Rebel Heart Tour

Pre-Order Rebel β™₯️ DVD on my/our Birthday!


More information on the Rebel Heart Tour DVD

Madonna has announced that her record-breaking MADONNA: REBEL HEART TOUR will be released by Eagle Vision on September 15 on digital download, DVD and Blu-ray complete with bonus content, and an audio CD of highlights from her much-heralded tour.

The Material Girl will also release a live album featuring 22 songs from the Rebel Heart Tour, available on double CD and digital download.

The MADONNA: REBEL HEART TOUR film was recorded around the world and features both live and behind the scenes material, as well as previously unreleased footage culminating with performances at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia in March of 2016. MADONNA: REBEL HEART TOUR is co-directed by Danny Tull and Nathan Rissman, both of whom have worked extensively with Madonna on her feature films and tour movies. A version of the film previously debuted on Showtime in December 2016.

The tracklist for MADONNA: REBEL HEART TOUR film and live concert album span all decades of the iconic superstar's illustrious career, including songs from her chart-topping Rebel Heart album to classic fan favorites. Of particular note to longtime fans will be the new interpretations of some of Madonna’s timeless hits.

Dvd_header0617

Madonna Announces 'Rebel Heart Tour' Concert Film/Live Album Date

Madonna announced her new concert film, Rebel Heart Tour, will be released September 15th. The live film originally premiered on Showtime in December 2016 and was taped during Madonna's Sydney, Australia concerts in March 2016.

The film includes bonus content such as live and behind-the-scenes unreleased footage. The career-spanning set list featured hits from throughout Madonna's discography, as well as reinterpreted renditions of classic tracks, acoustic versions of 'Like A Prayer,' 'Secret' and 'Don't Tell Me' and her first ever in-concert performances of 'Take a Bow.'

Madonna fan Aldo Diaz designed Rebel Heart Tour's cover art, while the singer's frequent collaborators Danny Tull and Nathan Rissman co-directed the film. Rebel Heart Tour will be released as a digital download, DVD/Blu-ray and a standalone CD featuring highlights from the concert.

From Rolling Stone

Madonna-rebel-heart-tour-poster

Madonna: β€˜I Know That I Can Be Difficult to Work with’

Madonna is an 'Unapologetic Bitch' when it comes to the high expectations she has for her backup dancers.

'I know that I can be difficult and demanding and push you, and sometimes my ego is out of control,' Madonna, 58, says in a sneak peek of her upcoming Showtime special, 'but I am a Leo.'

In the new preview clip of her Madonna: Rebel Heart Tour documentary (premiering Dec. 9), the icon gives a behind-the-scenes look at her grueling backup dancer auditions, during which a slew of hopefuls learn choreographed routines and dish on what it’s like to perform for the queen of pop.

'She wants the best, and she wants people who work really hard,' one dancer asserts of his prospective boss.

Adds another: 'She knows who’s slacking. You wanna work hard for her - you don’t wanna f-up.'

More than a million people turned out for the 82-city Rebel Heart World Tour, which kicked off in September 2015. After the tour wrapped and box office income was counted in March, it was announced Madonna has sold more than $1.31 billion in tickets, giving her the title of top grossing touring solo artist in the history of Billboard Boxscore. (She’s also the third highest-grossing touring act in history, after the Rolling Stones and U2.)

For continuing to maintain her legacy as a modern pop powerhouse, Madonna will be honored as Billboardβ€˜s Woman of the Year next week in New York.

Madonna: Rebel Heart Tour airs Dec. 9 on Showtime.

From People.com


Rebel Heart Tour Trailer #MedievalWarriorBitchGoddess

Madonna has posted the full trailer for the Rebel Heart Tour premiere on Showtime on Saturday 03 December: 'Thanks for your support Rebel ❀️Heart Fan's!! We already WON!!! Every night I got the chance to go on stage and do what I do and share with you was a win!! πŸ† In it for the long run! @showtime πŸ‘‘. And this is the trailer. The Real Show will Blow Your Mind! πŸŽ‰πŸ’˜


Rebel Heart Tour to premiere on December 9 on Showtime

Showtime Networks and Madonna have announced that her highly-anticipated concert film, MADONNA: REBEL HEART TOUR will premiere on December 9 at 9p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME, on-air, on demand and over the internet.

