"I was about 9 years old. I got this job in a Pepsi commercial tied to Madonna's "Like a Prayer" video. The idea was that she was in this Pepsi studio, but she was thinking back to when she was a kid. I was in a birthday party scene. They had me wear this horrible tomboy outfit, while all the other kids got to wear dresses. I remember Madonna came in to see all the kids. I was really shy, but she singled me out and held my face and said, “Doesn’t she look like somebody?” It was super cool."
"That was the only contact we had with her. When the video came out and it was so controversial they canceled the commercial. I think it ran, like, once."
Actress Mandy Gonzales, who currently plays Elphaba in “Wicked” at the Gershwin Theater in NYC, speaking to the New York Times' Erik Piepenburg about how you never forget that star-struck encounter with your Idol.
In The Media: Liz Smith on possible Madonna and Gaga duet
"What the hell kind of name is Lady Gaga, anyway?!"
That was Madonna, squaring off with Lady G. on "Saturday Night Live" last year, in a segment that should have been much funnier than it was. Both stars did the best they could with the material, but the real sport was simply seeing the two of them together – The Empress of Pop and the current Queen.
The media is constantly comparing M and G. And naturally placing Madonna in the "envious older star" category and Gaga as the "image-snatching copycat." But even so, fans of both are dying for the singers to collaborate on something.
"Sources" say there could be a video pairing, like the one Madonna did with Britney Spears and Gaga did with Beyoncé. (Although it might be best if Gaga didn’t kiss Madonna at any point. It’s sort of a pop music urban legend that Madonna and Britney’s kiss at the MTV Awards was the beginning of Britney’s downfall. It was supposed to be Madonna "passing the torch," but the joke is "she sucked the life from her!")
Now, a video or a song is always possible between M and G, but the next bit of gossip? Don’t dress and let’s consider the saltshaker. There’s a rumor that Madonna is planning her own biopic and that she’s chosen Gaga to interpret her life.
Ahhhh … first of all, Madonna is one of those always- looking-ahead kind of people. She just turned a youthful 52, and I doubt she’s thinking in terms of biopics or autobiographies. (When she turned 50, I asked her if she’d ever retire. She said, "I will when you do, Liz!" So we agreed to be the last gals standing at the rodeo.)
Second, she’s deep into her directing project – the movie about the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, "W.E." This has consumed her more totally than anything she has ever attempted. Music, videos, her past life, her "rivals" are the last thing on her mind.
Third? Gaga has already been so closely associated with lifting many aspects of Madonna’s image, I don’t think she’d play into that by playing M onscreen.
But stranger things have happened in showbiz (Sly Stallone’s big comeback in "The Expendables!) so we never say never.
Source: Liz Smith column from www.wowowow.com
Thanks to Cam
Breaking News: ''Challenge This Decision In The Name Of Human Dignity''
Madonna's official statement on the imprisonment of a gay couple in Malawi.
"I am shocked and saddened by the decision made today by the Malawian court, which sentenced two innocent men to prison.
As a matter of principle, I believe in equal rights for all people, no matter what their gender, race, color, religion, or sexual orientation.
Today, Malawi took a giant step backward. The world is filled with pain and suffering; therefore, we must support our basic human right to love and be loved.
I call upon the progressive men and women of Malawi—and around the world—to challenge this decision in the name of human dignity and equal rights for all."
The above statement has now also been posted on Madonna's official website, madonna.com.
Thanks to Matthew Rettenmund at Boyculture
Elton John covered Madonna's "Material Girl" and "Like a Virgin" backed up by The Bad Boys of Dance at the Rainforest Fund benefit concert at the Carnegie Hall in New York City on Thursday.
Check out one of the various amateur recordings of his performance that can be spotted on YouTube.
Madonna together with her daughter Lourdes attended the 2nd Annual Bent on Learning Benefit at The Puck Building in New York City yesterday.
