped bras and, more recently, a lot of leotards sans pants, Middleton is about prim, proper and covered-up attire, often at an affordable price point.
But despite her adoration for the Duchess of Cambridge, Madonna is even more taken with Wallis Simpson, the American divorcee who King Edward VIII fell in love with and eventually abdicated the throne to marry. Simpson, known for her pin-curled hair and flapper style, is at the center of 'W.E.,' which Madonna co-wrote and directed. The movie tells Simpson's story, interweaving it with a contemporary tale of a New York woman who is inspired by Simpson.
Madonna said of Simpson, 'She developed a style and stuck with it whether people were interested or not. I admire her individuality.'
But Madonna is glad that today's British royalty has more license to be themselves than those in the past.
'The freedom that [Kate] has and the freedom the royal family has now is nice and is refreshing,' Madonna said. 'It’s too bad that Edward VIII didn’t have that same kind of freedom back in 1937 to make his own decisions and to be the prince of the people, which Prince William is allowed to be. I like how modern they are now.'

From the New York Post

Madonna locks lips with Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj took to Twitter on Wednesday to let her fans know she was on set with the one and only Madonna.
Minaj and Madonna were busy shooting the video for 'Give Me All Your Love,' the first single off Madge's forthcoming album. The fierce MC wasn't holding back on the social networking site, giving all her Barbz and Kenz the up-to-the-minute details of the shoot.
Minaj gushed about the shoot, even relaying one major detail that she hopes will make the final cut. She tweeted, 'OH MY f'ingggg Gahhhh!!!!! MADONNA jus kissed me!!!!! On the lips!!!!!!! It felt sooooo good. Soooo soft!!!! *passes out* aaahhhhh!!!!!!!!!' That news immediately sent her fans on a Twitter spree, peppering the rapper with questions about the smooch.
M.I.A. also will appear on the track. The rapper confirmed she recorded with the Queen of Pop late last month in New York, after speculation about a collabo between the three women hit a fevered pitch in November. M.I.A. also tweetedabout chilling with Madonna on set. 'Madonna killed it! A legend! said she'd have me, i said ill have her too, we had a 3sum M.N.M. MEGAFORCE @TheMegaforce thanku,' she wrote to the video director team.

From MTV.com

Material Girl Christmas Tree

madonnalicious reader Jonathan snapped this picture of the Material Girl Christmas tree on display in Macy's department store in New York City.

Moment Factory to create multimedia for Madonna's Super Bowl

Canadian new media and entertainment studio Moment Factory announced their collaboration with Madonna and Cirque du Soleil during her live performance at Super Bowl XLVI on February 5th, 2012.
Moment Factory is world-renowned for its use of technology and art to develop remarkable experiences that draw audiences to live performances, special events, brand activations, museums, interior commercial spaces and urban landscapes.
Moment Factory's team of artistic technologists, together with Madonna's team, will create a spectacular multimedia display for the Bridgestone 46th Super Bowl Halftime Show, an NFL Network Production set to air on NBC February 5th, 2012.
'We are extremely excited to be working with someone as creative, talented and visionary as Madonna,' said Sakchin Besette, Partner and Creative Director, Moment Factory. 'Our team is comprised of artists whose expertise ranges from software development to motion design and all of us are absolutely delighted to be working with an artist whose creativity continues to astound us. Moment Factory always looks to engage audiences with something they have never seen before, and we are certain that this show will thrill spectators.'
Moment Factory is renowned for creating extraordinary, immersive and often interactive visual installations for the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Tiesto, Cirque du Soleil and Celine Dion's return to Las Vegas. Moment Factory was a key partner in the production ofArcade Fire's live performance at the Coachella Music Festival, for which they orchestrated the acclaimed 'LED balloon drop' alongside Chris Milk in Indio, California.
'Moment Factory is always delighted to work with our close friends at Cirque du Soleil. Moment Factory and Cirque have cooperated on many successful projects and truly enjoy working together,' said Eric Fournier, Partner and Executive Producer, Moment Factory. 'This is the first time we will be working with Madonna, Jamie King and the NFL and we are very excited to create the best entertainment for millions of fans who will be watching live and via broadcast.'
Moment Factory is a group of diversely creative minds that have come together to up the ante in technology and entertainment. Their most recent work will debut during the Bridgestone 46th Super Bowl Halftime Show, an NFL Network Production set to air on NBC February 5th, 2012.

From Moment Factory

Madonna to appear on Anderson

Insiders are reporting to madonnalicious that Madonna is due to be interviewed by Anderson Cooper on his US TV show Anderson in New York City next week.

Video and album photoshoot to be done this week

Madonna.com have published this exciting news:

Madonna is currently filming the video to her brand new single with M.I.A & Nicki Minaj, which is directed by Megaforce.

Later this week, she will create her new album's photoshoot with Mert & Marcus!

