Cardiff and London VIP Packages on sale now

VIP packages to the Sticky and Sweet Tour at Cardiff and London are on sale now.


There are different packages available - visit www.livenationinternational.com/madonna and click on the appropriate venue.

Swiss Press 20 Minutes

Madonna's Paris concert made the front cover of Swiss newspaper 20 Minutes on Wedneday 08 May - along with an article about 'the kiss'.

And today's edition of the newspaper featured this article about Madonna's tour and rumours of a stop in Zurich.

Thanks to Oliver

Malawi set to approve adoption official

Authorities in Malawi are set to grant full adoption rights of an African boy to US pop star Madonna, a high court official indicated Friday, citing a leaked document.


The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the court in Lilongwe would hear a full review on May 15 of an 18-month interim custody order granted in 2006 for Madonna to adopt David Banda.


The court had also received recommendations from the ministry of women and child development to make the adoption permanent.


The document, referring to Madonna's filmmaker husband Guy Ritchie and herself, said: 'Mr and Mrs Ritchie have shown a strong commitment in providing the infant with all essential needs like love, safe home environment, care, protection, material as well as emotional support.'


The document, filed by an official of the ministry identified as Simon Chisale, said David, the son of peasant farmer Yohane Banda, had 'bonded well with the couple and other key members of the household.'


The report said David, plucked from an orphanage in poor health, 'continues to develop into a happy thriving toddler. His survival, growth and development is excellent.'


The celebrity couple were being monitored at their London home whether they were suitable parents for David by Malawian social workers.


The official said Madonna, who is expected to return to Malawi next week to continue her charity work, will not be required during the hearing, which will be held in camera.


'She will have to come to court to sign the full adoption documents later,' the official said.

From AFP Via Yahoo! News

Russian Magazines Starhit

Madonna was on the cover of Russian magazine Starhit (30 April - 06 May issue) - the magazine featured a four-page article on Madonna.

Thanks to Andrej

Give It 2 Me debuts on Billboard Hot 100

Madonna's next single Give It 2 Me produced by Madonna and The Neptunes, is this week's hot shot debut, entering at the Billboard Hot 100 chart at #57.

Thanks to jct7722

Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour: Date Sheet

Dial M for Madonna - Upcoming Art Show

Albert Crudo's "McDonna: Over a Billion Serviced"

The WOW Storefront Gallery at 6650 Hollywood Blvd is having a spectacular opening on Friday, May 23, called "Dial M for Madonna" and it's all about Madonna inspired art. Over forty artists are showing images of her decades long career in the form of paintings, sculptures, photography and videos. Be sure to check out the conical bra made of chocolate.

E! Online's Marc Malkin enthuses over the upcoming "Dial M for Madonna" art show at the World of Wonder Storefront Gallery. Watch video here.

StubHub Enlisted in Resale Of Madonna Concert Tickets

Madonna's coming concert tour is to feature what appears to be a first in the concert business: An official ticket reseller that will peddle seats at marked-up prices to fans who couldn't get them through normal channels. In the U.S. and Canada, eBay Inc.'s StubHub will serve as the "official fan-to-fan ticket marketplace." In Europe, the role will be filled by Viagogo Ltd., a ticket reseller that also will sell "VIP packages" -- higher-priced tickets that include amenities like backstage passes and meetings with performers.

The Source: The Wall Street Journal

Sticky and Sweet Tour!

*official tour poster nro.2

After giving her old label Warner Brothers one last going-away present with the number one debut of Hard Candy, Madonna is ready to make good on her ten-year contract with Live Nation by launching her Sticky and Sweet Tour. The trek will kick off in Cardiff, Wales, on August 23rd, spin through Europe and then cross the Atlantic for an October 3rd show in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Material Girl will then play stadiums and arenas throughout the U.S. before venturing down for a South America jaunt. Live Nation will produce the tour, Madonna’s first since her record-breaking Confessions tour raked in $260 million in 2006. Ticket prices will be in the $55-$350 range. Full tour dates to the first Sticky and Sweet leg are after the jump.

