Official: Madonna will perform at the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv (Ynet)

Madonna News

It is now official: Madonna will be performing at the Eurovision 2019 in Tel Aviv and will perform two songs there, the company announced today (Monday) to Live Nation Israel owned by Guy Besser and Shai Mor Yosef.

Madonna will arrive in Israel 4 days before the competition and will be staying at the Dan Hotel in Tel Aviv. She is expected to arrive in Israel with a staff of more than 60 people. The person who will make her appearance in Israel is Assaf Blecher, who has previously produced the Oscars and the Golden Globes. The live production company adds that it is possible that two other artists will be exposed to the show in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Contacts with the singer’s members have continued for several months, but have been hampered by the large economic gaps. In recent months, Danny Ben Na’im, the Israeli partner of Canadian billionaire Sylvan Adams, has been approached by the corporation in order to obtain financial aid that will enable the performance to take place. Ultimately, the economic barrier was lifted after Adams, one of Israel’s most enthusiastic donors, agreed to finance the costs. Another challenge that the production had to deal with revolves around differences of opinion about the song that was supposed to be elected.

“I am excited and proud to host Madonna in Israel and bring her to the Eurovision,” said Canadian billionaire Shamman, who donated the Madonna concert. “I believe that her participation in the event will dramatically enhance the media exposure that the State of Israel will receive and will contribute significantly to the success of the Eurovision Song Contest and the branding of Israel in the world.”

The Eurovision Song Contest will be held this year at the Tel Aviv Exhibition Grounds. It will open with the semi-finals on May 14 and 16, and the final will be held on May 18. The competition will be led by Bar Refaeli and Erez Tal, with Assi on their side.

More at Ynet

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Madonna to Perform at Eurovision in Tel Aviv – confirmed! (Haaretz)

Madonna News

Madonna will perform at the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv in May, the European Broadcasting Union has confirmed.

The singer will likely perform two songs – a popular hit and a new song. The pop superstar and the contest’s producers have previously butted heads, apparently because the new song she plans to debut contains political messages.

Madonna is expected to be accompanied by a 160-person entourage. Bringing her to perform at the contest is expected to cost about $1 million, which is to be provided by billionaire businessman Sylvan Adams.

The performance will be her fourth in Israel. The first came in 1993, and was followed by shows in 2009 and 2012. She has also visited Israel on other occasions in the context of her interest in Kabbalah.

Planning for the contest, which Israel is hosting thank to its victory in last year’s, has seen hiccups over international calls for a boycott and funding issues.

Last week, the Prime Minister’s Office announced it would cover 1.5 million shekels (about $410,000) of the security costs for the contest.

The announcement came after the song contest’s executive supervisor sent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a stern letter in which he warned him that Israel’s foot-dragging on the matter could impede preparations for the entire event.

In January, former Pink Floyd frontman Roger Waters called on the BBC to refrain from broadcasting the contest. An open letter signed by over 50 leading U.K. artists urged the BBC to push for the locale of this year’s song contest to be changed because of “Israel’s systematic violation of Palestinian human rights.”

More at Haaretz.com

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MADONNA TO PERFORM AT EUROVISION IN TEL AVIV – confirmed

Madonna News

Madonna will perform live at the Eurovision grand finale in Tel Aviv on May 28. 
Israel’s public broadcaster KAN confirmed Monday the report by Yediot Aharonot. The costs of bringing the international superstar to Israel will be covered by Israeli-Canadian billionaire Sylvan Adams.

Last month Adams said he sees himself as an unofficial ambassador of Israel in the entertainment world.

“Its a tremendous way to boost tourism,” he said at the INTV conference in Jerusalem. “And I think the more people we bring here, the more people see our true nature, and the true beauty of our country and our people, and the freedom and openness and tolerance and safety of our country.”  

More at Jerusalem Post

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From the Archives: Outrage over Madonna video

Madonna News
When it first aired 30 years ago, the video for Madonna’s song “Like a Prayer” caused enormous controversy with its edgy mix of sexual and religious imagery.

