Music world mourns Aretha Franklin at MTV video awards

NEW YORK -- "Queen of Pop" Madonna led an impassioned tribute to "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin on Monday as the music world paid its R-E-S-P-E-C-Ts to the superstar at the MTV Video Music Awards.

The show came four days after 76-year-old Franklin died of pancreatic cancer and the industry used the telecast to send Franklin off in style.

"She led me to where I am today, and I know she influenced so many people in this house tonight, in this room tonight," said Madonna, who turned 60 last Thursday -- the day Franklin died.

Franklin has influenced generations of singers with iconic hits including "Natural Woman" and "I Say a Little Prayer." 

But "Respect" (1967) was her signature tune and the broadcast ended with a recording of Aretha belting out the Otis Redding cover as the audience danced wildly. 

"I want to thank you, Aretha, for empowering all of us. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Long live the Queen," Madonna added.

Fast-rising rapper Cardi B -- who recently became a mother -- was expected to launch the show at New York's Radio City Music Hall with a song but instead turned heads by simulating breastfeeding onstage.

She left performing duties to Canadian singer and songwriter Shawn Mendes, who treated fans to his acclaimed single "In My Blood," which chronicles his struggle with anxiety disorder. 

Whips, masks, conical breasts

Cardi B started the show as frontrunner, narrowly taking more nominations than Jay-Z and Beyonce, who ended the evening with just one award -- best cinematography -- for their Louvre-shot video "Apeshit."

But artist and video of the year -- for "Havana" -- went to former Fifth Harmony singer Camila Cabello, who earlier had to endure comedian Tiffany Haddish struggling to pronounce her name before joking awkwardly: "I only speak English."

Unlike the industry-led Grammys, the VMAs prides itself on outrageous made-for-television moments with less focus on who wins the awards.

As ever, the industry's most controversial stars strutted the red carpet in outrageous awards garb featuring whips, masks and, in model Amber Rose's case, conical breasts. 

All big awards shows these days are political and accordingly MTV debuted a new campaign, "+1 the vote" to encourage young people to go to the polls for November's midterm elections.

Childish Gambino's "This Is America," which racked up more than 100 million views in its first week on YouTube with its powerful take on gun violence and racism, won best video with a message, choreography and direction.

Gold was an unofficial motif for the night and former child star Ariana Grande, 25, was dressed accordingly in gilded sequins as she sung "God Is a Woman," her newly mature track about the delights of sex.

'We are all human'

Rapper Logic and Ryan Tedder offered one of the night's first big emotional moments when they performed their collaboration "One Day." 

Tedder was onstage as Logic entered the venue with dozens of immigrant children following him, wearing T-shirts that said, "We are all human beings" and holding candles.

There was a hometown takeover from Jennifer Lopez, who sizzled in a sequined body suit with a medley of some of her biggest hits, including "Ain't Your Mama," "Love Don't Cost a Thing" and "Get Right."

There was a change of costume and tone -- not to mention fake falling snow -- as she sang "Jenny From the Block" and was joined by Ja Rule for "I'm Real" and "Ain't It Funny."

It was a first appearance since 2001 for the bilingual, New York-born diva, who won best collaboration alongside DJ Khaled and Cardi B, for "Dinero."

"There's so much more to do and I know in my heart the future is even brighter," she said as she received the Michael Jackson Vanguard Award for her lifetime contributions to pop culture. 

Cardi B, who in little more than a year has become one of the most prominent women in the male-dominated world of hip-hop, also took best new artist.

"A couple of months ago, a lot of people were saying, 'You are gambling your career, you are having a baby'... but I had the baby and now I still win an award," she told the crowd.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Madonna granted permission to adopt twins from Malawi

Malawi's High Court on Tuesday granted Madonna permission to adopt twins from the Southern African country, a judiciary spokesman said.

The U.S. singer has previously adopted two children from Malawi, stirring anger among some Malawians who accused the government of allowing her to skirt laws that ban non-residents from adopting.

