VIDEO PREMIERE: MADONNA - "TURN UP THE RADIO"

Still from Turn Up the Radio

Madonna goes back to her roots in her latest Video, directed by Tom Munro, where we see her driven through her Motherland of Italia in the backseat of a Convertible and causing quite a commotion on the streets. This all looks great and I admit, I love the Martin Solveig-produced Track, but is this too little too late for the MDNA Movement?

One other thing - is Madonna averse to being surrounding by people her own age in her Videos?  It would be nice to see The Queen of Pop embracing the same Philosophy she has always promoted by Expressing Yourself with an Entourage not comprised only of just younger Models or ripped Dancers.

Watch this just-released Video for Turn Up the Radio:

GAP-TOOTH MODELS: THE NEW STICK-THIN

Gap-Tooth Models

Perhaps Lauren Hutton, Madonna and Lara Stone (respectively) started the rage first, but is it a coincidence that two of this Summer's most visible Ad Campaigns are fronted by Models with one distinguishable trait? Gap-Teeth. 

Although Kate Moss has in recent years become synonymous with Rimmel, Georgia May Jagger - daughter of Mick & Jeri Hall - has taken the reigns for the Cosmetics Company becoming instantly recognizable for her soon-to-be-famous dental chasm.  "Get the London Look", she tells us with her inviting eyes and seductive lips.

International Clothier GAP also has fittingly played on the pun of their name, utilizing the looks of another gap-tooth Model in their Be Your Own T Campaign. The doe-eyed blonde Model steals every Group Shot in which she appears and is perhaps the single most identifiable thing about the Campaign.  I don't even remember a thing about their Tees or what might be so unique about them, to be honest ...but I remembered the Model.

On another level though, this is a Statement about the changing norms of the perfection-obsessed Fashion Industry.  What can be seen as a flaw by many now is being placed front and center as a statement of self-acceptance. How could one not support that?

(Photo credit: GAP/Rimmel)

DICK CLARK PASSES AWAY AT AGE 82

Dick Clark

Before Ryan Seacrest there was Dick Clark. Before Dick Clark, there was no Dick Clark. Farewell to a Legend. I fondly recall spending weekends as a Toddler watching American Bandstand on weekends and I don't believe all this time has passed since those days. Even more, I don't believe that TV Producer, Host and Icon Clark had passed away this morning at age 82, suffering a Heart Attack just one day after undergoing an Outpatient Procedure at Saint John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California.

Celebrities have been vocal in their condolences for Clark and his Family including Seacrest, who widely is acknowledged as Clark's modern day Successor, now hosting Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve. Seacrest Tweeted earlier, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Dick Clark. He has truly been one of the greatest influences in my life."

Janet Jackson also says, "Dick Clark changed the face of musical television. He was wonderful to many artists including our family. We will miss him. God bless.". Joan Rivers, who was just in Toronto this past weekend doing an appearance on The Shopping Channel Tweeted "Very sad to hear about Dick Clark. What a great life. What a great career. Relevant until the end. He will be missed!".Meanwhile, Anderson Cooper's Tweeted, "What a career Dick Clark had! What a life! My thoughts are with his family and friends.".

Madonna took to Facebook to make a rare statement stating succinctly, "Rest in peace. You will be missed", also posting a Video of her appearing on American Bandstand earlier in her Career.

Watch the Video below:

KATY PERRY IN MAY 2012 ISSUE OF "TEEN VOGUE"

Katy Perry in Teen Vogue - May 2012

I actually will watch this! The lovely and gracious Katy Perry is set to release her 3-D Concert Movie Part of Me via Paramout Pictures and this Trailer promises to give us insight into her troubled rise to the Pop Top and maybe even dish a little on her broken Marriage to Russell Brand? "Thank you for embracing my weirdness" she tells a sold-out Arena near the end of this Trailer.

Perry also reveals to Teen Vogue intheir May 2012 Issue, that she at one point in-the-running for a small role in The Help, however the promotional schedule for her Disc Teenage Dream conflicted with filming.  How amaze would it have been to see her in that Oscar-nominated Film?  She also says that Madonna's Documentary Truth or Dare was the inspiration behind this upcoming Concert Movie.  Although fortunately Perry wasn't harassed by the Toronto Police like Madonna was for performing "lewd acts" on-stage.

