Win copies of 'Cherish: Madonna, Like an Icon'

‘Cherish’ is the Madonna iconography: a collection of more than 150 photographs alongside a lively commentary, in tribute to every key and unforgettable moment of Madonna’s life and career. Timeless and timely, this rich mosaic allows readers to experience the making of ‘Her Madgestry’ from the very beginning.
Self-confessed fan David Foy explores all in this comprehensive collector’s biography the cleverly navigated controversies, the experimental film forays, the groundbreaking moments that redefined a genre taking the reader right up to the release of Madonna’s critically acclaimed number one album, MDNA.
Published in the UK in August last year, we are now celebrating the book's US release as of 30th April 2013.

Thanks to the publishers madonnalicious has five copies of the book to giveaway. Just email us your name and address to us at [email protected] using 'Cherish Giveaway' as the email subject line. The contest is open to readers worldwide.

Closing date for the giveaway is 18:00 BST on Saturday 04 May 2013. Entries will not be accepted after this time. Winners will be selected randomly.

Cherish: Madonna, Like an Icon
David Foy
ISBN: 978-1-908005-67-0
www.ivypress.co.uk

More from the Material Girl Pop-Up Exhibit

madonnalicious reader Gail sent in more pictures from the Material Girl Pop-Up Exhibit that took place last week in Los Angeles. Pictured below are the 'Papa Don't Preach' outfit and 'Open Your Heart' corset.

Madonna's Instagram: 'The definition of Obscenity!'

Madonna posted another #secretproject related quote on her Instagram page - "#secretproject. The definition of Obscenity!" -Madonna

MDNA Tour dancers make-up tutorial

MDNA make-up artist Tiffany Saxby is publishing video clips online showing how she put on the make-up of the MDNA tour dancers. The first clip is for the first section of the show, the second clip for the Express Yourself and Vogue sections.

Elton John: 'Madonna feud is over and done with'

Elton John has revealed that his feud with Madonna is over.
Last August, John described the 'Girl Gone Wild' star's 'MDNA Tour' as a 'disaster' and said her career was 'over', adding that it couldn't have happened to 'a bigger c**t'.
He has now told Extra that he subsequently apologised for his words, explaining: 'We were in a restaurant in France in the summertime. She came in, and I sent over a note. She was very gracious.'
'I apologised profusely because what I said should never have appeared in public. She accepted our apology, and then we bought her dinner. That's over and done with.'
John added that Madonna was glad to move on, saying: 'She was fantastic. She was just like, 'Okay, let's get a move on'.'
The 'Rocket Man' singer's civil partner David Furnish added: 'We don't believe in putting negativity out in the world, both of us were embarrassed when all that stuff came out.'

From Digital Spy

MADONNA UNCUT - The Full Unedited Interview

After the earlier teaser trailers this week, here is as promised, the FULL UNEDITED TAPE of a super-rare never-before-seen UK TV Madonna interview from 2005 shared by madonnalicious forum moderator Anna-Clare.

Fan Pictures from the Material Girl Pop-Up Exhibition

madonnalicious reader Jennifer was lucky enough to attend the Material Girl pop-up exhibition of Madonna's iconic outfits at Macy's Century City in Los Angeles last night - and shares her pictures of some of the costumes on show.

And stylist Arianne Phillips, who curated this exhibit, tweeted this picture from the event.

Material Girl Live Feed from Pop-Up Exhibit

Material Girl will be sending live behind-the-scene pictures to their @MaterialGirl Instagram page from the Pop-Up Madonna Fashion Exhibit of Madonna's iconic costumes tonight at Macy's Century City in Los Angeles. The exhibit runs for just two hours from 6-8pm.

As this will be happening while madonnalicious is asleep in the UK (!) you can watch the live feed of pictures below. Just click on the image you are interested in for more details.

'When does dignity end and rectitude begin?'

Madonna posted another picture from the #secretproject on her Instagram page - '#secretproject When does dignity end and rectitude begin?'

Madonna pop-up costume exhibition TODAY!

A quick reminder for lucky fans in the Los Angeles area - you can see some of Madonna's iconic costumes on display at Macy's Century City between 6-8pm only.

