Icon 2010

04 DESIRABLE & GORGEOUS

09 THE VALIDATOR

10 5 SONGS THAT CHANGED MY WORLD

46 STICKY & SWEET DVD RELEASE

53 DOLCE & GABBANA PORTFOLIO

72 14 PICTURES & ONLY 1 MADONNA

76 MADONNA STOLE MY BREATH AWAY

78 THE CLIPBOARD

79 FAN PROFUSION

Dear Fellow Iconers,

A new Madonna year has just begun... Yes, already!

The past year may have looked pretty calm from a
fan’s point of view, but our girl worked really hard
on various projects, including her upcoming movie
W.E, which should be released later this year. The
Queen of Pop also released her 2008 Sticky & Sweet
Tour on DVD/CD and Blu Ray, collaborated on two
fashion campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana, as well as
on a co-branded eyewear collection, MDG, launched
the «Material Girl» clothes range, along with Lola,
and even found time to create an amazing porfolio
with photographers Mert & Marcus (for Interview
Magazine) before celebrating the launch of her first
Hard Candy Fitness Center in Mexico City, which
she developed from A to Z with her manager, Guy
Oseary.

Wait, that is just part of what we all got to discover since Christmas 2009, but so much more is on the way... I’ve read so many
things on the Icon boards during the past year, the most important one being the fact that you just couldn’t wait for Madonna
to get into the studio and release a new album. As she recently said on her various social pages, that is her main goal for the
new year. How will it sound? How will she get to re-invent herself this time? No one knows at this point, but what is sure is that
another piece of Madonna history will make it to our favourite music player within the next months!

For the time being, let’s take a trip back to the past Iconic year, through stunning photographs and words. Your words. Because
no one does it better than the one who loves an Icon for what she is made of and what she is giving all of us through her art
and passion.

Madonna and the whole Icon team wish you a fantastic 2011! May your heart be filled with all of the love you deserve and your
soul filled with all of the passion and strength you need to become an even better version of yourself.

xoxo
Johann

ICON MAGAZINE #53 -

Yearly publication of The Official Madonna Fan Club - Web: www.madonna.com - Honorary Madonna - Edited by Johann
Delebarre - Assistant Editor David Marion - Additional contributions by Liz Rosenberg, Danny Tull, Jenny Crooks, Steven
Foster, Alyssa Nance and Gerardo Carreto-Chavez - Art direction, layout & design Johann Delebarre & David Marion - Addi-
tional artwork by Mr Brainwash - Photo Credits Mert & Marcus, Steven Klein, Gary Heery, Herb Ritts, Dah Len, Wayne Maser,
Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier, Jean-Baptiste Mondino, George Holz, Tom Munro, Dan Smith and Guy Oseary - The usual
suspects Madonna, Guy Oseary, Liz Rosenberg, Sara Zambreno, Arman Austria, Samantha Hess, Christophe Caron, Magali
Devernay, Bibi & Krys, Théo, Lola and all Madonna fans around the world... Copyright © 2011 Boy Toy, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction without written permission is prohibited.
ICON 53 - 03
CONTEST
WINNER