MADONNA: REBEL HEART TOUR was shot around the world and features a collection of live and behind these scenes footage culminating in performances at the Sydney Olympic Park in March of this year. The film is co-directed by Danny B. Tull and Nathan Rissman, both of whom have worked extensively with Madonna on her feature films and tour movies.

'When it comes to putting on a show, there is only one Madonna - an iconic performer that we're thrilled to have on our air,' said David Nevins, President and CEO, Showtime Networks Inc. 'With her unique creative vision and unmatched stage presence, our viewers will see an arena show packed with visual theatrics, stunning costumes and intricate choreography, featuring new hits and beloved classic songs.'

From Madonna.com


The Rebel Heart Tour DVD is coming....

Madonna posted this message on her Instagram page about the Rebel Heart Tour DVD: 'Finally watched a rough assembly of Rebel ❀️ tour and happy to say it should all be finished in 2 months!!πŸ‘‘. Time to go to WORK!! Thanks to all my fans for being so patient 😘❣'


Madonna shrugs off controversy in epic final Aussie show

After a 23 year wait, Madonna returned to Australia for the final leg of her Rebel Heart world tour, bringing with her the controversy that has surrounded much of her three decade-plus career.

Epic late starts, reports of drunken behaviour onstage, emotional break downs due to a custody battle and being accused of sexually assaulting a minor dominated the headlines during the Material Girl’s almost two week stint Down Under.

After taking Melbourne and Brisbane by storm, the 57-year-old pop culture icon hit Sydney for the last two shows of her 82 date tour.

The Australian press went into overdrive when Madonna turned up on stage in Brisbane for her first Queensland show of the tour at 11.18pm, almost two hours past her expected start time.

For her final show on Sunday night, the second of two nights at Sydney’s Allphones Arena, Madonna once again took no notice of the backlash, finally appearing on stage at a very tardy 11.30pm – the latest of the entire world tour - before proceeding to begin an almost three hour set - the longest of the tour.

Expectation and anticipation went into overdrive for the Harbour City fans, who appeared to keep a calm albeit weary vigil as they awaited the pop diva to finally appear on stage.

A rousing reception after a video introduction featuring Mike Tyson heralded her long awaited arrival.

Madonna’s 12th studio album Rebel Heart dominated the early proceedings before Burning Up, her first ever Australian hit in 1983, upped the ante with Madonna rocking out while playing a Flying V guitar.

The show’s spectacular highlight came early on when Madonna performed Holy Water, her Kanye West produced ode to oral sex, mashed up with Vogue while pole dancing alongside scantily clad dancers dressed as nuns, one of which she sensationally body surfed on much to the crowd’s jaw-dropping glee.

Somewhat apathetically, Madonna apologised for her late start explaining that she was filming the Sydney show for a future DVD release and that she wanted everything to be perfect.

She then pulled out the almost forgotten 1980s hit True Blue, which was remixed into a sweet acoustic love song performed while she strummed on the ukulele.

The momentum continued as Madonna worked her way through a string of exceptional pop performances, proving why she is still at the top of her game in a live arena after so long and with so much detrition.

Deeper and Deeper, from 1992’s Erotica, was in its high energy original form, HeartBreakCity leading into Love Don’t Live Here Anymore showcased her vocal prowess and an electro dance version of Like a Virgin brought the house down as she danced without abandon, solo on the cross shaped catwalk like it was the 1984 MTV Music Video Awards all over again.

It might have been the last show of a gruelling world tour, but there was no signs of exhaustion as Madonna worked her way through the mammoth 160 minute show that peaked at the end of its third act with the 1989 monster hit Like a Prayer that saw the packed arena almost shake to its core.

The well-publicised potty mouth was evident throughout, with Detroit-raised entertainer teaching the crowd to use her favoured catchcry (β€œf... f... f... yeah”) whenever she addressed them.

But there was no emotional breakdown, no mention of her 'missing' 15-year-old son Rocco, no drunken slurring and no falling off tricycles.