Any madonnalicious readers who attend, please email us your thoughts on the exhibition at [email protected]

MADONNA UNCUT - Memories of 2000 EMAs

Here is one final teaser trailer for the super-rare never-before-seen UK TV Madonna interview shared by madonnalicious forum moderator Anna-Clare.

The FULL UNEDITED TAPE of an interview done back in 2005 is coming in full on both madonnalicious.com and Madonna-TV.com later this week.

UNIQLO UTGP13 Madonna T-shirts

Last August madonnalicious told readers about the UNIQLO competition to design a Madonna-themed tshirt for the company. The entries were judged in an online poll and by Madonna herself.

UTGP is a design competition that was started in 2005 to provide support for talented and creative artists throughout the world. The theme for 2013 is six very popular artists. A total of 3484 designs were submitted from 63 countries. Twenty-four designs have been chosen to be featured on UT-T-shirts.

There are four Madonna designs and they are sized for MEN (although women can wear them too)! They are available in store and online at www.uniqlo.com/uk/store/clothing/uq/ut/utgp2013/ priced at £12.90 each.

They are also available to US fans at http://www.uniqlo.com/us/#mens-clothing/mens-tops/mens-printed-t-shirts

Additionally the multicoloured t-shirt is labelled as the 'Artist's Choice Award!!' - which we think means that Madonna picked this one as her favourite!

Madonna nominated for three 2013 Billboard Music Awards

The nominees for the 2013 Billboard Music Awards were announced yesterday and Madonna is nominated in three different categories including Top Touring Artist, Top Dance Artist and Top Dance Album (MDNA).

The ceremony will be held at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday 19 May and will air live on ABC starting at 8pm ET.

Coming Soon...Never Seen Unedited Madonna UK TV Interview

madonnalicious moderator Anna-Clare has shared a super-rare never-before-seen UK TV Madonna interview. It's the FULL UNEDITED TAPE of an interview done back in 2005 - most of which never saw the light of day. It's coming in full on both madonnalicious.com and Madonna-TV.com later this week. Here is a little teaser trailer...

Madonna to exhibit iconic outfits in Los Angeles

Madonna will exhibit her most iconic outfits at a pop-up exhibition.
The popstar is loaning out her costumes for an exhibit at Macy’s department store in Los Angeles to boost sales of her Material Girl juniors line. On display for just two hours, costumes will include Madonna's Jean Paul Gaultier-designed corsets from her 1990 Blonde Ambition concert tour and the beaded white Bob Mackie gown she wore to the 1991 Academy Awards.
'The pop-up exhibit at Macy’s perfectly exemplifies the inspiration and spirit of the Material Girl line and will give my fans a great opportunity to see the evolution of my style over the years,' Madonna told WWD.
The singer reportedly chose the outfits herself for the exhibit, with help from her long-time stylist and costume designer Arianne Phillips, who is overseeing its installation at Macy’s. It’s the first time Madonna has loaned out pieces from her own archives for a public display dedicated solely to her costume history.
Fans can also expect to see the printed neon green stretch skirt Madonna wore in the 1984 Borderline video, and the black satin bustier with gold nipple caps and tassels from the Open Your Heart video.
Perhaps Madonna’s single-most famous look in the exhibit dates back to 1984, when she donned a wedding dress and rolled around the floor of the MTV Video Music Awards to sing Like a Virgin. The entire ensemble will be shown, including a white lace corset, white tulle skirt with dot motif, white tulle veil, white lace fingerless gloves and a silver Boy Toy belt.
'It’s a magical thing to bring all these iconic pieces together in one place,' said Dari Marder, chief marketing officer at Iconix Brand Group, which is Madonna’s partner in Material Girl, selling it into 600 Macy’s doors currently. 'This will show customers how influential Madonna has been to fashion and how that influences Material Girl today.'
Madonna's costume exhibition can be viewed at Macy’s Century City, Los Angeles, from 6pm-8pm this Thursday.

From Yahoo! News

UK Magazines: 'OK!'

The special Spring edition of UK magazine 'OK!' celebrates twenty years of publication of the magazine. They take a look at the stories and personalities that have featured over these twenty years and Madonna is included with a four-page article.