August 23 - Cardiff @ Millennium Stadium
August 26 - Nice @ Stade Charles Ehrmann
August 28 - Berlin @ Olympic Stadium
September 2 - Amsterdam @ Arena
September 4 - Dusseldorf @ LTU Arena
September 6 - Rome @ Olympic Stadium
September 9 - Frankfurt @ Commerzbank Arena
September 11 - London @ Wembley Stadium
September 20 - Paris @ Stade de France
October 3 - E. Rutherford @ Izod Center
October 6 - New York City @ Madison Square Garden
October 7 - New York City @ Madison Square Garden
October 15 - Boston @ TD BankNorth Garden
October 18 - Toronto @ Air Canada Centre
October 22 - Montreal @ Bell Centre
October 26 - Chicago @ United Center
October 30 - Vancouver @ BC Place Stadium
November 1 - Oakland @ Oracle Arena
November 4 - San Diego @ Petco Park
November 6 - Los Angeles @ Dodger Stadium
November 8 - Las Vegas @ MGM Grand Garden Arena
November 11 - Denver @ Pepsi Center
November 16 - Houston @ Minute Maid Park
November 19 - Philadelphia @ Wachovia Center
November 22 - Atlantic City @ Boardwalk Hall
November 24 - Atlanta @ Philips Arena
November 26 - Miami @ Dolphin Stadium

Madonna Confirms World Tour Details

Madonna has announced that she will begin a world tour in August. The singer's 'Sticky & Sweet' tour will take in 27 arena and stadium shows across Europe and North America, beginning at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on August 23. Further dates, including stops in Mexico and South America, are to be announced later this year.

Tickets go on sale on May 16, with prices for the UK dates beginning at £55.

Madonna's last concert tour, 2006's 'Confessions Tour', grossed more than $260m, making it the most successful tour by a female artist ever.

Madonna to end tour at Dolphin Stadium

Madonna's Sticky and Sweet tour is coming to South Florida, promoters announced Thursday. The tour will wrap up Nov. 26, a Wednesday, with a show at Dolphin Stadium. That's nearly two months after the North American leg of the tour kicks off Oct. 3 in East Rutherford, N.J. It is Madonna's first major tour since 2006. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. May 31.

They are priced at $70, $120, $195 and $390.

Tickets are available at www.livenation.com, www.madonna.com and all TicketMaster outlets or charge-by-phone at: Miami-Dade, 305-358-5885; Broward, 954-523-3309; or Palm Beach, 561-966-3309. There will be a six- ticket per person limit for stadium events.

Madonna World Tour Kicks Off in August!

*official tour poster nro.1

Madonna will kick off her "Sticky and Sweet" world tour on Aug. 23 in Cardiff, Wales, the 49-year-old pop star announced Wednesday. The aptly-titled tour follows the release of her latest chart-topping album Hard Candy.

After Cardiff, the tour will continue through Europe, making stops in France, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy, as well as elsewhere in the U.K., including a Sept. 11 performance at London's Wembley Stadium.

The tour's North American leg kicks off Oct. 3 in East Rutherford, N.J., followed by 17 performances in the U.S. and Canada, including N.Y.C.'s Madison Square Garden on Oct. 6 and Oct. 7, and L.A.'s Dodger Stadium on Nov. 6. The final U.S. date is on Nov. 26 at Miami's Dolphin Stadium. Additional dates in Mexico and South America will also be added, said the tour organizer.

Exclusive Madonna Interview (AT&T)

Check out AT&T blue room’s exclusive interview with the Madonna about her new album, “Hard Candy": http://www.attblueroom.com/music.

Madonna reveals behind the scenes insights into the making of “Hard Candy,” including what it was like to work with Justin Timberlake and Pharrell, as well as background on some of the album’s top songs. Describing “Hard Candy,” Madonna says, “everybody experiences loss, everybody wants something they can’t have, everybody takes things for granted, everybody wants to have fun…so I think [“Hard Candy” has] very universal themes.”

*Thank you to David Fishman from AT&T!

Madonna Stunned By Sexual Cleansing Ritual

Pop superstar Madonna was left shocked and appalled by a bizarre sex ritual which young widows in Malawi have to go through after their husbands die - because it fuels the spread of Aids in the country. In her new documentary I Am Because We Are, Madonna chronicles the plight of the people in the African nation, where she adopted her son David in 2006, and she admits some local customs left her feeling sick.

In one segment of the harrowing new film, the star reveals a young widow is forced to have sex three times with a stranger from outside her village as part of a cleansing ritual. She says, "When this woman's husband dies of Aids, she is required by the village head tribal chief to go through this sexual cleansing. Until she does, basically the village is, like, at a standstill. And, if she refuses to do it, she will be ostracised by everyone."

