In the last week, over 30,000 of you added your names to Madonna's statement, requesting the release of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga – the Malawi couple sentenced to 14 years hard labor for the “crime” of homosexuality. After a global outcry, Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika has pardoned the couple. Madonna has released the following statement:
We celebrate this astounding turn of events with Steven, Tiwonge, and the countless Malawians fighting for their release. It is a historic day for Malawi.
Though they are free from prison, sadly their safety and future in Malawi is still unknown. I hope this is just the beginning of our work together.
Human rights injustices continue for so many Malawians facing poverty, disease, and a lack of critical resources. There are still over two million orphans and vulnerable children who need to experience love’s embrace.
It is going to take the love and creativity of all of us to bring justice to the people of Malawi.
—Madonna
Did studying Eastern philosophy help keep you grounded when you were travelling with Madonna? I just imagine, being so young in this exciting, glamorous life…
It always did, and more and more as I developed and grew in that experience. I was touring with a major superstar when I was 21. I was completely lost in it. I wanted to be just like Madonna. I was always comparing myself to her: how can you not? She was my big, famous sister. I was trying to be as pretty as her, as glamorous as her, have nice clothes like her. Here I am, [thinking] I can never have those kinds of clothes: Dolce and Gabbana morning and night. Maybe some day, but not right now! I was constantly trying to compare myself. … But I learned. There was enough time in between working with her that I could go out, do my own thing and develop myself. Every time I came back to do a big tour, it was such a reflection to me of where I was at. Pretty soon, like the last time I toured in that capacity, I felt such incredible love for the audience: that oneness. I didn’t feel I was up on stage. I just realized that’s what it was all about – that’s what I wanted it to be about. I wasn’t into being on stage and being worshipped for myself – doing it as a character role is one thing. But having already gotten out there, my awareness had really changed a lot.
You weren’t on her last tour. Is that change in awareness why?
I think inside I knew it was coming, but I was also pregnant and having my baby. I remember thinking, “I don’t think it’s going to happen.” I remember in that moment, I already missed it: “I’m not going to be on another Madonna tour!” But she’s a person who moves on. She fills a space and moves on. She has a lot of people who work for her, and this is part of the natural experience. I can go down my path and do my thing. I keep it open: when you work with someone for so long you keep it open to work with them again. Maybe not in the same capacity: I’d love to do more benefits and big events, and support her in that way.
Source: Stuff Magazine
Thanks to Tibreton from News-Of-Madonna
Christina Aguilera has confirmed that her latest video features several deliberate references to Madonna.
The singer, who took to the stage with Madonna and Britney Spears for a notorious performance at the 2003 VMAs, used her 'Not Myself Tonight' clip to salute the pop queen's legacy.
"One of my favourite videos ever is 'Express Yourself' by Madonna which came across as really strong and empowering which I always try to incorporate through my expression of sexuality," Aguilera said.
"I love the direct reference I made to Madonna with the eye glass moment and the smoke and stairs. I was paying tribute to a very strong woman who has paved the way before."
'Not Myself Tonight', the lead single from Aguilera's upcoming album Bionic, is available to download now.
Source: D&G Facebook
Madonna has found her Duchess of Windsor – and it’s all thanks to Margaret Thatcher.
The singer has injected some energy into her once troubled film W.E., about Edward VIII’s Abdication crisis and the so-called romance of the century between Edward and twice-divorced Wallis Simpson, by casting rising star Andrea Riseborough, who portrayed the young Mrs Thatcher in BBC drama The Long Walk To Finchley, as Mrs Simpson, who later became the Duchess of Windsor.
In W.E. (it stands for Wallis and Edward), the script calls for the Duchess’s age to range from late 20s to late 60s.
Colin Vaines, W.E.’s producer, told me Madonna was particularly struck by how well Andrea portrayed the former prime minister – and also by her performance as a schoolgirl in Sam Taylor Wood’s short film Love You More.
‘She was just amazed at how Andrea can go across the full range,’ Vaines added.
Vaines told me Madonna’s ‘passionate about making and telling the story of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor’, though it will be told through the eyes of a contemporary figure, an American woman named Wally who becomes fascinated by the Windsor love affair when there’s an exhibition of the Duchess’s valuables before an auction in New York.
Abi Cornish, as this column revealed in January, will play Wally while Oscar Isaac, the hot American actor, will play a highly educated security guard who falls in love with the married Wally.
(Isaac can be seen on big screens at the moment as King John in the new Robin Hood picture.)
Andrea told me how she and Madonna initially met for 90 minutes to discuss the part when Vera Farmiga withdrew after becoming pregnant.