Madonna's Instagram: Help the children of Malawi

Madonna posted this picture from Malawi on her Instagram page with a message about donating.

'If you want to help the children of Malawi please visit the website donate.raisingmalawi.org Many thanks for any help you can give!!!!!! - Madonna'

UK Magazines: 'Hello!'

The 15 April edition of UK magazine 'Hello!' (issue number 1272) features a three-page article about Madonna and her children visiting Malawi earlier this month.

Events: Madonnathon NYC Party

Madonna To Be Banned From Russia?

Madonna looks set to be banned from from Russia, all because she lent her support to the pop group Pussy Riot.
The pop icon voiced her backing for the anti-Vladimir Putin protest group, and she has continually spoken in favor of gay rights too.
Madonna actually performed in Moscow and St. Petersburg last year, but now various Russian officials have claimed that any visa she applies for would not be granted, and the one she currently possesses does not allow her to work for money in the country.
An MP for the country claimed that Madonna was guilty of 'illegal commercial activity.' It was at the concerts in Russia where she said she backed the two Pussy Riot singers that were jailed after they protested President Putin.
The Foreign Ministry for Russia states, 'Invitations and visas for the purpose of cultural ties are issued to foreigners who come to Russia to develop cultural cooperation and to participate in non-commercial art exhibitions festivals and guest performances.'
A local MP, Vitaly Milonov now wants to check the legality of Madonna’s entry into the country, citing that she didn’t fit in with the above document.
After hearing her support of Pussy Riot and gay rights last year, members of the St Petersburg public filed lawsuits against the singer and her concert organisers. However in November 2012 a court dismissed each of the nine suits which were for around $10.6 million.

From www.inquisitr.com

Madonna's Instagram: 'Are you willing to fight?'

Another picture from the Steven Klein #secretproject was posted by Madonna on her Instagram page.

'#secretproject. Are you willing to fight for what you believe in? -Madonna'

German Magazines: 'Bunte'

The latest edition of German magazine 'Bunte' (11 April issue) featured this two-page article about Madonna and her trip to Malawi - click on the image to enlarge.

Thanks to Kirsten

Malawi's president 'furious' after Madonna criticised

Malawi's President Joyce Banda was 'incandescent with anger' over a statement labelling US singer Madonna a bully, the BBC has learnt.
She was unaware of the harshly-critical statement that was issued by her office following Madonna's recent visit to the country, senior officials have said.
The statement accused Madonna of exaggerating her contribution to the country and demanding VIP treatment.
Madonna, who was visiting her charity in Malawi, hit back at the criticisms.
She described them as lies and said she began her involvement in Malawi seven years ago 'with honourable intentions'.
A well-placed source told the BBC that President Banda was 'incandescent with anger' when she heard about the statement, and a senior official has confirmed she knew nothing about it.
The statement, issued on Wednesday, accused the star of wanting Malawi 'to be forever chained to the obligation of gratitude'.
It claimed Madonna believed the government should have 'rolled out a red carpet and blast the 21-gun salute' upon her arrival in Malawi.
'Granted, Madonna is a famed international musician. But that does not impose an injunction of obligation on any government...to give her state treatment. Such treatment, even if she deserved it, is discretionary not obligatory,' the statement said.
And, in reference to a row over whether she is building schools or classrooms, it said she 'needs to learn as a matter of urgency...the decency of telling the truth'.
Emily Banda, head of Malawi's NGO board, said that although President Banda 'did not approve' or indeed know about the statement, there would be no apology for the mistake.
Some of the criticism of Madonna's charity work was justified, she said.
Madonna, who has adopted two children from Malawi, originally planned to build an $15m (£9.9m) girls' academy.
But two years ago she closed down the Malawian office of her charity Raising Malawi, which was headed by President Joyce Banda's sister, Anjimile Mtila-Oponyo - who now works at the education ministry - and opted to fund 10 schools instead.
Earlier this month, Malawi's education minister Eunice Kazembe said Madonna was building classrooms, not entire schools, in the country.
'She has built classrooms at existing schools...really it's a difference in terminology,' the minister said.
Trevor Neilson, who is now managing Raising Malawi projects, said $400,000 had been spent on building the 10 school blocks allowing some 4,000 children, who had been learning under trees, to be taught in classrooms.
On Thursday, Raising Malawi put out a statement saying that Madonna 'did not ever ask or demand special treatment at the airport or elsewhere' during her visit.
She said she saw 'with my own eyes the 10 new primary schools in Kasungu province that Raising Malawi...completed this year'.
'Madonna is not letting politics stand in the way of her deep commitment to help build schools there and educate as many children as possible,' the statement also said.

