madonnalicious - tour spoiler free edition

Madonna and Guy 'happy' with deal

Madonna and Guy Ritchie are both 'happy' with their divorce agreement, they have said in a joint statement issued by Ritchie's publicist.
But an earlier statement released to the press suggesting the singer paid Ritchie £50m was 'misleading and inaccurate', they added.
The Associated Press news agency had quoted Madonna's US spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg on Monday.
The new statement said settlement details would 'remain private'.
Ms Rosenberg had told AP on Monday that Ritchie had been given £50-&#pound;60m ($76m-$92m) and that the figure included the value of the couple's Ashcombe House estate, on the Wiltshire/Dorset border.
Custody of the couple's children had yet to be worked out, she added.
She told AP: 'I'd assume it's one of the largest payouts ever in a divorce.'
But in the new statement released by Ritchie's representatives on Wednesday, the couple said: 'We have tried to maintain a dignified silence regarding the details of our divorce for the last few months whilst accepting the obvious media interest.'
'A misleading and inaccurate statement, specifically in relation to the sums of money involved, was wrongly issued to AP this week.'
'The financial details of the settlement will remain private, save to say that both of us are happy with our agreement.'
Their primary concern was 'the care and wellbeing of our children', it added.
A London representative of Madonna confirmed to BBC news that it was a joint statement.

From BBC News

Another photoshoot in Brazil?

Fellow fansite MadonnaOnline Brasil are reporting that Madonna will do a exclusive photoshoot in Brazil with Steven Klein for W magazine.

The photos will be taken on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 December in Rio de Janeiro with some 'athletic' models with long hair. The art direction will be by Giovanni Bianco.

Thanks to Rafa

Madonna and Guy Ritchie Reach Divorce Settlement

Madonna has reached a divorce settlement with Guy Ritchie, according to the singer's rep.
The pop star will pay her ex between $76 million and $92 million, her spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg tells the Associated Press.
Rosenberg says the figure includes the value of their country home Ashcombe, in western England, as well as the couple's London pub, the Punchbowl.
'I'd assume it's one of the largest payouts ever in a divorce settlement,' Rosenberg told the AP.
While the financial details of the settlement have been ironed out, Madonna, 50, and Ritchie, 40, are still finalizing custodial arrangements for their children.
Madonna filed for divorce citing Ritchie's 'unreasonable behavior' as a cause. The two were granted a preliminary 'quickie divorce' on Nov. 21 in the High Court of London.
Ritchie's rep declined to comment to the AP.
As for reports that the couple plan to spend Christmas together, Madonna's rep tells PEOPLE that is not true.

From PEOPLE.com

Madonna arrives in Brazil

Brazilian news website globo.com have published pictures and video footage of Madonna, Lourdes, Rocco and David looking and waving out of their hotel window to fans and press below after arriving in the country yesterday.

To read the report and view more pictures visit www.globo.com/Noticias/PopArte

Thanks to Daniel and Lucas

Madonna in wedding photos dispute

Singer Madonna is seeking more than £5m in damages from the Mail on Sunday for publishing photos of her 2000 wedding to film director Guy Ritchie.
A judge in London heard pictures of the event were copied 'surreptitiously' by an interior designer during work at her home in Beverly Hills, California.
The Mail on Sunday published 11 photos of the event on 19 October this year.
The judge found in Madonna's favour after the newspaper admitted breach of privacy and copyright.
According to Madonna's barrister Matthew Nicklin, the Mail on Sunday 'makes no attempt to defend what it did'.
The paper paid £5,000 for the images of the 'wholly private' event, held on 22 December 2000 at Skibo Castle in Scotland.
Lawyers for Associated Newspapers, which owns of the Daily Mail and the Mail on Sunday, could not be reached for comment.
Mr Nicklin said the singer was effectively 'ambushed', having been given no prior warning that the paper was intending to publish the photographs.
'If the Mail on Sunday had told her what they intended to do, the claimant would have sought and obtained an injunction.'
Madonna, who was divorced from Guy Ritchie earlier this year, is seeking 'in excess of £5 million, being the estimated value of the photographs'.
Mr Justice Eady has entered judgment in Madonna's favour on the issue of liability.
Further proceedings to assess the damages are expected to be heard at the High Court next year.