Madonna was inside the courtroom when the approval ruling was delivered, judiciary spokesman Mlenga Mvula said.Reuters could not reach representatives for Madonna for comment.

"Madonna has demostrated over the years that she has passion for Malawi and her children and therefore the court was satisfied and could not stop the adoption of the twins," Titus Mvalo, a lawyer for Madonna in Malawi, told Reuters.

Mvula said that one of the conditions of the adoption was that Madonna should provide a report showing that the home in which they lived was suitable.

He could not provide details on the children she will be adopting, saying it was against the law to divulge such particulars at this stage.

Madonna, 58, adopted Malawian children David Banda and Mercy James in 2006 and 2009. She has two other children, Lourdes and Rocco, from previous relationships.

Madonna denied reports that she wanted to adopt again after she visited Malawi last month, at the time saying her trip was for her charity work.

She established the non-profit Raising Malawi in 2006 to provide health and education programs, particularly for girls. The organization is currently building a children's unit at a hospital in Blantyre, Malawi's second-largest city, and has built 10 schools, according to its website.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Motherhood is biggest challenge for 'Woman of the Year' Madonna

NEW YORK - Madonna was presented on Friday with Billboard magazine's Woman of the Year award, but the seven-time Grammy Award winner said one of her biggest challenges was being a good mother.

"The biggest accomplishment I think was finishing my tour, doing my shows every night. And dealing with the challenges of being a mother. That's always the challenge for me. Being a good mother, being an artist, getting through it all," the "Material Girl" singer told reporters on the New York red carpet.

Madonna, 58, who has four children, in March completed her 82-show "Rebel Heart" world tour while embroiled in a legal battle over the custody of her 16 year-old son Rocco with ex-husband Guy Ritchie.

Rocco left Madonna during the tour to live with Ritchie in London. The dispute was settled in September.

The annual Billboard Women in Music awards recognize women who have made significant contributions to the music business and who have inspired other women.

Other honorees on Friday included, pop singer Kesha, country-pop star Shania Twain, jazz singer Andra Day, pop star Meghan Trainor, electro-pop artist Halsey and country singer Maren Morris.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Madonna, Kesha, Dion rule the stage at emotional Billboard Awards

Madonna paid tribute to Prince, Kesha earned a standing ovation for her stirring rendition of "It Ain't Me, Babe" honoring Bob Dylan, and Celine Dion dedicated her Icon award to her late husband at Sunday night's emotion-packed Billboard Music Awards.

The three-hour live telecast from Las Vegas stuck to its tradition of a performance-heavy annual show featuring top recording stars in spectacular production numbers.

Britney Spears kicked things off, dazzling in a daring red outfit for a medley of her hits.

Canadian singer The Weeknd dedicated the first award to Prince, the Grammy-winning pop superstar best known for such hits as "Purple Rain" and "Let's Go Crazy," who died at his Minnesota home in April aged 57.

"I want to dedicate this award to the late great Prince," The Weeknd (real name Abel Tesfaye), said in accepting the Top Hot 100 Artist award.

Madonna ended the show with a Prince tribute that included "Nothing Compares 2 U," before she was joined by Stevie Wonder for "Purple Rain" as the audience rose to its feet, arms gently swaying above their heads and singing along.

Earlier, Kesha delivered an emotional rendition of Dylan's classic in a much-anticipated performance that was nearly canceled by her label in a legal dispute.

Kemosabe Records relented, saying Kesha had assured them she would not use her time as a platform to address her failed legal bid against Sony Corp's Sony Music and producer Dr. Luke. Kemosabe, founded by Dr. Luke, is a unit of Sony Music. The singer stood by her word.

While several awards were handed out during the show, including to British singer Adele who won the big prize, top artist and accepted via a video segment, it was performances by the likes of Ariana Grande, Dion, and Rihanna that ruled.

