Madonna named biggest selling female singles artist of all time

Pop queen Madonna has been named the biggest selling singles artist of all time, after it was revealed she had sold over 17.8million single during her 30 year career.

The singer earns the title ahead of Barbadian superstar Rihanna, who, in only seven years in music, has sold 11.4million singles and is expected to overtake Madonna in the next few years - if she continues to sell at the same rate.

The sales information has been released by the Official Charts Company, who collated the sales information spanning three decades, covering Madonna's first ever single release 'Everybody' in 1982 to 'Turn Up The Radio' in 2012. Neither of these singles scored the singer a hit.

Australian star Kylie Minogue places third on the countdown while Whitney Houston and Lady Gaga are fourth and fifth. The top ten is as follows:

1. Madonna (17.8m)
2. Rihanna (11.4m)
3. Kylie Minogue (10.2m)
4. Whitney Houston (8.5m)
5. Lady Gaga (7.329m)
6. Britney Spears (7.324m)
7. Beyoncé (6.9m)
8. Celine Dion (6.7m)
9. Mariah Carey (6.62m)
10. Olivia Newton John (6.61m)

From www.gigwise.com/news

Madonna NYC83 Photo Book By Richard Corman

Madonna.com have just published this news about Richard Corman's book and an exhibition taking place in New York City celebrating Madonna NYC1983.
Richard Corman himself posted on twitter today: 'Thanks @Madonna! Photographing you in 1983 was so memorable - your spirit, originality and beauty was and continues to be an inspiration!'

Photographer Richard Corman has just announced the release of an exclusive photographic book devoted to the photoshoot he created with Madonna back in 1983, a few months before the release of her first studio album.

'As a young photographer in 1983, I had the opportunity to capture a series of images with Madonna as she was on the verge of releasing her debut album,' said Richard Corman. 'he rebellious energy of the East Village was the backdrop to showcase Madonna's style, spontaneity and pioneering attitude. She consistently conveyed an attitude of fearlessness and fierce determination.'

If you are in the U.S, you can pre-order the book from Amazon.com or straight from the publisher's website: www.damianieditore.com

In conjunction with the U.S. book launch, Milk Gallery in New York City is hosting a special exhibition featuring images from Madonna NYC83. The exhibition is free and open to the public from November 15 - December 15. For information, visit www.themilkgallery.com

madonnalicious published a sneak peek at the book earlier this month at madonnalicious.typepad.com/2013/10/books-madonna-nyc83-by-richard-corman

The NFL is suing M.I.A. over Super Bowl 'finger'

MIA had fled to Bequia after her appearance at the 2012 SuperBowl, where she joined Madonna on stage to perform Give Me All Your Luvin'.

Instructed to censor a lyric during her 20-second rap, the singer instead raised her middle finger to the camera. America went apoplectic.

'I literally had to make out of there like a diamond robber,' she says of the aftermath. 'There was so much press. I was like, 'I can't believe this, it's insane.''

The National Football League is now attempting to sue MIA for $1.5 million (£900,000), saying the singer broke a pre-show agreement to maintain its 'reputation for wholesomeness'.

But she's not one to back away from a fight, issuing a statement on YouTube that branded the legal action 'ridiculous'.

In the video, she protests that if you freeze-frame 'the precise moment in question' there are 10 to 15 cheerleaders behind her, all of them under 16.

'They're all wearing cheerleader outfits, hips thrusted in the air, legs wide open, in this very sexually provocative position,' she says.

'Is my finger offensive, or is the underage black girl with her legs wide open more offensive to the family audience? That's basically what it comes down to. It's a massive waste of time, a massive waste of money.'

Her argument, although eloquently made, received little press attention.

From BBC News

Magazines: 'New York Magazine'

The 14 October issue of New York Magazine took a look Madonna's various eras and how she has been edging around the corners of contemporary art her whole career. Click on the image to enlarge.

Thanks to Alex

LIZ SMITH: On Being Daring....

Liz Smith has published her latest column at www.newyorksocialdiary.com and talks about Madonna's interview in Harpers Bazaar:

Madonna is the cover girl on Harper's Bazaar's 'The Daring Issue.' Well, of course she is. I used to hope that at a certain point Madonna would go all Dietrich on us. Stand in a misty spotlight in a glamorous, glittery gown, and sing some of her truly lovely ballads. (In the end, I think it will be her ballads, rather than her dance music, that will define her for future generations.)