From BBC News

Santiago Fans Needed Now!

Here is an update from Izzy with regards to the request for Buenos Aires fans to be filmed for Nathan Rissman's documentary - and a chance for Santiago fans to be filmed too:

First of all, a big thank you to all the Buenos Aires fans for their input. For those that were not chosen, they still have a chance with the cameras during the day of the shows along the line.
We now need special committed fans from Santiago Local Area who have impressive collections. Fans who work in voluntary community projects and charities, especially ones that involve children would be an added bonus.

Please email your details (including phone number) to Izzy at [email protected]

Urgent: Buenos Aires Fans Needed Now!

Madonna fan Izzy has this urgent plea for super fans in Buenos Aires area:

I am in Argentina right now and Nathan Rissman has asked me to join him on a mission to find the 4 biggest Argentine fans for the Madonna documentary.
They have to speak Engligh well enough to carry out a conversation and it would be great if they had a big collection as we would go there to film the interview in order to include footage of their collection.
The filming has to be done tomorrow (Saturday 06 December) as this is the day off between the 4 shows here. They also have to live in Buenos Aires local area.

Please email Izzy at [email protected] if you are interested and include your phone number.

Madonna, a president and ex-hostage meet

Madonna met with a president and a former guerrilla-held hostage Tuesday at Argentina's presidential palace, where she filmed 'Evita' 12 years ago.
The pop star, in Buenos Aires on the Latin America leg of her 'Sticky & Sweet' world tour, showed up early for a visit Argentine President Cristina Fernandez - who was then meeting with one of the world's best-known ex-hostages.
Former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt was freed in July after being held more than six years in jungle camps by leftist rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. She was visiting Argentina to thank its government for working to free hundreds of other hostages left behind.

From Associated Press / Infobae.com

Madonna talks about Britney Spears

Madonna was briefly featured on the recent Britney Spears TV interview. They were filmed meeting backstage at before the Los Angeles concert last month.

To view the short clip visit www.guardian.co.uk/global/video

Madonna says workload is 'good distraction' from split

Madonna's marital breakup is tough, but she says she's grateful that her heavy workload 'provides a distraction that keeps me going.'
'I'm sad about my personal life, but I feel very blessed and very lucky that I have the opportunity to do what I do in my professional life,' Madonna told The Associated Press in an interview Sunday. 'It would be horrible if I was just thinking about getting a divorce and had nothing to do.'
Last week, Madonna and Guy Ritchie were granted a preliminary decree of divorce after eight years of marriage.
Among her current projects is promoting her documentary 'I Am Because We Are,' which explores the impoverished African nation of Malawi, where more than 1 million children are orphaned by AIDS. The film has its TV premiere on Sundance Channel Dec. 1.

From AP Via Yahoo! News

Chris Brown wants to duet with Madonna on new CD

Chris Brown wants Madonna on his next album.
The 19-year-old crooner says the Material Girl would be his dream duet for a track on his upcoming CD 'Graffiti,' which is due out next year. He says he'd also love to work with Coldplay. He's collaborated with Jordin Sparks, David Banner and girlfriend Rihanna in the past.
Brown predicts that 'Graffiti' will be a bigger project for him. Speaking from the red carpet at the American Music Awards, the platinum-selling R&B star said: 'It's going to be my stepping stone from Chris Brown to superstar.'
If he's not there yet, he's close. Brown took home the most trophies at the Sunday awards show: He won artist of the year, favorite pop-rock and soul-R&B male artist while his gal pal Rihanna won favorite pop-rock and soul-R&B female artist awards.

From AP Via Yahoo! News

Madonna granted divorce in London

Pop star Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie have been granted a divorce at the High Court in London.
The decree nisi was granted just a month after the couple, who have three children, declared their eight-year marriage was over.
A sworn statement released by the court showed the pop star petitioned for divorce on the grounds of Ritchie's unreasonable behaviour.
Neither Madonna, 50, nor her film-maker husband, 40, were in court on Friday.
Madonna also said in the statement that the couple had not been living at the same address for the six months before the date of the petition. The document was signed in Beverly Hills.
The case was listed before District Judge Reid alongside 16 others 'for pronouncement of decree or order under the special procedure rule'.
Friday's hearing lasted six minutes, with the judge granting decrees to a total of 17 couples.
If there are no disputes, a decree nisi can become a decree absolute within weeks, legally ending the marriage.