Watch the Trailer below:

Katy Perry: Part of Me 3-D opens July 5, 2012 on what will be a busy Memorial Day Weekend at the Box Office up against Oliver Stone Thriller Savages (John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Blake Lively, Taylor Kitsch) and The Amazing Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone).

(Photo/video credit: Teen Vogue)

REVIEW: MADONNA - "MDNA"

Despite the promise of something innovative and great in switching Record Labels, ultimately what we get with Madonna's MDNA is indeed something new, but how great is it really?   Patchy is one word to describe the twelve-track Disc, her first from Live Nation/Interscope Records/Universal Music, but it is not without its traces of brilliance.  Collaborations with Benny Benassi - I'm Addicted and Girl Gone Wild - highlight the Disc and in a perfect World should have been plugged one-two as the Album's first Singles.  The only problem is that there is a lack of any real defining trait that says these tunes belong to the Queen of Pop other than her distinctive and recognizable vocals being heard on them.

The theatrical Gang Bang is somewhat reminiscent of Madonna's Bedtime Stories era,  with her channeling some Nancy Sinatra-meets-Deborah Harry-esque Femme Fatale before breaking into a terribly embarrassing Monologue.  She commands, "Drive Bitch! And while you're at it, die Bitch! That's right, Drive Bitch!  Now if you're gonna act like a Bitch, you're gonna die like a Bitch!".  Absolutely absurd.

Some mixed results are garnered from Madonna's studio sessions with Martin Solveig, including first Single Give Me All Your Luvin' (ft. M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj) which I admit was fun for a few listens, but ultimately does not withstand the rigours of "repeat" and "shuffle" on the iPod. The Duo do however strike Pop Excellence on the David Guetta-esque Turn Up the Radio, perhaps an homage to Donna Summer (?) which absolutely is plug-worthy. Genuinely she is putting forth in her vocal delivery here and any Fan would know it.

Two Ballads saved for late, Golden Globe-winning Masterpiece and Falling Free feel out-of-place from the context of the Disc and in all honesty MDNA could have done without them.  MDNA is no Confessions on a Dancefloor (woop!), yet it's certainly no Hard Candy (bleh!) either.  Universal Music Canada releases on March 26, 2012.

While you're at it, check out Madonna's new Video for Girl Gone Wild below:

NEW MUSIC: MADONNA - "GIRL GONE WILD"

Official Artwork for Girl Gone Wild

Although Girls Gone Wild Creator Joe Francis had has own opinion on Madonna borrowing inspiration from his famously exploitative Videos, alas Interscope Records and Francis have come to an agreement that the title Girl Gone Wild (sans the "s") will be the name of the Pop Queen's new Single.  The Track is co-written by Jenson Vaughan and co-produced by Benny & Alle Benassi. 

The provocative Single Cover was shot by Mert & Marcus and is Madonna's second track to surface in a month from her upcoming MDNA Album, in-stores March 26, 2012.  Somewhat reminiscent of her earlier work like Celebration and Confessions on a Dance Floor Disc.

What could be more subversive than taking some with such exploitative connotations and re-exploiting it allover again?  Brilliant, I say.

Watch the official Lyric Video for Girl Gone Wild below:

(Photo/video credit: Universal Music)

ELTON JOHN TO HEADLINE FASHION CARES 25

Elton John & David Furnish in Toronto - March 2011

As if September weren't already exciting enough of a month with TIFF energizing our City with some major Star Power, Elton John will be headlining Fashion Cares 25 on Sunday, September 9, 2012, as announced by Tanya Kim of CTV's eTalk here in her interview with him at his Oscars Afterparty last night.  He tells Kim, "I have a Canadian Husband, I have a Canadian Son", after expressing his excitement about the Event.

Although additional details still are to come, fortunately there will be enough Drama of the Cinematic variety that week during the Festival, separating John and his Archnemesis Madonna, who will be in-town also for two shows at the Air Canada Centre just a few days after on September 12-13, 2012.

(Photo credit: Stephen Fernandez)

MADONNNA ANNOUNCES "MDNA" TOUR DATES: IN TORONTO SEPTEMBER 12TH

Madonna in Toronto - October 2008

Hot on the heels of her epic Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show Performance, Madonna announces her MDNA Tour dates.   Almost exactly one year after she walked the Red Carpets here in Toronto in support of directorial debut W.E., she returns once again, just a couple blocks away to Air Canada Centre on Wednesday, September 12, 2012.  Only one date is listed so far but as has been the case prior, don't be surprised to see additional dates added.  Unfortunately for many Torontonians, this conflicts with the Toronto International Film Festival which already will be creating lots of traffic, buzz and excitement in the City.

