But what if...

But what if...................😍 #photobomb pic.twitter.com/eeIVl3Zi9F

— Madonna (@Madonna) 18 January 2019

Madonna! Scarlett! Whoopi! Stars Flock to See Provocative Off-Broadway Show Slave Play

The provocative off-Broadway show, Slave Play, has earned an early celebrity following.

Madonna, Scarlett Johansson and Whoopi Goldberg were spotted attending a showing of the Jeremy O. Harris play last weekend in New York City.

The play, which focuses on sexual relationships between mixed-race couples during the era of slavery, has earned several accolades and a bevy of admirers which also include composer Stephen Sondheim and Angels in America playwright Tony Kushner.

On Monday, Harris, 29, used Twitter to shut down a report from Page Six that Madonna was lured to the show for its 'full-frontal male nudity.'

'There’s been a lot of fake news regarding slave play,' he wrote, before confirming he and the singer, who brought daughter Lourdes Leon, 'shook hands.'

The play, which aimed to spark conversations about race, history, gender and sexuality in America, was directed by Robert O’Hara and opened at New York Theatre Workshop December 9.

It was recommended for audiences aged 17 or older, due to nudity, sexual content, simulated sexual violence and racially violent language.

The show was ultimately extended an additional two weeks through January 13, 2019, and earned the Rosa Parks Playwriting Award, the Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Award, The Lotos Foundation Prize in the Arts and Sciences and the 2018 Paula Vogel Award.

While his professional debut was dubbed 'an antebellum fever dream,' by The New York Times, Harris was particularly impressed by the celebrity turnout on Sunday.

'Scarjo, Sondheim, Madonna, and Whoopi. The freaks don’t just come out at night y’all. They come out for slave play,' the playwright, who is still finishing his third year at the Yale School of Drama, joked on Twitter after the final performance.

'I don’t want people to be able to walk away from a play about slavery and say, ‘Oh, well, that’s not about 2018,’' he told the NY Times. 'Being a black body in the world makes you feel kind of insane.'

From People.com

It’s the falling down that makes you great!

I remember this moment like it was yesterday.............💕🌸 i was just looking for my shoe and in the blink of an eye everything changed and thats how life is!! So you need to be ready. And you need to know what you want to do when you find that shoe. 👠! It’s the falling down that makes you great! #likeavirgin. 💍💍💍.

I remember this moment like it was yesterday...💕🌸 i was just looking for my shoe and in the blink of an eye everything changed and thats how life is!! So you need to be ready. And you need to know what you want to do when you find that... https://t.co/CX7BkyblS6 pic.twitter.com/5GHnzIMI6R

— Madonna (@Madonna) 13 January 2019

Madonna breaks silence after bum implant speculation: 'Desperately seeking no ones approval'

Madonna hit back at reports she has had bum implants with a straight-talking Instagram post about “not seeking approval” and “having agency over her body”.

Fans questioned whether the Queen of Pop has used cosmetic procedures to enhance her derriere after videos of her performing on New Year’s Eve emerged, showing off a plump posterior.

But, despite not confirming or denying the claims, Madonna clapped back at the reports with a smouldering selfie and a play on her 1985 film Desperately Seeking Susan. She posted: 'Desperately Seeking No Ones Approval.................And Entitled to Free Agency Over My Body Like Everyone Else!!'

'Thank you 2019! Its Going to Be an amazing Year!! #2019 #freedom #respect #nofear #nodiscrimination.'

Desperately Seeking No Ones Approval..................😂. And Entitled to Free Agency Over My Body Like Everyone Else!! Thank you 2019 🎉🎉🎉! Its Going to Be an amazing Year!! 🔥🔥🔥! #2019 #freedom #respect #nofear #nodiscrimination pic.twitter.com/KmqO28WNuk

— Madonna (@Madonna) 3 January 2019

Madonna, 60, sparked a frenzy when footage of her duet with 13-year-old son David Banda at a New York gay bar was posted on social media.

As the pair belted out hits including Like A Prayer and I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You, fans couldn’t help but notice Madonna was sporting a behind to rival Kim Kardashian’s.

Fans claimed her alleged butt implants were 'the saddest ending to 2018' while others accused her of looking 'ridiculous'.

In the past, Madonna has treated the world to glimpses of her behind having worn revealing dresses to the Grammy Awards in 2015 and the Met Gala in 2016.

The star even flashed fans in a cheeky Instagram video after a party at last year’s Met Gala.

From the Evening Standard

Kicking off 2019 with Music and Prayer At Stonewall Inn

Kicking off 2019 with Music and Prayer...........🎶🙏🏼🎤🖤! At Stonewall Inn 🏳️‍🌈 @nunoxico #2019 #NYE #stonewall #pride #loveislove pic.twitter.com/8BhalvCwHQ

— Madonna (@Madonna) 2 January 2019

Me and my favorite Freedom Fighter At Stonewall Inn! 🥊 An unforgettable New Years Eve!!🏳️‍🌈 #stonewall #pride #banda. #2019 #prideliveofficial pic.twitter.com/QJ3WqP9HJY

— Madonna (@Madonna) 2 January 2019

2019...........You got to show Me Love ♥️! Warming up backstage at STONEWALL with David and #therealdmusiq last night!! #mae_couture #2019 #pride 🏳️‍🌈 #pridelive pic.twitter.com/IAk7SDYU8U

— Madonna (@Madonna) 1 January 2019

Madonna Delivers Rousing Speech At The Historic Stonewall Inn

Madonna spent her New Year’s Eve at New York’s historic Stonewall Inn, where she surprised those in attendance with a rousing speech, as well as a brief performance.