From BBC News

Madonna, Ritchie to begin divorce in London Friday

A court schedule says Madonna and Guy Ritchie will be granted the first stage of their divorce in London Friday.
London's High Court lists 'Ciccone M L v Ritchie G S' as one of 16 cases for 'matrimonial and civil partnership causes for pronouncement of decree.'
A judge will grant the couple a preliminary divorce decree, or decree nisi. After six weeks and a day they likely will be granted a decree absolute and the divorce will become final. It is unusual for the couple to attend court in such cases.
The couple announced last month they were divorcing after almost eight years of marriage.

From AP Via Yahoo! News

Madonna attends Gucci UNICEF Dinner

Madonna attended a Gucci UNICEF dinner at The Oak Room at the Plaza in New York City last night. She is pictured below with Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini and singer Rihanna.

Madonna was wearing a dress from the Louis Vuitton Spring 2009 collection....maybe it was one of the creations worn during her photoshoot for them a few days ago?

Pictures from AP Via Yahoo! News

Madonna launches The Raising Malawi Academy for Girls

To All My Friends,

I am really excited to share with you a new video message about a project that you can be a big part of: The Raising Malawi Academy for Girls.
After witnessing the potential of Malawi's girls firsthand, I made it my mission to give them an opportunity to become their personal best. I hope you will share my urgency and make a donation today. Every donation counts toward helping impoverished girls to reach their full potential. And every dollar will make a difference.
Please visit: www.raisingmalawi.org/rm_girlsacademy.php
Thank you for helping me to bring education and opportunity to the girls of Malawi.
They are deeply grateful to you for your support, and so am I.

With Love,
Madonna

Madonna says she was 'Japanese warrioress' in previous life

Madonna has revealed that she thinks she must have been a 'Japanese warrioress' in her previous birth.
The 'Material' hit maker said that she had always been a fighter and thus, traces herself to a 'Samurai' past.
'I must have been Japanese in another life. I'm pretty sure I was a warrioress,' the Sun quoted her as saying on a TV show.
'I can't explain it, I just know. I'm good at fighting - fighting with a big sword,' she added.

From New Kerala

Madonna: It's time to say 'I do' to gay marriage

Pop star Madonna said it was a shame the United States could put a black man in the White House but not allow same-sex marriage, rocking on her world tour with guests Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears.
Voters approved a proposal in Tuesday's presidential elections which amended the California's constitution to say that only marriages between men and women are recognized in the state.
The decision came only six months after California's Supreme Court overturned a previous ban on same-sex marriage, paving the way for thousands of gay and lesbian couples to tie the knot in the state.
'If we can elect an African-American as president, we can support gay marriage!,' Madonna shouted to 20,000 fans at Dodger Stadium late Thursday, referring to president-elect Barack Obama. 'Defeat Prop 8! We will not give up!'.
'I am sorry we did not win Proposition 8. If we can have an African-American in the White House, we can have gay marriage,' insisted the 50-year-old pop star.

From AFP Via Yahoo! News

Madonna denies late-night studio sessions

Madonna's representative has hit back at reports the pop superstar is keeping her New York neighbours up all night with her noisy studio sessions, insisting the singer enjoys early bed times.
Fellow residents have allegedly been complaining about the noise level coming from her seventh floor residence, which she has converted into a recording studio.
They claim the singer has been practising into the early hours in preparation for her ongoing Sticky & Sweet tour.
A source tells the New York Daily News, 'They asked her for a schedule of when she would practice, but she hasn't adhered to it.'
'The music is playing at all hours of the night, and the noise from the drums and the bass blares through the walls.'
But Madonna's spokesperson has refuted the allegations, dismissing the claims as false.
The rep says, 'Madonna does not stay up till all hours of the night....so I can't imagine there is any validity to this story. She needs her rest. She's a working girl, you know.'

From contactmusic.com

Tracy Chapman talks about Madonna

Since bursting on to the world stage in 1988, singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman has been a champion for the downtrodden. She tells Amy Fleming about her fears for young people, her fight against sexism - and her respect for Madonna.