First published in the Sydney Morning Herald on April 9, 1989

Pop-singer Madonna’s hit video is to be investigated by the Australian Broadcasting Tribunal to decide whether it is blasphemous.

The tribunal has already received one complaint and the Reverend Fred Nile has promised to add his voice in a bid to have the Like a Prayer video banned. He said: “I have seen it. I feel offended by it. It is blasphemous and obviously sexually titillating.” Mr Nile said it was time a line was drawn over the treatment of religious subjects. The film The Last Temptation of Christ crossed that line. Muslims had been offended by the book Satanic Verses.

“People should be careful how they treat subjects which are important to the majority of citizens in our State who have some sort of faith.”

 

Uproar in Italy and America over the sexual and religious imagery in the video has caused Pepsi-Cola to cancel a $50 million international marketing campaign featuring its commercial run in tandem with the clip.

Scene from Madonna's "Like a Prayer" video, 1989
Scene from Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” video, 1989 CREDIT:PUBLICITY

Pepsi reportedly paid Madonna $6.3 million under a one-year contract that included commercials and a concert tour. It is unclear whether Pepsi has withdrawn its support for the tour.

The video shows Madonna kissing a religious statue of a black Christ that comes to life.

And she dances among burning crosses with the stigmata on her hand resembling the wounds Jesus suffered during crucifixion.

 

She is saved from rape by a black man resembling the statue and appears to dream of a sexual encounter with him.

The video coincides with the release of the album and single of the song which last week hit No 1 in Australia and Britain and stands at No 5 in America.

Read full article at Sydney Morning Herald

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Every Number 1 album by a female solo artist

Madonna News

The lady with the most visits to Number 1 is Madonna, who has topped the Official Albums Chart 12 times over her career. First was second album Like A Virgin, which took a mammoth 44 weeks to finally go to Number 1, in September 1985. Her next one, True Blue, went straight in at the top and stayed there for six straight weeks – it’s her biggest selling studio album in the UK – and all but one of her subsequent Number 1s have debuted at the summit. Her 1990 greatest hits collection The Immaculate Collection is her longest-running Number 1 – nine weeks at the top and 3.7 million copies sold, making it her top seller in the UK and the 13th biggest selling album of all time here. 

Read full article at Official Charts

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51st Mega Record & CD Fair Utrecht – one week to go!

Madonna News

April 13 & 14, 2019 the Jaarbeurs Convention centre in Utrecht will host the 51sth edition of the Mega Record & CD Fair. Calling all record and CD fans to the Mega Record & CD Fair, a massive bi-annual music fair at the Jaarbeurs Utrecht, the Netherlands. An unmissable cult event for music fans the world over, packed with exhibitions, collections, signings and live shows.Calling all record and CD fans to the Mega Record & CD Fair, a massive bi-annual music fair at the Jaarbeurs Utrecht, the Netherlands. An unmissable cult event for music fans the world over, packed with exhibitions, collections, signings and live shows.

Pre sale Record fair Utrecht

Record Planet manages vinyl & cd fairs including the world’s leading Mega Record & CD Fair at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht, the Netherlands which takes place twice per year and is without doubt the largest record & cd fair in the world.

Record fair Utrecht

More at Recordplanet.nl

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Madonna debut album shirt ©2018 Boy Toy Inc.

Madonna News

We have just added this official shirt to The First Album promo page under the memorabilia tab.

This official shirt is completely inspired by Madonna’s debut album featuring the cover photo by Gary Heery on front. Underneath the print it says: © 2018 Boy Toy Inc. Under license by Live Nation Merchandise

Check this and more out HERE

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Madonna’s MDNA Skincare Launches Moschino Collab

Madonna News, MDNA Skin

Although the name Madonna doesn’t ordinarily elicit images of luxury moisturizers and serums, the iconic singer does run an ultra high-end and adored skincare brand, MDNA.

And now the brand has partnered with luxury Italian label Moschino to launch three super expensive skincare sets. Each set is built around the MDNA’s existing range of products and comes repackaged in a transparent Moschino bag.

The first set is called the Hydration Trio and includes MDNA’s signature Serum, The Eye Serum, and a mini Rose Mist. All products are focused on “light hydration” for the transitional weather.