From BBC News

Madonna's Instagram: More to say about Malawi

Madonna posted more pictures and statements on her Instagram page responding to the statements made by the Malawian government.

'Hanging out with women that care for the kids at the Orphan care center I built in Namatete. President Banda come and visit. You won't find any red carpet. Just happy grateful people. They have electricity now.'

'Here is my son teaching break dance to orphans at Home Of Hope on the porch of a dormitory I built. We call this House of Breakdance ! I don't see any red carpets here!'

Madonna Remains Deeply Committed to Children of Malawi

There have been many reports regarding Madonna’s recent visit to Malawi. Some of these reports include inaccurate information and accusations by the Malawian Government on Madonna’s character and the work of her foundation Raising Malawi. Despite the accusations, Madonna and her organization Raising Malawi remains committed to the health and education of the children of Malawi.

'I was very happy to visit with the children of Malawi earlier this month and to see with my own eyes the ten new primary schools in Kasungu province that Raising Malawi and buildOn completed this past year. These schools are now educating more than 4,800 children with girls attending in equal numbers. These children who were formerly learning outside on the ground, in unsafe buildings or not at all, now get to attend classes on a daily basis.
My children and I were overjoyed to visit these schools and see what amazing progress has been made. I will continue to follow through on my commitment to help educate the children of Malawi. I’m saddened that Malawi’s President Joyce Banda has chosen to release lies about what we’ve accomplished, my intentions, how I personally conducted myself while visiting Malawi and other untruths. I have no intentions of being distracted by these ridiculous allegations.
I came to Malawi seven years ago with honorable intentions. I returned earlier this month to view the new schools we built. I did not ever ask or demand special treatment at the airport or elsewhere during my visit. I will not be distracted or discouraged by other people’s political agendas. I made a promise to the children of Malawi and I am keeping that promise' commented Madonna.

Madonna originally planned on building a Girls Academy in the impoverished country but realized that a more sustainable model would be to build smaller schools in villages around the country with buildOn who have had 20 years of success building schools in Africa. The original team that Raising Malawi first put in place included Anjimile Oponyo, the sister of Malawi’s current President Joyce Banda. Due to major organizational problems that occurred during that time, the original team was disbanded. President Banda has since appointed her sister to a senior post within the Ministry of Education.
Madonna’s decision to change course on her education projects has subsequently been met by deep resistance from Oponyo, the President, and the Ministry of Education. But Madonna is not letting politics stand in the way of her deep commitment to help build schools there and educate as many children as possible.
In addition to the school projects, Raising Malawi has spent millions of dollars in Malawi to support orphans and vulnerable children through multiple community-based organizations. This includes Home of Hope which supported 595 beneficiaries including orphans, vulnerable children and their caregivers in 2012 alone. Raising Malawi also supports Dr. Eric Borgstein, one of three pediatric surgeons in Malawi. Dr. Borgstein performed more than 500 surgeries in 2012 alone and he sees thousands of children each year.

From Raising Malawi Press Statement

Madonna's Instagram: Answering Back about Malawi

Madonna posted these two images and statements on her Instagram responding to the statements being made by the Malawian government.

'President Banda stop spreading lies about me! I'm trying to help the children of Malawi!'

'Here I am standing in front of one of 10 schools I built with Build On in Malawi! Lies have no legs. Only the truth can stand!'

