Today in Madonna History: February 19, 2015

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On February 19 2015, Madonna appeared on the cover of Gala magazine.

Here’s a snippet of the interview included in the magazine:

What is the greatest misconception people have about Madonna?

Oh well, there are plenty. One, for sure is that I am not vulnerable. Some people think that I am never sad nor depressed or exhausted and that I never suffer from a broken heart. They think of me as bigger than life. Or they believe that I am cold-hearted and calculating. But you know what? I hate this question (pours tequila and hands it over).

Hold on for a second: you said I had to drink for every stupid question.

Well, I extend it with another category: annoying. Cheers. Drink it up!

And where is the salt and the lemon?

We didn’t have enough money for that (laughs).

Your answer to the question about misconception shows that you are also a vulnerable person. “Rebel Heart” shows this part of your personality. Have you grown softer in the last years?

In some ways, yes. But even 25 years ago I already was romantic and sensitive. The other part of me will always be a rebel.

How do you handle the hostility directed at you?

Sometimes I am very hurt, when I read the hateful and nasty comments people make about me on the Internet. I think it’s shocking how mean and vicious some people can be. It’s a very cowardly behaviour. Those people would never say these things to my face, if they met me in the streets.

You really read the nasty comments about you?

Every now and then, yes I do.

Why do you hurt yourself this way?

Because, I am a very curious person. And luckily, there are not only nasty comments, but a lot of positive things. For me it’s exciting to see what my fans are thinking. And, concerning the haters: I have grown a very thick skin. I have always been criticized. Some people think I am a superwoman. But I am not. Some comments directed at me really get under my skin and hurt me. After all, I am just a normal woman.

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Today In Madonna History: February 18, 2001

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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.”

Today in Madonna History: February 10, 1998

 

On February 10 1998, Madonna appeared on the March cover of Vanity Fair, with incredible photos by Mario Testino.

Today in Madonna History: February 9, 2006

On February 9 2006, Hung Up spent its final week at #1 on the Italian singles chart.

The single topped the chart in Italy for an unbelievable 14 consecutive weeks before finally descending to #2 for the week of February 16th.

The following week of February 23rd, Madonna’s second single from Confessions On A Dance Floor, Sorry, saw her return to #1 on the Italian singles charts for another 3 weeks – while Hung Up hung on at #3.

Today in Madonna History: February 8, 2012

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On February 8 2012, Madonna’s management issued a press release recapping her triumphant performance at the Super Bowl and looking ahead to the release of her new album, MDNA:

It’s been a record-breaking week for Madonna. Along with 117.8 million viewers – the largest viewership for a halftime show in Super Bowl history – and three million more viewers than the game itself, the pre-orders for the Material Girl’s upcoming MDNA album ascended to the top spot on iTunes stores in 50 countries and was the largest one day pre-order of any album in iTunes history, it was confirmed today by her record label Interscope. Commented Madonna, “Thanks for all the L-U-V!! from around the world.”

A key part of the album release included a first of its kind worldwide promotion by Clear Channel, a leading global media and entertainment company, which premiered Madonna’s highly anticipated new single and video, Give Me All Your Luvin’, across its full range of media platforms, including radio, outdoor, online and mobile on Friday, February 3. As part of the campaign, Clear Channel used extensive on-air and online promotions to drive listeners and Madonna fans to iTunes, where they could buy the new single and pre-order MDNA, scheduled to be released globally March 26.

Below are some of the astounding numbers that add up for Madonna this past week.

MADONNA BY THE NUMBERS:

  • 50 Number 1’s – Pre-orders for Madonna’s MDNA album on iTunes (biggest one day pre-order in iTunes (biggest one-day pre-order in iTunes history) hit the top spot at iTunes store in 50 countries!
  • 11,000,000 – YouTube downloads of new Madonna video… and counting. The most searched subject on YouTube and Google during the Super Bowl
  • 13 – Madonna’s new single catapults to the #13 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart
  • 56 – Give Me All Your Luvin’ marks Madonna’s 56th appearance on the Hot 100 according to Billboard’s Keith Caulfield
  • 117.8 Million – Peak audience viewership during Madonna’s halftime performance – largest in Super Bowl history – up 4.7 million from last year – surpasses Michael Jackson’s 1993 halftime performance – and exceeds by 3 million the number of people viewing the 2012 Giants/Patriots game.
  • 47.1 Million – Households saw Madonna’s Super Bowl Performance
  • #6 – Trending at No. 6 on European Airplay Charts
  • #2 – iTunes Single, jumped from previous spot 11 after the Super Bowl
  • 2500 – Spins in less than 48 hours at Top 40 radio
  • 25 – Give Me All Your Luvin’ single’s chart debut
  • 51 – Global Tour Dates Announced by Live Nation
  • 1600 – Clear Channel Digital Billboards Around the Globe aired Madonna’s Give Me All Your Luvin’

Today in Madonna History: February 7, 2007

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On February 7 2007, Madonna’s live CD/DVD set The Confessions Tour bowed in the Billboard 200 album chart at #15 in the U.S. with sales of 40,000 copies. Its first week sales were nearly double the opening numbers of her previous live release, 2006’s I’m Going To Tell You A Secret, which had peaked at #33. It was Madonna’s 18th Top 20 album in the U.S.

Meanwhile, on the Canadian album charts The Confessions Tour entered at #2, also besting Secret which had peaked at #4.

Today in Madonna History: February 6, 2014

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On February 6 2014, Like A Virgin producer Nile Rodgers mentioned his collaboration with Madonna during a Google+ Hangout with Billboard:

“I don’t have any unreleased Madonna material because Madonna knew exactly what she wanted her album to be when we did Like a Virgin. The only song that I had any input of bringing into the mix was a cover of Rose Royce’s ballad Love Don’t Live Here Anymore. That was a final last-minute decision.”