Tickets go on sale Monday, February 13, 2012 via Ticketmaster and Live Nation.  One can expect to pay upwards of $300 for a decent seat in the house and VIP Packages are available.

Click here for a complete list of Canadian dates.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

WATCH: MADONNA PERFORMS AT "SUPER BOWL XLVI HALFTIME SHOW"

Madonna and LMFAO perform at Super Bowl XLVI

One word to describe Madonna's much-hyped Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show Performance: Madjestic! The Queen of Pop may have had her worries about entertaining all of North America before their Television Sets/Computer Monitors tonight, but was she ever amaze! 

Although mostly mimed, Madonna's performance was tight, fitting perfectly into the allotted 13 minutes which was complete with an army of Dancers, Gold Pom-Poms, some chart-topping Special Guests, and a Gospel Choir, as she zipped her way through a Medley of hits.

Madonna's Medley of hits included:

• Vogue performed in a Viking Queen ensemble

• Music including her doing Cartwheels, with a dash of Party Rock Anthem featuring LMFAO tossed in. Demonstrating her superior upper body strength, she did a couple leg kicks, holding the weight of her body up only with her often criticized muscular arms

• As expected, Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. joined Madonna on-stage for Give Me All Your Luvin' amidst of sea of dancers on bleachers.

• Cee Lo Green joined her on-stage for a snippet of Open Your Heart and Express Yourself with a Marching Band, before lending his soulful vocals on Like a Prayer, complete with a Gospel Choir.

Completely over-the-top.  Completely necessary. People will be talking about this performance for years, even if some of the reviews online were mixed.

Watch Madonna's Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show Performance in full:

VIDEO PREMIERE: MADONNA - "GIVE ME ALL YOUR LUVIN' (FT. M.I.A. & NICKI MINAJ)" | "MDNA" SNEAK PREVIEW

Still from Give Me All Your Luvin'

"Fans came make you,

A Contract can make you rich,

The Press can make you a Superstar,

But only luv can make you a Player".

Okay, first thing's first.  Madonna looks absolutely gorgeous in this brand new Video for Give Me All Your Luvin'. Here we see hoards of Football Players at her service as she's transported overhead, scaling walls, stepping over them and even having them take a "hit" or five from the Mafia.  Not quite sure what's going on with the Babydoll in a carriage and being flung, but the Video sure looks awesome.  But is she having any fun at all? Nicki Minaj does, that's for sure. Madonna looks extremely focused on getting to the next destination.

Finally, we get to hear Nicki Minaj and M.I.A.'s on the Track, each getting a verse in the Marilyn Monroe/Vogue-esque Breakdown, which neither give or take anything from this overall.

French directing collective Megaforce, who have helmed a series of quirky, acclaimed TV Videos and Commercials.  See more of their work here.

Watch the Video in full below:

MADONNA'S "MDNA" ARTWORK REVEALED

Official Artwork for MDNA

The Queen of Pop returns. 3.26.12. MDNA.

Toronto tour dates to come.

(Photo credit: Universal Music Canada/Mert and Marcus)

NEW ARTWORK FOR MADONNA'S "GIVE ME ALL YOUR LUVIN'"

Official Artwork for Give Me All Your Luvin'

With her Super Bowl performance of the Track eagerly anticipated next weekend, Madonna's brand new Artwork for Give Me All Your Luvin' surfaces today.  Here we see Squad Captain Madonna scantily-clad in a sheer outfit that is Cheerleader-esque, either being a v. long shirt or a really short skirt over some short-shorts, bearing the title of the Song.  Nowhere do we see though a "featuring M.I.A. & Nicki Minaj" credit though...

The Video directed by MegaForce, premieres Thursday night (February 2, 2012) on FOX during American Idol and the Track gets a special Friday release on February 3, 2012 via Universal Music.  Both the Video and Super Bowl performance  are said to include lots of Pom-Poms! 

