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[BREAKING NEWS] Madonna.com Officially Announces New Greatest Hits
Category: Press Release.

Finally the press release from Madonna.com:

A “Celebration” Of Madonna Music - The Ultimate Greatest Hits Collection September 28th Release

July 22, 2009 - For Immediate Release (Burbank, California) Madonna, who has racked up a record 37 top 10 hits as well as seven No. 1 albums (including her last four) on the Billboard Pop Charts, has given her fans yet another opportunity to “celebrate” her musical achievements. Today, Warner Bros. Records officially confirmed the September 28th release of “CELEBRATION” – the ultimate compilation of Madonna songs. The songs on “Celebration” have all been remastered and selected by Madonna and her fans. They cover the expanse of the Material Girl’s extraordinary career of hits including “Everybody,” “Express Yourself,” “Vogue” and “4 Minutes.” “Celebration” will be available in a two-CD set as well as a single CD. There will also be a “Celebration” DVD released simultaneously which includes the video visionary’s best videos including several that have never before been available on DVD.

“Celebration,” the CD will also include two new songs that were recently recorded in New York City. The first single, also titled, “Celebration,” co-produced by Madonna and Paul Oakenfold, will be released August 3rd. A video for the single, which will be included on the “Celebration” DVD was just filmed in Milan, Italy and was directed by long time Madonna collaborator Jonas (“Ray of Light”) Akerlund. Several dance club remixes of “Celebration” are headed to the clubs on July 24th. The song will also be available on CD and vinyl maxi. Radio will receive the “Celebration” single on August 3rd.

The cover for “Celebration” was created by street pop artist “Mr. Brainwash” who is best known for “throwing modern cultural icons into a blender and turning it up to eleven.”

Madonna, a multi Grammy award winning singer, writer and producer has had over 12 No. 1 singles and has a record-smashing 39 No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Songs Chart – by far the most of any artist in the over 30 year history of the list.

Madonna Homeward Bound After Triumphant and Record Breaking 17-City European Stadium Tour
Category: Press Release.

Madonna Homeward Bound After Triumphant and Record Breaking 17-City European Stadium Tour

MADONNA'S STICKY & SWEET U.S. TOUR STARTS WITH FIVE SOLD OUT NEW YORK AREA DATES BEGINNING THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4TH - IZOD ARENA; MADISON SQUARE GARDEN OCTOBER 6TH, 7TH, 11TH & 12TH.

GIANT SELLOUTS THROUGHOUT CONTINENT: 72,000 - ZURICH - LARGEST SWISS AUDIENCE EVER; 73,000 - LONDON'S WEMBLEY STADIUM; 75,000 - LISBON; 130,000 - PARIS; 72,000 - ATHENS

NEW YORK, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Following one of the most successful runs in European concert history, Madonna returns to the U.S. for the start of her mammoth Sticky & Sweet Tour with five sold out shows
in the New York area. The Sticky & Sweet Tour is scheduled to open October 4th at New Jersey's Izod Arena with four Madison Square Garden dates to follow on October 6, 7, 11 and 12, it was confirmed today by Live Nation, the tour's international promoter.

"Now that I've warmed up in Europe, I'm ready to come home and do the show for my U.S. fans," remarked Madonna about her tour that includes 3500 wardrobe elements, 36 clothing designers, 100 pairs of kneepads, 12 trampolines, 69 guitars, a traveling personnel of 250, five keyboards for Kevin Antunes the musical director, three members of the Russian Romani (Gypsy) group the Kolpakov Trio, 18 dancers, one set of Swavorski crystal encrusted ear phones and one Material Girl.

Some of the rave reviews thus far: "In the premiere league of song-and-dance spectaculars, the queen of pop remains unrivalled and undefeated" raved the London Times. "Those who took in this spectacular
opening to Madonna's world tour have seen anything as slick, innovative and energetic in recent months, then please point it out. The choreography, visuals and live talent were world class and mind-blowingly well executed, intelligent and witty" glowed The Independent (UK).

Following the NY area performances, The Sticky & Sweet Tour is scheduled to play multiple dates in North America including Boston, Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, Oakland and Denver before wrapping up in Miami
on November 26th.

The tour then travels to Mexico City where the scheduled November 29th and 30th shows sold 100,000 tickets in just three hours. The South American leg of the Sticky & Sweet Tour has had a phenomenal response as well. With three shows and over 210,000 tickets already sold, a fourth performance was just added on December 3rd in Buenos Aires, followed by sold out performances in Santiago December 10 and 11, Rio De Janeiro on December 14 and 15 and Sao Paulo December 18, 20 and 21 due to unprecedented demand.

Madonna's current CD "HARD CANDY" debuted at No. 1 in over 33 countries.

Source: Live Nation Press Release

Sticky & Sweet Tour Continues to Shatter Records!
Category: Press Release.

from a Live Nation media release:

Madonna Sticky & Sweet European Tour Continues to Shatter Records

LAST NIGHT'S PERFORMANCE IN LONDON SURPASSES $12 MILLION - HIGHEST GROSS OF ALL TIME AT WEMBLEY STADIUM! RECORD BREAKING SALES IN SOUTH AMERICA!