As www.bentonlearning.org explains, Bent on Learning offers instruction in yoga and meditation to students in grades K through 12 in New York City public schools and youth centers as a means of reducing stress and improving concentration, self-esteem and overall health.
They additionally train public school teachers and staff in yogic techniques and exercises so they can assist students in focusing their energies.
Madonna did indeed shoot her second campaign for Dolce & Gabbana in Harlem yesterday as M-Tribe reported on Tuesday.
Lots of paparazzi surprised the designers and the diva herself but also brought some great previews from the shoot, as you can see on the related gallery at our friend Mike's MadonnaDownload website.
"Madonna.....she's always the BEST!!!!", commented Stefano Gabbana from his Twitter during the shooting. And we certainly agree!
In The Media: Madonna offers relationship tips on 'Marriage Ref'
Madonna doesn't think a wife should withhold sex from a sloppy husband.
But she believes a wife should dispose of her late husband's prosthetic leg to spare the feelings of the wife's current mate.
This was some of Madonna's relationship advice on NBC's "The Marriage Ref," where she joined actor-comedians Larry David and Ricky Gervais as a guest panelist on Thursday's edition.
The show invites its panel of "experts" to help analyze real-life disputes between married couples, mostly for laughs. Host Tom Papa, aka The Marriage Ref, makes the final call.
In one case, Mindy Goldman was offering sexual favors to Alan, her husband of 28 years, if he would clean up their messy basement.
A good idea? "I think it's weird that she wants him to be clean so that they can be dirty," cracked Madonna.
Gervais wondered, "Could they combine the sex with the housework?"
Then Susan and David Harper, married for three years, were seen in their house squabbling over possessions left over from their past relationships. Susan wanted her husband to get rid of the sofa where David and his ex-wife might have had hanky-panky, while David complained about Susan hanging on to the ashes and prosthetic leg of Don, her late husband.
Madonna's swift solution: "He gets rid of the couch, she gets rid of the leg."
"This is easily the most uncomfortable hour I've ever spent in my life," sighed Larry David in the midst of the debate.
"Why?" Madonna retorted. "Because you're sitting next to a woman who's standing up to you?"
"The Marriage Ref," which premiered last week, has Jerry Seinfeld as a creator and producer.
From an article by Frazier Moore, AP Television Writer via Yahoo! News.
Richard Corman's never before seen Madonna images from the '80s now available for sale.
A few days ago we reported about the collection of Madonna images by photographer Richard Corman that was exhibited publicly for the first time in New York City at the "Virigin Spirit" event which also featured fashions by Prince Peter and music by Jessica 6 and Dan Wade.
News is now in that Corman just released nearly two dozen of these never-before-seen images he took over 25 years ago.
The photographs were taken in New York City between 1983 and 1985 and feature shots of Madonna's first New York apartment, her surrounding neighborhood on the Lower East Side and some images from the set of her 1985 movie, "Vision Quest".
22 selected, signed prints are now being released in limited editions of 30 pieces each. These unique gilded gold framed prints retail for $4,000, they are also available unframed for $3,250 exclusively at Richard Corman's Store: richardcormanstore.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Haitian Earthquake Relief.
Although Corman photographed Madonna prior to her unprecedented fame, he immediately recognized her unique potential to be something larger than life.
"I met Madonna through a friend, I was told I had to meet her," Corman said "I fell in love with her energy, her charisma."
While the collection features Madonna in a variety of 80s styles such as heavy accessories, pegged jeans, or the favorite, denim jacket. Corman explains that regardless of style, these photos are eternal.
"I think she looks as modern as any kid walking down the street," Corman said, adding that he experienced "absolute magic" as he photographed the vibrant and youthful Madonna.
M-Tribe reader jd urban just got back from the Marriage Ref taping andd here's his quick rundown about the episode.
"Madonna was in top form, cursing, boiling problems down to sex and generally holding her own against Larry David & Ricky Gervais."