Madonna: A Transformational Exhibition in New York City

Experience A Transformational Exhibition, the never-before-seen photographs of the music and fashion legend’s iconic 1980s street style shot by world renowned photographers, Richard Corman and George DuBose, making the next stop on its traveling, multi-media tour at W New York – Times Square on April 11th with a private kickoff event. The tour kicked off at W Mexico City and has traveled throughout Asia and Europe before returning to the birthplace of W Hotels in NYC.

For the first time on its traveling tour, visitors will be able to purchase select MADONNA photos showcased at the W Hotel properties featuring Alec Monopoly’s signature ‘Monopoly Man’ tag. All proceeds will benefit Jeffrey Fashion Cares and will be available for purchase on www.rockpaperphoto.com/madonna.

Limited tickets to the private event will be made available to the public. Please email [email protected] for a chance to attend the night’s event.

Private Launch Event: April 11, 2013 7-10 PM
WHERE: W New York – Times Square

That evening, two of the twenty exclusive photographs, curated by Rock, Paper, Photo, the ultimate online photography gallery founded by Madonna’s longtime manager, Guy Oseary, will be transformed live by famed NYC street artist, Alec Monopoly with his signature ‘Monopoly Man’ tag. Following the private event on the 11th, the photo exhibit will be free and open to the public at W Times Square with select photographs also on display at W Union Square, W Downtown, W Hoboken and W New York through May 12, 2013.

Photos are also available for purchase on www.rockpaperphoto.com/madonna

Madonna leaves Malawi after visits to schools

Madonna has left Malawi after visiting the projects she has helped support through her Raising Malawi charity.
The pop diva and her four children arrived in the southern African country Monday and left Saturday. Madonna visited the 10 school blocks that her charity has helped build or renovate in collaboration with BuildOn.
The singer also visited a hospital's pediatric ward and several orphanages, including the Home of Hope, where she adopted David Banda in 2006. She also adopted Mercy James from Malawi in 2009.
Madonna initially planned to build a $15 million 500-bed Raising Malawi Academy for girls, before changing plans to help fund several community schools, which led to some controversy in Malawi. She also closed the Malawi office of Raising Malawi and fired staff for misappropriating funds.

From Associated Press Via Yahoo! News

Madonna In Malawi To Visit Son's Orphanage

Madonna has returned to the orphanage where she adopted one of her Malawian children.
The pop star was welcomed with song and dance from youngsters at the Home of Hope, from where she adopted David Banda in 2006.
She said she was pleased to visit the orphanage, in the western district of Mchinji near the Zambian border.
'I'm happy that David is back to see his brothers and sisters,' she said.
David, now eight, was accompanied by his sister Mercy James, also eight and adopted from Malawi, and Madonna's natural children, Rocco and Lourdes.
The visit saw him taken to see his former crib, which has been preserved in his memory.
It was not known if the family would also visit the Kondanani Children's Village, where Madonna adopted Mercy in 2009 after a protracted court battle.
The singer arrived in Malawi on Monday to visit projects she has supported.
She had initially planned to build a $15m (£10m), 500-bed Raising Malawi Academy for girls, before changing plans to help fund several community schools.
Meanwhile, the singer expects to raise more than $5m (£3.3m) to support education for girls in Afghanistan, Pakistan and other countries by selling an abstract French painting she has owned for more than 20 years.

From Associated Press Via Yahoo! News

Madonna's Instagram: Home of Hope Visit

Further pictures from Malawi have been posted on Madonna's Instagram page after a visit to the Home of Hope orphanage.

'Dancing with the Agogo"s at the Orphan Care Center in. Namitete!'

'This is how we start the Revolution! Need I say more?'