Is it harder for women in the industry in general? 'Definitely,' she says. 'I was trying to make a case for Madonna the other day, saying that she's to be admired for her longevity in a genre that has mostly been for younger acts. Men are able to sustain a career into their 50s and 60s and still present themselves as sex symbols. With women on the other hand, people say, 'Why doesn't she retire?' It's just so unfair. So I have to give props to Madonna.'

To read the full interview visit www.guardian.co.uk

Thanks to Sire

Live Nation donates $50,000 to 'No on Prop 8'

The concert promoter of Madonna has donated $50,000 to fight a ban on gay marriage in California.
Bosses at Live Nation gave the sum of money to help fight the Proposition 8 bill - a high-level state vote in the upcoming November election to make same-sex marriages constitutionally illegal in California - because they feel it takes away individual rights.
A spokesperson for the company says, 'Live Nation has always offered equal rights and benefits to our employees' same-sex partners. It is in this spirit that we have made the decision to donate $50,000 to the No on Prop. 8 campaign.'
Gay unions were legalised in the state in May, which led to a spate of celebrity weddings including TV host Ellen DeGeneres' marriage to longtime partner Portia de Rossi in August.
Stars including Brad Pitt and Steven Spielberg have donated money to the fight against the bill.

From contactmusic.com

I used to have a crush on Madonna

Travis star Fran Healy used to fancy Madonna. While the Scot is happily married and has a son, he admitted: 'I had a massive crush on Madonna when I was a kid, I mean it was huge. It was worrying. I just thought she was amazing.'

From the Daily Record - thanks to Trovante

Trudi Styler speaks out

Trudi Styler, the woman who brought Madonna and Guy together spoke about them to Access Hollywood this week:

'They're both dear friends of mine and all good things sometimes come to an end. I'm sad when great things come to an end, but they both need to recapture their lives. I think they're destined to become great pals. They're both big enough people to become great friends in time and I'm sure that they will for the sake of their kids, if nothing else.'

Gwyneth Paltrow: I'm there for Madonna

Gwyneth Paltrow is helping her friend Madonna through breakup of her marriage.
The actress told reporters that she's supporting the pop star following Wednesday's announcement that she's separated from filmmaker-husband Guy Ritchie.
'She's a very good friend. I'm supporting her in all the ways that I can. I'm just there for her. I speak to her a lot,' Paltrow said as she attended the premiere of her film 'Two Lovers' at London's Film Festival.

From Associated Press Via Yahoo! News

The Lost Madonna Tapes

More than two decades ago in a Queens basement, Madonna recorded music that's never before been released. Listen to it in a Daily Beast exclusive by Andrew Morton.
Madonna biographer Andrew Morton offers a previously unreleased tape that includes Madonna singing some of the first ever songs she wrote. The tape was made by Ed Gilroy and his brother Dan, Madonna’s ex-boyfriend, who lived with the singer in the basement of a Queens synagogue.
The audio below is a combination of Madonna's acceptance speech when she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year, interspersed with her early recordings. Says Morton, 'It is sweet and raw. It signifies to me how far she has come, a reminder of the explosion of talent.'
The lost tapes begins with Madonna and Dan in bed. She’s encouraging him to go running. It then cuts to her speech where Madonna says how she was fortunate to have people like Dan Gilroy who believed in her. Then flashback back 27 years.... 'I’m going to strangle him,' she joked before breaking out into one of the songs, 'Born to be a Dancer.'

Listen to the tape below and read the full story online at www.thedailybeast.com

Liz Rosenberg: No settlement yet

Madonna's divorce settlement with her estranged husband Guy Ritchie has yet to be finalized, the singer's publicist said Sunday.
The Sun and The Mail on Sunday reported that the two had struck a deal over their finances and how to split their property. The Mail also reported that they had agreed to a custody arrangement for the couple's children.
In a brief e-mail message sent to The Associated Press, Liz Rosenberg said she would not be commenting on media reports that the pop star and her film director husband had reached or were about to agree on how to share the couple's multimillion dollar fortune and custody of their children.
'I will not be commenting on the various reports regarding the divorce or of the settlement which has not been finalized,' Rosenberg said. A statement from Guy Ritchie's representatives in London also declined comment.
Madonna and Ritchie announced their separation Wednesday after nearly eight years of marriage and Britain's tabloid press has speculated wildly on the outcome of the high-profile split.

From Associated Press Via Yahoo! News