"After cursing during one segment (dealing with words like "c*nt" , "c*ck" and "p*ssy whipped"), Madonna yelled "Here comes Uncle Jerry" when Seinfeld made his way out to check in (scold?) on his guests..."
"Lots of clever banter during breaks, Madonna waved, smiled, blew kisses and made contact with the more obvious fans (like me)."
Special thanks to jd urban for this report and for sharing the images above - click to zoom.
Here's a quick reminder of the taping of Episode 4 of Jerry Seinfeld's "The Marriage Ref" - which includes Madonna's appearance - taking place today in New York City.
Created by Jerry Seinfeld, NBC, the executive producer of The Oprah Winfrey Show and the producers of "Super Nanny, The Marriage Ref vows to look at relationships unlike anything you've ever seen on TV: a comic, reality series where celebrities and a relationship referee help squabbling couples make peace.
Richard Corman's photo exhibit, Prince Peter's fashion show and Jessica 6 & Dan Black's concert shared a great night at Virgin Spirit yesterday, a multi-media event at Good Units in the Hudson Hotel in NYC.
Read more about the rare (and a couple of truly, never-ever-seen) Madonna pictures and great tunes covered by the bands in our friend Matt's report at his Boy Culture blog.
Click here to check it out.
"Celebration" artist Mr. Brainwash's first-ever New York show premiered yesterday in the Meat Packing District.
Check out our friend Matt's report at his BoyCulture blog by clicking here.
"Icons" runs until March 31 at 415 W. 13th St in New York City.
For several years, Matthew Rettenmund controlled the copyright to Richard Corman's exquisite Madonna images. The rights are now back in Corman's hands, and the photographer will be exhibiting them for the first time ever at Virgin Spirit, a multi-media show with photographs, live music and a fashion show.
If you're in New York City and you're interested in being on the guest list - the show is tomorrow, Monday, February 15, from 8 PM to 12 AM at the Hudson Hotel - please visit Matt's Boy Culture blog and he'll see if he can add you to the list.
Madonna is confirmed to appear on the upcoming Episode 4 of Jerry Seinfeld's "The Marriage Ref" on NBC.
The show will be taped on February 24 in New York City and 1iot are looking for 200 people to be a part of the studio audience.
Revealing. Controversial. Downright funny. The Marriage Ref vows to look at relationships unlike anything you've ever seen on TV: a comic, reality series where celebrities and a relationship referee help squabbling couples make peace.
Created by Jerry Seinfeld, NBC, the executive producer of The Oprah Winfrey Show and the producers of "Super Nanny, this is relationship advice... with a comic twist.
"To think, I only had to wait 50 years for this!" That's what Madonna told a friend months ago discussing her love affair with the 22-year-old Jesus Luz. (And she wasn't just talking about the sex.) Mr. Luz is apparently attentive, tender and in tune with Madonna in a way she feels she missed out on with her two ex-husbands and, well, others...
Nobody believes me when I say it, but Madonna is an old-fashioned romantic. A bouquet of daisies and a candlelit dinner go a long way with famous women who can buy and sell any guy they meet. (As Elizabeth Taylor remarked of her last hubby, Larry Fortensky, who was 20 years her junior. "No boy is poor if he has a loving heart." And, no boy is poor if he can make a killing in the divorce settlement.)
Talk swirled last week that Madonna and Jesus had split. Within 48 hours of this gossip flurry, there they were in London, kissing up a storm at a movie premiere. She also chatted up her ex, Guy Ritchie, at the same event. And she danced like a dervish with a bevy of hot men at the after-party.
Do I think Madonna might marry Jesus? Not likely. She may be a romantic but she's not a fool. Still, I expect this relationship to endure for several more happy years. More power to them both.
Iconic celebrity photos on exhibition for Haiti Relief
A star-studded collection of celebrity photos featuring iconic photographs of Michael Jackson, Madonna, Angelina Jolie and Britney Spears has gone on display in New York, proceeds of which will go to Haiti relief fund.