For the final show, she gave a heartfelt thank you to her loyal dancers, crew and band before allowing them to spank her (all 19 of them) while playfully making light of the scandal where she exposed a 17-year-old fan’s breast onstage last week in Brisbane.

'I am 18. I am old enough to know better and young enough to want to anyway,' she joked while being bent over as her crew waited their turn to spank her behind.

The 'sexual assault scandal', as it has been referred to in the press internationally, was again referenced when said teenager Josephine Georgiou and her mum Toni were in the crowd in VIP seats and were singled out by Madonna when she did her nightly bridal bouquet toss into the crowd.

A master media manipulator, Madonna used the moment to ask Josephine to marry her before deciding it wouldn’t work because they both can’t cook and the Gold Coast model is a vegan.

As the clock hit 2am, an exhausted and satisfied crowd put their hands collectively in the air as Madonna finished her show, and tour, with a faithful, upbeat performance of Holiday before she strapped on a harness and disappeared behind the video screens.

She said she would be back, but Australians have heard that many times over the years.

It might have been 23 years, but Madonna did not disappoint or make her presence in Australia unnoticed, and for a 57-year-old woman to still create such a buzz – for good or bad – against the social media pop starlets of the modern world that is no easy task.

From The West Australian


Final Tour shows In Sydney To Be Filmed

Documenting her return to Australia for the first time in 23 years and saving the best for last, Madonna today announced that she will film her Sydney Australia concerts at the Sydney Olympic Park NSW on March 19th and 20th. These are the final shows of her seven-month Rebel Heart world tour where Madonna has performed 80+ shows in over 20 countries.

Throughout the tour Madonna has pulled several actors, comedians, fans, fellow musicians and even a news anchor to the stage for a special dance as her 'Unapologetic Bitch.' This weekend in Sydney Madonna will choose a few fans as her 'Unapologetic Bitches,' all which will be documented by the taping this weekend.

Danny B. Tull and Nathan Rissman, both of whom have worked extensively with Madonna on her feature films and tour movies, will direct the live video which will be part of a larger project to be released at a later date.

From Madonna.com


Molly Meldrum says he was β€˜overwhelmed’ by Madonna singing for him

Molly Meldrum said he was overwhelmed by Madonna’s onstage tribute to him in Melbourne. Madonna dedicated Take a Bow to Meldrum, calling him 'the first man in Australia to fall in love with me.'

'I’m really shy, but it was lovely for her to do that,' an emotional Meldrum said. 'But it was so overwhelming. I didn’t know what was going on when she was coming towards me.'

Madonna had given Meldrum front row tickets and leaned over the stage to hand him the microphone and take a swig from a hip flask. 'Once she got closer she could see I was tearing up, and it was almost like she went for more!,' Meldrum said.

Meldrum told the singer, and all of Rod Laver Arena, 'I f---ng love you!'

Madonna replied 'I love you too. You take care of yourself, you hear me?'

Meldrum revealed a Madonna trade secret - the hip flask only contained water.

'Madonna is incredible,' Meldrum said. 'The show is amazing - her, the band, the dancers, the choreography - it’s just awesome.'

Meldrum gave Madonna a copy of her autobiography The Never, Um, Ever Ending Story. 'There’s a whole chapter in there about her,' Meldrum said. 'We’ve had some great times together.'

Madonna and Molly’s history stretches back to 1983, when his show Countdown championed the singer in her early days. That meant Australia was the first place to make her single Burning Up a hit and Holiday went Top 5 in Australia first. Australia also gave Madonna her first No. 1 anywhere in the world with Like a Virgin.

All three songs feature in the Rebel Heart tour - Madonna’s first visit down under since 1993.

Madonna has only performed Take a Bow on stage four times since it was a No. 1 hit in 1994, two of those times being in Melbourne this week.

Meldrum, recovering from a fall in Thailand, was a hero in the crowd. However one overenthusiastic audience member gave him a friendly slap on his sore arm. 'I nearly wanted to punch him, which I apologise for, but it was like shot in the arm. He didn’t mean it, but I can’t shake hands or anything at the minute, I’m still in pain.'