Madonna Upset Her French Fans

Pop superstar Madonna upset her fans in France on Tuesday night (06May08) after turning up to a concert more than two hours late. The Holiday hitmaker further disgruntled her followers by only giving a 40-minute performance in the nation's capital, Paris.

Dressed in a black T-shirt, trousers and big boots, she finally took to the stage on a big chair by sipping champagne directly from the bottle. She got up from the chair and kissed one of her female dancers - like she did with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards - before performing Hard Candy.

One fan, Melanie Monnier, told WENN after the show, "She is great, but the wait and the shortness of the show were a bit disappointing. There was a real lack of emotion."

And fan Guy Juliean even doubted Madonna was performing live. He said, "The show was perfect - too perfect with no room for any emotion. Was she singing live? I'm not sure. It was good to see her but I'm a bit disappointed by her lack of charisma tonight on stage."

The singer announced her love of France and spoke of the honour of performing on the same stage as the iconic French chanteuse Edith Piaf, or fellow legends Juliette Greco and Marlene Dietrich. Lenny Kravitz, John Galliano and Kelly Rowland were among the crowd to see her perform four singles from her new album Hard Candy, as well as Hung up and Music.

Robyn Rules Out Working With Madonna

Swedish singer Robyn has ruled out a possible duet with Madonna - because she's more of a "celebrity" than a musician.

Robyn insists she wouldn't work with the Material Girl until she concentrates on her career rather than her status in the media spotlight. The star says, "I don't expect to work with her! Anyway, I don't collaborate with celebs, I work with musicians."

O'Donnell Pushing Madonna To Direct Nip/Tuck Episode

Rosie O'Donnell is hoping to persuade pal Madonna to direct an episode of hit plastic surgery drama Nip/Tuck, after playing a recurring role on the show. The actress and U.S. TV personality has played lottery winner Dawn Budge on a handful of episodes of Nip/Tuck, since making a naked debut in 2006 - and now she wants her pal to get on the set.

Show regular Kelly Carlson says, "Madonna's been approached because Rosie is on our show and they're very good friends. I've begged the producers to get her on the show. She has such a great mind for stuff like this that I think she'd be a great director for an episode. I would also love to have Madonna on as a character."

David Banda's Father on Madonna Film

Some 100 miles from Malawi's capital, the dusty village of Lipunga has no movie theaters or video players, let alone electricity. But villager Yohane Banda has at least heard that Madonna's new documentary is meant to draw attention to this southern African country's poverty. It's a subject Banda knows well. Poverty forced him to put his son in an orphanage — and now Madonna is on the verge of adopting his son, David Banda, who turns 3 in September.

Banda said David's mother died when his son was just a month old. He believed that he could not care for him alone and that placing him in an orphanage was his "surest" chance to survive. "After losing two sons, I really wanted David to survive," Banda said in a telephone interview Monday. Two children born earlier had died in childbirth, as did a third baby his second wife bore after David was sent to the orphanage.

Banda, a peasant farmer who ekes out a living growing maize, tomatoes and potatoes, said he used to ride a bicycle to visit his son at the orphanage. When he wasn't able to go, David's grandmother would visit. "It isn't true that we abandoned him," Banda said in Chichewa.

Banda said he had originally planned to bring David home when he was old enough to eat solid food. Instead, the pastor who runs the orphanage came to him some two years ago to say a "rich white woman" was interested in adopting David. "We sat down as a family to consider it. After banging our heads together we thought this was good for David so we readily agreed," Banda said.

Banda said that when he met the singer and her husband in a Lilongwe court in 2006, when a judge gave the celebrity couple temporary custody of David, he was promised he would be seeing his son occasionally. The judge is expected to rule on Madonna's adoption request later this month. Last month, two reports by a Malawian child welfare officer who had visited David in London were released, recounting that David has "bonded well" with Madonna's family, and recommending the adoption be approved.

When "I Am Because We Are," the documentary Madonna produced and narrated, premiered at New York's Tribeca Film Festival last month, an audience member asked the pop diva about the difficulty of adopting children from Malawi. "It's a new concept, the concept of adoption, consequently it's very, very time-consuming," she said. "I guess if you really want to do it you have to be willing to walk through the fire."

The film shows poverty and disease devastating the lives of Malawi's children, and urges people to volunteer. Madonna provides food, education and shelter for Malawian children through her Raising Malawi organization, and first met David while setting up her charity projects here.