US Magazines: Harpers Bazaar in the UK

The January 2012 edition of US magazine Harpers Bazaar featuring Madonna and Andrea Riseborough on the cover has now hit selected newstands in the UK. The magazine is priced at £4.20

Two Madonna Lots in Bid 2 Beat AIDS Auction Now!

The annual Bid 2 Beat AIDS auction has launched on eBay. Proceeds benefit Lifebeat - Music Fights HIV. There are 427 lots of signed celebrity items and experiences. There are two Madonna lots in the auction:

The Ultimate Madonna Fan Pack - with 27 promotional items, including a numbered limited edition lithograph, a limited edition t-shirt, vinyls, CDs, promo flats, DVDs, and more.

A copy of Lotsa de Casha - Signed by Madonna.

Liz Smith: New York Swoons for Madonna and 'W.E.'

And more from our Liz: the star presents her film at the Museum of Modern Art
'I’ve shown this movie at festivals in France, Canada and England. And each time I’ve taken something different away from the movie, and recognized the different ways audiences react.'
'Now, I am so thrilled to be here with the movie at the Museum of Modern Art. As a child, museums were my escape and they formed the idea that I would grow up and become an artist - of some kind.'
'However, unlike my experiences in Venice, London or Toronto, nobody here has yet offered me a glass of champagne. So I’m going to see this movie sober. I hope I still like it!'
That was part of Madonna’s charming speech as she introduced her film, 'W.E.' and one of her stars Andrea Riseborough (who plays Wallis, the Duchess of Windsor) to a fashionable crowd Sunday. (It was a 'hot event night' in NYC. Over at the Ziegfeld Theater, Steven Spielberg’s 'War Horse' was having its premiere.)
This was supposed to be a 'small' screening, but what with Madonna could ever be small? Hosted by The Cinema Society and Piaget, it ended up with a lot of media, and mobs, outside MOMA, behind barricades, screaming for the icon. She was late, of course, which only increased the tension and hysteria when she finally slid glamorously out of her car. (After an aide adjusted her skin-tight pants and glittering top. She looked delicate and petite even in her towering heels.)
Madonna gave the red-carpet reporters and photographers inside as much as she could - if they had their way, she’d still be posing.
Among the throng - Kim Cattrall, Anderson Cooper, Donna Karan, Jeffrey Donovan, Jeremy Piven, Sandy Gallin, Nina Garcia, Hamish Bowles, Julian Schnabel, Barry Diller, Jacob Bernstein, Patti Smith. And but of course, Harvey Weinstein who is distributing 'W.E.' He greeted Madonna affectionately as she strode in, surrounded by her security, her press rep, her personal assistants and others who try to smooth out the bumps for one of the world’s most famous women.
Harvey introduced Madonna, praising her as a 'renaissance woman' with whom he has worked happily since 1990 - they first collaborated on her documentary 'Truth or Dare.' He also remarked that if 'W.E.' had been 'made by, you know...Joe Smith, well...' He was attempting to comment on the bad rap Madonna often receives for anything she does in film, whether acting or in this case, directing. When Madonna got to the podium she joked, 'By the way, Harvey, I don’t want to be Joe Smith' (I’m sure she would have preferred Scorsese or Polanski as a comparative reference point.)
Madonna also commented ruefully that now the movie is set in stone, 'I can’t change anything!' Nothing is ever perfect, nothing is ever easy for Madonna, and she has worked tirelessly on the editing of 'W.E.' melding her two onscreen tales - one, the real-life legendary sensation of a king abdicating his throne for 'the woman I love' - Edward VIII for divorcee Wallis Simpson. There is also the story of a contemporary young woman named Wally, suffering through an abusive marriage, who is obsessed with the story of Wallis and the man who became, briefly, King Edward VIII.
Both of these are compelling concepts. Either would have made a splendid film. It has been Madonna’s job to weave Wallis and Wally. 'Every little girl loves a fairy tale, a happy ending,' Wally declares, explaining her fascination with the Duke and Duchess. Having co-written the script with Alex Keshishian, those are Madonna’s words for sure. At heart, Madonna is a romantic and she does believe in happy endings, though she has yet to find one. (She has not stopped looking, however. Madonna genuinely respects romance.)
The crowd appeared fascinated by 'W.E.' which is a long movie, but there was no sense of restlessness - they loved the clothes (exquisite designs by Arianne Phillips)...they loved the eclectic score, which includes a new song by Madonna, sung over the closing credits...they loved the romance and the tragedy, too. (The Duchess was an unhappy woman, who felt she had ruined the King and trapped herself forever, 'playing out the world’s greatest romance - and now I can never leave him.')
Abbie Cornish as Wally, James D’Arcy as Edward VIII, Richard Coyle as Wally’s husband, Oscar Isaac as Wally’s charming savior, David Harbour as Ernest Simpson, James Fox as Bertie - who would step in as king after Edward abdicates - and Natalie Dormer, the future Queen Mother, are all splendid. Madonna certainly knows how to get the best out of actors. (Miss Dormer is especially delicious in her brief but telling scenes.)
And Miss Riseborough is simply brilliant as Wallis; brittle, poignant, imprisoned.
There was a party after, at a place called Crown. Madonna attended, and so too, it appeared, had everybody in the MOMA audience. It was one of those events where you had to just get over the embarrassment of being jammed up intimately against total strangers. I wouldn’t be surprised if a few pregnancies resulted from the 'W.E.' party. Yeah - it was that close. Madonna was at a corner table, ringed by bodyguards. People kept reaching in frantically, attempting to touch her or get her attention. It was kind of like a well-dressed zombie movie. But she was cool with the crush. This is her life.
Madonna’s 'W.E' opens in L.A. on Dec 9th for a week. (For Academy consideration.) It goes wide on Feb 3rd. Of course she is still a great pop star and concert attraction. She is scheduled to perform at halftime at the upcoming Super Bowl. Her new album will soon be upon us. But if Madonna wanted to devote herself only to filmmaking, she could. She is a fine director, and she made a beautiful, complex and moving work of art. And one that, despite its vintage subject matter, reflects this most modern woman in every frame.