Dion, making her first televised singing performance since the death of her husband, Rene Angelil, tearfully accepted the Icon Award for lifetime achievement, which in a surprise was presented by her son, Rene-Charles.

"I'm so sorry, I don't want to cry in front of you," Dion told the audience. She ended by holding her award aloft and declaring, "Rene, this one's for you, the show must go on," echoing the title of the Queen song she had just performed.

Other top prizes went to Rihanna in the fan-voted chart achievement award, Justin Bieber for top male artist, Adele for both top female artist and Billboard 200 album, and The Weeknd for R & B song "The Hills." (Reporting by Dan Whitcomb and Chris Michaud; Editing by Chris Reese, Robert Birsel and Paul Tait)

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

WATCH: Madonna serenades Pinoys with 'Crazy for You'

"That's the first time I sang that song onstage in 30 years." We're CRAZY FOR YOU, Madonna!!!! ❤️ #BeOneWithMadonna #GlobeMadonna

Posted by Globe Telecom on Thursday, 25 February 2016

MANILA - "That's the first time I sang that song onstage in 30 years."

These were the words of pop star Madonna after belting out her 1995 ballad hit "Crazy for You" in front of thousands of fans at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Thursday evening.

In a video uploaded on the Facebook page of Globe Telecom, one of the official partners of the event, Madonna said it was her gift for Filipinos for fighting against dictatorship.

JUST IN: Madonna congratulated PH for 30yrs of Democracy & People Power Rev. As a gift, she sang CRAZY FOR YOU for the first time in 30yrs!

— MJ Felipe (@mjfelipe) February 25, 2016

Madonna, who was performing for a second night in a row in Manila, also sang her other older hits such as "Like A Virgin," as well as some new ones from her "Rebel Heart" album like "Iconic".

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

How Pinoy fan ended up on stage with Madonna

MANILA - A lucky fan got the chance to be with international pop star Madonna on stage during the first night of her concert at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.

That lucky fan is stylist Shahani Gania, who introduced himself to Madonna as "Super Starlet."

In a lengthy Facebook post, Gania shared how he ended up dancing with Madonna during her performance of the song "Unapologetic Bitch."

He said it all started when two ladies gave him an SVIP ticket, giving him a better view of his idol.


"I cried! I hugged both of them, and in between sobs I explained to them that I'm such a huge fan and that I organized this Madonna exhibit. It was an Oprah moment!" he said.

According to Gania, Madonna made eye contact with him the moment she emerged on stage. He, in turn, sang and danced to every single performance.

"From there, hindi ko na siya binitawan. I knew all the songs! I sang with her in all of them. I danced to everything, never sat down at all! I screamed out the names of all the dancers. She looked at me directly sa isang buong chorus ng 'Who's that Girl'! Heaven!" he said.

Gania said the same ladies who gave him the SVIP ticket then asked him if he wanted to be Madonna's "Unapologetic Bitch" for the night.

Of course, without hesitation, he said yes. At the end of the performance, Madonna gave him a banana and a straw.

Recalling the experience, Gania said: "I had my 4 minutes with her. She called me brave. Her eyes were so beautiful! I made her laugh! Everything was too much to handle! Nakasayaw ko si Madonna! Inakbayan niya ako. Pinatong niya ulo niya sa akin. Sinabi niya ang pangalan ko paulit-ulit: Super Starlet!"

"Ang saya-saya ko right now! Feeling ko lahat ng ginawa ko tama... Mula sa exhibit at pag-memorize ng buong concert, hanggang sa last-minute decision na mag-drag. Everything just came together. The universe gave me my moment with Madonna... The one thing I've been wishing for ever since I found out she was coming to Manila."

Fellow Madonna fans took to social media to congratulate Gania for being chosen to dance with the international pop star on stage.