LOS ANGELES, Sept 12, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/

"All Hail! Madonna still reigns supreme as pop queen." -- Evening Standard, Friday, September 12, 2008

The Material Girl does it again! With a sell-out crowd of over 74,000 fans and a gross of over 12 million USD, Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour easily surpassed all previous grosses at both the old and the new Wembley Stadiums. This record breaking performance adds another first following last week's confirmation that Madonna's Zurich performance in front of 72,000 fans was the largest audience ever for a concert in Switzerland. With upcoming European sell-outs in Lisbon, Paris and Athens, the beat definitely does go on and Sticky & Sweet is certainly destined to be the tour of the year.

But it's not just Europe that is enthralled by the world's tastiest sweetheart. In South America fan demand has been so great that multiple dates have now been confirmed everywhere dates were announced, resulting in three performances in Buenos Aires, two in Santiago and Rio de Janeiro and a final three performances in Sao Paulo before the tour wraps up on December 21st.

The North American continent is no exception. Sticky & Sweet kicks off October 4th in New York with over 66,500 tickets sold for five consecutive sold out arena performances including one at New Jersey's Izod Center and four Madison Square Garden events before heading throughout the US and Canada and culminating in Mexico City where Madonna's two Sticky & Sweet concerts November 29th & 30th sold out in record time.

Sticky & Sweet boasts two hours of non-stop hits that include new twists on old favorites ("Vogue," "Borderline," "La Isla Bonita," "Like A Prayer") coupled with sensational versions of modern classics ("Music," "Hung Up," "4 Minutes," "Give It 2 Me").

Live Nation: Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour, The Beat Goes On!
Category: Press Release.

Largest Audience Ever for a Concert In Switzerland

Record Breaking Ticket Success in South America

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Madonna kicked off her Sticky & Sweet World tour August 23rd in Cardiff to unanimous acclaim and just played to 72,000 in Zurich, the largest audience ever for a concert in Switzerland. This mashed up, rock tinged dance-athon features familiar hits and new favourites including "4 Minutes," "Candy Shop" and "Give It 2 Me" from her sensational 'Hard Candy' album that debuted at number 1 in 32 countries.

"If those who took in this spectacular opening to Madonna's world tour have seen anything as slick, innovative and energetic in recent months, then please point it out. The choreography, visuals and live talent were world class and mind-blowingly well executed, intelligent and witty." -- The Independent 4*

"In the premiere league of song-and-dance spectaculars, the queen of pop remains unrivalled and undefeated." -- The Times

"Without question Madonna is still the Queen of Pop. Long live the Queen." -- The Sun

"Nobody does a big stadium show quite like Madonna -- this is a theatrical, two hour blockbuster." -- Daily Mail

The European leg of the tour finishes September 27th in Athens while the US leg starts October 4th in New Jersey and finishes in Miami November 26th. Sticky & Sweet then travels to Mexico where two stadium performances sold out in record time. In South America, record setting pre-registration to buy tickets has resulted in over 450,000 advance reservations for what has now become six confirmed performances in Brazil (3), Chile (2) and Argentina (1).

Sticky & Sweet boasts two hours of non stop hits that includes new twists on old favourites ("Vogue," "Borderline," "La Isla Bonita," "Like A Prayer") coupled with sensational versions of modern classics ("Music," "Hung Up," "4 Minutes," "Give It 2 Me").

Hot on the diamante shaped heels of her phenomenally successful "Hard Candy" disc, Sticky & Sweet features 16 dancers, a 12 piece band, more than 8 costume changes for the lady herself and l million pounds Sterling ($1.8 million) of Swarovski crystals.

The audience is taken on a rock driven dancetastic journey that's broken into four sections:

The Pimp Section
A mashed up homage to 1920's deco and modern day gangsta pimp, Madonna makes a grand entrance dressed by Givenchy.

Old School
Madonna tips her hat to her early 80's downtown New York City dance roots with flashes of Keith Haring and the dance culture vibe of the time including the birth of rap.

Gypsy
A VIP trip to La Isla Bonita infused by the spirit of Romanian folk music and dance. A tour de force.

Rave
Far eastern influences emerge all sparkly and sporty.

The Sticky & Sweet Tour is produced by Live Nation Global Touring.

For news, contests, tour dates and more visit: http://www.MADONNA.com

Source: Live Nation press release

Material Girl Leaves Doubters In The Dust For Biggest Tour Of 2008
Category: Press Release.

Madonna Tickets Breeze Past One Million Mark - 'Sticky & Sweet' Tour Heading Toward Record-Breaking Numbers

Material Girl Leaves Doubters In The Dust For Biggest Tour Of 2008

LOS ANGELES, June 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Neither wind, nor rain, gas prices, nor the economy can slow down the momentum of Madonna fans who are turning out in record numbers all over the globe to scoop up tickets for the upcoming "Sticky & Sweet" Tour. Today, Live Nation confirmed that Mexico City's Foro Sol Stadium shows scheduled for November 29th and 30th sold more than 100,000 tickets in just three hours, resulting in back to back sellouts at the famed stadium.

Mexico City joins the growing list of sold out Madonna shows in Paris, Lisbon, New York, Zurich, Boston, Chicago, Denver, East Rutherford, NJ, Oakland, Las Vegas, Houston, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver all of which sold out within hours of going on sale.