(Photo credit: Universal Music)

CEE LO, LMFAO, NICKI MINAJ & M.I.A. POSSIBLE TO JOIN MADONNA ON "SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW"

LMFAO in Toronto - November 2011

In what surely will be a Spectacle, LMFAO is now confirmed to be a part of Madonna's Super Bowl Halftime Show performance.  Will.i.am confirmed to Capital FM, "I'm going to the Super Bowl this year to see my group LMFAO perform with Madonna".

Some sources also are reporting that Cee Lo Green will be performing together with the Queen of Pop and cite that he's been flying in and out of New York these past few weeks to rehearse for the performance.

We already know that Madonna will be performing new Single, Give Me all Your Luvin' as part of the 12-minute performance and that M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj will be joining her on-stage. With only 12 minutes to entertain the World, just how much of this will actually be about Madonna? Apparently there might even be some additional surprises.

We'll have to see on February 5, 2012 when Super Bowl XLVI airs on NBC at 6:30 PM EST!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

MADONNA INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS WITH CYNTHNIA MCFADDEN

Madonna & M.I.A.

Madonna's Interview with ABC's Cynthia McFadden has surfaced in chunks and here she is presenting some highlights of it on Good Morning America earlier today.  The Pop Icon talks about relationships, Lady Gaga, Cooking and her directorial debut W.E., among other pressing things.

On why she was so drawn to the story behind W.E., she reveals, "I wanted to know why King Edward gave up so much for her (Wallis Simpson) and what it must felt like to be loved so much.".  She admits to having been in relationships where the other was willing to sacrifice a lot for her in the past but also says, "I miss that feeling like being part of a Family unit and not having to make all the decisions on my own.".

McFadden asks Madonna why it is that she prefers younger Men and she answers, "I didn't choose to write it on a piece of paper 'I'm now going to have a relationship with a younger Man'", before stating the importance of being with someone her Children can look up to.

Madonna claims never to have cooked a full meal on her own, saying "I don't think I've ever cooked a meal entirely by myself... My Daughter likes to cook, my Son likes to cook.".  When questioned why this is the case by McFadden, she snaps back "Why do I have to do everything?".

Finally opening-up a bit more on the rumoured feud between herself and Lady Gaga, Madonna stated that the first time she heard Born this Way, her initial reaction was that "It feels reductive.". More will be revealed on tonight's airing of 20/20.

Watch the Highlights below:

MADONNA'S ABC INTERVIEW PREVIEW

Still from Madonna Interview on ABC

Whomever edited this Preview for Cynthia McFadden's upcoming Interview with Madonna did a brilliant job. McFadden goes for the jugular asking the Queen of Pop, "What do you think of Lady Gaga?". After a dramatic pause, we hear Madonna reply "Look it up.". 

I'm actually more excited to see what Madonna's Home looks like inside (where a majority of the Interview was filmed) and look forward to seeing more upcoming Interviews as she kicks into high-gear for her directorial debut, W.E. and that new Album!  First Single Gimme all Your Luvin featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. impacts Radio on February 7, 2012.

Bits of the McFadden Interview are being interspersed between ABC's Good Morning America, 20/20 and Nightline from Thursday, January 12 through Friday, January 13, 2012. Check your local listings for times.

Watch this Preview for the Interview:

MADONNA INKS DEAL WITH INTERSCOPE RECORDS

Madonna in Toronto - October 2008

Although she's been snubbed thus far for any Awards for her directorial debut W.E., some good news was announced earlier today for Queen of Pop, Madonna. Back in 2007, she had signed ten-year $120 million deal with Events Promoter Live Nation Entertainment, which would include Touring, Ticketing, Merchandising, Digital Assets and a total three Albums. With the Promoter now ailing a bit financially, Madonna has just inked a deal with Interscope Records rumoured to be worth between $20 to $40 million for both Madonna and Live Nation.

Yes, this in effect makes Lady Gaga and Madonna Labelmates, opening a world of possibilities for the latter who of late has been v. keen on new Collaborations. Other Artists currently signed to Interscope Records include No Doubt, American Idol, Black Eyed Peas, La Roux, M.I.A., Eminem, Fergie, LMFAO, U2, Timbaland, 50 Cent and many more.