One of them is "It's Showtime" host Anne Curtis, who even wore a Madonna-inspired outfit during the show.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

LOOK: Madonna visits Manila orphanage

MANILA -- International pop star Madonna visited an orphanage in Manila on Tuesday ahead of her two-night "Rebel Heart" concert at the Mall of Asia Arena on February 24 and 25.

Madonna, who arrived in the country on Monday, posted a selfie with three children of the Bahay Tuluyan Foundation on her Instagram account.

"Chillin with my Homies at the Bahay Tuluyan Foundation. Inc. giving shelter to Orphans street children trafficking/abuse victims in Manilla‼" she wrote on her post.


According to Australian volunteer Catherine Scerri, the 57-year-old pop icon was warmly welcomed at the orphanage.

"She spent time with the kids, dancing and interacting with the kids," she told ABS-CBN News in a phone interview.

Scerri said the older children were able to recognize Madonna and her songs. "I think the older ones know her. They were dancing and playing, everybody enjoyed it," she said.

"She's very down to earth and loves interacting with them," she added.

Madonna is known for being fond of kids. She has adopted two children, David Ritchie and Mercy James, from Africa.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Madonna arrives in Manila

MANILA – International pop star Madonna finally arrived in Manila ahead of her two-night concert in the country on Wednesday and Thursday.

She arrived onboard a chartered Boeing 752 plane at around 1:58 a.m. Monday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport runway.

Her passport name Madonna Louise Ciccone was stamped by Philippine Immigration officers before she disembarked from the plane. She did not pass through the normal customs, immigration and quarantine inspection at the NAIA.

Madonna was then whisked out of the airport onboard a fleet of vehicles surrounded by foreign and local security.

Even airline and ground personnel were also barred to use their phones to take photos or videos of the American singer.

Madonna’s Philippine concert us part of her world tour promoting her 13th studio album, "Rebel Heart," which began in Montreal last September 9 and continues throughout North America and Europe before heading to Asia, New Zealand and Australia.

Madonna’s show is one of the most expensive concerts to be held in the Philippines, with a top ticket price of nearly P58,000 to see her up close and personal.

Ticket prices for the concert are as follows: P57,750 (VIP); P52,500 (Patron VIP); P52,000 (VIP Floor); P42,000 (Patron); P33,600 (Lower Box VIP); and P29,400 (Lower Box); P8,400 (Upper Box); P3,150 (Gen Ad).

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Madonna embroiled in Taiwan-China row over flag

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INSTAGRAM BACKLASH

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

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

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

Others hit back at the critical Instagram posts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Madonna brings Katy, Miley, and more to new video

Madonna has brought out some of the biggest fellow names in pop -- and two of her children -- in a new video she debuted Wednesday on the fledgling streaming service Tidal.

Beyonce, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and Kanye West all make cameo appearances in the video for "Bitch, I'm Madonna," off her latest album "Rebel Heart."

Madonna released the video initially on Tidal, where it will appear exclusively for one day before wider distribution.

But a number of users reported technical problems, saying that the video froze up when they first tried to watch.

"We apologize to all the fans excited to watch the #BitchImMadonna video, we're working on a fix," said a Tidal message on Twitter before later reporting smoother streaming.

Tidal -- led by rap mogul Jay-Z with participation of Madonna and other stars -- has promoted exclusives in a bid to win subscribers.

But despite a splashy launch on March 30, Tidal trails more established players in the growing field of streaming, led by Spotify.

The video -- which also features hip-hop star Nicki Minaj, who collaborated on the song originally -- depicts a party atmosphere and was shot at the Standard High Line, a hotel in New York's Meatpacking District known for its nightclub with a jacuzzi overlooking the city.

"Bitch, I'm Madonna" also includes rare appearances by two of the Material Girl's four children, 14-year-old Rocco and nine-year-old David.

"Rebel Heart," Madonna's 13th studio album, shows a growing hip-hop direction for the pop icon whose dance numbers and risque persona have made her one of music's most successful artists since the 1980s.