To date Madonna has sold out 90% of the tickets available for her 42-date global tour, which kicks off in Cardiff, Wales on August 23rd.

With more than 70,000 tickets sold for the Sticky & Sweet Zurich Show at the Military Airfield Dubendorf on August 30th, Lisbon's 75,000 tickets sold and 50,000 tickets sold for her Vancouver dates and four Madison Square Garden shows sold out in New York City in addition to the nearby Izod Center in East Rutherford for a total of 65,000 New York area tickets sold, Madonna has sold more than 1 Million tickets thus far on her global tour.

Madonna, whose most recent CD 'HARD CANDY' debuted at Number One in over 30 countries, has made it her personal mission to challenge herself to top her previous tours. With rehearsals well under way for 'Sticky & Sweet,' Madonna and famed director and long-time collaborator Jamie King are creating an extraordinary never-before seen stage set, groundbreaking audio and eye popping visual effects. Madonna will be joined onstage with a new band and 18 dancers that reaffirm that this is a singular event that Madonna fans can not miss.

"With 'Sticky & Sweet,' Madonna is on track to break her own record as the top grossing female artist of all time," said Arthur Fogel, Live Nation's of Chairman of Global Music and CEO of Global Touring. "Her sales are extraordinary in every market she's playing and illustrate what an unparalleled live draw Madonna is for music fans all over the world."

Source: Live Nation press release via prnewswire.com

STICKY AND SWEET world tour announced......
Category: Press Release.
MADONNA STICKY & SWEET TOUR ITINERARY 2008

Showdate - City - Venue - On sale Date:

23-Aug - Cardiff Millennium Stadium - Fri. May 16
26-Aug - Nice Stade Charles Ehrmann - Fri. May 16
28-Aug - Berlin Olympic Stadium - Wed. May 21
02-Sept - Amsterdam Arena - Sat. May 17
04-Sept - Dusseldorf LTU Arena - Wed. May 21
06-Sept - Rome Olympic Stadium - Fri. May 23
09-Sept - Frankfurt Commerzbank Arena - Wed. May 21
11-Sept - London Wembley Stadium - Fri. May 16
20-Sept - Paris Stade de France - Fri. May 16
03-Oct - E. Rutherford Izod Center - Mon. May 19
06-Oct - New York City Madison Square Garden - Mon. May 19
07-Oct - New York City Madison Square Garden - Mon. May 19
15-Oct - Boston TD BankNorth Garden - Sat. May 17
18-Oct - Toronto Air Canada Centre - Sat. May 24
22-Oct - Montreal Bell Centre - Sat. May 24
26-Oct - Chicago United Center - Sat. May 17
30-Oct - Vancouver BC Place Stadium - Sat. May 24
01-Nov - Oakland Oracle Arena - Sun. June 1
04-Nov - San Diego Petco Park - Sun. June 1
06-Nov - Los Angeles Dodger Stadium - Sun. June 1
08-Nov - Las Vegas MGM Grand Garden Arena - Sat. May 31
11-Nov - Denver Pepsi Center - Sat. May 31
16-Nov - Houston Minute Maid Park - Sat. May 31
19-Nov - Philadelphia Wachovia Center - Mon. June 2
22-Nov - Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall - Mon. June 2
24-Nov - Atlanta Philips Arena - Sat. May 31
26-Nov - Miami Dolphin Stadium - Sat. May 31


Additional dates and venues to be announced.


Madonna's Sticky & Sweet tour will also visit Mexico and South America later this year. Show date and on sale information to follow.
''4 Minutes'' video exclusively on sale on iTunes from TODAY!
Category: Press Release.

SOURCE: Warner Bros. Records

New Video Makes Exclusive World Premiere on iTunes April 3rd Song to Be Featured in Warner Bros.-Village Roadshow Pictures Film ’Get Smart’ Single Exploding at Radio and Digital Sales International Response Huge

NEW YORK, NY, April 3, 2008- "4 Minutes", the pulsating and hypnotic debut single from Madonna’s 11th studio album for Warner Bros. Records "HARD CANDY" is off to a roaring start with explosive exposure in a wide range of mediums.

The breathtaking new video for "4 Minutes" featuring a propulsive performance by Madonna along with appearances by the song’s co-writers and co-producers Timbaland and Justin Timberlake will make its world premiere and be available for sale exclusively on iTunes for 48 hours beginning April 3rd. The video was filmed in London in February and directed by French wunderkinds, Jonas and Francois (Justice and Kanye West). The single, ’4 Minutes’ is currently #1 on iTunes.

The upcoming Warner Bros.-Village Roadshow Pictures action comedy "Get Smart," is on board to include ’4 Minutes’ in the film. In theatres nationwide on June 20th, "Get Smart" stars Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway as secrent CONTROL operatives Maxwell Smart and Agent 99 on a mission to thwart a plan for world domination by the evil crime syndicate KAOS. The film also stars Dwayne Johnson as superstar CONTROL Agent 23, Alan Arkin as the Chief, Terence Stamp as notorious KAOS king pin Siegfried and James Caan as the president of the United States.