From www.wowowow.com/liz-smith

Video: Madonna at W.E. screening

Here is a some video and interview footage of Madonna attending a screening of W.E. at the Museum of Modern Art on Sunday night in New York City.

Madonna's Masterpiece

More details have emerged about the song Madonna wrote for W.E.
Masterpiece, with music and lyrics by Madonna, Julie Frost and Jimmy Harry has been put forward by The Weinstein Company for Best Original Song for the upcoming award seasons.

You can read more about the film and award categories at twcguilds.com/film/we

Madonna to sing at Super Bowl

Madonna, a multi Grammy Award-winning Universal Records recording artist, will perform in the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show on NBC on Sunday, Feb. 5, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the NFL and NBC announced at halftime of Sunday night's game between the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions. Madonna's performance will be imagined by Cirque Du Soleil and Jamie King.
The Bridgestone Super Bowl halftime show is the most-watched musical event of the year. More than 162 million viewers in the U.S. watched last year's show. The Super Bowl and halftime show will be broadcast worldwide.
Madonna joins an esteemed list of recent halftime acts that includes The Black Eyed Peas, The Who, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Prince, the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and U2.
A world class entertainer, singer, songwriter, producer, director, and video visionary, Madonna has sold more than 300 million records in the course of her three-decade career as The Material Girl. She is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Her last tour was the most successful tour by a solo artist in history. Madonna is currently in the recording studio working on a new album scheduled to be released next year. Her new film W.E., which she directed, wrote and produced, is opening in a limited one-week release Dec. 9 in Los Angeles and will open nationally on Feb. 3, two days prior to Super Bowl XLVI.
Madonna has partnered with a creative team from Cirque du Soleil, Jamie King, and multimedia artists from Moment Factory, to create a signature performance for the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show.

From NFL.com

Madonna attends New York City W.E. screening

Madonna (pictured with Andrea Riseborough) attended a special screening of 'W.E.' at the Museum of Modern Art last night (Sunday 04 December) in New York City.

Picture from AP Via Yahoo! News

Kylie Minogue: 'I'm a Massive Madonna Fan'

They've both built careers off the art of reinvention, but there appears to be no cattiness between dance-pop divas Kylie Minogue and Madonna.
With a 25-year career herself, the 'Can't Get You Out Of My Head' singer spoke about Madonna, an artist she's a fan of, in a recent video interview at her ARIA (Australian Record Industry Association) Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Sunday.
'I'm a massive Madonna fan, absolutely,' the Australian beauty said. 'I've only met her briefly. We have some friends in common and a message will go back and forth. 'She says hi,' or 'I say hi.' But, obviously how can you not love Madonna?'
Minogue also spoke excitedly about next year's Madonna album, saying she hopes 'she kills it. I want her to do really, really well. As a fan, I want some great Madonna music.'

From Billboard.com

Vote: The World’s Greatest Party Classic!

Madonna has been nominated for The World’s Greatest Party Classic! for her smash hit singles Holiday, Hung Up and Into The Groove.

Fans can vote for Madonna to take the number one spot by visiting this link: www.magic.co.uk/party-classic-top-100 - Voting ends on Friday 16 December at 23:59. It's simple, you just have to choose three songs from a drop-down list!

The results of The World's Greatest Party Classics! Top 50 hosted by Neil Fox on Monday 26 December on Magic TV - Sky 363, Virgin 340 and then on Magic 105.4, 7:00pm - 9:00pm on New Years Eve.

