On February 19 2013, Beyonce mentioned Madonna as being a maverick in Gentlewoman magazine:
“I think about Madonna and how she took all of the great things she achieved and started the label and developed other artists. But there are not enough of those women.”
On February 18 2001, Madonna wrote a letter to the Los Angeles Times newspaper in defence of controversial rap artist Eminem over the public and media criticism of his offensive song lyrics and Grammy Award nominations:
“What is the big deal about Eminem? Since when is offensive language a reason for being unpopular? I find the language of George W. much more offensive. I find the hypocritical nature of most popular figures in our culture much more offensive. I like the fact that Eminem is brash and angry and politically incorrect. At least he has an opinion. He’s stirring things up, he’s provoking a discussion, he’s making people’s blood boil. He’s reflecting what’s going on in society right now. That is what art is supposed to do. And after all he’s just a boy. Thank God he’s rebellious and not well-groomed. He gets my vote. Yours truly, Mrs. Ritchie.”
On February 17 1998, Madonna arrived in London, England to begin the European promotional tour for Ray of Light.
On February 16 1997, Madonna made a special appearance at Elizabeth Taylor’s 65th birthday party at The Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, California.
On February 15 2006, Madonna won the BRIT Award for Best International Female. Madonna beat out Bjork, Kelly Clarkson, Mariah Carey and Missy Elliot.
On February 14 1987, Open Your Heart reached number-one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart.
On February 13 1999, Madonna’s music video for Nothing Really Matters premiered on MTV.
The video was directed by Johan Renck and filmed in January 1999 at the Silvercup Studios in Long Island City, New York.
The kimono Madonna wore in the video was created by Jean-Paul Gaultier.
Madonna stated that the inspiration behind the video was from the 1996 novel Memoirs of a Geisha. Madonna later stated; “The whole idea of a geisha is a straight metaphor for being an [entertainer] because, on one hand you’re privileged to be a geisha, but on the other hand you’re a prisoner.” Madonna also choreographed her own moves on the video, as she stated “I don’t like how other people say how I should move, I’m my own best choreographer.”
Today In Madonna History 