Madonna visits children's ward in Malawi

Pop diva Madonna, spending her fourth day in the southern African country of Malawi on Thursday, picked up ailing children and joked with them when she visited an overcrowded children's ward in Blantyre, the country's largest city.
'Muli bwanji? (How are you?)' she greeted them in Malawi's main language, Chichewa.
Madonna, with her son, Rocco, went to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, which she has been supporting for five years through its chief pediatrician, Dr. Eric Borgstein.
'Eric Borgstein is a hero of mine' said Madonna. 'He is doing a wonderful job.'
The ward performs at least 500 surgeries per year on poor children, said Borgstein.
Madonna is the largest individual donor to the hospital and funds programs run by Borgstein that include treating children with cancer, said Trevor Neilson, president of the Global Philanthropy Group that is managing Madonna's projects in Malawi.
Born and raised in Malawi, Borgstein said he studied medicine at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands before to returning to his home country. Borgstein said he has been working in children's health for 15 years, treating up to 40 patients daily. Malawi has only three pediatric surgeons, said Borgstein.
He is currently a partner of Raising Malawi, the non-profit organization Madonna co-founded with Michael Berg in 2006 to help Malawian children.
On Friday, Madonna is scheduled to visit Consol Homes Orphan Care Centre, 50 kilometers (31 miles) outside the capital, Lilongwe.

From Associated Press Via Yahoo! News

Madonna's Instagram: Malawi College and Hospital visits

Madonna visited a hospital and medical college in Blantyre, Malawi yesterday and posted these pictures of her visit on her Instagram page.

'With Dr. Borgstein, my Hero! Pediatric surgeon at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Blantyre. 500 surgeries a year! He saves lives. ThAt's TALENT!'

'Medical trainees from Malawi College of Medicine. GIRL Power!'

Madonna's Instagram: More from Malawi

Madonna arrived in Malawi on Monday to visit the ten new schools that were constructed by Raising Malawi in partnership with buildOn. The schools are currently educating 4,800 students per year, with more projects in the works.

Madonna has posted more pictures from this trip to Malawi on her Instagram page.

'Home of Hope Orphanage. Over 400 Rays of Light!'

'The Girls Sing and Dance while Boys play Drums!'

Madonna takes children to native home in Malawi

US pop icon Madonna on Wednesday took her four children to a famous orphanage in central Malawi, from where she adopted one of them, seven-year-old David Banda.
Madonna, who adopted David in 2006, last visited the Home of Hope three years ago.
The singer also received reports on how the financial support she has provided the orphanage since 2007 have helped the up to 500 children there.
When she adopted David, Madonna promised that she would be bringing him home 'to stay connected to his Malawi culture...to keep connected to his cultural heritage'.
In 2009, Madonna also adopted Mercy James, now aged seven, from another Malawian orphanage.
Trevor Neilson, philanthropy manager for Madonna, told AFP the pop diva was 'continuing her commitment to ensuring the children feel connected to this beautiful country'.
Madonna is also travelling with her two biological children Lourdes and Rocco.
'There is incredible joy and enthusiasm. The children of Madonna are dancing together with fellow children here. It brings connection to the people of Malawi,' he said.
Madonna arrived in the poor southern African nation, sandwiched between Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania, on Monday to visit the schools she has built with an organisation called BuildOn.
The schools can currently accommodate 4,800 students, but many others still learn under trees.
The megastar is also inspecting other charity projects she is funding, including those involved in child care.
Madonna, according to Neilson, is the single largest international philanthropic donor to Malawi.
Malawi, where nearly half of the 13 million citizens are poor, has over one million orphans and vulnerable children.

From AFP Via Yahoo! News

Madonna's Instagram: Starting a Revolution

Madonna has posted another picture from her trip to Malawi on her Instagram page saying: 'Start A Revolution of LOVE!'

Madonna selling Leger painting at NYC auction

Madonna is parting with an abstract French painting she's owned for more than 20 years to support educating girls in Afghanistan, Pakistan and other countries. It's expected to bring $5 million to $7 million.
Fernand Leger's 'Three Women at the Red Table' will be offered May 7 at Sotheby's auction house. All proceeds will benefit the Ray of Light Foundation.
The pop diva says she wants 'to trade something valuable for something invaluable' in countries where female education is rare or nonexistent.
She purchased 'Three Women' at Sotheby's in 1990.
Leger created the work in 1921 as part of a series depicting women with still-life compositions.
Other examples from the series are in the Dallas Museum of Art and the Beyeler Foundation in Switzerland.