Madonna, 56, will launch a global tour on September 9 in Montreal. Her 88-date "MDNA" tour in 2012 grossed more than $300 million and generated controversy as she raised her voice on stage on issues ranging from gay rights to the rise of Europe's far right.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Madonna reveals rape at knifepoint when young

LOS ANGELES - US pop icon Madonna was raped at knifepoint when she was a young struggling artist in New York, she revealed in an article published Friday.

The 55-year-old also recalled being held up at gunpoint and having her seedy apartment burgled three times, saying she was "scared shitless" at times before she started making it as a singer and dancer.

In a piece for Harper's Bazaar, she also talked about her time living in Britain married to director Guy Ritchie, saying there is "nothing more beautiful than the English countryside," and revealed that she is now studying the Koran.

Describing her arrival in the Big Apple from the Midwest, where she grew up, she wrote: "New York wasn't everything I thought it would be. It did not welcome me with open arms," and described "paying my rent by posing nude for art classes, staring at people staring at me naked."

"The first year, I was held up at gunpoint. Raped on the roof of a building I was dragged up to with a knife in my back, and had my apartment broken into three times. I don't know why; I had nothing of value after they took my radio the first time.

"The tall buildings and the massive scale of New York took my breath away. The sizzling-hot sidewalks and the noise of the traffic and the electricity of the people rushing by me on the streets was a shock to my neurotransmitters," she added.

She continued: "I felt like I had plugged into another universe. I felt like a warrior plunging my way through the crowds to survive. Blood pumping through my veins, I was poised for survival.

"I felt alive.

"But I was also scared shitless and freaked out by the smell of piss and vomit everywhere, especially in the entryway of my third-floor walk-up."

The "Material Girl" singer, whose career has ranged from "Like a Virgin" to movie roles, the 1992 coffee table book "Sex" and who last toured in 2012, wrote the cover story to accompany a fashion photoshoot of her in typically provocative gear, including a bondage-style mask and a sword.

Moving on a decade a time, she recalled being a pop star in her 20s, embracing Kabbalah in her 30s, before marrying Ritchie and moving to Britain by the age of 45.

"I consider moving to a foreign country to be a very daring act. It wasn't easy for me .. I didn't understand pub culture. I didn't understand that being openly ambitious was frowned upon. Once again I felt alone.

"But I stuck it out and I found my way, and I grew to love English wit, Georgian architecture, sticky toffee pudding, and the English countryside. There is nothing more beautiful than the English countryside."

Madonna and Ritchie were divorced in 2008, and a decade later she is back in New York.

"I have started making films, which is probably the most challenging and rewarding thing I have ever done. I am building schools for girls in Islamic countries and studying the Koran. I think it is important to study all the holy books.

"As my friend Yaman always tells me, a good Muslim is a good Jew, and a good Jew is a good Christian, and so forth. I couldn't agree more."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Madonna endorsement fuels coconut water craze

PH farmers hope for coconut craze windfall

MANILA - Philippine farmer Liezl Balmaceda has never heard of Madonna, but the US pop star's endorsement of coconut water may help change her impoverished life for the better.

After centuries of replenishing Filipinos, the mineral-rich liquid has become a must-have health drink thanks to aggressive marketing by a beverage industry looking to offset soda sales that have lost their fizz.

Balmaceda, 33, and her husband process truckloads of coconuts at their backyard each week to get the meat that is turned into vegetable oil. The arduous labour earns the family of five about $9 a day, barely enough get by.

"We just throw the water away when we extract the copra (coconut meat). But if you tell me people actually pay money to drink it, we could use the extra cash," she told AFP in rural Mulanay town, four hours' drive south of Manila.

In his most recent state of the nation address, President Benigno Aquino hailed coconut water as one of the country's most promising new export opportunities.

He cited industry figures showing exports jumping more than nine-fold to 16.76 million litres (4.4 million gallons) in 2011.