On the international front, ’4 Minutes’ is already Top 3 across Europe in airplay and Top 10 around the world. Already playing in heavy rotation on radio stations across the US, the single in Canada is the fastest selling song in the history of the Canadian music charts. The song can also be heard as part of Sunsilk’s multi-million dollar ad campaign.

"Hard Candy" will have a global release on April 28th and a US release on April 29th and is a brilliant up-tempo collection of 12 songs in which Madonna remains ensconced in club mode but adds an urban hip hop beat. "4 Minutes" is Madonna’s 26th Top 40 chart hit in the US. Her previous album "Confessions On A Dance Floor" debuted at No. 1 in 30 countries and sold over 8 million copies.

Madonna, a multi-Grammy-award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, cultural icon, world renowned stage performer, video visionary, children’s book author, director and documentary film maker has sold 200 million albums in the course of her unprecedented two decade plus career and has just been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

When asked about the "4 Minute Fever Phenomenon," Madonna commented, "Goody goody gum drops."

Thanks to Yuri.

'4 Minutes' to be featured in new Sunsilk commercial
Category: Press Release.

According to an official press release from Unilever, Madonna's upcoming new single "4 Minutes" will be featured in a new Sunsilk TV commercial. This new commercial will premiere on March 17, the same day in which "4 Minutes" will be premiering on radio stations all over the world. This commercial will help give the song even more exposure!

Madonna's New Single '4 Minutes' to Debut in New Sunsilk(R) Ad

Next Instalment in the 'Life Can't Wait' Campaign Features the Icon's Makeovers and Music

CHICAGO, March 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Madonna, whose new album "HARD CANDY" is scheduled for an April 29 release, will debut her first single "4 Minutes" in a new Sunsilk commercial, announced today by Unilever. The pop artist and ever-changing chameleon and superstar originally appeared in the first Sunsilk "Life Can't Wait" Campaign alongside Marilyn Monroe and Shakira, but will now be the sole focus of the brand's new styling product spot that will debut on March 17.

The spot will trace Madonna's ever-evolving look throughout the years as a means to inspire girls to play around with their current styles -- with the help of the new Sunsilk styling aids -- and will include the music of Madonna's new single "4 Minutes."

"We're proud to unveil a powerful advertisement that features a truly inspirational icon along with our new styling products," said David Rubin, director of U.S. Hair Care Operations, Unilever. "Madonna continues to be such an inspiration for young girls by continuously reinventing her looks, and we expect the new commercial will also encourage girls to evolve by changing their looks and making their hair and lives happen in a variety of exciting ways."

The spot launches advertising for the new Sunsilk Shower to Style Collections, including Daring Volume, Captivating Curls, Waves of Envy and Straight to Perfection. Girls do not have to make do with just one look -- they can have a fling with their hairstyles and change up their looks and their lives with the Shower to Style Collections. Specially formulated and designed for each hair care need, the Collections actually start styling hair in the shower. The fun gets into full swing with styling products to create a variety of different looks depending on a girl's hair ... and her mood.

About the Campaign

The "Life Can't Wait" Campaign launched during the broadcast of Super Bowl XLII on February 3 with a spot that featured three of the world's most iconographic females -- Madonna, Shakira and Marilyn Monroe.

Created by DeGrippes Gobe in Paris, the "Life Can't Wait" Campaign was born from the global insight that hair, more than any other physical attribute, plays a crucial role in a girl's power of transformation and self expression. Research conducted in six countries with 3,000 women revealed the universal truth that twenty-something women find having "good" hair can be a trigger for seizing opportunities.

For more information about the campaign and Sunsilk products, visit lifecantwait.com

Source: Unilver press release via prnewswire.com       

Hard Candy - Official Press Release
Category: Press Release.

'HARD CANDY' DELICIOUS NEW MADONNA ALBUM SCHEDULED TO BE RELEASED ON WARNER BROS. RECORDS APRIL 29th

Madonna's 11th studio album for Warner Bros. Records "HARD CANDY" is scheduled to have a global release on April 28th and a US release on April 29th, it was confirmed by her label. "HARD CANDY" (the follow up to Madonna's "CONFESSIONS ON A DANCE FLOOR" which debuted at No. 1 in 30 countries and sold over 8 million copies), has been described as a brilliant up-tempo collection of 12 songs in which Madonna remains ensconced in club mode but this time adds an urban hip hop beat in collaboration with musical partners Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes and Nate "Danja" Hills. The debut single, the pulsating "4 Minutes" will be released at the end of March.

"The title is a juxtaposition of tough and sweetness...kind of like I'm gonna kick your ass but it's going to make you feel good. And of course, I love candy" laughed the material girl.

Madonna, a multi-Grammy-award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, cultural icon, world renowned stage performer, video visionary, children's book author, director and documentary film maker has sold 200 million albums in the course of her unprecedented two decade plus career and is slated to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 10th.

Source: Iconmadonna.com

Claude CHIRAC named director of the communication of the group PPR today
Category: Press Release.

Claude Chirac, the daughter of the former President of the French Republic, Jacques Chirac, was named director of the communication of the group PPR today. PPR owns GUCCI.
Claude Chirac had made possible Madonna's concert at 'Parc de Sceaux' in Paris in 1987.

Source: Claude Chirac nommée directrice de la communication du groupe PPR

Today on DrownedMadonna:
[BREAKING NEWS] Madonna and Gucci team up for Malawi charity gig!