The exhibition, titled "Snapped! From the Red Carpet to the Dark Side of Celebrity", is being held to mark the 21st anniversary of entertainment news and photo agency WENN - World Entertainment News Network, Contactmusic reported.
Snapped! showcases shots from the past two decades, including Lady GaGa with British monarch Queen Elizabeth II and Madonna in Malawi with her adopted son David Banda. The collection is also raising money for charity as all proceeds from the sales of prints will be donated to Concern Worldwide's Haitian earthquake relief efforts.
"Like everyone, we were devastated by the horrors of the recent events in Haiti and have been looking for an appropriate way in which to contribute," Lloyd Beiny, organiser of the display said. The exhibition runs at Manhattan's Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Avenue, NYC, from January 8 through February 28, 2010.
When Madonna and Sean Penn were spotted together at a tiny New York City restaurant on Thursday, rumours swirled that the former Mr. and Mrs. Penn might be rekindling their romance.
Not so, according to Madonna's longtime publicist Liz Rosenberg, dismissing reports the pair, who divorced in 1989 after a stormy four-year marriage, lingered over a cozy, three-hour-plus dinner at Adour at the St. Regis Hotel.
"Madonna was at the St. Regis having dinner with friends," Rosenberg tells People. "Sean stopped by the table to say hello. He sat for ten minutes and then left. Madonna continued with her dinner. That's all it was."
The New York Post
runs an interesting story today on Page Six, where they report that the one and only Liz Rosenberg is said to be leaving Warner Bros. Records after 38 years because the company can no longer afford her.
Liz is not only Madonna's Validator of her entire career but also publicized other top acts as Cher, Michael Bublé, Stevie Nicks, Chrissie Hynde and Paul Simon.
It's interesting to notice that speculation says Liz may become a free agent and work for the label as a consultant - and if this happens, it could also resolve a sensible knot between Madonna, her former record company, and Live Nation.
Anyway, the best part comes again from the great Liz herself, who was asked to comment on the buzz and said:
"I don't make comments about myself, and I can't imagine where you heard that. I know that there are also rumors that I've been sleeping with George Clooney, but I'm not commenting on that, either."
Madonna attended a special screening of Tom Ford's "A Single Man" hosted by The Cinema Society and Bing at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City yesterday night, marking her return under the media spotlight after her recent trip to Brazil and a short break in Los Angeles.
The Queen of Pop was of course once again stealing the limelight as she made her way into the venue wearing a quilted black coat, towering strappy heels by Dolce & Gabbana and oversized dark shades.
Quotes on Madonna: ''Look who I am. I'm not famous but I'm going to be''
"I never saw Madonna smoking cigarettes as much as other people. She never did coke. That's why she was Madonna, why she became as big as she did: because she was always in control."
The one and only Maripol, commenting one of her iconic polaroid portraits of Madonna photographed inside Danceteria in 1983, on display at the "Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present" exhibition organized by the Brooklyn Museum.
"The picture is talking in a way. It's saying 'Look who I am. I'm not famous but I'm going to be.' She didn't drink much but she liked her Martini. I don't think she smoked. Maybe I gave her the cigarette for attitude."
Scan from this month's issue of "Photo" - Photo by Maripol. Thanks to Sam.
Hundreds of rare rock relics will be auctioned off this Saturday, November 21, by Julien’s Auctions at the Hard Rock Café in Times Square in New York City and online at juliensauctions.com.
Almost all of the items were obtained either from the artists themselves, their estates, or friends and family of the artists, Darren Julien told Today's Meredith Vieira Tuesday in New York, where he showed off some of the items that will go on the block during the “Music Icons” audition.
One unique item is a demo tape an unknown performer named Madonna made in 1979 to send to record companies in an attempt to get a recording contract. Accompanied by an acoustic guitar, it’s just Madonna, her music unadorned by post-production magic and elaborate orchestration.