Madonna At The Top

It's a busy week at the top of the The Billboard 200, with Madonna's "Hard Candy" leading the action at No. 1. It is the artist's seventh chart-topper, the second-most among all female artists -- only Barbra Streisand, with eight, has more. The Warner Bros. set moved 280,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. After racing 68-3 last month, the diva's single "4 Minutes" featuring Justin Timberlake gave Madonna her 37th top 10 hit -- the most of any artist in the rock era. Until now, she and Elvis Presley were tied with 36 apiece.

Fortissimo Takes Madonna's Docu

Foreign sales company Fortissimo Films has picked up international rights to Madonna's Malawi documentary "I Am Because We Are." Pic preemed at Tribeca and will also screen at Cannes, where it will be presented as part of amFAR's annual Cinema Without Aids fund-raising event. "Because" examines the plight of the African country that has been struck down with the AIDS epidemic. It is predominantly told through the stories of orphaned children, but also includes interviews with Bill Clinton, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Professor Jeffrey Sachs and Dr. Paul Farmer. Directed by first-time helmer Nathan Rissman, pic is produced, written and narrated by Madonna. Hong Kong- and Amsterdam-based Fortissimo handles all rights outside North America, where the pic is repped by CAA.

Madonna Goes French

It was a case of recycling rather than reinvention for Madonna last night as she pulled out her tried and tested move - a lesbian kiss - during her show in Paris last night. The singer, who is rapidly approaching 50, locked lips with one of her female backing dancers during a private concert in the French capital, just like she did with Britney Spears at the MTV Awards more than five years ago. She told the 1,500-strong crowd at the Olympia: "Why do I have this relationship with France? I'm always drawn to working with French people - and frenching French people. Vive la France!"

It is the latest attention grabbing tactic in less than a week by Madonna, who is apparently rather eager to keep her crown as the Queen of Pop in the youth-obsessed music world. The mother of three spent almost every second of her track Four Minutes bumping and grinding against Justin Timberlake during a recent show in New York.

Last night Madonna was keen to feel the love from her audience, asking her fans: "Who do you love more, me or the Rolling Stones?" Her fans responded with cheers to which she said: "I thought you might say that."

She reprised her spot on her black-and-gold throne, wearing a black satin bodice, satin pants and tailcoat with pink lining, lace-up boots with six-inch heels for the half-hour set. Madonna is in the throes of promoting Hard Candy, her 10th chart-topping album.

UK Press South Wales Echo

Today's edition of Welsh newspaper the South Wales Echo featured this news that the Millenium Girl will be starting her tour in Cardiff.

Thanks to Nicky

38th #1 on Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play

4 Minutes has become Madonna's 38th #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play chart. Unfortunately the track falls two places to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Here is how Madonna is performing on other Billboard charts:

#1 - Billboard European Hot 100


#1 - Billboard Canadian Hot 100


#1 - Billboard Hot Singles Sales


#1 - Billboard Hot Dance Single Sales


#1 - Billboard Comprehensive Album 'Hard Candy'


#1 - Top Internet Album 'Hard Candy'


#1 - Top Digital Album 'Hard Candy'


#2 - Billboard Hot Dance Airplay


#3 - Billboard Pop 100


#3 - Billboard Hot Digital Songs


#4 - Billboard Hot Digital Tracks


#7 - Billboard Pop Airplay


#11 - Billboard Hot 100 Airplay

Thanks to Micheal

Sticky & Sweet Tour Tour Posters

Here is the first look at how the tour will be promoted in the media - below is the two different versions of the tour poster.

Thanks to Cécile

Sticky & Sweet Tour ICON Presales

Fans who are members of Madonna's official fanclub, ICON (members before 01 May 2008), should visit tickets.madonna.com to find out the conditions and details about pre-sale tickets for the tour.

Sticky & Sweet Tour Itinerary

Here is the current tour itinerary for the Sticky & Sweet Tour - additional dates and venues are to be announced and dates in South America and Mexico will follow later.

Official Press Release Sticky & Sweet Tour

Madonna, the world's tastiest sweetheart, has announced more non-stop treats for her legions of legendary and devoted fans. Following the latest news that 'HARD CANDY' has debuted at Number 1 around the globe, it has been confirmed that Madonna's 'STICKY & SWEET TOUR' will begin (hip) hopping around the world on August 23rd in Cardiff, Wales with stops in major European markets through September including London (11-September) and Paris (20-September).