But this is not going to happen! And I suppose, certainly for Madonna, that’s a good thing. Calming down would be like a little death for her. She has to be active, brassy and bold - creative. (Even if we’re not quite sure what she’s creating!) And while she can be hurt by words, she doesn’t dwell on those who don’t approve.

She tells the magazine this, and I think it truly is Madonna’s mantra for existing: 'If I can’t be daring in my work or the way I live my life, then I don’t really see the point of being on this planet.'

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

Madonna posted another message on her Instagram page about the #secretprojectrevolution.

'Are you willing to fight for what you believe in? #artforfreedom.com'

Madonna sells Beverley Hills mansion

Madonna has sold her Beverley Hills mansion. The singer first listed the Californian property in January, finally closing the deal for $20 million 10 months later and pocketing a massive $8 million from the sale in the process.

The 'American Life' chart-topper originally purchased the 17,000 square foot house with her then-husband Guy Ritchie in 2003 for $12 million.

According to TMZ, the new owner is a wealthy Wall Street banker, who was attracted by the privacy the posh abode offers.

The secluded property is shielded from the public thanks to a 500 foot tree-lined driveway, with the perimeter of the estate also surrounded by trees.

The massive mansion boasts 15 bathrooms, nine bedrooms and a two-story dining room, as well as its own pool, cinema, tennis court and state-of-the-art gym.

Meanwhile, Madonna is said to be on the hunt for a smaller Los Angeles pad to raise her children in. The mother-of-four - who has children Lourdes, Rocco, David and Mercy - also has properties in London and New York.

Madonna also listed one of her New York apartments shortly after putting the Beverley Hills mansion on the market, deciding she much preferred her triple-wide townhouse on the Upper East Side of the city.

From contactmusic.com

Video: Madonna working out at Hard Candy Fitness Berlin

Hard Candy Fitness published this video clip of Madonna taking part in a work-out at the official launch of the latest Hard Candy Fitness club in Berlin.

Post by Hard Candy Fitness.

Events: The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier

The Brooklyn Museum is the only East Coast venue for The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk, the first international exhibition dedicated to the groundbreaking French couturier. Playful, poetic, and transformative, Gaultier’s superbly crafted and detailed garments are inspired by the beauty and diversity of global cultures.

This multimedia exhibition is organized around seven themes tracing the influences on Gaultier's development - from the streets of Paris to the cinema - since he emerged as a designer in the 1970s. It features approximately 140 haute couture and prêt-à-porter ensembles, from the designer’s earliest to his most recent collections, many of which are displayed on custom mannequins with interactive faces created by high-definition audiovisual projections. Accessories, sketches, stage costumes, excerpts from films, and documentation of runway shows, concerts, and dance performances, as well as photographs by fashion photographers and contemporary artists who stepped into Gaultier’s world, explore how his avant-garde designs challenge societal, gender, and aesthetic codes in unexpected ways.

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk is organized by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, in collaboration with Maison Jean Paul Gaultier, Paris. The exhibition is curated by Thierry-Maxime Loriot of the MMFA. The Brooklyn presentation is coordinated by Lisa Small, Curator of Exhibitions, Brooklyn Museum.

October 25, 2013–February 23, 2014
Morris A. and Meyer Schapiro Wing and Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Gallery, 5th Floor
For more information visit brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/jean_paul_gaultier

Below is a picture from Brooklyn Museum's Instagram of the famous Gaultier corset being installed into the exhibition.

M.I.A: Madonna rejected song for MDNA album

M.I.A. has admitted that Madonna rejected the chance to record one of her tracks.

The rapper - who worked with the Queen of Pop on Give Me All Your Luvin' - has told The Guardian that Madonna turned down her song Sexodus for her MDNA album.

Speaking of the song, M.I.A. told the newspaper: 'I actually played that song to Madonna when I wrote it. [I] said, 'Oh, you can have this.' She gave it back to me.'

Reminiscing about the moment when she asked Madonna what you do 'when you have it all', she replied: 'So I was like, what d'you do? And she said, 'You spend it!' And I said, no, I don't think that's the right answer.'