The singer was recently appointed an ambassador for Stonewall, in the lead-up to the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, a defining moment in the pride movement and fight for LGBT+ rights and equality.

Footage has since emerged from Tuesday night, showing Madonna addressing the crowd at the iconic venue, as 2018 drew to a close.

In her rousing speech, which she read from rainbow-print cue cards, she said: 'I stand here proudly at the place where pride began, the legendary Stonewall Inn, on the birth of a new year. We come together tonight to celebrate 50 years of revolution, 50 years of freedom fighting, 50 years of blood, sweat, and tears. Can I get an amen? 50 years of sacrifice, 50 years of standing up to discrimination, hatred and, worst of all, indifference. And it all started here, at Stonewall. Let us never forget the Stonewall riots and those who bravely stood up and said enough. Enough brutality. Enough violence inflicted on this community. Enough stigmatism. Enough pain and suffering.

Following this, she also gave a brief performance of Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ accompanied by her youngest son David, as well as her own hit ‘Like A Prayer’.

It’s set to be a busy year for Madonna, who is set to release her 14th studio album later in 2019. The upcoming release will be her first in four years, following 2015’s ‘Rebel Heart’.

From HuffPost UK

Backstage at STONEWALL INN!

I made it Thru The Wilderness.......🔥🔥🔥 Back stage at STONEWALL INN!! 🏳️‍🌈 2019 came. in with a Bang!! 💥! #stonewall #pride #50th #newyear pic.twitter.com/Ytd25hXIpU

— Madonna (@Madonna) 1 January 2019

Message from Madonna: #2019 #newyear #newlife #newbeginning

'2019...........I'm going make you my best friend, my mother, my father, my son, my daughter, my sister, my brother, my lover, my ride or die, my co-pilot, my confidante, my muse, my spirit animal, my teacher, my stage, my audience, my high priestess. 👑. My Prayer that I. Send out to the world!#2019 #newyear #newlife #newbeginning'

Madonna appeals judge's decision in New York City co-op lawsuit

Madonna is to appeal against a judge's decision to dismiss her objections to her apartment building's rules on having kids at her home.

The 'Material Girl' hitmaker sued officials at the Harperley Hall co-operative building in Manhattan back in 2016 objecting to a 2014 change in leasing rules. The new conditions of her lease prohibited her children and domestic employees from living in the luxury $7.3 million (£5.7 million) unit unless she was 'in residence'.

Madonna's suit was originally dismissed last year (17), as she had filed it too late after the rule change. She continued her legal fight by requesting documents detailing how her lease was changed.

Judge Gerald Lebovits denied her requests and in November he formally tossed her lawsuit. However, according to the New York Post the 60-year-old musician filed a notice of appeal with the Manhattan Supreme Court on Wednesday, December 26, asking for the decision to be reversed.

Madonna, who has six children, claimed the home was her primary residence and that her status as an international popstar made it impossible for her to stick to the new conditions.

'Such a requirement is ridiculous and impossible for almost any family to comply with, and certainly not someone with plaintiff's itinerant schedule,' legal documents filed as part of her original case state.

She stated that the Harperley Hall co-op knew of her superstar status before leasing her the apartment, and so had no right to change the conditions of her lease in a way that clashed with the demands of her profession.

Last August, Madonna moved to a palatial mansion Lisbon, Portugal, to allow David to join the youth academy at top European soccer team S.L. Benfica.

From Ace Showbiz

Madonna Wants Peace on Earth for Christmas as She Celebrates with '4 of Her 6 Unicorns'

Merry Christmas from the Queen of Pop and her 'unicorns'!

Madonna shared a photo of herself with four of her six children on Christmas Day during which they were all smiles as they sat on the couch together. The singer, 60, can be seen wearing a black fur hat for the occasion.

'Merry X-mas from Mambo and 4 of her 6 unicorns!' the mother of six captioned the photo. 'Sending Much Love 💜💜💜💜💜💜 and many prayers for peace on Earth!'

Merry X-mas from Mambo and 4 of her 6 unicorns! 🦄🦄🦄🦄+🦄🦄. Sending Much Love 💜💜💜💜💜💜 and many prayers for ☮️ on Earth! 🌎🌍🌏. #blessed @LuigiMurenu #friends #family #love pic.twitter.com/3JrLlArn99

— Madonna (@Madonna) 26 December 2018

Happy Christmas! 'A girl can dream, can't she?'

Almost..............🎄☃️🎅🏻🎅🏾Almost..............peace on Earth🌎🌍🌏 A Girl Can Dream Cant she? #peace #globalfamily #xmas #human #dignity ♥️ pic.twitter.com/nE3QpcjZJX

— Madonna (@Madonna) 25 December 2018

Madonna signs with public relations vet Kelly Bush Novak

Madonna has a new public relations team. The singer has signed with Kelly Bush Novak of ID, whose clients include Serena Williams, Alfonso Cuarón, Ben Stiller, Pamela Adlon, Cynthia Erivo, Hannah Gadsby, Ellen Page, Janelle Monáe, and David Oyelowo, among many others.

Bush Novak founded ID in 1993 and the company, which has offices in New York and Los Angeles, is home to veteran Hollywood publicists Mara Buxbaum (Michelle Williams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Sean Penn), Bebe Lerner (Emily Blunt, John Krasinski) and Matt Labov (Seth Rogen, Bill Hader), among others. Its music division is headed by Allison Elbl (James Taylor, Steve Martin, Marshmello). Madonna is managed by Guy Oseary of Maverick.