Next month will be an all-Media Blitz for the Madonna with her W.E. finally seeing a release after some date shifts, her much talked-about Super Bowl Halftime Show Performance and her debut Single on Interscope Records, Gimme All Your Luvin. Her twelfth Studio Disc is slated for the end of March.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

MADONNA CONFIRMED FOR "SUPER BOWL XLVI"

Madonna in Toronto - October 2008

Confirming what we all pretty much knew already, Madonna will indeed be performing at Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show on Sunday, February 5, 2011 at Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium. Concert Director Jamie King and Cirque du Soleil will be collaborating with the Queen of Pop for the Spectacle. It is said that M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj will be joining her on-stage for the prior-leaked track Give Me All Your Love in a special Remix for the occasion.  NBC and CTV will be airing the Game.

Madonna's Directorial Debut, W.E. also hits theatres on Friday, February 3, 2011 and the Theme Song from the Film, Masterpiece, has just leaked also.  What do you think of it?

Listen below:

NEW TRAILER: "W.E." BY MADONNA

Still from W.E.

"You have no idea how hard it is to live out the greatest Romance of the Century.".

A proper Trailer for Madonna's W.E. has finally surfaced and although the Dialogue seems a bit literal, it looks rather lovely. The Romance/Drama intertwines the forbidden Romance of King Edward and Wallis Simpson, with that of a present day Love Story.  Andrea Riseborough, James D'Arcy, Abbie Cornish and Oscar Isaac star.

See the Trailer in full below:

W.E. gets a Limited Release December 9, 2011 and a formal release on February 3, 2012. It would appear despite a bit of panning in its Festival rounds, The Weinstein Company still feels this will be a Contender come Awards Season.

Visit W.E.'s Official Facebook Page here.

(Photo/video credit: The Weinstein Co.)

MADONNA PARTIES WITH FANS AT "SMIRNOFF NIGHT EXCHANGE PROJECT" IN NYC

Madonna at Roseland Ballroom for Smirnoff Night Exchange

Our Friends in New York City are the luckiest! Madonna and Smirnoff teamed-up for their Nightlife Exchange Project which took place last night at Roseland Ballroom. A nationwide Competition was held to find a new Dancer for Madonna on her Tour and  not only did the Queen of Pop herself handpick a new Dancer, she also partied-it-up with lucky Fans in attendance. Daughter and Fashion Collaborator Lola even brought her Friends along!

The Winner of the Competition wound-up being the incredibly flexible Lil Buck from Memphis, Tennessee and afterward, he was presented a pair of Golden Sneakers from her, getting an ultra-rare Opportunity for a Photo with her!  Damn, I need to start investing in Yoga and Dance Lessons.  Dream.

Lil Buck & Madonna

Music was provided by DJ/Producer Martin Solveig, whom Madonna joined in the DJ Booth ,dancing along to Tracks like her Hung Up and M.I.A.'s Paper Planes.  At one point she dipped it low for David Guetta ft. DEV's I Just Wanna F.  Despite being more generous than usual with Autographs for Fans in Toronto at TIFF 2011, she didn't stop for those queued hours behind the Venue last night unfortunately.

Our brilliant Friends MuuMuse and HardCandy Music were among the Pop Blogging Elite to attend.  MuuMuse  reports seeing Lola fist-pumping.  How exciting!  Follow MuuMuse's Timeline on Twitter for the Scoop.

(Photo credit: MuuMuse/Smirnoff)

MADONNA & ANDREA RISEBOROUGH COVER DECEMBER 2011 "HARPER'S BAZAAR"

Madonna & Andrea Riseborough on December 2011 Harper's Bazaar

Tom Munro shot this beautiful Cover for December 2011's Issue of Harper's Bazaar, in which Pop Legend Madonna and Actress Andrea Riseborough sit-down and talk about their new Film W.E., due for release in North America. on December 9, 2011.  There were two Covers shot for the Issue - perhaps with the Film's other beautiful Star, Abbie Cornish?  Madonna looks absolutely alluring here and my eyes just can't stop veering over to her.  Sorry, Andrea!

In regards to the Leak of her new Track, Give Me All Your Love, Madonna's Manager Guy O'Seary indicated he's pleased at all the positive reactions but quotes his most famous Client as saying, "My true Fans wouldn't do this".  So there you have it.  If you have listened to the Track, enjoyed  and shared it, you should feel v. ashamed of yourselves right this moment!  Bad.

(Photo credit: Harper's Bazaar)