When asked if her answer had changed her impression of Madge, M.I.A. said: 'No, because Madonna is true to Madonna. She always said she was a material girl.'

After Madonna snubbed Sexodus, the track now features on M.I.A's new LP Matangi as a collaboration with The Weeknd. Matangi is due for release in the UK on November 4.

From MTV UK

Madonna's Most Daring Moments

Harpers Bazaar have published an online article looking at Madonna's Most Daring Moments and they have used this previously unseen picture from the November issue.

To read the article visit www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/news/madonna-daring-moments

Picture by Terry Richardson / Harpers Bazaar

Madonna's Instagram: 'The Revolution of Love is on in RIO!'

The #secretprojectrevolution screening took place in Rio de Janeiro last night and Madonna posted this picture and message from the event:

'Thanks to everyone who helped make #secretproject a reality in Complexo Do Alemao. The Revolution of Love is on in RIO!'

Erotica comes of age!

Twenty-one years ago today Madonna released the 'Erotica' album.

Hard Candy Fitness Berlin Launch Night Pictures

Here are some pictures from the Hard Candy Fitness club launch in Berlin last night.

Pictures from Hard Candy Fitness Berlin

Madonna opens new Hard Candy Fitness in Berlin

Madonna is not only the 'Queen of Pop' but also the Queen of fitness.
On thursday she came to Germany's capital to host the opening of the first Hard Candy fitness club in Berlin. The studio is located outside the city's center in the Dahlem district.

Fans gathered in the rain to welcome their idol, who was running more than an hour late but later pleased her fans by signing autographs.

Dressed in black leather pants and a black leather jacket she posed for photographers and gave interviews to a few journalists.

Nicole Winhoffer, Madonna's personal trainer and their colleagues from New York and Berlin presented the crowd with a little taste of what they can expect at Madonna's fitness clubs, which are named after her Hard Candy album, released in 2008.

'This Berlin location is beautiful inside. There are skylights, there's windows, we have many different programs. We also offer for the members, keycards where all of their workout information is stored on their personal membership key. So there's a lot of new things that Madonna and I are super excited about and everybody should check out the Berlin 'Hard Candy' fitness location,' said Ms Winhoffer.

The club hosts the latest in strength equipment, a 25-meter pool, a steam room, sauna and three large terraces providing plenty of space to exercise as well as relax.

'So a variety in the workouts is super key or else your body is gonna plateau. We don't want that. You can see that Madonna is a poster child for having a body that's always in tip top shape because she is always changing her workouts. So she was excited to bring that variety to 'Hard Candy,'' said Ms Winthoffer.

There are also Hard Candy fitness centers in Mexico City, Moscow, Rome, Santiago, Chile, St. Petersburg, Russia, Sydney and Toronto.

From TVNZ

Madonna's Instagram: 'Waiting for Hard Candy!'

Madonna posted this picture and message ahead of her attending the opening of the Hard Candy Fitness Club in Berlin last night.

'Waiting impatiently for Hard Candy to open in Berlin. Got to stay in shape if I'm going to start a Revolution!'

Madonna poses for Terry Richardson

Madonna is the latest celebrity to take part in a racy photoshoot for photographer Terry Richardson.

Richardson shared pictures on Wednesday (October 16) on his blog of the 'Vogue' singer donning a black thong while posing in his studio for a Harper's Bazaar shoot.

Madonna can also be seen wearing a chainmail mesh mask and being adorned with a crucifix necklace in other images released by the famed photographer.

Her interview with Harper's Bazaar is featured in the November issue.

The pop diva's session with Richardson comes on the heels of him releasing similarly provocative images of Paris Hilton and Miley Cyrus.

From Digital Spy / Picture by Terry Richardson

Seymour Stein: The Sire Of Punk And New Wave

Sire Records co-founder discusses the most memorable artists he's worked with and being honored with the CBGB Icon Award in this article from Grammy.com:

Seymour Stein's first exposure to music was listening to the chart countdown on Martin Block's 'Make Believe Ballroom' upon returning home from synagogue, hiding the radio under the pillow from his disapproving father. Billboard's Tom Noonan hired him to work at the trade publication as a teenager, where he immediately began devouring the history of the business.