Madonna had previously been represented by BB Gun Press, which was founded by veteran music publicist Brian Bumbery - he left for Apple to head up publicity for Apple Music in August, Variety reported. Prior to that, she had been represented for more than 20 years by Liz Rosenberg, who runs her own New York City-based shop with a roster that includes Cher and Michael Buble.

According to an insider, Madonna was looking at several top public relations firms in search of a company that could provide a 'team' of support. Indeed, in Bush Novak’s Instagram - her account is private - announcing the signing, she notes, 'As a life-long fan of this incredible artist, I’m proud to share I’m leading a passionate team at ID for Madonna.' She thanks Oseary, who also manages U2, 'for the opportunity.'

From Page Six

You cannot stop Art by trying to Shame it

I am 19. Living in NYC 🗽. A student at Martha Graham School of Dance. ❌ I modeled For Art Schools around the city to pay the rent. Painting, Drawing and Photography classes. Many of these photos were sold to Playboy and Penthouse when I became famous. The Photographer’s. Exploited Me and then the Patriarchy tried to Shame me for Being Naked. I told the Press 'i Was Not Ashamed' and this became headline news. And this turned into A collaboration between Warhol and Haring! 🎉. I am the proud owner of 4 of these paintings. Given to me later. as a wedding gift. 🎁. You cannot stop Art by trying to Shame it. Creation always wins. 🌈 #lifeisacircle #art #dance #music #life #creation

I am 19. Living in NYC 🗽. A student at Martha Graham School of Dance. ❌ I modeled For Art Schools around the city to pay the rent. Painting, Drawing and Photography classes. Many of these photos were sold to Playboy and Penthouse when I became... https://t.co/5E4gXqr691 pic.twitter.com/YqydJUmZsZ

— Madonna (@Madonna) 20 December 2018

Madonna Remembers Penny Marshall: 'Your Talent Was as Big as Your Heart'

Madonna has paid tribute to Penny Marshall, the trailblazing filmmaker who directed the Queen of Pop in A League Of Their Own.

The pair bonded while shooting the popular 1992 baseball drama, for which Madonna wrote and performed the end credits song 'This Used to Be My Playground.' The song hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and garnered Madonna a Golden Globe nomination for best original song.

'Lucky to have known you and worked with you Penny Marshall,' Madonna writes in an Instagram post. 'Your Talent was as BIG as your Heart! And you were a Trailblazer for Women In Hollywood. GOD BLESS you and your family!'

The message is accompanied with a photo of the pair looking relaxed on set, with Madonna in full costume as her feisty character Mae Mordabito.

Marshall, who starred with Cindy Williams in the ABC sitcom Laverne & Shirley, and went on to direct Big, A League Of Their Own and other films, died Tuesday (Dec. 18) from diabetes complications at age 75. She made history with Big, by becoming the first female to direct a movie that grossed over $100 million.

From Billboard.com

Prince Charles' FURY at Madonna and Celine Dion: 'YOU'RE NOT ROYALTY'

Some celebrities are related to kings or queens while others have distant cousins in the royal family. While Meghan Markle was preparing to become part of England’s royal family, she found out that she and Harry are cousins, as in very distant 17th cousins via King Edward III. Even talkshow host Ellen DeGeneres is related to Kate Middleton and Queen Elizabeth II.

According to the New England Genealogical Society, the funny lady and the Duchess of Cambridge are 15th cousins as they are each direct descendants of Edward III of England.

DeGeneres is also the 19th cousin, twice removed, of Queen Elizabeth II.

According to the website, Ancestry, US pop queen Madonna, Canadian singer Celine Dion and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are all descended from the same French carpenter.

Records spanning more than 300 years from 1621 were published on the family and social history website Ancestry and revealed the unlikely link between the three women.

Camilla, the second wife of Prince Charles, Britain's heir to the throne - Madonna and Dion are all descended from French carpenter Zacharie Cloutier, according to the website.

'The fact that Camilla and Madonna are related, however distantly, highlights the truly unpredictable and entertaining nature of family history research,' said ancestry spokesperson Simon Harper.

However, Prince Charles has blasted this report in a bashful letter addressed to both Madonna and Celine Dion.

The explosive letter, published in 'The Prince Charles Letters' in 2011 informs to two pop queens that this information is 'so bally tenuous as to be barely worth mentioning'.

The Prince adds: 'Some might say I should ignore this sort of thing.'

However, Charles states in the letter that he is 'convinced that it’s all part of a ‘drip, drip, drip’ process that threatens to erode the monarchy'.

The letter, published on April 20, 2008, suggests that the website Ancestry are 'bent on mischief-making against the Royal Family'.

To end this, Charles drafted an open letter to the media detailing this this revelation is 'nonsense'.

Finally, Charles informed Madonna and Celine Dion that he would assume their approval of him 'scotching' the report should they choose not to reply to his letter.

In the letter he drafted for them to approve as words of their own, he included the line: 'We're not Royalty and we never will be.'

From express.co.uk

Jade Jagger on why she designed a jewellery collection inspired by Madonna

Jewellery designer Jade Jagger has released a new collection called Madonna, dedicated entirely to the pop star. 'She is one of those girls that when you were young was an icon' Jagger told Insider. 'I love strong women and Madonna in my eyes is the epitome of strength and style.'

The Madonna collection also reflects Jagger's interest in the classical world, with shapes inspired by the Byzantine era featuring sapphires, diamonds, pearls, rubies and emeralds.

Jagger was previously creative director at jewellers Garrard before launching her own-name brand, which has been worn by celebrities including Rita Ora and Cara Delevigne.

Jagger thinks the taste for handmade jewellery is stronger than it's ever been. 'Natural handmade products are always going to be at the front of my sense of luxury.'