The North American leg of the 'STICKY & SWEET TOUR' begins October 3rd at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with stops at New York's Madison Square Garden on October 6th and 7th, followed by performances in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and more before stopping at Miami's Dolphin Stadium on November 26th. Madonna's 'STICKY & SWEET' tour will also visit Mexico and South America later this year. (Show dates, and on sale information in these markets will follow at a later date.)


Confirmed today by Guy Oseary, Madonna's manager and Arthur Fogel, Live Nation's CEO Global Touring and Chairman Global Music, who is producing the tour, 'STICKY & SWEET' will play arenas and stadiums throughout Europe and North America including a number of cities where Madonna has not performed in the past fifteen years.


'STICKY & SWEET' will be directed by Madonna's long time creative collaborator Jamie King. The musical director will be Kevin Antunes. For complete tour and ticket information, fans can visit: www.livenation.com and www.madonna.com

TICKETS: Tickets for 'Sticky & Sweet' will go on sale beginning Friday, May 16th in London, Paris, Cardiff and Nice followed by on sales Saturday, May 17th in Amsterdam, Boston and Chicago with E. Rutherford and New York City on sale Monday, May 19th. Additional on-sales vary and are listed below or available at www.livenation.com and www.madonna.com. There will be a 4 ticket limit per person at the arena performances and a 6 ticket per person limit for stadium events.

MADONNA.COM: Icon is Madonna's official fan club. Legacy members of Icon get first access to tickets starting May 12th, 2008. Fan club members who join May 1st and later will not have access to presale tickets. However, all ticket buyers for the tour get a free trial one year Virtual Icon membership which provides access to the largest digital archive of Madonna photos online, a social networking community of dedicated Madonna fans, contests, news and much more. Sign up for Icon at Madonna.com today.

Citi:: 'We are proud to provide Citi® cardmembers with access to one of the most anticipated tours of 2008,' said Vik Atal, Chairman and CEO, Citi Cards. 'The Madonna tour is a great example of the benefits of our alliance with Live Nation which enables us to offer our cardmembers exceptional experiences through our innovative Private Pass Program.' Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday May 13th at 10am ET through Citi's Private Pass Program®. For complete presale details visit: privatepass.citi.com. *Applicable for Sticky & Sweet shows in the U.S.

www.stubhub.com: StubHub is the official fan-to-fan ticket marketplace for Madonna's North American Tour 2008.* StubHub is the world's largest ticket marketplace enabling fans to buy and sell tickets to a vast selection of nearly 30,000 sports, concert theatres and other live entertainment events. StubHub reinvented the ticket resale market in 2000 and continues to lead through innovation. The company's unique online marketplace, dedicated solely to tickets, provides all fans the choice to buy or sell their tickets in a safe, convenient and highly reliable environment.


All transactions are processed and delivered via StubHub's patent-pending Fan Network (SM ticket delivery service, supported by seven-day toll free customer service at 1-866-STUBHUB and backed by an industry-first Fan Protect Guarantee. *Applicable for Sticky & Sweet shows in Canada & the U.S. (excluding Mexico)

www.viagogo.co.uk: viagogo is the Official Premium Ticketing Partner for Madonna's European Tour 2008*. Premium tickets and VIP packages will be available from Friday 16th May on www.viagogo.co.uk.


In addition, viagogo will be the Official Secondary Ticketing Exchange where fans can buy and sell their tickets. viagogo facilitates the exchange between someone who wants to sell and someone who wants to buy a ticket for a live event. It guarantees that buyers receive their tickets in time for the show and sellers receive payment. viagogo is Europe's leading ticket exchange. *Not applicable for Sticky & Sweet shows in Germany & Italy.

French Press Le Parisien

Madonna's Paris concert was featured in French newspaper Le Parisien yesterday - click to enlarge.

UK Press Metro

Wednesdays edition of UK city newspaper the Metro feature this picture from the Paris show - and as much as we would like to think she did pull a random fan out of the crowd - it is infact one of her dancers she is kissing!