From there, Stein served as an assistant to the man he describes as 'my greatest mentor,' the legendary Syd Nathan at Cincinnati's King Records, home of James Brown. Working at the Brill Building for Red Bird Records, he met Richard Gottehrer, with whom he launched Sire Records in 1966, first as a production company, then as a groundbreaking label, home of, among others, the first wave of artists to emerge from the punk scene at New York's famed music club CBGB. His signings to Sire ranged from the Ramones, Talking Heads, the Dead Boys, and Richard Hell to second-wave groups from across the globe, including the Pretenders, Depeche Mode, the Smiths, the Cure, Soft Cell, the Replacements, Echo & The Bunnymen, Dinosaur Jr., and k.d. lang. In 1982 he signed an ambitious dancer-turned-artist from Detroit named Madonna, and the rest was history.

To read the full article visit http://www.grammy.com/news/seymour-stein

Madonna's Instagram: 'Get ready Brazil!'

Madonna announced via her Instagram page that Brazil is next for the secret project:

'‪#‎secretprojectrevolution‬ coming soon to BRAZIL! Get ready!'

Events: Big Band Madonna

Music! Video! Dance! The Titanics are returning to the Cutting Room to pay tribute to (and poke a little fun at) the original 'Queen of Pop.' They're sailing through the Madonna songbook from the 80s to today, from 'Madonna' to 'MDNA.' With an 11-piece jazz ensemble and guest singers—stars of the New York City scene—the Titanics will transform some of Madonna's iconic pop hits into swing, bossa nova, samba, and other styles. Enjoy 16 original arrangements plus tons of Madonna images, video clips and original choreography by the Lifesavers.

Ben Lerman (tenor guitar/vocals) and Nicole Brancato (piano/lead arranger) lead the band with Marcos Sanchez (vocals), Stacey Jackson (vocals), Vern Tremble (vocals), Greg Hammontree (trumpet), Ben Flood (tenor sax), Sana Nagano (violin), Yasuno (euphonium), Stephen Harms (bass), and Paulo Almeida (drums).

Guest vocalists at Big Band Madonna include recording artists Xelle (xellemusic.com), Chemda Khalili (Keith & the Girl, katg.com), Erin McCarson (Cudzoo and the Faggettes), Cathy Cervenka (Madonnathon), Camille Harris (camilleyoungsilly.com), and Molly Hager (Joe Iconis and Family).

Big Band Madonna
Mon, October 21, 10 PM
The Cutting Room
44 E. 32nd St.
212-691-1900
$15 Adv./$20 Door

http://tickets.thecuttingroomnyc.com/event/383743-big-band-madonna-new-york/

Madonna Slams 'Enslaver' After She's Chided for Texting

Madonna was feisty at the New York Film Festival premiere of Steve McQueen’s acclaimed '12 Years a Slave.'

A spy said that as the movie began, 'a blonde in black lace gloves wouldn’t stop texting,' seated in a row with Jason Ritter, J. Alexander and Michael K. Williams.

Finally, an audience member asked the blonde to stop, and the gloved one shot back: 'It’s for business . . . enslaver!' During a roaring standing ovation, the blonde ducked out, and, 'Sure enough, in black lace gloves, was Madonna!'

But it seems that the Material Girl was a fan of the film. Another spy said that as the credits rolled and she tried to swiftly make a dash from the theater, Madonna heard director McQueen’s voice as he began a Q&A. She was overheard saying, '‘I want to hear Steve speak,’ then rushed back in for the Q&A,' the source said.

From New York Post / Page Six

Patrick Leonard explains how he composed hits with Madonna

Does Madonna write her own songs? Yes, and no. She doesn’t write the music, that’s for sure. And now that Ms. Ciccone has been put up for induction in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, I thought it might be interesting to settle the question after all.

Last night I chatted with Patrick Leonard, the great composer of pop hits and sometimes even a ghost writer and ‘enabler’ for rock stars who need help getting their work onto paper. Leonard is a trained musician who can play anything at the drop of a hat. On the phone, from Amsterdam, where he’s working with Leonard Cohen, Patrick played 'Like a Prayer' for me in different sections. He wrote the music for that hit, as he did for many of Madonna’s big hits during her top of the chart heyday.