All of Jagger's jewellery is crafted from precious metals and gemstones individually sourced from her long-standing suppliers in Jaipur, India.

Jagger was among the celebrities who recently hit Florida for Art Basel Miami Beach, where she hosted a L'Eden by Perrier-Jouët event at Faena Hotel.

From Evening Standard Via Yahoo! News

We’ve Come A Long Way Baby #stonewall

We’ve Come A Long Way Baby.....................🏳️‍🌈 #stonewall 💛💚💙♥️ #neverforget #weshallovercome pic.twitter.com/DWAvQEKCM1

— Madonna (@Madonna) 11 December 2018

Madonna commemorates World AIDS Day

Today is #WorldAIDSDay. ❌ Let’s pause and reflect. We have lost so many incredible people❤️ to this disease and yet we have found no cure. 🙏🏼 Please GOD in this lifetime. #Wakeupworld 🌎 🌍🌏 #globalfamily. Art by @luke_lann pic.twitter.com/Xauh0563kw

— Madonna (@Madonna) 1 December 2018

In my apartment on the L.E.S. Where i lived with my best friend Martin Burgoyne who died of AIDS. I held his hand as his spirit left his body. He was so beautiful and talented and full of Life like so many others. ♥️. In those days it ravaged people... https://t.co/cuPYeqJoJL pic.twitter.com/gPC0gmxgkw

— Madonna (@Madonna) 1 December 2018

With My Good Friend Keith Haring ♥️ He was a big AIDS activist when everyone was calling it GAY cancer. I was with him the day he died of AIDS. He said what hurt him the most was how people did not want to touch door knobs after he touched them... https://t.co/MOciXOfkMy pic.twitter.com/E4e3Kf4E5s

— Madonna (@Madonna) 1 December 2018

Madonna dines at Casa Cruz

Madonna was photographed leaving the Casa Cruz restaurant in London on Thursday night. For more pictures from the night visit: www.dailymail.co.uk

Lisboa 🇵🇹♥️

Lisboa ............,.#fado #casa de linhares 🇵🇹♥️ pic.twitter.com/hKesNlajDL

— Madonna (@Madonna) 25 November 2018

Madonna feeling 'blessed' on Thanksgiving as she posts snap of all six children in Malawi

Madonna has shared a rare snap of her six children together as they celebrate Thanksgiving in Malawi.

The Material Girl singer is mum to six children, Lourdes, 22, Rocco, 17, Mercy, 13, David, 12 and six-year-old twins Estere and Stella.

On Thursday, Madonna posted a picture of her brood as she declared how 'thankful' she was, and said nothing would ever equal 'what she treasures and values most'.

She wrote: 'What I am Most THANKFUL for! My Children have led me down roads and opened doors I never imagined I’d walk through. Fame, Fortune and Records Broken could never equal that which I treasure and value most. #blessed #grateful #family. Happy ThanksGiving from Malawi!'

Madonna adopted four of her children from Malawi, David in 2006, Mercy in 2009 and the twins most recently in 2017.

From Evening Standard

What I am Most THANKFUL for! My Children have led me down roads and opened doors I never imagined I’d walk through.♥️ Fame , Fortune and Records Broken could never equal that which I treasure and value most. 🙏🏼 #blessed #grateful #family 🌍 Happy ThanksGiving from Malawi! pic.twitter.com/3VIlFYRtug

— Madonna (@Madonna) 22 November 2018

Madonna gives us a new way to drink champagne and we are not worthy

Just when you think you know how to drink out of a glass, Madonna comes along and does it better than you. The Like A Virgin singer, and all round queen, took to Instagram to share her unique way of having a glass of champagne - with a spoon. Yes, seriously. The 60-year-old could be seen covered in jewellery, with her hair in braids over her shoulders, as she scooped champers out of a glass with a tablespoon.

Alongside the post, shared with her 12.4million followers, the 60-year-old wrote: ‘Soup du Jour....#midnightsnack.’ That is our type of midnight snack. And fans understandably went into meltdown over the mum-of-six’s post. ‘Madonna ain’t giving zero fucks,’ one commented. ‘Soup of the Day....A Glass of Rosé. Cheers my Queen,’ another replied. While a third said: ‘Why not? Midnight, midday snack….bring it on lol.’

From Metro.co.uk

Soup du Jour..............🍷 #midnightsnack pic.twitter.com/7LQM2y1Enr

— Madonna (@Madonna) 11 November 2018

Just Do It! 🇺🇸💙

Just Do It! 🇺🇸💙 ! I Just Did From Across the Ocean!! 🌎 People Do your part!! We Got This!! 🇺🇸💙🇺🇸💙🇺🇸👌🏼🇺🇸👌🏼🇺🇸💙🇺🇸 #vote pic.twitter.com/fMcwL342Iw

— Madonna (@Madonna) 6 November 2018

Everything We Learned from Ariana Grande’s Interview with the BBC: 'I Can Text Madonna!'

Arianators, pull up a chair. If you aren’t lucky enough to secure tickets to Ariana Grande’s recently announced Sweetener tour, then the BBC has the next best thing: a world-exclusive of Grande performing her new material.

Recorded in front of a studio audience on Sept. 7, the hour-long special sees Grande, 25, perform with her band, a choir and all-female orchestra while also talking to BBC host Davina McCall about her music, life and career.

She can text Madonna whenever she likes
'God is a Woman' is intended to empower girls and women, and Grande wanted to involve Madonna for paving the way. It proved to be the simplest of tasks. 'I texted her, which so cool. I can text Madonna!' says Grande excitedly. 'Within a couple of minutes she replied. She was like ‘Send me everything!'