‘Madonna has read pretty much every book on the Duke and Duchess and I have been absorbing as much as possible about the Duchess, and speaking to people who knew her.
‘What’s fascinating is that this is the woman a king gave up the crown for, and that must have been such a heavy responsibility for her, as well as him.
‘She begged him to remain on the throne – she would rather have stayed as his mistress.
‘And I wonder what it must have been like after the Abdication? Did they hate each other or did they love each other? They were so compelling and enigmatic,’ Andrea told me.
Filming will begin in July on locations in London, Paris and New York, and the script has gone through several rewrites since I last read it and now seems much stronger.
Could it be that I have misjudged Her Maj and that the film won’t be bonkers after all?
Her people in Cannes told me that Madonna has realised that she has to focus totally on the film.
‘She can’t just snap her fingers and things happen, as has sometimes been the case on other projects. She understands that she has to roll her sleeves up and work harder than everyone else on the movie’s payroll,’ I was told.
Well, for now at least, I bow to Madonna.
Source: Daily Mail
Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga will spend the next 14 years in a Malawi jail, sentenced to hard labor.
They aren't murderers. They didn't steal. In fact, they didn't commit a crime.
They were convicted of homosexuality.
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.
Please add your name to mine in a pledge of support for the freedom to love:
http://www.raisingmalawi.org/FreedomToLove
I am shocked and saddened by the recent decision made by the Malawian court. As a matter of principle, I believe in equal rights for all people, no matter what their gender, race, color, religion, or sexual orientation.
This week, 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 will not sit back and be silent while two men are sentenced to 14 years hard labor simply for loving each other. I hope you will add your name to mine, and speak out to your friends and family on this issue:
http://www.raisingmalawi.org/FreedomToLove
Love,
Madonna
Source: Raising Malawi
Lady Gaga recently gave an interview to French Magazine Les inrocks. Of course and once again, the name Madonna is all over it…
Les inrocks - Why did you dedicate your album to Prince, Madonna, David Bowie and Andy Warhol ?
Lady Gaga - I’ve been listening to Prince and Madonna a lot. David Bowie and Andy Warhol are inspiring me. For me they are major artists because the visual aspect of their music is very strong. When I’m home listing to the radio and Prince, Bowie or Madonna’s music is being played, I see something, which isn’t the case with many other singers.
Les inrocks - Did you say that you were the new Madonna?
Lady Gaga - I never said that. I’m very angry when I read this so-called quote. From the beginning of my career people have been saying that I was the new Madonna. So take note of this: I DON’T THINK OF MYSELF AS THE NEW MADONNA!
Les inrocks - You’re blond and an Italian from New York... Don’t you think there’s room for comparison?
Lady Gaga - I do have the utmost respect for her. In some ways it’s indecent to ask a kid like me who’s been around for five minutes if I think I’m the next pop icon. It’s like ‘Who do you think you are?’ You have to let me accomplish more before you call me a pop icon.
Les inrocks - But do you want to be a pop icon?
Lady Gaga - If I wanna rule the world? The answer is yes. I think that secretly everyone wants to rule the world. But most people are afraid to say so.
Source: Absolument Madonna
Madonna is urging the citizens of Malawi to back an appeal to free two jailed gay men, branding their incarceration "backward".
On Thursday (20 May 10), Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga were sentenced to 14 years in prison, including hard labour, because they are homosexual.
Gay icon Madonna, who adopted two of her children, David and Mercy, from the country, is fuming over the court's decision to imprison the men - and is calling for their release.
In a statement to Access Hollywood, she says, "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."
Source: ContactMusic
It's official - the music of Madonna will be coming back to "Glee." Series head honcho Ryan Murphy confirmed the rumors on Monday at the Peabody Awards in New York City.
"We are, we're doing a sequel to the Madonna[episode]," he told Access Hollywood.
Earlier this season, "Glee" broke tradition and devoted an entire episode to only Madonna songs, but the date when Madonna will reign supreme for a second time, musically anyway, on the show is the only thing that has to be nailed down. When asked if it will occur next season, Murphy said, "Probably. Yeah."
Madonna is a fan of the show, after having watched it with her teenage daughter, Lourdes, and the rumors continue to run rampant that she will make a cameo on the hit FOX program.
"I can't say," Ryan told Access about Madge's rumored role. "But she's sort of the muse of our show, I think now." She loves the show and has supported it. She gets the show is about arts education and so she's very supportive about that."
Source: Yahoo News
Dolce & Gabbana and Madonna introduce MDG: the new sunglasses collection personally designed by the pop star in collaboration with Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.