Confessions World Records
Category: Press Release.

An official press release today from Guinness World Records mentions some recent Madonna world records recognized by Guinness which are cited in their new 2008 edition:

Released on 28th September 2007, the new book reveals that the girl fight is not limited to girl bands, as Madonna steals Cher's crown for Highest Grossing Music Tour per Concert. The winning 'Confessions' tour was seen by 1.2 million fans grossing an estimate of GBP100 million, an average of 1.6 million per concert!

The Queen of Pop doesn't stop there, knocking Kate Bush off her spot for Most no.1 Albums by a Female Artist with her ninth, and highly successful album 'Confessions on a Dance Floor'. 

Statement From Liz Rosenberg Regarding Madonna's Adoption
Category: Press Release.

Sep 04, 2007 14:57 ET

"The plans to finalize the adoption of Madonna and Guy Ritchie's son, David, are proceeding as outlined almost a year ago -- the day the Malawian Government granted them their 'interim' adoption. There has been absolutely no interference with Government Officials or use of Madonna's 'celebrity' to speed up this adoption as reported. All appropriate legal requirements are being followed, including a home visit. Madonna and her entire family look forward to being granted the final adoption early next year -- 18 months following the original interim adoption order."

source: marketwire

Confessions Tour CD/DVD Press Release!
Category: Press Release.

Madonna’s "Confessions Tour - Live from London" Special Edition DVD/CD to Be Released January 30th
TV Apperances January 11 on the "Today" Show, "Live with Regis and Kelly" and "The Late Show with David Letterman"

NEW YORK, NY -- (MARKET WIRE) -- January 10, 2007 -- Madonna’s record breaking Confessions Tour filmed at London’s Wembley Arena during her worldwide sold-out 25-City run in 2006 is scheduled to be released as a DVD/CD on sale January 30th, it was announced today by Warner Bros. Records.

The highest-grossing tour ever by a female artist, "The Confessions Tour - Live from London" DVD, first broadcast on NBC last November, includes songs that span the course of Madonna’s extraordinary career. "Like A Virgin," "Hung Up," "Erotica" and "Music" are just a few of the hits that can be seen on the DVD and heard on the bonus CD included in the package as well as several songs from her "Confessions On A Dance Floor" CD which debuted at No. 1 in 29 countries. In addition, "The Confessions Tour" DVD includes bonus footage, which did not appear on the broadcast, including Madonna’s early classic hit "Lucky Star" as well as the full unedited version of the controversial performance of "Live To Tell." The "Confessions" DVD will have never before seen rehearsal footage and a unique photo gallery. The DVD was directed by Jonus Akerlund. The show was directed for the stage by Jamie King. Musical Director was Stuart Price. 

’The Confessions Tour - Live from London’ CD/DVD"The pop spectacle of the year -- a politically charged combination of Cirque du Soleil, performance-art commentary and dance party explosion that more or less sums up everything she has been striving to say and show this decade... it’s quite possibly the best production she’s ever concocted," raved the Orange County Register in their review of Madonna’s show.

Madonna is scheduled to appear on tomorrow’s (January 11th) airing of "The Late Show with David Letterman," make a live appearance on the "Today" Show and "Live with Regis and Kelly" -- to promote the film, "Arthur and The Invisibles" -- and will also host a screening of the film in Tribecca.

"I want to turn the world into one big dance floor," claimed the Material Girl when The Confessions Tour began. Now, the singer, songwriter, video visionary, designer, producer, children’s book author and artist, who has enthralled millions of fans all over the world and has sold 200 million plus CDs, is extending that commitment to the living rooms of the world.

Source: Warner Bros. Records.

Madonna Most Popular 2006 Celebrity Worldwide
Category: Press Release.

Most Popular Celebrities Worldwide

LONDON, December 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Madonna was the most popular celebrity in 2006.

She beat the likes of Charlotte Church and Robbie Williams to top a survey of the most popular personalities requested by people searching on the entertainment search engine Celebrities Worldwide. Richard Brecker of www.celebritiesworldwide.com said: "The results show quite emphatically that more people were interested in Madonna than any other celebrity or reality star this year." Her ability to stay ahead is phenomenal - particularly in such a difficult year."

The singer attracted great controversy over the much publicised adoption of her son David from Malawi and has also reportedly faced marriage difficulties with her husband Guy Ritchie.

It has not been a good year for David Beckham who has slipped from No 4 ranking as the most requested name in 2005 to his current number 11 spot.

Beckham relinquished his captaincy of the England soccer team following their poor showing in the World Cup, has been dropped from the squad by new manager Steve McLaren and has struggled to hold a regular place in the first team at Real Madrid.

But some consolation - Becks still finishes five places higher this year than his publicity hungry wife Victoria

Little Britain TV star Matt Lucas in 10th position proves a bigger hit than his co-star David Walliams who trails four places behind Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne, star judges on the hit TV series "X Factor" battle it out at 31st and 32nd spot respectively. One time showbiz outcast Noel Edmonds has catapulted back into the reckoning through the success of his TV show "Deal or No Deal"

Celebrities Worldwide is accepted as a benchmark of celebrity status and popularity and its website attracts more than 4 million visitors per year.