To read the rest of the article visit: uk.news.yahoo.com

Madonna attends Halloween dinner in London

Madonna attended a Halloween dinner yesterday at Soho House in London - more pictures can be viewed at: www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz

Madonna pledges up to $100,000 for Detroit Prep charter school

In 2014, Madonna made international headlines by turning her attention back to Detroit and the roots she once left behind as she headed off for fame.

Four years later, the Michigan-born pop superstar still seems committed to the cause: Madonna is announcing a $100,000 matching-grant challenge for the Detroit Prep charter school as it seeks to move into an abandoned public school building on the city's east side. The progressive elementary school is now housed in a church basement in Indian Village and is quickly outgrowing the space.

Madonna is asking fans and others to contribute to the campaign, and she'll match their collective donations up to $100,000 through her Ray of Light Foundation.

'Detroit has such a special place in my heart,' Madonna wrote in a statement. 'Kids in Detroit deserve access to great schools and I am happy to do my part to give them one!'

Detroit Prep, founded in 2016, is a sister school of Detroit Achievement Academy (DAA), one of the organizations Madonna visited and chose to financially support during a philanthropic tour of the city in summer 2014. At the time, Madonna funded art supplies for the charter school, while also contributing to the Empowerment Plan and Downtown Youth Boxing Gym.

She has continued to back DAA, including funding for that school's permanent site on West Outer Drive. She also gave teachers 50 front-row tickets to her Joe Louis Arena show in 2015.

Detroit Prep serves students from kindergarten to third grade, with plans to expand to eighth grade. Like DAA, the school follows the Expeditionary Learning model, which emphasizes principles such as self-discovery, collaboration and diversity.

Detroit Prep, co-founded by DAA's Kyle Smitley, purchased the abandoned Joyce Elementary School this summer. It has launched a $2 million capital campaign to rehabilitate the three-story, 44,000-square-foot facility, which has sat unused for about a decade.

'The idea of transforming an old, abandoned building in Detroit and making it the home of an excellent school is so exciting,' Madonna said. 'Detroit is a community that comes together, especially for our young people.'

During her 2014 trip to DAA, Madonna chatted with students about books and danced with kindergartners, who later described her as 'Michael Jackson's friend' after seeing a picture of the stars together.

'It was one of the most memorable tours I've ever given, and that had little to do with the fact that it was Madonna,' said Smitley. 'She was just extraordinary and kind and fun with our students in a way we don't often see.'

Smitley said she was particularly impressed by Madonna's continued interest in the school, including the donated concert tickets more than a year later.

'She could have easily given the money then forgotten we existed,' Smitley said. 'It showed how generous she is. She's excited when she sees people who work hard to improve the city.'

Raised in Rochester Hills, Madonna dropped out of the University of Michigan in 1978 and headed to New York as an aspiring professional dancer. Within seven years she was one of the globe's biggest pop stars.

Her daughter, Lourdes Leon, enrolled at U-M's theater school in 2014.

'Many people doubt that Detroit can come back and think that the challenges are too overwhelming to overcome,' Madonna said in a statement to the Free Press after her 2014 visit. 'But what I witnessed is the true story of Detroit - a city of innovation, commitment, perseverance, imagination and opportunity.'

Detroit Prep's fund-raising campaign includes financial partners IFF, Capital Impact Partners and Chase. Detroit architectural firm Gensler and Oak Park contractor PCI One Source are overseeing the building renovation.

From Brian McCollum / Detroit Free Press

Good Morning Soccer Mom

Good Morning Soccer Mom............⚽️💪🏾💘. #tootired #tooearly pic.twitter.com/6pQ4bJ5ZE4

— Madonna (@Madonna) 21 October 2018

Madonna travels through JFK airport

Madonna was photographed on Tuesday heading through JFK airport in New York City as these pictures show. For more pictures visit: dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz

Madonna: Happy Birthday to My Darling Lolita!

Happy Birthday to My Darling Lolita! ♥️♥️♥️♥️! Light of my Life! 🔥🔥🔥 Me Preciosa! #littlestar pic.twitter.com/oJ5a6440Mc

— Madonna (@Madonna) 14 October 2018

Christina Aguilera Felt 'Left Out' After Madonna and Britney Spears' VMAs Kiss

Christina Aguilera still hasn't gotten over the fact that her kiss with Madonna was not caught on camera.

'It was weird,' she explains to Andy Cohen on SiriusXM's Radio Andy. 'And you know why they cut away for it? Because they cut away to get Justin [Timberlake's] reaction.'

At the time, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake were not even dating so in Xtina's eyes it was a 'cheap shot.'

Cohen sympathizes with Aguilera for being essentially cut out of the narrative, saying, 'I don't think people actually totally realize that she [Madonna] made out with both of you that day.'

'Yeah, because I definitely saw the newspaper the next day and it was like, 'Oh, well, I guess I got left out of that,'' Aguilera replies.

Like the 'Fighter' she is, Christina paid it no mind since 'everything happened so quickly back then and everything was in a whirlwind.'

From E! News

#music #Mirwais #magic

Im Listening...............🕶🎶🖤 #music #Mirwais #magic pic.twitter.com/xIv82ym4br

— Madonna (@Madonna) 4 October 2018

Madonna in Paris for fashion week

Madonna was in Paris for Fashion Week in the French capital. She was first spotted on Sunday evening leaving her hotel wearing a camel-coloured, double breasted Burberry SS19 trench coat. She even stopped to sign autographs for some fans on the street.

She was spotted on Monday leaving the Ritz hotel wearing a Gucci padded jacket with the New York Yankees logo embroidered onto the chest and Stella McCartney boots.