Spanish Magazines: Vanity Fair

The November 2011 issue of Vanity Fair (Spanish edition) magazine looked at Madonna's connections to Spain - click on the articles to enlarge.

Thanks to Franco at www.madonnamexico.com

Madonna settles NYC neighbor's suit over noise

Madonna has made peace with a neighbor who said the superstar made noise by using her New York City apartment as a rehearsal studio, lawyers involved in the matter said Wednesday.
Court records showed Karen George's lawsuit against the singer and their building was settled as of Wednesday. Lawyers for Madonna and the building's co-op board would say only the matter was resolved. George's attorney didn't immediately return a call.
George, whose apartment is upstairs from Madonna's in a building overlooking Central Park, had said the dance and exercise routines subjected neighbors to 'blaring music, stomping and shaking walls' for up to three hours a day. George was driven from her apartment at times by the 'unbearable' noise and vibrations, according to her lawsuit, filed in 2009. It sought unspecified damages.
Madonna took steps to dampen the sound in 2009, but George said they didn't work, according to an August court ruling that turned down the singer's effort to dismiss the lawsuit. George had said the building board acknowledged her complaints but ultimately didn't crack down because it didn't want trouble with Madonna.
Madonna and the board had said the noise never topped legal levels. The singer also said this March she'd built a studio elsewhere and wasn't using the apartment for musical moves anymore.
Madonna moved into the building after she was rejected in 1985 by the board at another ritzy Manhattan co-op, the San Remo, where U2 frontman Bono has an apartment.

From AP Via Yahoo! News

Events: Queens of the Beat! in New York City

Venue – Bowery Electric
Event – Mobile Mondays! Presents Queens of the Beat! & Retro 80's fashion Show
Address – 327 Bowery @ 2nd street in New York City
Date – Monday 12 December 8:00pm-1:00am
Price – Free

Vote: Most Attractive Woman

Madonna won Hello! magazine's weekly vote to name the Most Attractive Woman last week and now is in the running for Most Attractive Woman for the month of November.

Madonna faces competition from Kelly Brook, Tulisa Contostavlos and Bar Refaeli. Please rember you can vote once every 15 minutes.

To vote for Madonna visit www.hellomagazine.com/vote

Thanks to Didier

French Magazines: Voici

The November 2011 issue of French magazine Voici features this one-page look at a letter Madonna wrote in 1979 to get an acting role in A Certain Sacrifice.

Thanks to Franco at www.madonnamexico.com

Madonna to appear on The Graham Norton Show

In a rare chat show appearance, Madonna will appear on The Graham Norton Show on Friday 13 January 2012.
It's the first time the international superstar has appeared on Graham's Friday night show and she'll be joining actors Andrea Riseborough and James D’Arcy on the sofa to chat about W.E., a romantic period drama produced by Madonna that focuses on the affair between King Edward VIII and American divorcee Wallis Simpson, which led to Edward abdicating the crown.
Graham, of course, is beyond excited to be quizzing such a megastar. 'This is my real Christmas present,' he says. 'I may have to retire, but that's not a promise!'

From www.whatsontv.co.uk

Madonna's tour may still visit New Zealand

The Queen of Pop's world tour may yet kick off in Auckland.
In October a leaked document suggesting Madonna was to play here was rubbished by her management, but negotiations with the prospective venue suggest the deal may still be done.
An alleged leaked itinerary of the iconic music star's next world tour was sent by an anonymous music industry insider to a Madonna fan site in the US on October 13.
The email contained a photo of the 2012 tour schedule printed on an official letterhead from promoter Live Nation and indicated that Madonna would perform at Mt Smart Stadium on March 31, 2012.
The document was quickly denied as a fake by Madonna's management, and group manager of Mt Smart Paul Nisbet said they had not been approached with any bookings for that date.
But in a council meeting just days later, Regional Facilities Auckland discussed negotiations that were underway to secure a large concert for the venue.
In the Operations Performance Report from the board of directors dated October 19, the board discussed the concert that was 'initially scheduled for March 2012 but has now been moved to October 2012 due to changes to the touring schedule'.
Regional Facilities Auckland's Paul Brewer said he can't say who or what the show is until the deal is signed, sealed and delivered but confirmed talks for a show were ongoing.
'Negotiations are underway. I wish I could say [more] but I would be shot,' he said.
'We are always trying to negotiate concerts and obviously they have to be strictly confidential until things are signed on the dotted line. But rest assured, we are always doing our best to bring in acts from overseas and in New Zealand.'
In August, alcohol brand Smirnoff released details on its website regarding an international dance contest indicating that successful finalists would be dancing with Madonna.
Terms and conditions outlined that participants must have 12 month validity on their passport from March 2012 and make themselves available to travel all over the USA, South America, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

From www.stuff.co.nz/auckland