Today in Madonna History: May 18, 2005

On May 18 2005, Madonna issued a statement in support of fellow pop singer Kylie Minogue, wishing her a quick recovery from her battle with breast cancer:

“I was saddened to learn about Kylie Minogue’s breast cancer diagnosis. I’m so grateful that they found it early. (Yet another reminder for all women to have annual mammograms.) Aside from being tremendously talented, Kylie’s a fighter and I know this is a battle she will win. Let’s all pray for her speedy recovery and send all of our best wishes her way. With love and light to you Kylie…Madonna.”

Following her surgery and recovery, Kylie’s 2006 return to the stage was captured in the behind-the-scenes documentary, White Diamond. The film included Kylie’s version of an unreleased Madonna/Rick Nowels collaboration from the Ray Of Light sessions, titled Alone Again. Kylie had recorded the track as a potential b-side to her 2002 single, Come Into My World, but for unknown reasons it remained shelved until its use in the documentary several years later. Madonna received special thanks from Kylie in the film’s closing credits.

Today in Madonna History: May 17, 1991

On May 17 1991, Madonna: Truth Or Dare was released in 538 U.S. movie theatres.

Madonna: Truth or Dare chronicled the life of Madonna during her 1990 Blond Ambition World Tour.  The film was well received by critics and was successful at the box office, at that point becoming the highest-grossing documentary of all time with a worldwide gross of $29,012,935.

Outside of North America, where the game that inspired the documentary’s title was not well known at the time, the film was marketed under the title In Bed with Madonna – despite protests from Madonna herself who found the alternate title unoriginal.

A Blu-Ray edition of the documentary was recently announced for the UK market and interestingly it uses the film’s original, Madonna-approved title, Madonna: Truth or DareIf the release pans out as announced, it will be the first domestic UK release of the film to use this title.

Today in Madonna History: May 16, 1998

On May 16 1998, Larry Flick’s glowing review of Madonna’s Ray Of Light single was published in Billboard magazine.

The single would debut at its peak position of #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S.

Today in Madonna History: May 15, 2015

On May 15 2015, Madonna introduced her pink hair tips from the set of the Bitch I’m Madonna music video.

Madonna’s message to her fans on Instagram:

“Rise and shine New York!”

Today in Madonna History: May 14, 1993

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On May 14 1993, the 1000th episode of The Arsenio Hall Show aired, featuring Madonna as the headline act.

The 1000th episode was an AIDS benefit concert and it was filmed at the Hollywood Bowl.

Madonna performed Fever as well as The Lady Is A Tramp with Anthony Keidis from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

Today in Madonna History: May 6, 1996

On May 6 1996, dance remixes of Love Don’t Live Here Anymore by Markus Schulz & C.L. McSpadden were released to clubs by Maverick Records on promotional twelve-inch vinyl & CD in the U.S.

Additional club remixes of the track by Mark Picchiotti were also issued in the U.K. as a twelve-inch white-label promo.

Today in Madonna History: May 5, 2009

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On May 5 2009, Madonna attended The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala Ball with Jesus Luz (boyfriend), Guy Oseary (her manager) and her publicist Liz Rosenberg.

Here’s what Marie Claire had to say about Madonna’s MET appearance:

Madonna blows minds with bunny ears! Madonna was back to her attention-grabbing best last night, stepping out for her first red carpet appearance with toyboy lover Jesus Luz at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala ball. And it wasn’t just the arm candy that got tongues wagging. The Queen of Pop brought out her 80s side, taking the evening’s dress theme – The Model As Muse: Embodying Fashion’ and running with it. Dressed in a navy blue ruched Louis Vuitton mini dress, thigh-high black boots and the black fingerless gloves of old, Madge completed her ensemble with a teal-coloured hair piece tied around a top knot. The style chameleon’s get-up didn’t put off beau of the moment though, as 22-year-old toy-boy, Jesus Luz, showed up at fashion’s most stylish annual bash, looking super suave in a slick black dinner jacket and waited attentively as the flashbulbs went into overdrive for his date. The pair has frequently been spotted out and about in New York in recent weeks but last night was the couple’s first outing as a confirmed item and the duo couldn’t have cared less about the ensuing gossip.