Madonna's Former Beverly Hills Estate Lists For $35 Million

Years ago, when Madonna was hung up somewhere between a Material Girl and an acoustic Music cowgirl, this was proof of her success - her former luxurious French country Beverly Hills estate, which is on the market for $35 million. The Agency founder Mauricio Umansky has the prominent listing.

Though she no longer resides here, it’ll likely take a lifetime to wash Madge’s awesome aura from this updated property, no matter how many beautiful strangers occupy it. It will always be where Madonna once dwelled.

The pop icon purchased the home from Sisters actress Sela Ward for $12 million in 2003, when her ray of light still burned bright. The mansion was an entertainment nirvana where Madonna could open her heart, express herself, take a bow, holiday and 'celebrate' with plenty of room to spare.

Located on Sunset Boulevard, the property spans 1.1 acres with an eight-bedroom, 14-bath main house, two detached guest houses, and a true blue sparkling pool. A tree-lined driveway leads to the palatial 12,100-square-foot residence - an automated smart home with two designer kitchens, seven fireplaces, a full bar, a 15-seat home theater and four additional surround-sound TV viewing spaces.

The turnkey estate exudes the casual California lifestyle - with its spacious grounds, 60-foot-long resort pool and spa, tennis court, fitness center, and staff quarters. The main kitchen has vaulted ceilings with crystal chandeliers, marble countertops, custom cabinets, and high-end appliances.

Madonna reportedly sold the home in 2013 for $19.5 million, after a prolific period that included a headlining Super Bowl performance and her successful MDNA Tour. The home was remodeled by subsequent owner Russell Weiner, billionaire founder of Rockstar energy drink and son of conservative radio host Michael Savage.

Madonna, who recently turned 60, can thank her lucky star she sold when she did (even at $9 million less than her initial ask). Despite its celebrity pedigree and extensive remodeling, the estate has yet to achieve its desired listing price. The residence has been listed multiple times in recent years, trampolining from $28.5 million in 2013 as high as $49 million in July 2017, according to The Observer.

From Forbes.com / All the listing pictures are at www.forbes.com

Walking into Monday Like....

Walking into Monday Like.........🕶🎶🎱🎤🖤. #music pic.twitter.com/dog8bA8vC4

— Madonna (@Madonna) 24 September 2018

Cher Shades Madonna, Says She’d Never Want to Duet With Her

Cher is the Queen of Shade!

The 72-year-old pop star has some fun teasing Madonna on Monday's episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show when she and the talk show host play the '5 Second Rule' game, and are given only five seconds to answer three questions.

When asked for three stars she’d like to duet with, Cher responds, 'Adele, Pink and not Madonna!'

Cher has a long history of giving her candid opinions about Madonna. In a 1991 interview with Steve Kmetko, the 'Believe' musician didn't hold back sharing what she really thought of the 60-year-old 'Material Girl' singer.

'There’s something about her that I don’t like. She’s mean, and I don’t like that,' she said at the time. 'I remember having her over to my house a couple of times because Sean [Penn] (Madonna's ex-husband) and I were friends, and she just was so rude to everybody. It seems to me that she’s got so much that she doesn’t have to act the way that she acts, like a spoiled brat all the time. It seems to me that when you’ve reached the kind of acclaim that she’s reached, and can do whatever you want to do, you should be a little more magnanimous and be a little less of a c**t.'

By 2013, Cher had changed her tune when talking to Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live. 'I’m totally good with Madonna!' she insisted. 'Madge and I have gone through our thing, but no, I’m totally good with her.'

From Entertainment Tonight! Via Yahoo! News

Go Benfica!

On The Soccer Pitch with Estere!! ..........⚽️🇵🇹♥️ Go Benfica! #gobanda pic.twitter.com/0Hd89JpaAT

— Madonna (@Madonna) 23 September 2018

Madonna attends Stan Smith X Stella McCartney party

On Monday evening Madonna attended the Stan Smith X Stella McCartney party during London Fashion Week. She even got friend Stella to autograph a pair of shoes for her!

Getting my Stelly-Stan Smith Vegan Shoe signed!! ✍️✍️✍️! ♥️ you Stelly @StellaMcCartney #stansmith #supportfriends #nicolaclarkecolour pic.twitter.com/BL9XAjcDdV

— Madonna (@Madonna) 18 September 2018

Yes I’m Working on my new Record....

Yes I’m Working on my new Record.........🎶🎤💃🏾. Be Patient 👑’s.! until then Love Yourself-Love. Your Skin 🌹♥️ #stevenkleinstudio #mdnaskin pic.twitter.com/HrRDuFlS5f

— Madonna (@Madonna) 17 September 2018

When Friday Comes....

When Friday Comes. and you know....... pic.twitter.com/ugQZ4OzCAy

— Madonna (@Madonna) 14 September 2018

Beat To Your Own Drum!

B E A T T O. Y O U R O W N D. R U M !!!! 🥁🥁🥁#nofear pic.twitter.com/65UZcM7JsR

— Madonna (@Madonna) 5 September 2018

Happy Birthday To My lucky #13!