Manila-based Fruits of Life is one local business to have started profiting from the growing appreciation in the West for coconut water as an alternative to sugar-laden carbonated drinks.

"People have become more health-conscious in general," said Phoebe de la Cruz, sales manager for Fruits of Life.

"Athletic types have taken to coco water for its natural electrolytes."

Fruits of Life, which began exporting its own branded product in 2006, now exports about 240 tonnes in cans and tetra packs a year directly to supermarket chains in the United States and Canada.

The biggest players in the global beverage industry, including Coca-Cola and Pepsi, have also jumped into the coconut water health drink craze in recent years.

ZICO, a US coco water brand majority owned by Coca-Cola, has supermodel Gisele Bundchen and basketball star Kevin Garnett as its endorsers.

Meanwhile, pop stars such as Madonna and Rihanna, as well as baseball player Alex Rodriguez, are among celebrity shareholders in Vita Coco, one of the other major brands.

Its 0.33-litre (11-ounce), $3 drink is touted as a healthier alternative to energy drinks for athletes and the company boasts an office in New York's Flatiron District.

-- Held back by logistics --

The Philippines is already the world's biggest exporter of coconut products.

Big Philippine mills have for years processed desiccated coconut meat and turned it into powder for baking biscuits, snack bars, cakes and pastries.

Coconut flesh is also turned into vegetable oil used for cooking and in a range of common household products, including bath soap.

Supply is not a problem in the Philippines with 350 million coconut trees growing from the beaches up to its hills and yielding 15 billion fruits a year, according to industry regulator the Philippine Coconut Authority.

In the Philippines, coconut water remains a popular, cheap drink, with stalls selling it straight from the fruit -- a common site throughout the big cities as well as the countryside.

However, because of a lack of demand as well as the costs required to process and preserve it, the water had never been profitable enough to sell overseas, Philippine Coconut Authority chief Euclides Forbes told AFP.

"From mere waste it's being turned into gold," Forbes said.

Nevertheless, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said that while coconut water holds the potential of improving the lot of impoverished Filipino coconut farmers, logistical issues held the industry back.

"The demand is huge. The only problem is how to bring the liquid to the processing centers before it spoils, since most coconut farms are in hilly areas without good roads," Alcala said.

Meanwhile, some farmers remain skeptical that they will cash in on the Western craze, citing the fact they have remained poor for decades while big business has profited from other coconut exports.

Among them is Rodolfo Aquino, 68, who is paid by traders to haul coconuts by ox-drawn cart about two hours' drive from Manila.

"Whether they want the meat and water or just the meat, we get paid the same," Aquino told AFP.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Madonna's 'MDNA' receives lukewarm welcome from critics

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Madonna dazzles with slick Super Bowl halftime show

Pop superstar Madonna dazzled football fans and more than 100 million television viewers on Sunday when she performed during a glittery, spectacular Super Bowl halftime show.



Madonna, the first female Super Bowl halftime headliner since the notorious Janet Jackson "wardrobe malfunction" of 2004, was carried, Cleopatra-style, into Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium by a cadre of muscled gladiators.

Wearing Egyptian regalia, complete with headdress, and spiked black boots, the pop superstar launched into her seminal hit "Vogue," with lighting and other visual effects contributed by the Canadian performing troupe Cirque du Soleil.

Next came "Music," which included LMFAO, followed by a cheerleader-themed "Give Me All Your Luvin'," from Madonna's latest CD. Madonna was joined by Nicky Minaj and M.I.A., with the latter preferring a fleeting obscene one-fingered gesture on-camera.

In a nod to the sport whose fans she was entertaining, the Material Girl performed much of her act on, or in front of, bleachers, with high school marching bands and drumlines augmenting the show, which lasted about 10 minutes.

After a mini-medley of her hits "Open Your Heart" and "Express Yourself," Madonna closed her act decked out in a Gospel-goth black gown, performing "Like a Prayer" with Cee Lo Green before dropping out of sight in a puff of smoke.