Patrick Leonard wrote the music for, among others: 'Like a Prayer,' 'Cherish,' 'True Blue,' 'Live to Tell,' 'La Isla Bonita,' 'Frozen,' 'Hanky Panky,' 'Sky Fits Heaven,' 'Nothing Really Matters,' 'I’ll Remember,' and 'Something to Remember.' He was a producer on 'Open Your Heart.'

Madonna wrote the lyrics, Leonard says, with him, and helped create the melodies. He considers her a friend and mentor. 'She put me on the map,' he says, 'I’m grateful.'

'I’m one of those people behind the curtain.' Leonard says. 'If she [Madonna] hadn’t sung those songs, no one would have heard them. She’s made it possible for me to do what I’m doing now.'

Their process was simple. He wrote the music, and brought it to Madonna. She would help supply lyrics and offer changes in the music to suit her. 'She’d refine it,' he says. 'You give her a track, she sings the melody. She’s very very talented.' Of their collaboration, he says, 'One doesn’t exist without the other. She always showed up and she was always completely involved. I miss her, actually.'

They haven’t written together since 1997. Would he like to do it again? 'Absolutely,' Leonard says. 'She writes a lot with deejays now.'

Leonard is credited on all the songs he wrote with Madonna. They include the largest number of chart hits on which she is credited as co-writer. There are no songs that are credited just to Madonna. And a clutch of them were written solely by others including 'Holiday,' 'Like a Virgin,' 'Material Girl,' and 'Borderline.'

Leonard told me he didn’t care if Madonna goes into the Songwriters Hall of Fame without him. He doesn’t believe in awards. He doesn’t even hang his gold records. 'They’re all in a closet somewhere,' he said. He just believes in moving forward. This week he comes to New York to work with Roger Waters.

From www.showbiz411.com / Roger Friedman

German Magazines: 'Bunte'

German magazine 'Bunte' (02 October issue) features this picture of Madonna and Sean Penn meeting at the New York City launch party of #secretprojectrevolution. Click on the image to enlarge.

Thanks to Kirsten

#secretprojectrevolution in Jericho tonight

A #secretprojectrevolution screening is taking place in Jericho tonight:

'Secretproject comes to Palestine! 9:00 tonight in Jericho at the Spanish Gardens. This is very exciting! Are you with me? #artforfreedom Revolution of Love' -Madonna

Win an audition slot for Madonna's Hard Candy class

Interested in an audition slot for Madonna's upcoming Addicted To Sweat class in Berlin (Oct 17th)? Upload a Youtube video (4 minutes or less) or Instagram video of you dancing to one of the MDNA Live album tracks. Share it using the #HCFBerlin hashtag for a chance to audition!

Madonna in Tears After Seeing 12 Years a Slave

Add Madonna to the long list of moviegoers walking away from 12 Years a Slave in tears.

The megastar was the surprise guest at the film's premiere last night during the New York Film Festival.

'She was wiping away tears after the movie,' a fellow festivalgoer says. 'She said she loved the movie.'

Madge didn't hit the red carpet during the evening's celebrity arrivals. Instead, she took photos with 12 Years director Steve McQueen backstage before slipping into the theater right as the movie began.

The movie tells the true story of Solomon Northup, a free man from New York who was abducted and sold into slavery in 1841. He survived working on plantations in Louisiana for 12 years before he was released. Chitwetel Eliofor stars as Solomon with Michael Fassbender as his brutal slave owner. Both are already big Oscar contenders, as is Lupita Nyong'o, the film's breakout star who plays a slave named Patsey. Brad Pitt, who has a small role in 12 Years, is one of the movie's producers.

From E! Online

Madonna is Hall of Fame nominee

Madonna, John Mellencamp and Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and Robert Plant are among the nominees for the 2014 Songwriters Hall of Fame.

They are joined by a number of top acts, including Ray Davies, Sade, Cyndi Lauper and Linda Perry.

The Songwriters Hall of Fame gave The Associated Press a list of nominees in advance of the official announcement, set for Thursday. The gala will be held June 12 at the New York Marriott Marquis.

Also nominated are Heart's Ann and Nancy Wilson, Vince Gill, Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, Donovan, Cat Stevens and Harry Wayne Casey.

Nonperforming songwriter nominees include 'Midnight Train to Georgia' writer Jim Weatherly, Motown songwriter William 'Mickey' Stevenson and country music songwriters Bobby Braddock and Bill Anderson.