Madonna to announce Summer tour

Madonna's upcoming tour will begin Aug. 23 in Cardiff, Wales, and will include between 50-60 shows total, Billboard.com has learned. Details of the tour, produced globally by Live Nation, will be announced later today (May 8). Billed as the Sticky and Sweet tour, Madonna's trek in support of her current chart-topping Warner Bros. release "Hard Candy" -- which debuted atop the Billboard 200 yesterday -- will play stadiums in the U.K. and Europe until the end of September, arenas and a "handful" of stadiums in 16 markets in North America in October and November, and then stadiums in Mexico and South America late November-December. "I'm thrilled to be involved in another worldwide Madonna extravaganza," Arthur Fogel, chairman of global music for Live Nation, tells Billboard.com. Fogel has helmed Madonna's last three world tours, which grossed almost $400 million combined. Her 2006 Confessions tour is, at $194 million, the top-grossing tour ever by a female artist. The upcoming tour is the first major manifestation of the multi-faceted 10-year deal between Madonna and Live Nation, valued in published reports at $120 million. "The reality is she's delivered her last album to Warner Bros., and it's a smash, which is great for everybody," Fogel says. "We now have a tremendous opportunity with a tremendous artist to do all kinds of new and innovative things on many different levels, and this tour will be the start of that rollout." The tour follows a familiar Madonna touring blueprint in that it visits a limited number of markets in a four-month time frame, with multi-night stands in major cities. Ticket on-sale details will be announced today, along with a presale through Live Nation's corporate sponsorship partner Citi. Fogel says ticket prices will be "basically the same as they've been the past two tours," which means primarily in the $55-$350 range.

From Billboard.com - thanks to Christopher

Madonna hits #1 on Billboard

Madonna's Hard Candy has reached the #1 spot on Billboard - the album is the Madonna's seventh chart-topper, the second-most among all female artists with only Barbra Streisand beats Madonna with eight.

According to Nielsen SoundScan the album sold 280,000 to make #1.

Thanks to Terry

Paris Sticky and Sweat

Paris was hot yesterday, but Madonna made the Olympia Hall in Paris last night THE hottest place in town.


Fans had queued for hours, even days, to enter the show. Along with competition winners from ICON and NRJ, 500 tickets were given away at the door on the day of the show.


Before the show NRJ promotion staff handed out lollipops and sweets to waiting fans and curious onlookers, who must have been wondering what was happening - however they only had to look up at the Olympia's marquee to see that Madonna was in residence that night.

ICON winners were let in first and secured front row spots against the barriers, then other fans were let in, trying to grab a prime viewing spot. Meanwhile upstairs in the balcony, press photographers set up as the guests settled into their seats.


Every so often, the floor audience would cheer and wave as a French celebrity was spotted, and just before the show started Lenny Kravitz arrived and delighted a young fan by kissing her on the hand and making her day - along with waving at the fans below in the crowd.

To keep fans amused while they waiting in the hall there was a DJ playing a set, who was later followed by Madonna's DJ from the band, who played some Candy-themed songs to help hype up the crowd.

The hall was heating up into one large sweatbox, and it soon became a case of 'sticky and sweat', rather than 'sticky and sweet'.

Due onstage at 10:00pm, fans waited until just after 10:30pm before she arrived!


The room went black, fans surged forward, the Hard Candy album covers that had featured on the electronic screens faded away and the show was upon us - the Queen arrived on her throne ready to invite us into her candy shop!


Seeing Candy Shop live brought a new perspective to the song, not being one of madonnalicious' favourites on the album, the live version totally rocks, whether it is the energetic performance of the song, or just seeing Madonna's enthusiasm, it is great and would be a super tour opening number.

A bottle of champagne, an acoustic guitar, and a kiss on the lips for a female dancer (shock horror - the press will love that!) follow before Madonna starts Miles Away, dedicating it to all those who were 'afraid to love'. The simplest performance of the night, but Madonna still reacting to the crowd, even giving a massive wink for those in the balcony.

Again the room goes black and fans feel another show-stopping performance is on it's way. The video screens light up and 4 Minutes begins - with no Justin in person - just on the screen!


For those who watched the Roseland show, the choreography works just as well with Madonna reacting, dancing, writhing over the video-version of Justin. The clever routine is a hit, and shows just how much preparation had gone into these promo shows.

Madonna then mentions the other great artists who have been on this stage, Edith Piaf, Marlene Dietrich, we all think we are going to get a moving speech, that is until she screams....'But they're all dead!'.

A hard rock version of Hung Up follows, with Madonna rocking out on the electric guitar, ending the song with her grinding her guitar against the amp.