While the fan dream of Kylie Minogue getting on stage with Madonna in Melbourne didn’t happen, singer and drag performer Courtney Act was pulled out of the crowd by Madonna for the song Unapologetic B---h.

Madonna got very up close and personal with Act, who got into the moment by stripping off and chatting with the superstar, who seemed to have no idea she had a profile herself.

Courtney Act appeared on Australian Idol but got her international break by appearing on RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2013 and is an in-demand performer around the world. Act tweeted today 'woke up to find last night did actually happen!'

From news.com.au / Cameron Adams


A small gift for Australia for being so patient!


Madonna Dedicates Song to Son Rocco

Madonna was overcome with emotion onstage as she spoke about her son, Rocco, and dedicated a performance of 'La Vie en Rose' to him at a concert in New Zealand on Saturday (March 5).

The singer is in the midst of a legal battle with ex-husband Guy Ritchie over custody of their 15-year-old son.

'It’s true, there is no love stronger than a mother for her son,' Madonna said of Rocco. 'And if I talk about it too much, I might cry.'

'But I would like to dedicate this song to him. It’s a love song for a man, but I know he’ll be one, one day,' she told the audience at Auckland’s Vector Arena.

'I hope he hears this somewhere and he knows how much I miss him,' she said before singing 'La Vie en Rose.'

From Billboard.com


Madonna announces secret show in Melbourne

Madonna has announced an intimate club show - featuring her unexpected stand-up comedy work as well as music - in Melbourne next week.

The superstar will play the Forum next Thursday March 10. The venue holds only 1500 people, tiny by Madonna’s standards.

The club show, Tears of a Clown is an exclusive free fan show that will fuse 'music, art and comedy'.

Madonna said in a statement 'I wanted to do something special for Australia because you have been so patient and waited so long. The Tears of a Clown show will make its debut on March 10. Performance art, comedy, story telling and music of course! Especially for my Rebel Heart fans down under!'

The free tickets will only be available through Madonna’s fan club but if you’re rushing to join, bad luck, entrants have to have been members before March 1 this year.

You have to be over 18 and post a photo of yourself excited about Madonna’s return to Australia for the first time in 23 years on your social media accounts. More details are at madonna.com

Tour partner Telstra are also offering free tickets to customers at telstra.com/music.

Madonna had teased Australian fans by stating on stage in Macau last month that she would do a secret show down under. She also joked it might be a stand up comedy show she’d called Tears of a Clown. It turns out she was not joking about the joking.

From news.com.au


Madonna in Auckland: Five reasons why Madonna is still the Queen of Pop

Madonna is in Auckland folks. We're not trying to preach, but this is something of a big deal.

Sure, Queen Madge has faced her fair share of controversy over the past few years. All the custody to-ing and fro-ing, in and out of court with her ex-husband Guy Ritchie, the recent Philippines flag debacle and her general button-pushing antics both on stage and in the media.

But if there's one thing the original Material Girl does deserve a little credit for it's her ability to endlessly reinvent herself and somehow maintain a thirty-year reign in pop culture, style and music.

To read the five reasons visit: www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment


Thanks Singapore....and hello Down Under!


Philippines hits out at Madonna over flag stunt

The Philippines criticised Madonna on Sunday for disrespecting its flag during a concert in Manila, and said it would call on organisers of future events to avoid similar incidents.

Photos from one of her two concerts last week published in local media showed the 57-year-old American mega-star draped in the Philippine flag.

While press reports said the audience roared its approval at the music icon, who was in the country as part of her global 'Rebel Heart' tour, Filipino authorities were less amused.

'Our flag law is strict as we want to instill respect for the Philippine flag,' presidential spokesman Herminio Coloma said in a statement.

'This should he made clear to organisers and performers in concerts so that there will be no repetition of the incident.'

Coloma said in an earlier statement to AFP that the government was 'keen' on banning the Queen of Pop from performing in the Philippines because of the controversy.

However Coloma later said the government did not want to ban her, and that the initial statement that it did was based on a wrong interpretation of comments by another presidential aide.

A 1998 law prescribes a one-year jail term, as well as a token fine, for wearing the Philippine flag 'in whole or in part as a costume or uniform'.