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MDNA X Moschino Hydration Trio

Next is the All Eyes on You set, which includes MDNA’s top eye products: a full size Eye Serum, and four packs of The Eye Mask. Together, they claim to combat the toughest signs of exhaustion under your eyes along with de-puffing those persistent bags from sleepless nights.

MDNA X Moschino All Eyes on You

Finally, the Runway-Ready Essentials set includes travel-size renditions of most of the above including The Face Wash. All products come cased in a mini albeit chic Moschino travel pouch.

MDNA X Moschino Runway-Ready Essentials

As with all MDNA products, the price range is a little steep ranging between $95 to $420, but if you’re looking for a deal, the Runway-Ready Essentials may be your best bet at $95. All sets are retailing under exclusive partnerships with Barneys, and Nordstrom, respectively.

They are also available to shop at mdnaskin.com.

Photos courtesy of MDNA

More at Papermag

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What’s the meaning behind Madonna’s latest cryptic Instagram posts?

Madonna News
The huge, red X might have little to do with new music

Madonna has left a cryptic message for her fans on her Instagram account for April Fool’s Day.

The singer shared an enigmatic, gigantic red X on a black background and spread across nine different pictures.

This post prompted speculations that the iconic artist might be about to drop a new album.

After Rebel Heart 

The Like A Prayer singer released her latest album Rebel Heart in 2015. She then went on to debut new song Beautiful Game at the Met Gala in May 2018.

She also posted a 37-second fun song about safe sex on Instagram in February 2019, but hasn’t dropped new music since.

After Lady Gaga announced she is ‘pregnant’ with her sixth album earlier this month, Madonna lovers took the X as a clue her idol, too, is about to release a new studio album.

Madonna did announce an album was on its way in January 2018. However, there is still no release date for this hotly anticipated new work, which would be her 14th.

Despite the huge amount of guesswork on social media, fans haven’t found an explanation for the huge X.

Is Madonna teasing her collaboration with Moschino?

Nonetheless, the most plausible reason seems to have little to do with new music.

The post might, in fact, be teasing Madonna’s new collaboration with Italian fashion brand Moschino.

Madonna’s MDNA Skin has teamed up with the luxury fashion house to create three skincare sets.

These will be based around MDNA’s core products but repackaged in an exquisite Moschino bag. And the name of the collection is MDNA X Moschino.

Moreover, red and black have always been the 1983-born brand’s signature colors. Furthermore, the collection dropped right on April Fool’s and is now available at Barney’s, Nordstrom and mdnaskin.com.

It looks like fans won’t have any brand new Madonna’s bangers to dance to anytime soon, but they might be content with having perfect skin for the time being.

More at GayStarNews

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Jean Paul Gaultier & Supreme collaborate, Lourdes Leon models

Madonna News

Most iconic of all though, he created the costumes, including those conical bra bodices, worn by Madonna for her 1990 Blond Ambition tour. And it’s this era of his ready-to-wear archive that Gaultier has chosen to revisit for his Supreme collaboration, making it all the more fitting that Madonna’s daughter Lourdes Leon is modelling the collection in the first-seen photos, shot by Collier Schorr, alongside the artist Sancheeto.

Read full article at VOGUE

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Madonna to perform 2 songs at Eurovision according to El Confidencial

Madonna News

Attendees at the Eurovision 2019 gala will have the opportunity to enjoy a mini-concert by Madonna. The queen of pop will attend the gala to be held on May 18 in Tel Aviv to sing two songs for which she will charge a million euro’s. The Israeli newspaper ‘Hayom’ has confirmed that, after “tough negotiations”, Madonna would have said yes to Eurovision. But the money requested to interpret two songs during the gala amounts to one million euros, a figure that Israeli public television, Kan, organizer of the festival, can not afford.

The solution? Canadian-Israeli billionaire Sylvan Adams offered to pay for the artist’s performance. But surpassed the cache of Madonna, the problem came for the songs. The artist wanted to impose the themes that she was going to interpret during her performance, something that contravened the EBU norms, which prevent there being topics with political criticism.