And now Give It 2 Me, the second single. Again what a great performance, this time Madonna wears a pair of 'geeky' glasses, it all adds to the light hearted feel of the night. Madonna appears to be really enjoying the show, winking, laughing, interacting with the audience. She is performing sharper dance moves than some of the younger dancers!

Now the last song, Music - fans know it is the end, but give it their all, dancing, clapping, trying to reciprocate all the energy Madonna put into her performance.

For those lucky 1,500 who attended the show, it was a night to remember, and as fans filtered out of the venue, the occasional chant of My sugar is RAW! could be heard echoing along the boulevard!

Madonna's Paris Show Speech

madonnalicious reader Jeyan attended the show last night, and filmed this clip of Madonna's speech to the fans before she performed Hung Up.

'Who do you love more, me or the Rolling Stones'

Pop diva Madonna turned sexy hard-rock queen for a night at a private concert in Paris Tuesday night, telling her fans she loves to french-kiss the French as she ground away at an electric guitar.


Wearing black from head to toe, her blonde curls loose to her shoulders, Madonna put on a high-voltage half-hour show for a privileged 1,500 fans to mark the release of 'Hard Candy', her 10th chart-topping album.


'Who do you love more, me or the Rolling Stones?' she asked the crowd packing the Olympia, a mythical concert hall near the Paris opera, before launching into a ear-popping heavy-metal version of her mega-hit, 'Hung Up'.


'I thought you might say that,' quipped the queen of pop, who turns 50 on August 16, as the adoring crowd roared back their answer.


The Material Girl made her stage entrance seated in a black-and-gold fairytale throne, wearing a black satin bodice, satin pants and tailcoat with pink lining, lace-up boots with six-inch heels, and twirling a magician's wand.


Madonna told the concert hall it was 'a historical moment' for her to be performing on the same stage as the iconic French chanteuse Edith Piaf, or fellow legends Juliette Greco and Marlene Dietrich.


'Why do I have this relationship with France? I'm always drawn to working with French people - and frenching French people,' she quipped. 'Vive la France!'


Despite lukewarm reviews, Madonna's hip hop-influenced new album 'Hard Candy', co-written and produced with former N-Sync singer Justin Timberlake, and hip hop stars Timbaland and Pharrell Williams, shot straight to the top of the charts in France and across Europe upon its release last week.


Madonna has described the title as 'a juxtaposition of tough and sweetness' - but her performance in Paris was tough from start to finish.


Flanked by an electriying crew of hip-hop dancers and surrounded by pulsing video screens, Madonna ground, bumped, skipped and jumped her way through four of her new tracks - including the chart-topping 'Four Minutes' - as well as the now classic 'Music' and 'Hung Up'.


The magician's gear and heeled boots quickly gave way to dance-friendly running shoes and sleeveless black top, before she pulled out the saturated electric guitar for a heavy-metal sounding finale.


'Hard Candy' is Madonna's last album on the Warner label before she takes up her astronomical 120-million-dollar (78-million-euro), 10-year deal with US concert promoter Live Nation.


The Paris gig was the second of three private concerts being held to mark its launch, after New York on April 30 and before London on May 10.


One third of tickets went to listeners of the French radio station NRJ, which organised the French event, with the rest snapped up by VIPs and fans in the know, from France and elsewhere.


Andrew Stewart, 37, has seen Madonna 17 times on stage since 1987 and flew in from Thailand specially to catch the show.


'She's just the most amazing performer,' said the British web designer. 'She doesn't compare to anyone.'

From AFP Via Yahoo!

Press Pictures L'Olympia Paris

Here are the first selection of press pictures from last night in Paris.

From AFP / AP / Reuters Via Yahoo! News

US TV VH1 Countdown

Madonna is scheduled to be on VH1 Countdown on Saturday 10 May (probably a pre-recorded interview as she is performing in Kent that day).

Fans should submit votes for 4 Minutes - the video is in the Top 5 and but it would be great to have the song #1 on the day she appears on the show.

Please vote at www.vh1.com/shows/series/top_20_countdown/vote

Thanks to Jason

Fans and L'Olympia ready for Madonna

madonnalicious reader Olivier sent in these pictures from outside L'Olympia venue before the show yesterday evening in Paris:

Walked by Olympia Hall tonight before Madonna's show. No luck for me, I couldn't get in! I took a couple shots from outside.
There was a large crowd, 'NRJ Loves Madonna' posters everywhere, girls handing out candies to those on line, NRJ Radio limos with Madonna's CD cover on them and a great large Madonna display on the Olympia front!