The songs include "All My Love," "Hear Me", "Simon Says" and "Little Lost Boy," and Julien estimates the tape will bring $1,000 to $2,000, noting that the Material Girl still holds the copyrights to all the songs.
"Very, very tired but very happy as well." Stefano Gabbana briefly tweeted about the long day at the photoshoot for the new campaign with Madonna by Steven Klein. "It's really cold tonight," he added a few minutes after 8 PM local time from New York City.
"We r at the last shot... M she's simply beautiful...", he added one hour before.
The shooting took place in New York City on Friday, as M-Tribe exclusively reported last month. Designer Domenico Dolce was also on the set. Steven Klein also shot Dolce & Gabbana's male campaign on Wednesday.
''You can't just start out and collaborate with Madonna''
Madonna has a nightly grind
From the New York Post:
Madonna is prepared to grind hard to promote man-candy Jesus Luz's career. The pop superstar showed up to catch the tail end of her boyfriend's DJ gig at the DVD release party of Matt Tyrnauer's "Valentino: The Last Emperor" on the 18th floor of the Standard Hotel.
"She was grinding with a bunch of hot fashion guys while Luz spun," says a spy. "She's been tak ing a more active role in promoting him, so she stuck around for a bit and mingled before they left together (right)." Madonna has already given her Brazilian boy-toy's modeling career a push, helping him land a juicy contract with Dolce & Gabbana, although her rep insists she's "not at all involved in managing the career of Jesus Luz."
Also in attendance were Adrian Brody, Charlie Rose, Diane von Furstenberg, Martha Stewart, Marc Jacobs, Katie Lee - who was overheard discussing her new book of recipes in the elevator - and Brian Grazer and his former "culture czar" Brad Grossman.
Jesus Turns DJ
From Contactmusic:
Madonna's model boyfriend Jesus Luz is carving out a new career as a DJ.
The 23-year-old Brazilian, who has been dating the superstar since the beginning of the year, landed his first high profile gig on Wednesday night, playing for the rich and famous at a party for fashion designer Valentino.
The catwalk star took to the decks at New York's Standard Hotel, playing for a star-studded crowd including Hugh Jackman and Adrien Brody - as well his famous girlfriend, who was also in attendance.
But Luz opted not to play any Madonna tracks during his set, saying: "Sometimes I'll play something by her. But she's here tonight and she hears her own stuff almost every day."
The model also insists he won't be collaborating with his lover any time soon - he tells the New York Daily News, "There are steps! You can't just start out and collaborate with Madonna."
Following our exclusive report about Madonna shooting the Dolce & Gabbana campaign this coming Friday, news is just in from New York City that Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce left Milan earlier today and have been busy on the set of their heavily Sicily-themed Men's campaign in Brooklyn.
Madonna attends Valentino's party at the Boom Boom Room
A totally gorgeous Madonna got straight back into the New York City nightlife attending the party for Valentino's "The Last Emperor" documentary at the Boom Boom Room yesterday night.
DJ Jesus Luz was spinning at the mixing booth at the event packed with celebrities such as Adrien Brody, Stephen Daldry, Hugh Jackman, Martha Stewart, as well as designers Marc Jacobs, Narciso Rodriguez and Diane von Furstenberg.
Check out some images of a very hot Madonna and Steven Klein seen leaving the club at our friend Mike's madonnadownload.com website.
Check out some cool new photos taken by M-Tribe contributor Tyler in New York City this past weekend, right across the street from the Ganesvoort Hotel in the meat-packing district.
One side of the corner features several "Celebration" covers plastered on a building facade and when you round the corner, there are two breathtaking, giant Madonna heads with hot pink paint splattered near the bottom-obviously work done by Mr. Brainwash himself.
Tue, October 13
Madonna has a nightly grind