The flag flap was the second controversy provoked by Madonna's visit to the devoutly Catholic Asian nation.

A Catholic bishop last week called on the faithful to stay away from Madonna's sexually charged concerts, which often encompass religious themes, calling them the devil's work.

'Pinoys (Filipinos) and all God-loving people should avoid sin and occasions of sin,' Archbishop Ramon Arguelles said in a statement posted on the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines' official website.

Arguelles said the concerts, Madonna's first in the Philippines, were among 'subtle attacks of the evil one'.

During her Manila shows Madonna gyrated around a stripper pole shaped like a crucifix, accompanied by dancers dressed as scantily clad nuns.

The controversial star did not forget the less fortunate on her Philippine trip, however, tweeting photos showing her visiting children at a Manila orphanage run by nuns.

The star, now touring in Singapore, has yet to comment publicly on the flag furore.

Officials of Music Management International, which produced Madonna's Manila concert, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

From AFP Via Yahoo! News

Madonna-pinoy-flag

Madonna shames ex-trainer in front of 20,000 for affair with her boyfriend

Cross Madonna at your peril seems to be the lesson learned by one unfortunate personal trainer, who had her dirty laundry aired in the most public way possible - in front of a crowd of 20,000 of the singer's most diehard fans. The 57-year-old singer took a break on stage in the Philippines on Thursday night to share a story with the sell-out crowd about an unidentified ex-employee.

'Once I had a Filipino trainer - this beautiful, beautiful girl,' she said. 'She was gorgeous and very talented as a trainer. But she f***ed my boyfriend, so I fired her.'

However, no one can stay anonymous forever when fame is involved, and sleuths quickly zeroed in on Nicole Winhoffer, a trainer who worked for Madonna for five years before they parted ways in 2014.

Winhoffer describes herself on her own website as 'born in NYC to a Filipino mother and German father'. She also took on the role of creative director for her former boss' Hard Candy Fitness chain of gyms.

Internet gossip site Page Six says that an anonymous source confirmed Winhoffer was the guilty party, adding that 'Nicole has been teaching her own method in NYC and acts as if she left Madonna on her own to be an entrepreneur'.

Madonna dated two men while she and Winhoffer worked together - Timor Steffens and Brahim Zaibat, both of whom were backing dancers. Madonna split from Steffens, 28, during a holiday to Europe in 2014.

'In this case, it was not a happy ending,' said Madonna while on stage. 'I know I sound like I'm cynical and I don't believe in romance and that I think everybody is backstabbing.'

From International Business Times


Will Madonna wear PH flag and break the law?

Madonna has been leaving a trail of unforgettable performances and controversial moments in Asia since her Rebel Heart Tour kicked off in Asia early this month.

The singer arrived in Manila at 2 a.m. on Monday on board a chartered flight from Hong Kong. Airport personnel who waited for her were ordered to stow their cell phones because no one was allowed to take photos.

Madonna reportedly did not pass through normal airport procedures because immigration officials stamped her passport inside the plane. The pop star was immediately whisked to a waiting car and escorted out of the airport by a fleet of foreign and local security.

Madonna’s Asian tour began in Taipei, Taiwan, where she closed her concert by wrapping herself with the nation’s flag.

While this should not come as a surprise, the singer is known for flashing and even incorporating flags in her outfits in her final acts, the move still angered the Chinese people.

According to Taipei Times, the move was perceived as Madonna’s stance to support Taiwan, which China perceives as a renegade province, therefore sparking an online 'word war' between the Taiwanese and the Chinese.

Nevertheless, the American pop superstar still managed to deliver stunning performances for her Taiwanese fans.

Madonna also held back-to-back concerts in Hong Kong and Macau.

In Hong Kong where she performed for the first time, her fans were given a taste of what makes Madonna the Queen of Pop–racy and rebellious with her musical genius rising above grandiose props and costumes.

In both concerts, Madonna closed the show with her symbolic encore wrapping herself with Macau’s flag, and donning a bauhinia jacket. The bauhinia flower is Hong Kong’s emblem.