With the confirmation that Madonna will perform at the Eurovision Song Contest, the prices of the final tickets have soared on resale. The songs that the public will enjoy the queen of pop on the Eurovision stage are still unknown. What are already known are the majority of topics from the representatives of the countries that will participate this year in the contest. Miki Núñez will perform ‘La Venda’, a song with which Spain hopes to improve last year’s position.

Read more at El Confidencial

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Win Swept Away on Blu-ray

Madonna News, Madonna's Filmography

Directed by Guy Ritchie and produced by Matthew Vaughn, Swept Away is available for the first time on Blu-ray from Monday 8th April 2019 through Fabulous Films.

Madonna and Adriano Giannini star in this contemporary adaptation of Lina Wertmullers’s 1974 romantic comedy, a story of love, sex and too much money – all set against the backdrop of a Mediterranean island paradise.

The original Swept Away directed by Lina Wertmüller received the 1975 National Board of Review of Motion Pictures Award for Top Foreign Film. Giancarlo Giannini’s son Adriano Giannini plays the same role as his father in the original film.

A rich, spoiled socialite (Madonna) and a handsome Italian (Giannini) find themselves stranded on a deserted island where matters of material wealth and class disparity are meaningless. And in their struggle to survive and coexist in their paradise found, they soon discover that their dramatic differences are suddenly the source of a fierce, passionate and (sometimes) hilarious animal attraction.

To celebrate the release of Swept Away, Entertainment Focus have 3 copies on Blu-ray to give away. Enter HERE for a chance to win…

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More on MDNA Skin X Moschino collaboration

Madonna News, MDNA Skin

Madonna’s MDNA Skin has teamed up with Moschino to create three luxury skincare sets. Based around MDNA’s core products, but repackaged in an exquisite Moschino bag, and sold in specially devised combinations, fans will not be disappointed.

First up, there’s the Hydration Trio which includes full sizes of the brand’s signature Serum, The Eye Serum and a miniature Rose Mist. All products contain ingredients that Queen Madge has developed for her own personal use. The Serum consists of a highly moisturising triple hyaluronic acid blend that hydrates severely dry skin while the Rose Mist contains Montecatini water: a mineral-rich thermal water used for intense hydration.

And then there’s the All Eyes on You set which includes a full size Eye Serum and four packs of The Eye Mask – both of which combat tired-looking eyes by helping to brighten the undereye and reduce puffiness. So perfect after a long flight or a big night.

With prices ranging from $95 to $420, all products come in the signature MDNA chic grey bottles but are packaged in a clear Moschino-branded cosmetics bag.

This is not the first cosmetics collaboration we have seen from the Italian luxury fashion brand. Just last year Moschino launched their first ever beauty launch with a collection with K-Beauty brand Tonymoly. However, for MDNA – which Madonna found in 2014 as a collection which “encompasses a revolutionary approach to skincare based on the physics of beauty” – this is the first of its kind.

The MDNA X Moschino collection will be available at Barney’s, Nordstrom and mdnaskin.com from 1st April.

More at DazedDigital

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Madonna Teases New Project on Instagram

Madame X, Madonna News

As Sandra Oh said in The Princess Diaries … the Queen is Coming.

Pop superstar Madonna has changed her profile picture of her Instagram and uploaded 9 new images that, all together, mark a big red “X” on her profile against a stark black background.

What the “X” means is open to interpretation. There’s been some Twitter chatter that the project is part of a secret Netflix project, but most of the screenshots circulating were debunked as faked images. Given that Madonna hasn’t released an album since 2015’s Rebel Heart, her thirteenth album, it’s very likely that she’s teasing a new LP.  

While Madonna hasn’t released new music since then, there have been reports that the Material Girl has something up her sleeve. The general public found out that she was filming a music video when Page Six reported that the mayor of a historic Portuguese town denied the singer’s request to bring a horse into a local castle to film a music video. The mayor reportedly denied the singer because the castle’s wooden floors couldn’t support the horse’s weight and could damage the building.

Madonna teased new music on March 18 with a picture of her slicing into an apple with the words “A taste of things to come.”

More at OUT.com

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