Today in Madonna History: March 24, 2012

mert and marcus girl gone wild set 550mert and marcus girl gone wild set 8 550

On March 24th 2012, The New York Post’s Page Six reported that Madonna’s video for Girl Gone Wild had been deemed too wild for general viewing on YouTube. It would be restricted to registered users over the age of eighteen in its uncensored form:

“Madonna’s steamy new video for Girl Gone Wild has been banned from open view on YouTube for being too raunchy, with scenes including nudity and a close-up of a man’s PVC-clad crotch. YouTube chiefs have restricted the video for those 18 years or above, and sources tell us they’ve told the superstar’s management that if they want it to be available for viewing by all, they must edit out shots of bare bottoms, a man rubbing his crotch and an implied masturbation scene where a man gyrates before a mirror. Madonna’s team was working yesterday on an edited version of the video for YouTube because, for the first time, it’s based its marketing strategy for her new album, MDNA, on social media, including a live Facebook interview with Jimmy Fallon today. A source told us, ‘YouTube has decided the video is too raunchy and should only be viewed by those 18 or over, and actually, the video is hard to find on the site. YouTube has sent Madonna’s team a list of shots that should be cut to make it appropriate for everyone.’ Fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott directed Girl Gone Wild, using much of the singer’s trademark erotic imagery, including topless men dancing in black tights (mantyhose) and platform heels. YouTube also took exception to an S&M-inspired scene of a silhouette in chains. The video was deemed ‘inappropriate for some users’ by YouTube, and viewers must verify they’re 18 or older and log in to watch it. Madonna’s rep, Liz Rosenberg, told us, ‘Some things never change. This is a throwback to [1990] when MTV refused to show Justify My Love.'”

A re-edited version of the Girl Gone Wild video was provided to YouTube several days later and was approved for general viewing.

Today in Madonna History: February 2, 2012

givemeallyourluvinamericanidol-1 givemeallyourluvinamericanidol-2

On February 2 2012, Madonna’s Give Me All Your Luvin’ music video had its world premiere during an episode of American Idol.

givemeallyourluvinamericanidol-end

Today In Madonna History: January 31, 2012

mdna-1

On January 31 2012, the deluxe edition cover for MDNA was unveiled through Madonna’s official Facebook page.  The album’s artwork was shot by Mert and Marcus and directed by Giovanni Bianco.

Today in Madonna History: January 15, 2012

madonna-golden-globes-masterpiece-1madonna-golden-globes-masterpiece-2

madonna-golden-globes-masterpiece-5

madonna-golden-globes-masterpiece-6

On January 15 2012, Madonna and co-writers Julie Frost and Jimmy Harry won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song for Masterpiece (from the film W.E.) at the Golden Globe Awards.

Today in Madonna History: October 28, 2012

madonna-nola-obama-1 madonna-nola-obama-2 madonna-nola-obama-3 madonna-nola-obama-4 madonna-nola-obama-5 madonna-nola-obama-6

On October 28, newswires reported that Madonna was boo’d  for praising President Barack Obama during her (October 27) MDNA Tour stop in New Orleans.

Madonna asked the crowd, “Who’s registered to vote?” and then followed with, “I don’t care who you vote for as long as you vote for Obama.”

After the boo’s, Madonna went on to say, “Seriously, I don’t care who you vote for. Do not take this privilege for granted. Go vote.”

Today in Madonna History: October 19, 2012

october-19-2012

On October 19 2012, Madonna was forced to cancel her Saturday October 20 MDNA concert at Dallas’ American Airlines Center due to severe laryngitis.

The press release issued by Live Nation included the following information:

Under doctor’s orders, the Material Girl has been put on “complete vocal rest” for the next 36 hours. All tickets for the October 20th show to be refunded at the point of purchase. Tickets purchased online will refunded directly. Madonna regrets any inconvenience to her fans. The second scheduled show in Dallas on Sunday, October 21st is expected to go on. There are a very limited number of seats currently available for that show.

Today in Madonna History: August 9, 2012

no_fear_1

On August 9 2012, Madonna spoke out for gay rights at an MDNA concert in St Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s home town, where  a law was adopted to curb homosexual “propaganda.”

Performing in black lingerie with the words “No Fear” scrawled on her bare back, Madonna urged the audience – most wearing pink wrist bands distributed at the door – to “show your love and appreciation to the gay community”.

“We want to fight for the right to be free,” she said.