TOP 100 NAMES of 2006
    
    1.  Madonna
    2.  Charlotte Church
    3.  Jamie Oliver MBE
    4.  Robbie Williams
    5.  Jonathan Ross OBE
    6.  Billie Piper
    7.  Ricky Gervais
    8.  Jeremy Clarkson
    9.  Stephen Fry
    10.  Matt Lucas
    11.  David Beckham OBE
    12.  Gordon Ramsay OBE
    13.  Trinny Woodall
    14.  David Walliams
    15.  Fearne Cotton
    16.  Victoria Beckham
    17.  Elton John
    18.  Kylie Minogue
    19.  David Tennant
    20.  Rachel Stevens
    21.  Peter Kay
    22.  Davina McCall
    23.  Graham Norton
    24.  Paul McCartney
    25.  Dawn French
    26.  Russell Brand
    27.  Paul O'Grady
    28.  Coleen McLoughlin
    29.  Noel Edmonds
    30.  Richard Hammond
    31.  Simon Cowell
    32.  Sharon Osbourne
    33.  Nigella Lawson
    34.  Ewan McGregor
    35.  David Attenborough
    36.  Vernon Kay
    37.  Chris Moyles
    38.  Terry Wogan
    39.  Catherine Tate
    40.  Michael Palin CBE
    41.  Keira Knightley
    42.  Chris Evans
    43.  Zoe Ball
    44.  Chantelle Houghton
    45.  Elizabeth Hurley
    46.  Bill Bailey
    47.  Brad Pitt
    48.  Bob Geldof KBE
    49.  David Hasselhoff
    50.  Vic Reeves
    51.  Jarvis Cocker
    52.  Kevin Spacey
    53.  Paul Merton
    54.  George Clooney
    55.  Kate Moss
    56.  Jo Brand
    57.  Lenny Henry
    58.  Bruce Forsyth CBE
    59.  Angelina Jolie
    60.  Victoria Wood
    61.  Johnny Vegas
    62.  Will Young
    63.  Jade Goody
    64.  Edith Bowman
    65.  Kelly Holmes
    66.  Johnny Depp
    67.  Joanna Lumley
    68.  Cliff Richard
    69.  Emma Bunton
    70.  Denise Van Outen
    71.  Jude Law
    72.  Ian McKellen
    73.  Patrick Stewart OBE
    74.  John Cleese
    75.  Ian Hislop
    76.  Janet Street-Porter
    77.  Martine McCutcheon
    78.  Meera Syal MBE
    79.  Paris Hilton
    80.  Jools Holland
    81.  Jordan
    82.  Steve Coogan
    83.  Cilla Black
    84.  Dermot O'Leary
    85.  Richard Branson
    86.  Tom Cruise
    87.  Myleene Klass
    88.  George Michael
    89.  Cat Deeley
    90.  Ainsley Harriott
    91.  Kate Winslet
    92.  Ray Winstone
    93.  Sting
    94.  Geri Halliwell
    95.  Sara Cox
    96.  Jeremy Paxman
    97.  Gary Lineker
    98.  Carol Vorderman MBE
    99.  Bono
    100. Dannii Minogue

Source: Distributed by PR Newswire on behalf of www.celebritiesworldwide.com

Madonna: Do not pass judgment without seeing my show.
Category: Press Release.

As Madonna's Confessions Tour comes to an end in Japan this week, the artist has released a statement regarding the much talked about Crucifixion scene.

"I am very grateful that my show was so well received all over the world. But there seems to be many misinterpretations about my appearance on the cross and I wanted to explain it myself once and for all.

"There is a segment in my show where three of my dancers 'confess' or share harrowing experiences from their childhood that they ultimately overcame. My 'confession' follows and takes place on a Crucifix that I ultimately come down from. This is not a mocking of the church. It is no different than a person wearing a Cross or 'Taking Up the Cross' as it says in the Bible. My performance is neither anti-Christian, sacrilegious or blasphemous. Rather, it is my plea to the audience to encourage mankind to help one another and to see the world as a unified whole. I believe in my heart that if Jesus were alive today he would be doing the same thing.

"My specific intent is to bring attention to the millions of children in Africa who are dying every day, and are living without care, without medicine and without hope. I am asking people to open their hearts and minds to get involved in whatever way they can. The song ends with a quote from the Bible's Book of Matthew:

"'For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was naked and you gave me clothing. I was sick and you took care of me and God replied, "Whatever you did for the least of my brothers... you did it to me."'

"Please do not pass judgment without seeing my show."

Madonna's "Confessions Tour - Live From London" is scheduled to air on NBC this November. NBC has not confirmed whether they will include this portion of the show in their broadcast.

The artist is scheduled to come to New York at the end of October to promote her new children's book "The English Roses - Too Good To Be True" and has also announced her plans for a trip to Malawi for several weeks in November to participate in the building of an orphanage and care center for the children of that country (www.raisingmalawi.com).