Mark James, the writer behind 'Always on My Mind' - covered by Elvis Presley and Willie Nelson - is also nominated alongside Don Robertson, Graham Gouldman and Tony Macaulay. Writing duos Hugo & Luigi, Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell, and Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham will also compete.

Eligible voters can select two nominees from the list of songwriter-performers and three nonperforming songwriters. Voting ends Dec. 16.

From Associated Press Via Yahoo! News

Madonna's Instagram: ' Thanks for sharing'

Madonna posted this new picture and message about the #artforfreedom live art curation that took place on twitter last night.

'Thinking about all the great submissions I saw and heard today on Twitter! Thanks for sharing your ART and Soul with me. #artforfreedom.com'

Madonna's live #artforfreedom curation on Twitter today

Madonna tweeted this picture from her @Madonna twitter account reminding fans about her live art curation taking place later today - submit your work using #artforfreedom

Waiting in my kitchen thinking about what I'm going to say about http://t.co/1a3GnH7Rqd on @Twitter today At 4:30 EST pic.twitter.com/HbbbYM0Eh8

— Madonna (@Madonna) October 8, 2013

Madonna To Host Opening Of Hard Candy Fitness In Berlin

Madonna will host the official grand opening of her first Hard Candy Fitness location in Berlin on Thursday, October 17th, 2013. The club, located at Clayallee 171-177, will be the first of several Hard Candy Fitness locations in the city developed in partnership with fitness entrepreneurs Dr. Jurgen Jopp and Ralf Jopp.

The club boasts a 25-meter pool, steam room, sauna, cafe, and three large terraces providing plenty of space to exercise and outdoor relaxation. The facility spans almost 2,500 square meters, allowing members to enjoy stunning views of the man-made lake specially created for the new Funf Morgen Urban Village. Members also have access to the most revolutionary strength equipment and free weights, along with dedicated spaces for personal training, group cycling, yoga, Pilates, and a large group fitness studio with floor to ceiling windows. 'We are thrilled to bring this unique and dynamic fitness brand to Germany, and are honored to have Madonna host our official grand opening,' stated Dr. Jurgen Jopp.

Madonna is scheduled to teach her signature Addicted to Sweat cardio based dance class in the club with the Hard Candy Fitness Dance Team as part of the festivities. Members of Hard Candy Fitness Berlin will be allowed to audition for this special workout. Members can sign up online at www.hardcandyfitness.de, or at the club. On Thursday, October 17, the selected winners will work with the Hard Candy Fitness Dance Team to learn the Addicted to Sweat training routine. The event will culminate with Madonna leading the class in the workout. 'I'm looking forward to getting Berlin 'Addicted to Sweat' and am excited to be attending the grand opening of the first of several Hard Candy Fitness Clubs in Germany,' commented Madonna.

For more information about Hard Candy Fitness Berlin and exclusive membership opportunities, visit www.hardcandyfitness.de. For more information about entering for a chance to be part of the auditions, visit the above website or visit the club at Clayallee 171-177, 14195, Berlin.

From Madonna.com

Madonna as art critic? Twitter makes it so

The Material Girl is taking to Twitter to give users input on their own (artistic) material.

On Tuesday, Twitter users will be able to tweet artistic work like poetry, images, and 6-second Vine videos to Madonna using the hashtag #artforfreedom, and the recording artist will be online to provide feedback on users' work. Madonna is calling it a 'live art curation,' and it will start at 1:30 p.m. PT.

The event is part of a partnership Madonna just launched with the hashtag's namesake, Art For Freedom, an initiative that encourages artwork on the topic of social justice.

Last week, the singer introduced a grant program in which she'll pick one artist a month over the next year, and donate $10,000 to the nonprofit or project of his or her choice.

The singer and her management have been flexing their digital chops lately. In September, Madonna unveiled the Art For Freedom partnership with a 17-minute video released with Vice magazine. The vid is downloadable on BitTorrent.

The event also comes amid a Twitter press frenzy. The social network last week made its IPO filing public, and any cross-media integrations that showcase Twitter's influence and usefulness will likely only help the company's strategy as it leads up to its market debut. On Monday, Nielsen said it would release a report that tracks Twitter chatter about television shows, in addition to its traditional audience-viewing metrics.