To be sure, authorities will be closely watching if Madonna will don the Philippine flag as a costume or uniform. Her two-night concert will be held on Wednesday and Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Republic Act 8491, or the 'Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,' explicitly prohibits the wearing of the flag 'in whole or in part as a costume or uniform.'

If her international producers did their research, they may even encourage the rebellious pop icon to highlight the 30th anniversary of the EDSA Revolution on February 25, the second night of her show.

Local promoters have not released any statement regarding the removal of the song 'Holy Water' from Madonna’s set list.

With lyrics bearing heavy sexual content, the song was banned in Singapore way ahead her concert, which was also rated R-18. The Philippines had had issues with religiously charged foreign performers in the past. American pop singer Lady Gaga, for example, was 'welcomed' by Christian protesters in her 2012 debut concert in Manila.

From The Manila Times Online


Madonna dances with HK star Eason Chan on stage

Pop icon Madonna's recent 'Rebel Heart' concert tour in Asia has seen no shortage of talking points, and her latest performance in Macau on Saturday evening (Feb 20) was no exception.

Towards the end of her performance, she again pulled up a member of the audience to dance with her on stage. But this time, the chosen one was not just some lucky fan, but Hong Kong pop star Eason Chan.

The pair not only showed off their dance moves together, but at one point during the routine the Cantopop singer even bent over to allow Madonna to hit and kick his buttocks playfully.

After the song had ended, she then raised his hand before asking: 'What is your name, young man?', obviously unaware that Chan is well-known in Asia as the 'King of Cantopop'.

'My name is Eason,' came his reply. He then further explained: 'Season, without the S.'

The interaction prompted loud cheers from the crowd.

Like her other performances, she also presented Chan with a banana as a 'prize', before asking him to 'lick it up'. At that point, Chan wore a slightly awkward expression, before telling Madonna that his daughter was also in attendance.

According to Sina Entertainment, Chan said that he was very happy to have had the opportunity to share the stage with the 57-year-old 'Queen of Pop'. 'Of course I feel very excited. It is Madonna!' he told reporters when asked about the episode after the event.

From news.asiaone.com

Madonnaeason_18

One fan talks about going around the world to watch Madonna

One of madonnalicious' long time readers and contributors Marguerita Tan has written this article about her travels around the world to see Madonna live in concert. The article also mentions that Madonna will be dropping Holy Water from the set due to Singaporean restrictions:

It’s just a little more than a week before Madonna, the Queen of Pop, takes to the stage in Singapore for the very first time.

In a way, this upcoming show is also a first in that it has been specifically tailored for Singapore. This was due in part to certain restrictions placed by the Media Development Authority here which has rated the show R18 and asked for the song Holy Water, to be dropped from the set list.

'Madonna agreed to change her show for Singapore, so in a way, this is a unique show, because it’s not the same as the rest on her current tour,' said James Lee, the CEO of King Lun, one of the investors for the concert here.

Does this matter to fans? Well, Singapore isn’t the first country to an edited verison of the Rebel Heart tour. When the pop goddess ran out of stadium time, the lively Gypsy medley - comprising Dress You Up/Into The Groove/Everybody/Lucky Star - was dropped in many cities including Amsterdam, Glasgow and even as recently as the concert in Bangkok. Nevertheless, the most successful female artiste of all-time will still have a lot in her boombox to entertain us with. For instance, she has been singing 1994’s Take A Bow on tour for the first time (only in Asia mind you).

For this writer, who has seen Madonna performing in four continents over the last 20 years or so, this is why one should catch her show here. Because, no two Madonna shows are ever the same.

Of course, my reaction the first time I saw Madonna was very different. 'This woman cannot make it' was what I said after watching her 1983 music video for Lucky Star. You know, the one with her writhing all over the floor? But a couple of years later, the Material Girl got me into her groove with one dance-pop hit after another, and the occasional emotional ballad. Her enticing music videos were big draws too (controversial ones notwithstanding).

After seeing a clip of Ms Ciccone dancing with gusto on a conveyer belt in 1987’s Who’s That Girl Tour, I cherished the hope of watching her live in concert. That wish eventually came true when I managed to catch her Girlie Show tour in 1993. (It also began my lifelong quest to catch the Queen of Pop on tour in a city I had yet to visit.)

