On May 22 2001, VH1 published their list of 100 Most Shocking Moments in Rock ‘N Roll. Madonna appeared on the list twice:
#87 – Madonna scandalizes with her Like A Prayer video (1989)
- #11 – Madonna bares all in her racy SEX book (1992)
Category Archives: 2001
Today in Madonna History: April 28, 2001
On April 28 2001, Madonna’s What It Feels Like For A Girl was the Hot Shot Debut (highest new entry) at #38 on Billboard’s Dance/Club Play chart. What It Feels Like For A Girl eventually became Madonna’s 25th #1 Dance hit in the U.S.
Despite the club success of the remixes, some fans and critics were displeased with the use of the Above & Beyond remix in the music video, and with the dark nature of the Guy Ritchie-directed clip, preferring the more subtle and restrained attack of the album version. Others felt that the more aggressive and confrontational feel of the remix and video were natural extensions of the emotions and experiences that Madonna was exploring within the song; feelings that were left bubbling beneath surface of the deceptively gentle and subdued album mix.
Regardless of which side of the fence you’re on, in retrospect one thing is clear: when revisited through the lens of the current “Me Too” movement, the overarching themes that Madonna explored with the release of What It Feels Like For A Girl were ahead of the curve in terms of social discourse. Although the same could be said for so much of Madonna’s work.
Today In Madonna History: April 26, 2001
On April 26, 2001, one of Madonna’s eye-popping conical bras, designed by Jean Paul Gaultier, sold for $21,150 at a pop memorabilia auction in London. The bra was sold to a Chilean fashion museum.
The conical bra was worn by Madonna during the Blond Ambition Tour in 1990.
Madonna’s fans would very much like to see the Blond Ambition Tour released on DVD and Blu-Ray.
Today in Madonna History: March 27, 2001
On March 27 2001, the remixers for Madonna’s third single from the Music album, What It Feels Like For A Girl, were announced: Richard Humpty Vission, Paul Oakenfold, Above & Beyond, Victor Calderone and Tracy Young. Additional remixers were later added.
Do you have a favourite remix for What It Feels Like For A Girl?
Today In Madonna History: March 14, 2001
On March 14, 2001, Madonna held open auditions for dancers for her Drowned World Tour at Musical Theatre Works in New York, NY.
Today in Madonna History: February 28, 2001
On February 28 2001, Madonna announced she was going out on tour for the first time since The Girlie Show World Tour in 1993:
“I’m finally going to fucking drag my ass into a rehearsal studio. I never want to repeat myself. I don’t see the point of doing a show unless you offer something that is going to mind-boggle the senses. It’s not enough to get on the stage and sing a song. It’s all about theatre and drama and surprise and suspense. So I’m looking forward to it, but I’m also nervous about it.”
The Drowned World Tour started on June 9 2001, in Spain. The tour ended after 47 shows in Los Angeles on September 15 2001.
Today In Madonna History: February 18, 2001
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 