From CNET

#secretprojectrevolution in London

Thank you for joining the revolution London! #secreprojectrevolution Filmed by Hamish Lyons, David Thring and Craig Evans. Edited by Hamish Lyons.

Madonna To Do First Ever LIVE ART CURATION On Twitter

This Tuesday, October 8th at 4:30PM EST Madonna will host a 'live art curation' accepting and providing input on artistic submissions for the #ArtForFreedom movement.

Madonna and VICE created this platform to give people around the world an opportunity to answer the question: 'What Does Freedom Mean To You?'. Madonna and Steven Klein premiered their project #SecretProjectRevolution to the world last week, as the first submission for the #ArtforFreedom platform.

Now, it's your turn.

The Twitter community is invited to submit images, videos, music and poetry by including #ArtForFreedom in their tweet expressing their personal meaning of Freedom and Revolution. Submissions will begin Friday, October 4th to be part of the 'live curation'.

Madonna will be curating the submissions in real-time via her official account www.Twitter.com/Madonna Join the revolution!

For more information on Art For Freedom go to www.ArtForFreedom.com

US Magazines: Harpers Bazaar

Madonna has done a brand new cover photoshoot for Harpers Bazaar magazine (November 2013 issue). The photoshoot is by Terry Richardson and the fashion editor is B. Akerlund.

The article inside the magazine is written by Madonna, about her life (almost a mini-biography) with the reasons why she doesn't conform and has to be daring.

Truth or Dare. That is a catchphrase that's often associated with me. I made a documentary film with this title, and it has stuck to me like flypaper ever since. It's a fun game to play if you're in the mood to take risks, and usually I am. However, you have to play with a clever group of people. Otherwise you'll find yourself French-kissing everyone in the room or giving blow jobs to Evian bottles!
People usually choose 'truth' when it's their turn because you can tell a lie about yourself and no one will be the wiser, but when you are dared to do something, you have to actually do it. And doing something daring is a rather scary proposition for most people. Yet for some strange reason, it has become my raison d'être.
If I can't be daring in my work or the way I live my life, then I don't really see the point of being on this planet.
That may sound rather extremist, but growing up in a suburb in the Midwest was all I needed to understand that the world was divided into two categories: people who followed the status quo and played it safe, and people who threw convention out the window and danced to the beat of a different drum. I hurled myself into the second category, and soon discovered that being a rebel and not conforming doesn't make you very popular. In fact, it does the opposite. You are viewed as a suspicious character. A troublemaker. Someone dangerous.

To read more from Madonna's article visit www.harpersbazaar.com

Pictures from Harpers Bazaar / Terry Richardson

Madonna's Instagram: 'Multitasking is what it's all about'

Madonna posted this video of her cleaning her bathroom and telling fans about radio interviews she has done: In between interviews I clean the house. Multitasking is what it's all about. Check it out on CNN.com and AC360 tonight!'

Madonna talks to Anderson Cooper about art and life

Madonna wants you to start a revolution. The superstar spoke to CNN's Anderson Cooper on Thursday about her new project, Art for Freedom. With it, she is inviting fans to submit original video, music, poetry and photography to fight oppression, intolerance and complacency through art.

Through Art for Freedom, she explains, 'We have created this platform to give people around the world an opportunity to answer the question: 'What does freedom mean to you?''

'I'm encouraging other people, whether they're professionals or not, to use their creativity to express themselves, to get a conversation going, to get the party started, really,' Madonna told Cooper.

In September, Madonna revealed what was then only known as #secretprojectrevolution in 10 cities, including Los Angeles and New York City. Those in attendance were treated to a 'call to action' film the singer created with photographer Steven Klein, in partnership with VICE Media and BitTorrent.

Cooper caught up with a relaxed Madonna, who joked that she was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after a grueling workout. But the artist was clearly passionate about the subject and even asked her son Rocco to wait a moment while the interview ran long.

Cooper and Madonna had a wide-ranging conversation, touching upon her favorite quote from author James Baldwin ("I don't separate the human spirit from the artistic spirit") to what ever happened to that Boy Scout uniform Madonna wore to the GLAAD awards earlier this year. (Each of her kids claimed an article of clothing, but 'I kept the combat boots,' Madonna said. 'I'll need those for my revolution.')