SOURCE:  Warner Bros. Records, MarketWire

[EXCLUSIVE] Instant-mag2 - Special Madonna
Category: Press Release.

instant-mag2 - N° 1 - Special Madonna

- Tribute to all Madonna' concerts :
Flashback on the 7 tours with the most beautiful photos from each concert
Anecdotes
Press reviews from each period
And for the first time, interviews of fans from all over the world
 
- Portfolio by Steven Klein on the "Confessions on a Dance Floor" album
 
- 84 pages
 
- On sale TOMORROW - August 21

 
Madonna Endorses Hillary--Life Imitates Cartoon Art
Category: Press Release.
 To: National Desk

Contact: Jerry McGlothlin, Special Guests, 630-848-0750

Photo: Cartoon of Madonna endorsing Hillary Clinton by Katharine DeBrecht

MEDIA AVAILABILITY, March 21 /Christian Wire Service/ -- Madonna, the diva of decadency has endorsed Hillary Clinton in the 2008 Presidential election with an eerie resemblance to a page out of the new children’s book, “Help Mom! Hollywood is in my Hamper,” by Katharine DeBrecht.

"Hillary Clinton should go for it, definitely," Madonna told ContactMusic.com. "You've got to start somewhere in terms of women leading the US."  Madonna’s endorsement ironically comes at a time when a new children’s book by best-selling author Katharine DeBrecht hit bookstore shelves March 7.
 
Conducting Talk Show interviews on this topic is author Katharine DeBrecht, whose illustrated book features characters reminiscent of Barbra Streisand, Madonna, Britney Spears, Tom Cruise, and Sean Penn as cartoon villains in her book that depicts a Madonna-type character comfortably at Hillary’s side as she kicks off a presidential campaign.
 
Sexism was the main reason for not having women in high offices, Madonna claimed, saying, "In America, men are still afraid of women. And women, I don't think, trust women. I find that amazing."
 
When asked about the coincidence, DeBrecht laughed “Sexism? Pardon me, but didn't she make millions in her career portraying women as sex objects?”  DeBrecht also noted the Clinton Administration’s years of exploiting women including the Lewinsky affair and Juanita Broderick allegations.
 
When asked about Madonna’s metamorphosis from queen of smut to queen of suburbia, DeBrecht quipped, “Oh, right, that is in the past.  Now she is a mother and writes children's books that no one reads.  Meanwhile, she and all the others – Britney Spears, Angelina Jolie ,etc., and others who wind up on Oprah’s couch after many have had babies out of wedlock, have made my job as a mother much harder.”
 
The book reunites DeBrecht with award-winning illustrator Jim Hummel to tell the story of Janie and Sam, two girls who were happy just being kids until celebrities start popping out of their hamper to tell them how to behave and to sell them useless clothes and trinkets. The girls encounter a number of goofy celebrities along the way and in the process learn that stars don’t always know best. The book is the highly anticipated sequel to last fall’s surprise hit Help! Mom! There Are Liberals Under My Bed! which reached #1 on Barnes & Noble’s website but drew fiery criticism from liberals for its portrayal of Hillary Clinton and Ted Kennedy as cartoon villains who tax and regulate a lemonade stand.
 
Much to the chagrin of many of the Hollywood stars parodied in the book, it ironically made its way into the gift bags at one of the big Oscar parties.  “Oddly enough, I didn’t get my invitation to the Academy Awards this year,” laughs DeBrecht. 
 
Regarding George Clooney’s latest comments on out-of-touch Hollywood, DeBrecht responds, “Know-it-all liberal celebrities are in our faces every day, telling people how to live, what to buy, and often how to vote.  Children need to understand that just because these people show up on television doesn’t mean they know what’s best for the rest of America. In fact, it’s usually quite the opposite!” says DeBrecht
 
Madonna, however, may have taken what DeBrecht calls the Implosion of the Democratic Party to heart, noting, 
"I don't think maybe now is her time, or the Democrat's time."

DeBrecht laughs “Unfortunately for the likes of Dean, Clinton, Pelosi, and the rest of the Hollywood’s  “Heart and Soul of America – just like movies about gay sheep herders and sympathizers to terrorists, Real America are just not buying what they are selling.”
 
Katharine DeBrecht is an author of children's books and a mother of three. Her first book Help! Mom! There Are Liberals Under My Bed! hit #1 on the Barnes & Noble website in September 2005 and was profiled by the Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and other publications. A graduate of Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, DeBrecht resides in South Carolina with her husband and children. Her latest book is titled Help! Mom! Hollywood's in My Hamper!

WARNER MUSIC CANADA AND BELL MOBILITY OFFER OVER-THE-AIR DOWNLOADS.
Category: Press Release.

Warner Music Canada and Bell Mobility have announced that the two companies have entered into a new partnership in the ever expanding digital world. For the first time Bell Mobility customers will be able to receive digital downloads through over the air technology with Full Track Music downloads. This gives the music consumer even more flexibility in receiving the music they love and with Bell’s new EV-DO technology, they will be able to get their music faster than ever before (in approximately 30 seconds while on the 1xEV-DO network). Through this agreement Warner will be the first company to supply music to Bell Mobility customers who have purchased selected new handsets recently launched by Bell.

The announcement of this new agreement is the next step in the relationship between Warner Music Canada and Bell Mobility which was already established by providing customers with ringtones and Caller Ring Tunes from various Warner artists.

"We continue to explore new ways to deliver music to consumers," said Steve Kane, President Warner Music Canada. "This is an exciting development in mobile delivery and we’re thrilled with our growing relationship with Bell Mobility."