And here are some pictures madonnalicious took of the ICON winners tickets and wristbands allowing them entrance to the venue.

Another season, another Nip/Tuck rumour

Rosie O'Donnell is hoping to persuade pal Madonna to direct an episode of hit plastic surgery drama Nip/Tuck, after playing a recurring role on the show.


The actress and U.S. TV personality has played lottery winner Dawn Budge on a handful of episodes of Nip/Tuck, since making a naked debut in 2006 - and now she wants her pal to get on the set.


Show regular Kelly Carlson says, 'Madonna's been approached because Rosie is on our show and they're very good friends. I've begged the producers to get her on the show.'


'She has such a great mind for stuff like this that I think she'd be a great director for an episode. I would also love to have Madonna on as a character.'

From contactmusic.com

German Magazines gab

Madonna is featured on the cover of the May 2008 edition of Frankfurt's GAY magazine gab. Fans can download the magazine at www.gab-magazin.de

Thanks to Greg

Madonna's New York Apartment

Madonna's place in Upper West Side Manhattan, designed by her brother, Christopher. I wouldn't necessarily feel comfortable in a place like this, quite clinical in my opinion, even if luxurious. I like the colors though and the paintings. Note: Images might not be current. Source: Architectural Digest Magazine. *Thanks to Spygurl.

"Hard Candy" Official Commercials

Commercials for Hard Candy - the same commercials also ran in Finland.

Short Clip From Madonna's Paris Show

Clip from Paris Hard Candy promo concert. So she wore glasses there? Looks like those glasses worn by her daughter, when they left the Kabbalah center recently. Hmm. Gave them to her, ha?

Madonna "Britney-Kisses" Dancer In Paris Show

Madonna performed at The Olympia in Paris - 6th of May - and got some on-stage action from a backup dancer... Searching repetion... Oh, Britney and Christina, VMA's! Only one difference here: this time it doesn't seem that cool nor provocative - more so it looks like she is french kissing a kid.

Lindsay Clydesdale: "Madonna Has Diluted Her Image"

"She's done the virgin look, the dominatrix, the pretend lesbian and the charity do-gooder but Madonna's latest image change is by far her worst. On the publicity trail for her new single with Justin Timberlake, she's tried to reinvent herself by teaming up with a younger star. Unfortunately, instead of making her look youthful and sexy, the pictures of Madge pinning Justin to a wall while she writhed against him and thrust her groin at the cameras, were cringe-worthy. Rather than raising pulses, the only thing rising among many fans was bile in throats. Who is this embarrassing old lady trying and failing to prove she's still got "it"?

Yes she has an incredibly fit body and her face looks suspiciously smooth for a woman who turns 50 in August. But is there any need to push it, literally in poor Justin's case, in our faces? She can wear what she likes but there's a chance her choice of hooker boots, leotards and an allergy to bras are a bid to distract us from her music which, let's be honest, isn't her strong point.

Problem is, neither is her image now.

Her 30-year career has only lasted this long due to her ability to change her look from album to album but now reality and middle-age has set in, it's not so easy to hoodwink fans. They've seen the spreads in the glossy magazines where she poses in Barbour and wellies with horses on her country estate. They've watched her read the twaddle she penned in spiritual books for kids, in tea dress and pearls. And they couldn't miss the furore over her adoption of a baby from Malawi.

Madonna has diluted her image to the point where her life seems to be style over substance. Her reputation is a mess of conflicting messages - get your boobs out for the boys, dress chastely for the kids, save the planet, smash the system, blame religion, use religion. I don't know if even she knows what she stands for any more. And yet the constants in her life are her husband and three kids. When she's not trying to sell us something from the vast industry that is Madonna, she seems perfectly happy to drop the sexual aggressor act and be a mum and wife.

And at her age, why not?

So when Madonna decides to release another album and accompany it with shots of her perched on a throne with her legs spread and brandishing a cane, it makes us gulp but for all the wrong reasons. It's just too embarrassing, like catching your parents having sex or imagining the Queen on the loo.

If Madonna still thinks she's hot, it's probably down to her menopausal hormones. Here's hoping her next reinvention will be "Madonna in retirement"."

Source: Glasgow Daily Record, writer Lindsay Clydesdale.