From Associated Press Via Yahoo! News

Malawians hail Madonna project

Schoolchildren joined by hundreds of villagers have danced around pop diva Madonna and serenaded her with praise songs as she inspected school blocks she helped to construct in Malawi.
'Zikomo (Thank you),' said the singer as the Malawians rejoiced at Nkoko Primary School in the central Kasungu district, where she worked with non-profit organisation BuildOn to construct classrooms.
Madonna initially planned to build a 15 million US dollar (£10 million) 500-bed Raising Malawi Academy for girls, before changing plans to help fund several community schools to benefit more Malawians. She arrived in Malawi yesterday to tour the 10 school wings she has helped to build.
'I love Malawi, I am committed to help end poverty here,' she said.
Madonna is the 'biggest global philanthropist' Malawi has had, said Trevor Neilson, president of the Global Philanthropy Group that is managing the pop star's projects in Malawi.
She is exploring more projects she can work on in Malawi, said Mr Neilson.
Madonna's efforts have provided new classrooms for more than 4,000 children who were previously learning under trees.
'Madonna is happy that the communities are appreciating her efforts,' he said.
She has been joined on her tour by her two adopted Malawian children, David Banda and Mercy James, both now eight.

From Press Association Via Yahoo! News

Madonna's Instagram: In Nijiti Village in Malawi

Madonna has posted a picture from her trip to Malawi on her Instagram page saying: 'With a Woman from Nijiti Village in Malawi where we have built 10 schools with Build On! Equal attendance Girls and Boys! YEAH!'

Madonna in Malawi to inspect schools project

American pop queen Madonna is in Malawi to inspect the schools she has built in the impoverished African country, the native home of her adopted two children, her manager said on Tuesday.
'We are coming to visit the 10 schools that she recently finished building with an organisation called BuildOn,' said Madonna's philanthropy manager Trevor Nielson.
'Those schools which are now open and operating are serving 3,800 students,' he told AFP.
The schools were built over the past nine months.
Education minister Eunice Kazembe had last year challenged a claim by her charity Raising Malawi that it built 10 schools, saying they were rather classroom blocks, and not schools.
But Nielson said the structures were schools complying with national standards.
'There's no controversy, the schools are built to the exact national standards of Malawi, like every other Malawian school,' he said.
'The bottom line is that 3,800 children are going to school now who were not going to school before.'
Initially she wanted to build a large $15-million girls academy, but the plan was abandoned after 'a large amount of money went missing'.
The academy was replaced by plans to build schools, in order to reach more children.
Madonna, said to be the single largest international philanthropic donor to Malawi, also supports childcare in the country which is home to nearly a million children orphaned by AIDS.
On Sunday she visited one of the orphanages she sponsors in the capital Lilongwe.
Madonna arrived on Sunday with David Banda and Mercy James, the two children she adopted from the small landlocked African country sandwiched between Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia.

From AFP Via Yahoo! News

UK Magazines: 'Hello!'

UK magazine 'Hello!' (01 April issue 1270) features this small article about Madonna's appearance at the GLAAD Awards in New York City last month.

Madonna touches down in Malawi

The American pop diva Madonna has arrived in Malawi for an unannounced visit, local residents say.
An aviation department worker said Madonna’s jet landed at the Kamuzu International Airport in the country’s capital, Lilongwe, early Monday. It was not clear if she came with her children. The aviation worker spoke on condition of anonymity because he did not have permission to speak to the press.
The singer previously has stayed at the exclusive Kumbali Lodge in Lilongwe, and an employee there says all other guests were checked out. The employee spoke on condition of anonymity because he didn’t have permission to speak to the press on the matter.
Madonna has adopted two children from Malawi. She promised the court she would bring her adopted children twice 'every two or three years.'

From The Washington Times / AP

UK Magazines: 'Q'

The March 2013 issue of UK music magazine 'Q' took a look at the 'The Ten Greatest Gigs of All Time' - Madonna's Blond Ambition concert at Wembley Stadium (20 July 1990) is included in the list as 'The Globe-Straddling Outrage'.

Madonna is the only female and solo artist featured, others in the top ten are Oasis (24 March 1994), Nirvana (03 December 1989), The White Stripes (6 August 2001), Radiohead (22 May 1997), Orbital (25 June 1994), The Smiths (20 July 1986), Public Enemy (01 November 1987), The Who (14 February 1970) and U2 (11 August 1993).