To read the rest of the article visit: www.todayonline.com


Thank you Hong Kong πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰


Madonna Performs 'Take a Bow' in Concert for First Time

Madonna performed her 1994 hit 'Take a Bow' live for the first time in concert in Taipei last night. She had previously only sang it at the 1995 American Music Awards, but has left it off set lists for her own tours before.

After performing the song Madonna remarked, 'That was fun! First time ever. Hit a few bad notes, but it felt good to sing it.'


Madonna embroiled in Taiwan-China row over flag

Pop diva Madonna has waded into the war of words over Taiwanese identity after draping herself in the island's flag, sparking ire in China, where any suggestion of independence is scorned.

Taiwan's Apple Daily and Liberty Times newspapers ran photos of Madonna with the flag over her shoulders as she sang an encore Thursday on the Taipei leg of her global Rebel Heart Tour.

The move was greeted enthusiastically by many on Taiwanese Internet forums, who saw it as a boost to their quest to protect the island's sovereignty in the face of increased influence from Beijing.

'Madonna supports Taiwan with her acts. Taiwan loves Madonna too,' read one message on Apple Daily's website.

But posts on China's Twitter-like Weibo responded angrily.

'Is Taiwan a country? I am laughing to death....you are just a region,' said one.

'Madonna draped the flag and you think you are going to be recognised by the UN? So funny,' said another, referring to Taiwan's lack of international status.

Taiwan has been self-ruling since splitting from China in 1949 following a civil war, but Beijing still views it as part of its territory awaiting reunification.

As Beijing's influence has grown globally, Taiwan has haemorrhaged allies, losing its place at the UN to Beijing and is now only recognised by 22 countries.

China supporters also voiced their anger on Madonna's Instagram account, responding to a picture which showed her face superimposed on a blue sun motif similar to the white sun on Taiwan's flag, attracting 2,000 messages.

'Shut up, people of Taiwan province of China,' one message read.

'Madonna was just creating a talking point and some Taiwanese people thought she was speaking up for Taiwan independence? So funny,' said another.

Others hit back at the critical Instagram posts.

'Someone holds the flag and you are barking like a dog. So low class. If you like China so much, go back to use your weibo,' one comment read.

The Asian leg of the Rebel Heart Tour includes dates in Hong Kong and Macau, but not mainland China.

There was no immediate comment from local promoters or Madonna's representatives following Thursday's concert.

Last year, US singer-songwriter Katy Perry caused a stir in both Taiwan and China when she appeared on stage in Taipei draped in a Taiwan flag, while donning a gold dress adorned with sunflowers - a symbol of anti-China student protests in Taiwan in 2014.

Several Taiwanese entertainers have also got into trouble for waving the Taiwan flag abroad.

Last month, K-pop singer Chou Tzu-yu, 16, was forced to apologise for waving the flag in an Internet broadcast, which stoked online anger in China and accusations that she was a pro-independence advocate.

Her video apology went viral on the day of Taiwan's presidential and legislative elections in January and some analysts believed may have cost the ruling Beijing-friendly Kuomintang (KMT) party hundreds of thousands of votes.

The traditionally pro-independence main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won by a landslide, with the KMT's rapprochement with Beijing a major factor in its defeat.

Taiwan has ruled itself since a split with the Chinese mainland in 1949, but has never formally declared independence, and Beijing sees it as part of its territory awaiting reunification.

From AFP Via Yahoo! News


Madonna Spanks a Giggly Ariana Grande Onstage in Miami

Madonna can officially add Ariana Grande to her impressive list of celebrities she's spanked on her Rebel Heart Tour.

The 'Bang Bang' singer joined Madonna on stage Sunday during her Miami performance, which marked the last of her US shows on her world tour.

Madonna took to Instagram to gush over the star, calling her the 'Kewtest Unapologetic Bitch EVER!!'

Ariana naturally was just as excited.

'I am dead. @madonna thank you for the spanking & the banana,' she captioned a video featuring her dancing on stage with the Material Girl.

From ET Via Yahoo! News

Madonna was also joined on-stage that night by DJ Khaled who bought her some diamonds!