Happy Birthday To My lucky #13! 🎂🎉🌈💕 Rise Above all limitations! #banda #birthday #blessings ♥️ pic.twitter.com/WrW2DRPW77

— Madonna (@Madonna) 1 September 2018

Tribal Kitty 😻

Tribal Kitty 😻 .................. #literalkween 👑 @andylecompte @VisionAaron pic.twitter.com/JqdcTt9Wyw

— Madonna (@Madonna) 23 August 2018

N O T Y O U R B I T C H! 🔥🔥🔥

N O T Y O U R B I T C H! 🔥🔥🔥 #hassanhajjaj pic.twitter.com/va4cvj7djo

— Madonna (@Madonna) 22 August 2018

Madonna speaks out about Aretha VMAs 'tribute'

Madonna just posted this picture and message on her Instagram page reflecting on the reactions 'the internet' had about her speech about Aretha Franklin at the VMAs:

I'm with the Winner!! The beautiful @camila_cabello ! So proud of her! 🌈💕🎉.And just to clarify: I was asked to present video of the year by MTV! And then they asked me to share any anecdotes I had in my career connected to Aretha Franklin! I shared a part of my journey and thanked Aretha for inspiring me along the way. I did not intend to do a tribute to her! That would be impossible in 2 minutes with all the noise and tinsel of an award show. I could never do her justice in this context or environment. Unfortunately most people have short attention spans, and are so quick to judge. I love Aretha! R.E.S.P.E.C.T. I Love Camilla! I love my dress! AND. I love-L O V E!! ♥️ and there is nothing anyone can say or do that will change that. #vmas #postivevibes

Read the Full Transcript of Madonna's VMAs Tribute to Aretha Franklin

Madonna appeared at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards Monday night to present the award for Video of the Year. She also took time to give a lengthy speech in honor of the late Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Madonna focused on how Franklin's song helped her nail an audition that changed her life, leading to the career she has now.

Read the full transcript of her speech below.

'Aretha Louise Franklin changed the course of my life. I left Detroit when I was 18. Thirty-five dollars in my pocket. My dream was to make it as a professional dancer. After years of struggling and being broke, I decided to go to auditions for musical theater. I heard the pay was better. I had no training or dreams ever ever becoming a singer, but I went for it.

I got cut, and rejected from every audition. Not tall enough. Not blend-in enough, not 12-octave-range enough, not pretty enough, not enough, enough. And then one day, a French disco sensation was looking for backup singers and dancers for his world tour. I thought, 'Why not? I could go back to getting robbed, held at gunpoint, and being mistaken for a prostitute in my third floor walk-up that was also a crack house.' That's right, I'm a rebel heart.

So I showed up to the audition, and two very large French record producers sat in the empty theater, daring me to be amazing. The dance audition went well. Then they asked me if I had sheet music and a song prepared. I panicked. I had overlooked this important part of the audition process. I had to think fast. My next meal was on the line. Fortunately, one of my favorite albums was Lady Soul by Aretha Franklin. I blurted out, 'You make me feel.' Silence. 'You make me feel like a natural woman.'

Two French guys nodded at me. I said, 'You know, by Aretha Franklin.' Again, mm-hmm. They looked over at the pianist. He shook his head. I don't need sheet music, I said, I know every word. I know the song by heart, I will sing it a capella. I could see that they didn't take me seriously, and why should they? Some skinny-ass while girl is going to come up here and belt out a song by one of the greatest soul singers who ever lived? A capella? I said, 'Bitch, I'm Madonna.' No, I didn't. I didn't say that. Because I wasn't Madonna yet. I don't know who I was.

I don't know I said. I don't know what came over me. I walked to the edge of the pitch black stage, and started singing. When I was finished and drenched in nerve sweat. You know what that is, right nerve sweat? They said, 'We will call you one day, maybe soon.' Weeks went by and no phone call. Finally, the phone rang, it was one of the producers, saying. 'We don't think you are right for this job.' I'm like, 'Motherfucker, why are you calling me?' He replied, 'We think you have great potential. You are rough around the edges, but there is good rawness. We want to bring you to Paris and make you a star. Well, we will put you in a studio, with the great Giorgio Moroder.' And I had no idea who that was, and I wanted to live in Paris and I wanted to eat some food.

So, that was the beginning of my journey as a singer. I left for Paris, but I came back a few months later. Because I had not earned the life I was living. It felt wrong. They were good people, but wanted to write my own songs and be a musician, not a puppet. I needed to go home and learn to play guitar, and that's exactly what I did. And the rest is history.

So. You are probably all wondering why I am telling you this story. There is a connection, because none of this would have happened, could have happened, without our lady of soul. She lead me to where I am today. And I know she influenced so many people in this house tonight. In this room tonight. And I want to thank you, Aretha, for empowering all of us. R-e-s-p-e-c-t. Long live the queen.

Another anecdote I would like to share: In 1984, this is where the first VMAs were, in this very building. And I performed at this show. I sang 'Like a Virgin' at the top of a cake. And on my way down, I lost a shoe, and I was rolling on the floor and trying to make it look like it was part of the choreography, looking for the missing stilleto, and my dress flew up, and my butt was exposed, and oh my God, quelle horror. After the show, my manager said my career was over. LOL. So. I would now like to present the nominees for the video of the year.'

From Harper's Bazaar Via Yahoo! News

Most memorable and magical birthday week!

Most memorable and magical birthday week! 🌈🎉🎂💃🏾! Thank you to all who helped. make it happen! To all good wishes from around the world! 🌍🌎🌏 and to magical Morocco for hosting us. ♥️🇲🇦 #marrakesh #blessed #luigiandiango pic.twitter.com/bqxZ9M7Bs4

— Madonna (@Madonna) 20 August 2018

Madonna at 60: How the 'Material Girl' has shaped modern fashion trends

Madonna’s career as an internationally renowned superstar has spanned the best part of four decades, cementing her status as one of history’s most celebrated artists.

While her musical talents have been critically acclaimed the world over, the singer has also had a significant influence on global fashion trends ever since she first took her place in the spotlight on the world stage.