Here are some highlights from the interview:

Anderson Cooper: I've heard you call this project the most important thing you've done, besides raising your children.

Madonna: Yes. Obviously, I feel a great sense of responsibility being a good parent and raising my children. I don't take that job very lightly. Who they are, what they become and what they contribute to the world is very important to me. No slacking in that area, thank god, but the same goes with this film. I've put in I don't know how many man hours, I've poured my own money into it. Steven Klein has done the same.

We've done it for no financial gain, (and) also not to promote any product in particular. The only reason we're doing this is because we want to shed light on subjects that need to have light shed on (them). I do see that the world that we live in is collapsing to a certain extent, and civilization as we know it is caving in on itself.

I believe that we are at a very low level of consciousness, and we do not know how to treat each other as human beings. We are caught up in our own lives, our own needs, our own ego gratification. I feel a strong sense of responsibility in delivering that message.

From http://edition.cnn.com/madonna-anderson-cooper-interview

Madonna's Instagram: 'Beware of Evil Tongue!'

Madonna posted another new picture (from the upcoming Harpers Bazaar photoshoot) on her Instagram page earlier today:

'Beware of Evil Tongue! Assassinating a persons character is a form of Murder!'

Madonna Announces Art For Freedom Grants Program

Madonna has announced a grants program in coordination with Art For Freedom, the global digital initiative designed to fuel free speech, to address, respond and protest persecution around the world.

Madonna kicked off Art For Freedom on September 24, 2013 by posting Secretprojectrevolution, a 17-minute video she created with Steven Klein. The film - 'a call to action' - originally premiered on Vice and remains downloadable on Bit Torrent. Artists are encouraged to submit their own work on artforfreedom.com in the form of video, music, poetry or photography to express their personal meaning of freedom and revolution.

As part of the Art For Freedom initiative, Madonna has launched a grants program to support individuals and organizations working to advance social justice. Over the course of the next year she will select one artist each month whose creative expression helps fight oppression, intolerance and complacency. Madonna will award $10,000 to a nonprofit organization or project of the winning artist's choice. All projects must be focused on a social justice issue and exemplify the values of Art For Freedom.

Madonna will select the winning submission each month with the help of a guest curator beginning with Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

'I want to help give a creative voice to those who have been silenced and denied their human rights. Art for Freedom is a platform that gives artists a chance to define freedom through their art. We have already received many incredible submissions. I am inviting all people to express their thoughts on the subject of freedom whether it's describing specific persecution they have experienced, sharing how their rights have been violated and / or sharing their ideas creatively regarding fighting injustice,' commented Madonna.

Art For Freedom, launched in partnership with Vice, received over 1000 submissions in the first 48 hours of its inception. These submissions and the ones that follow will become part of the Art For Freedom platform and will be eligible for the Arts For Freedom grants program. Contributors can join the project by uploading original artwork at www.artforfreedom.com or tagging original posts #artforfreedom.

From PRNewswire Press Release

Books: Madonna NYC83 by Richard Corman

A new book has just been published featuring the photographs of Richard Corman. He took many images of Madonna during the early eighties and the book features some rarely seen images of an early Madonna. Below are the front and back covers of the book.

Richard Corman met Madonna by chance in 1983 and created a bountiful collection of images that constitute a multifaceted portrait of the young Madonna and a New York City that remains timelessly inspiring and significant. Madonna NYC 83 is not only an homage to Madonna and the early 80s, but also a collage of exuberance humour, fashion, sexiness and performance. The book is designed by Yolanda Cuomo Design in New York. As a portrait photographer, Richard Corman has worked with subjects ranging from Nobel Peace Prize recipients (Nelson Mandela, James Dewey Watson) to actors (Robert De Niro, Paul Newman, Al Pacino), athletes (Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter, Muhammad Ali) and musicians (Sting, Wynton Marsalis). A native New Yorker, Corman studied at Hunter College, later spending two years apprenticing with Richard Avedon in the early 1980s.

MADONNA NYC 83
By Richard Corman
Published in the UK by Damiani October 2013
ISBN: 9788862082884 * £34.00
Silkbound * 24 x 31.5cm * 96pp

Available in UK bookstores and from www.amazon.co.uk