Madonna was not the only pop superstar to grace the high-profile Super Bowl on Sunday, one of U.S. television's most-watched programs: Kelly Clarkson performed the national anthem.

Last year's Super Bowl attracted 111 million U.S. viewers, the largest for a single TV broadcast in the United States.

The halftime show has increasingly featured high-profile pop acts, a far cry from the first Super Bowl in 1967 when college marching bands entertained the crowd.

Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, U2, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, The Black Eyed Peas and Janet Jackson have been among recent performers.

Jackson's 2004 appearance made headlines worldwide with her infamous "wardrobe malfunction," during which fellow performer Justin Timberlake tugged at her costume, exposing her nipple to millions of TV viewers.

Madonna had promised that all efforts were being made to ensure her show would not be marked by a similar episode.

"Great attention to detail has been paid to my wardrobe. There will be no wardrobe malfunction - I promise," she said.

Madonna, who was born in Bay City, Michigan, told reporters last week her appearance was "a Midwesterner girl's dream, to be performing at the Super Bowl halftime show."

"In over 25 years of performing that I've done, I have never worked so hard or been so scrupulous or detail-oriented or freaked out as much as I have."

source: interaksyon.com

First single from new Madonna album released February 3

LONDON - The first single from Madonna's upcoming album "MDNA" is called "Give Me All Your Luvin'" and is set for a February 3 release, two days before the singer performs at the Super Bowl on Sunday.

The track features Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. and was composed by Martin Solveig and Michael Tordjman, and marks Madonna's return to music after focusing on directing her new movie "W.E."

MDNA, to be released on Universal Music Group's Interscope Records on March 26, will be the singer's 12th studio album and the follow-up to 2008's "Hard Candy" which debuted at the top of the charts in 37 countries.

An excerpt from the video to Give Me All Your Luvin' will air on U.S. television show "American Idol" on February 2, and the full video appears on Madonna's YouTube channel the following day.

MDNA was recorded in New York and Los Angeles and reunited Madonna with William Orbit who co-wrote and co-produced several cuts on the new album.

The Grammy-winning 53-year-old will headline Sunday's halftime show at the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis in a performance co-created by Cirque Du Soleil.

More than 160 million TV viewers watched last year's halftime performance, making it the most-watched musical event of the year. — Reuters

source:gmanetwork.com

Madonna 'very upset' at new song leak - manager

LONDON - Madonna's manager Guy Oseary has said the U.S. singer was "very upset" that a demo of her new song "Give Me All Your Love" had leaked onto the Internet.

The song, which hit the web on Wednesday and has been listened to by fans around the world, is expected to be the debut track from Madonna's upcoming album, her first studio release since leaving Warner Bros to join Live Nation.

"Madonna told me this morning 'my true fans wouldn't do this'... whoever is responsible for this leak, we ask that you please stop!" Oseary wrote via Twitter.

"Im very happy with the positive reaction to the demo, but we are very upset with whoever leaked the song!!!!!!!!" he added.

Addressing questions tweeted by fans, Oseary said the new album should be finished "in the next month or so", and that it did not yet have a title.

He added that the 53 year-old star, whose hits include "Like a Virgin", "Vogue" and "Hung Up", had penned a "beautiful ballad" for her movie "W.E.".

The picture, Madonna's second feature film as director, follows the life of Wallis Simpson, the American divorcee whose relationship with King Edward VIII sparked a constitutional crisis in Britain and led to his abdication.

The film, which had its world premiere at the Venice film festival, hits U.S. theaters in December and British cinemas in January.

Madonna's new record will be her first studio album since 2008's "Hard Candy," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States.

In 2007, Madonna dropped her long-time music label Warner Bros and signed a deal with concert promoter Live Nation reported to be for 10 years and worth $120 million.

The deal, part of a recent trend in the struggling music industry, involved not only record sales, but also touring and merchandising. - Reuters

source: gmanews.tv