When one thinks of Madonna’s most iconic looks, perhaps they picture the wedding dress that she wore for her performance of 'Like a Virgin' at the 1984 MTV Awards, the cone bra that she donned during her Blonde Ambition Tour in Japan in 1990 or her multiple tributes to Marilyn Monroe.

However, Madonna has done far more in the world of fashion than simply stir conversation due to her choice of apparel or spark a few fashion fads here and there.

The way in which the singer used her style to represent her identity was a fresh concept when she first came onto the music scene.

This became even more apparent following Madonna’s first major film role in the 1985 Desperately Seeking Susan, which saw people all around the world attempt to replicate her leather jacket, large hair bow, abundance of jewellery and loose-fitting trousers.

Madonna’s former publicist Liz Rosenberg has previously spoken about her first meeting with the young star, where she oozed confidence while wearing a signature 'black outfit with a hundred rubber bracelets on each wrist.'

It’s evident that the singer had a clear understanding both of who she was and who she wanted to become from the very beginning of her career.

'I think Madonna was one of the very first brands in her own right,' celebrity fashion stylist Alex Longmore tells The Independent. 'She had her own identity and she stuck to it.'

To read the rest of the article visit: uk.news.yahoo.com

The New Drip 💧 in Marrakesh

The New Drip 💧 in Marrakesh ♥️💃🏾🇲🇦 #levelup #morocco #birthday #fun pic.twitter.com/rK5wQwcg4F

— Madonna (@Madonna) 18 August 2018

All hail Madonna, a 60-year-old woman who won’t be quiet

'Is Madonna dead?' my daughter asked recently, while we danced like idiots in the kitchen to Vogue. Having spent a good few months inculcating my child with Madonna’s back catalogue, I realised I’d told her nothing about the woman herself. My daughter is still young enough to have no interest in the age of the singers she listens to – living or dead is generally enough information for her. If only we all felt that way.

Pop music is an unforgiving place for the older woman. Few know this better than Madonna, who turns 60 on Thursday, and whose every move in the past 15 years has been accompanied by a grim chorus of “Put it away, grandma”. That the entertainment industry is among the worst culprits when it comes to fading out women – note in comparison the scores of male actors and musicians carrying on into their 60s and 70s unimpeded – is especially depressing since it’s a business that directly influences how we think and live. But we can take heart that, as with so many aspects of the female experience, Madonna is doing her damnedest to put it right.

'Do not age, to age is a sin,' she said in a blunt speech in 2016, after accepting an award at Billboard’s Women in Music event. 'You will be criticised, you will be vilified and you will definitely not be played on the radio.' But being criticised and vilified is all in a day’s work for Madonna. So is adjusting expectations and redrawing boundaries, all the while pleasing herself. These are the things she does best. She hasn’t so much smoothed the path for those who have come after her as hacked her way through the undergrowth, and done battle with monsters, in order to make it walkable for the rest of us.

Madonna has been in my life for pretty much as long as I can remember. I have watched her in her various incarnations – gobby, rosary-draped urchin, corset-clad dominatrix, wayward cowgirl, hot yoga mom – with a mixture of curiosity, amusement and awe. As well as her successes, I have observed her failures and humiliations, and admired how she ploughs on regardless, doing what she wants and never apologising, even though her pain is clear. Having had her in my peripheral vision for 35 years, I now look on her like one would an unusually free-spirited relative: unpredictable, occasionally misguided, frequently inspiring, forever up for new adventure. That so many people, from Mary Whitehouse to the pope to Piers Morgan, have wished her to be quiet, or invisible, has made her all the more compelling. Rubbing people up the wrong way is one of her many talents.

You might have thought that all these years in Madonna’s company would have rendered the world impervious to her antics - yet her transgressions apparently continue. Now her mere existence as a woman (almost) in her 60s means, for some, that she has outlived her usefulness. At her age, she should be quiet and amenable. She should stay at home, cut her hair short and keep her upper arms covered. And those hands! 'Why do Madonna’s hands look older than her face?' inquired the Daily Mail in 2006 in a particularly venal piece that has been redrafted pretty much every year since.

It’s not just the press that has turned Madonna-shaming into an international sport. In a guest column for the Hollywood Reporter last year, the academic and social critic Camille Paglia derided her for her 'pointless provocations' and her 'trashy outfit[s]', and urged her to be more like Marlene Dietrich 'who retained her class and style to the end of her public life'. Madonna? Provocative? Where have you been, Camille? Even Elton John has had a pop - 'she looks like a fairground stripper', said the man who once rocked up at a party with an Eiffel Tower on his head. Right now, one of her loudest detractors is that expostulating foghorn Morgan, who believes women should be equal to men just as long their wardrobes meet his exacting age-appropriate standards.

But this is Madonna. She doesn’t do quiet and she doesn’t do amenable. In the face of criticism, she reacts. Well, why wouldn’t she? When she is told that she should slow down, step back and act her age, she protests in the only way that she knows: in the public gaze. So she does a topless photoshoot - rather beautiful, as it happens - in Interview magazine. She gets her arse out at the Met Gala, essentially pulling a massive moony at the world. This month, she put on suspenders for a Vogue photoshoot. You can just imagine her assembling her outfit with her team: 'So guys, what can I wear that will given Elton a bloody hernia?' That’s our girl. So all hail to Our Lady, still fighting, still hacking away at the undergrowth, still clearing a path and changing the world for the rest of us.

From The Guardian / Fiona Sturges

Mystical Walk Thru the desert

Mystical Walk Thru the desert.........🐫🐪🐫 #morocco #magic #birthday #memory♥️🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/pZNMEO3RTc

— Madonna (@Madonna) 17 August 2018