Warner Music Canada’s roster includes some of the biggest names in Pop music today such as Madonna, Green Day, Michael Bublé, Neil Young, Blue Rodeo, Billy Talent, Great Big Sea, Simple Plan and Enya. These artists and many more have dominated the digital download charts in 2005. Warner had of the Top 5 best selling downloads over Christmas; Madonna’ "Hung Up" (currently #1) and "You’re Beautiful," (currently #2) the first single from British singer-songwriter James Blunt’s double- platinum debut album Back To Bedlam.

Canadian Press Release for Confessions debut at #1.
Category: Press Release.

CANADA LEADS THE WAY AS MADONNA’S

CONFESSIONS ON A DANCE FLOOR

DEBUTS AT #1 AROUND THE WORLD

For immediate release

Canadian fans of Madonna have flocked to the stores to buy her new album, Confessions On A Dance Floor, making it the #1 album in the country this week. The record has scanned 74,000 copies in Canada in its first week giving it the second highest first week sales in 2005. The album has also debuted at #1 in 19 countries around the world including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria, Norway, Chile and Denmark.

The remarkable response to Confessions On A Dance Floor is due, in large part, to the tremendous success the album’s first single is having at radio. “Hung Up” has set airwaves on fire around the world while in Canada the song is the fastest to reach #1 on the Canadian Contemporary Hit Radio (Top 40) charts in over 10 years. The track was serviced to Canadian Radio on October 28 and reached the top after only 10 days, where it has remained for 30 days. It is also now #1 on the Canadian Hot Adult Contemporary (Hot AC) charts, making this the first time Madonna has topped this chart..

“The highest requests, the best test results and a volley to the top of the chart. It’s undeniable - Madonna strikes again.”

- Rob Farina, Program Director, 104.5 CHUM FM/Toronto

Music critics have also overwhelming welcomed Madonna’s return:

“The album is designed for maximum volume. It’s all motion, action, speed. Madonna can still move a crowd.”

- Rolling Stone

“Madonna delivers 12 propulsive tracks that are an homage to quality old-school disco – yes, there was such a thing.”

- Vancouver Sun

[BREAKING NEWS] Press release for KOKO gig and its worldwide webcast.
Category: Press Release.

Finally here's the press release confirming what Drowned Madonna exclusively revealed about the KOKO gig and its worldwide webcast accessible to everybody:

Network LIVE Presents Madonna Live From KoKo’s in London on November 15 With Simultaneous Worldwide Broadcast
Wednesday November 9, 12:00 am ET
Millions of Fans to Watch the Exclusive Performance Live Via AOLMusic.com, XM Satellite Radio and Multiple Wireless Providers Worldwide
Deal Marks First International Production and Broadcast for New Multi-Platform Digital Entertainment Company

LOS ANGELES and LONDON, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Network LIVE, a joint venture between America Online, XM Satellite Radio and AEG, today announced that the Company will produce and distribute Madonna’s international album launch event for "Confessions On a Dancefloor" live from KoKo’s in London on November 15th at 10 pm GMT / 5 pm ET to a worldwide audience of millions of music fans via AOL Music LIVE (www.aolmusic.com), XM Satellite Radio and multiple wireless providers internationally. This is the first international production and broadcast for Network LIVE, following Live8.

"This event demonstrates that Network LIVE is shifting the model for the music business in a real and significant manner, "said Kevin Wall, CEO of Network LIVE. "It is an honor to work with Madonna to deliver her music to millions of fans across the world, and ensure that people across the globe can experience this intimate show on demand, or when they want, through the device of their choice."

The performance follows the highly successfully and critically acclaimed Live8 model of live music content production, distribution and marketing, and Kevin Wall, CEO of Network LIVE and Executive Producer of Live8, will be in London to produce the event.

The KoKo’s show will feature Madonna’s acclaimed band including music visionary and DJ guru Stuart Price who also served as Madonna’s co-producer on her new CD, which is scheduled to be released around the world on November l4th and l5th. "Just as the record is where pop meets dance, the show is where live musicians meet the DJ world," stated Price. Madonna originally played KoKo’s, formerly Camden Palace, at the very beginning of her career in June l983 following the release of the underground club hit ’Everybody’.

An exclusive behind-the-scenes segment will take fans backstage with Madonna right before the show begins. The on-location audience for the show will consist of 1500 Madonna fans who will receive tickets through radio contests in more than 40 countries around the world.

Madonna, the best selling female artist ever in the UK, has international album sales of over 200 million. Her eagerly anticipated ’Confessions On a Dancefloor’ is one of the most anticipated albums of this year and features the debut smash single ’Hung Up’. Her new music once again establishes Madonna as the most exciting and innovative artist of her time and once again reminds fans what sets her apart as a dance music pioneer for the last two decades.

The Material Girl has had 58 Top Ten UK hit singles, including ten Number 1 singles, eight Number 1 albums and close to 2000 combined weeks on the UK charts. The raves for Madonna’s new album are arriving fast and furious "Anyone who thought Madonna might have abdicated as the Queen of Pop can kneel at her feet once more," glowed the Sun about her new record. "Her tenure at the top has just been extended indefinitely," added Uncut Magazine.

Click here to read more.