The collection includes 6 style and will be available online for sale soon.
Source: D&G Youtube channel
Thanks to Fredddyyy!
No new music yet… she’s going to direct a film.. Once thats done, we will head back to the recording studio..
We are very happy with “Glee”.. working with Ryan Murphy was perfect.. He’s so talented.. and a true visionary..
Sources: Twitter, All About Madonna
Madonna was "obsessed" with writing the script for 'W.E.'.
The 51-year-old singer admits she has spent more than two years preparing the film, which tells the tale of Britain's King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne to marry US divorcee Wallis Simpson.
She said: "I've been writing it for the last two and a half years, to tell you the truth. It's been kind of an obsession of mine. I started writing it when I finished filming 'Filth and Wisdom'.
"It's set mostly in pre-World War II England-like, 1936 to 1937-and then in New York in 1998. It goes back and forth in time. I use the Sotheby's auction in 1998 of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's estate as a device to flash backward from."
Madonna also claims the biopic - which is rumoured to star Ewen McGregor - will have a large budget as it is "about a bunch of rich people".
She told Interview magazine: "I didn't realize it when we were writing the script, but once I started casting and planning and working with my production designer, I went, 'Oh, f**k. I wrote a script about a bunch of rich people. That's going to be great for the budget.'
"The Duchess has, like, 80 costume changes. She was dressed by Balenciaga and Christian Dior and Vionnet and Schiaparelli. Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels made most of her jewellery. A lot of the actual stuff is in museum archives."
Actress Abbie Cornish recently revealed the 'Celebration' hitmaker was working hard on the movie.
She said: "She's studied every aspect of what happened with Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII.
"It's a fascinating insight into class and romance. Madonna's created a contemporary woman - who I will play - called Wally, who is fascinated by what happened to Mrs. Simpson."
Source: ContactMusic
Madonna has admitted she is so focused on raising her family and making a movie, she has put her music career on hold.
The '4 Minutes' hitmaker - who has children Lourdes, 13, Rocco, nine, Mercy, five, and David, four - admits she is so focused on raising her family and working on her forthcoming movie 'W.E.' that she hasn't the "time or energy" to make a record.
She said: "I haven't really been focused as much as I should be on the music part of my career, because the movie has consumed every inch of me.
"Between that and my four children, I don't have the time or energy for anything else."
The 51-year-old star admitted she has been so distracted by her other ventures, she doesn't even know how her music will be released when she finally finds the time to record again.
She added to Interview magazine: "It's weird. I don't have a record deal right now with anybody. I don't know how I'm going to get my music out the next time I make a record.
"I'm going to have to reinvent the wheel. For example, I do appreciate that lots of people worked long and hard putting together things like the DVD of the 'Sticky and Sweet' tour that we just released, and I have seen the finished product, but I have got no idea how people are going to find out about it or how it's going to be sold. I think I have a fan club - well, that's what they say."
Source: ContactMusic
Madonna’s photoshoot for the May issue of “Interview” magazine can be seen at Interview.com. On this site you will also be able to read whole interview and watch a “making of” video.
In an unprecedented career move, Madonna is covering up -- well, her eye, at least.
In the May issue of Interview magazine, the Material Mom, who also appears on the cover, is seen striking a pose with one of her peepers modestly covered by an eye patch.
Though she's known for setting trends, 51-year-old Madonna seems to have pirated the look from fellow one-named wonder Rihanna, who rocked an eye patch during her 2008 American Music Awards performance and in last year's "Wait Your Turn" video.
For the rest of the Interview shoot -- photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott -- Madonna borrowed liberally from herself: The entertainer is adorned in heavy chain-link necklaces and bracelets reminiscent of the bangles she wore in her photo shoot with Gary Heery for her 1983 debut album.
And, in other nodes to her past, the sultry singer flashes some visible bra strap and a black-lace glove, both of which she helped make popular back in her boy-toy days.
Madonna, who discusses her early career with the magazine, is set to launch a line of fashions for juniors for Macy's in August and will release a collection of sunglasses with Dolce & Gabbana this month.
No word on whether the collection will expand to include eye patches.
The May Issue of Interview hits newsstands nationwide May 11. For more Madonna, visit Interview's Web site.
Source: Stylelist.com
This advertising in today's New York press announces the upcoming breathtaking portfolio Madonna shot with Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott for Fabien Baron's "Interview" magazine.
"Madonna flexes her muscles while chatting with director Gus Van Sant in interview about his film "Milk," her devotion to Malawi and on her early career."
Source: MadonnaTribe