DESIRABLE & GORGEOUS by Jenny Crooks

It is mid December 2009 and I am at the train station on my way to London, for some year-end
drinks with friends. I have two minutes to grab a magazine to flick through during my 2-hour
train journey. Vogue is too heavy to carry around all day, so I grab Grazia, the weekly fashion
magazine (much lighter). As I settle into my journey, with Madonna playing on my iPod, I
turn a couple of pages and there in front of me is a two-page spread about the Dolce and
Gabbana Spring 2010 advertising campaign featuring Madonna. This is the first time I have
seen the pictures and I am bowled-over by the unusual nature of the photoshoot in domestic
surroundings, great D&G clothes and by seeing Madonna convey her strong presence and soft
sensuality through the pictures.
 Inspiration....
Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring 2010 collection returned to
its Italian roots, building on its strong heritage and revi-
siting iconic pieces. This return also was evident in the
September 2009 D&G fashion show finale, a showcase to
D&G’s heritage - the corset. So, it was a great match that
Madonna, who embodies both the strong sensuality of
the D&G brand and who shares an Italian heritage with
the designers, should be the one to showcase the Sici-
lian-inspired collection.
When planning the shoot, the designers and Madonna
also were inspired by Italian Neorealism cinema. This
era of cinema, between 1944-1952 features a style of
film characterized by stories set amongst the poor and
working class, filmed on location and frequently using
nonprofessional actors. Italian Neorealist films mostly in-
volve people dealing with the changes in everyday life,
brought about by the economic and moral conditions of
post-World War II Italy. Luchino Visconti’s film, Bellissima
(1951), was a particular inspiration for the shoot. Madon-
na was inspired by iconic actresses such as Anna Magna-
ni and Monica Vitti. Stefano Gabbana discussed the cam-
paign and Madonna, saying, “She loved the collection…
06 - ICON 53
she is passionate and impressively knowledgeable about
Italian cinema, Monica Vitti is her favourite actress and
we see the resemblance.” In researching this article I have
reviewed many pictures of Monica Vitti and I can see the
similarities between the strong emotions she conveys
through her expressions and body language and the in-
tensity that Madonna brings to the D&G shoot.
The Designers…
Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are longstanding
fans and friends of Madonna. Madonna first met them
back in the early nineties and they have retained a strong
bond and mutual respect ever since.
Looking back to his first encounter, Stefano Gabbana
said, «The first Madonna concert we went to was on July
13th 1990 in Torino, Italy. Domenico and I had seats close
to the stage. Madonna was on the European leg of her
Blonde Ambition Tour. We were in love with her at that
time. We always have been. It was that iconic period of
excess and provocation that her concerts symbolized. As
Madonna sang and danced, moving in synch with the
dancers on the stage, we felt we were dreaming with our
eyes open. We wondered to ourselves if she’d ever wear
Dolce & Gabbana and we’d ever get the opportunity to
express our admiration for her in person, let her know
how inspiring and express the gratitude that all fans feel
when they meet their idol…our idol (an exaggerated
word I know, but I think it’s the correct one where Ma-
donna is concerned!). The concert ended, reality hit and
we returned to Milan.»
Dolce and Gabbana later saw Madonna wearing their
clothes in the press on two occasions, including her
dramatic arrival for the premiere for her first film “In Bed
with Madonna” when she wore a complete Dolce & Gab-
bana look, a black body with suspenders and blazer. The
look attracted a lot of media attention, which then led
to Dolce and Gabbana meeting Madonna in New York
for lunch. Madonna arrived, from the set of Dick Tracy,
and the friendship began. As told by Stefano Gabbana,
«we didn’t hide our admiration for her for even a mi-
nute; we felt a reciprocal kindness, and pretty soon, the
lunch developed into one between friends, full of ironic
jokes and compliments. We admired her more that we
thought possible as fans. We felt like the luckiest fans in
the world. We’d met a wonderful person, and above all, a
new friend.» The designers went on to develop her cos-
tumes for «The Girlie Show” tour in 1993 and they have
worked with Madonna on numerous occasions since.
I am sure many fans can relate to the admiration for Ma-
donna felt by Stefano, and this demonstrates how Ma-
donna has inspired many people from all walks of life, in-
cluding world-famous designers! From his story, we also
gain an insight into the mutual respect and friendship
that has developed to make their working relationship
and collaborations even more successful.
On the 6 November 2009 Stefano, who regularly shares edition of Vogue. Sitting near a bed, wearing a black cor-
news through Twitter, was thrilled to announce Madon- set, stockings and sunglasses, stroking a black and white
na as the face of the Spring/Summer 2010 D&G cam- cat. A very sexy shot due to, let’s say, the great fit and
paign. Speaking from the shoot in New York at the time, cut of the corset. This picture was in the UK April edition
he said: “The campaign with Madonna is beautiful. We of Vogue. Bedroom - wearing a simple black dress and
are at the last shot. Madonna is simply beautiful. We’re stockings, laying across the bed applying lipstick with a
very, very tired but very happy as well. To have Madonna young girl watching. All daughters look to their mothers
in our campaign is a dream come true.” When Stefano for inspiration! Bedroom - wearing a crochet top, draped
was asked in an interview whether or not Madonna off the shoulder, crumpled letter in hand and crying. An
knows how to wash dishes, as seen in one of the photos, open suitcase nearby. In an interview, Gabbana said,
he said, “Certainly…she’s a very practical woman.” And «She really cried, she really dipped into the part and took
when asked if she actually eats spaghetti, despite being it very seriously.» Garden - Madonna is standing near
so thin, he said, “Of course, and she can allow herself to the washing line and she could be either smelling the
with all the exercise she does!” fresh laundry or just sneakily peeking from behind it?
Garden - wearing a black satin dress and crochet-knot
The Photo Shoot... top, sitting on chair, leaning away holding a bottle and a
was captured by photographer Steven Klein on Novem- large broom, showing the shoes well. Outside, near rai-
ber 6th 2009 in Brooklyn, New York City. In 2003 Ste- lings - Madonna is wearing the corset outfit again with
ven Klein collaborated with Madonna on the X-STaTIC lace shawl added and showing off a handbag. Leaning
PRO=CeSS photo-shoot, exhibition and book and has forward and blowing a kiss. This picture has more of a
worked with her on many other projects since then. The modern twist because of the handbag.
D&G campaign images were first published in the De- As a collector of Madonna memorabilia, there has been
cember Italian edition of Vanity Fair. Pictures were also very limited opportunity to add to my collection from
posted on the Internet by mid-December 2009, which the D&G spring campaign, although I did succumb to a
is when we began to see some additional shots. In Ja- trinket box with the ‘washing up’ picture printed on it. I
nuary 2010, a few behind-the-scenes photographs also suspect it may be homemade, but I could not resist. So
were shared on the Internet. Comments on blogs and
I definitely picked up the right magazine that day in De-
Web sites were broadly in awe of the photo shoot and
cember and I saw some of the early pictures in print. Ma-
fans loved these new images of Madonna. Some cynical
donna had reinvented herself again and the designers
critics said that Madonna did not usually wash the dishes
had achieved their aim to go back to their Italian roots.
or eat spaghetti – everyone, of course, is entitled to their
Most importantly though…. Madonna really «sold» the
opinion; but in my view we don’t really know what Ma-
D&G collection. Most women, including myself, would
donna does in her private time. In discussing his earlier
projects, Steven Klein shares on his website “when you love to own and wear some of these beautiful clothes
see Madonna in a series of these images, she is neither (although I may not do the washing up in them!). My last
a perfected icon nor is she revealed instead she remains words on this are that the D&G collection is Desirable
ambiguous. “ and Madonna is Gorgeous - and that’s a fact!
I have seen nine key photos from this shoot, and there
may be more! Here is a brief summary and some obser-
vations on each of the photographs: Washing the Dishes
- a very impactful image, not only because Madonna is
at the kitchen sink, but also because she looks stunning
wearing D&G leopard-print and lace. Her expression is
open to interpretation; she could be saying «hey, come
and do the drying-up» or perhaps «have you finished
your dinner yet?» At the Kitchen Table - peeling an egg,
looking straight at the camera wearing a silk floral skirt
and low-cut black top. There is also a glass of wine and a
glass of milk on the table, an interesting mix. Kitchen, Sit-
ting On the Worktop - Madonna is eating spaghetti with
her fingers, wearing a crochet-knit dress, looking very re-
laxed and with legs crossed showing some bare skin to
enhance the natural, relaxed look. Pasta, tomatoes, eggs
and bread are strewn across the worktop. I also saw this
photograph as a double-page spread in the UK February
ICON 53 - 07
 Dear Iconers:

Don’t hate the Validator cause I got to visit the movie set of the Madonna directed W.E. twice during the
filming and you didn’t. Because I’m going to share… Yes, I got to see the Martin Scorcese of pop stars in
full tilt director’s mode. I’m telling you, the girl was born to direct.. This was a new Madonna – a Madonna
I’d never seen before and that’s saying a lot considering our long long long relationship.

My first visit was at Sotheby’s in New York City where several scenes from the movie were filmed. I don’t
want to give too much away here and spoil anything for when you see the movie so I’ll tread carefully. The
scene being filmed was a recreation of an auction of some of the personal possessions belonging to the
Duke and Duchess of Windsor. There were hundreds of people in the cast, crew, hair and makeup people,
wardrobe, camera people, technicians… well, it looked like a movie set. Madonna had a megaphone and
was constantly in contact with the cinematographer and camera people while juggling tons of things at
one time.. While I circled around, I got to see lots of Madonna peeps who she’s worked with before and
plenty of new faces all synchronized in perfect harmony. What really struck me first was the beauty of
the scene - the attention to every single detail of each person in the room, the costumes, the lighting, the
makeup…it was a lot to take in. A hat’s off here to the brilliant head of all the costumes and wardrobe,
the genius Arianne Phillips who has worked with Madonna for years on her shows and tons of fashion

shoots with M. Madonna, remained very calm and very supportive to the
cast and crew and funny. There was not anything that didn’t seem to have
her touch and her vision of how she wanted the scene to look. She was
Infinitely patient as the auction was filmed over and over again, quietly
speaking into the megaphone to make directional changes. I have to
say, it was totally thrilling and it seemed like it was just another day at
the office for Madonna as if she’s been directing films for her entire ca-
reer. There was great mutual respect between director and crew working
together to capture this moment exactly as Madonna wrote it. During a
break, the kids Lola, Rocco, David and Mercy came to visit and hang out
and watch Madonna at work. Immediate switch from director to mom in
an instant.. Lots of giggles and fun and then Madonna went back to work.
who somehow made it all seem completely casual. Madonna’s quiet
command of everything was truly impressive.
Last week I had the pleasure of seeing Madonna and Lola working to-
gether at the Material Girl photo shoot with Kelly Osbourne – the new
face of the Material Girl line. Lola did a few interviews and was a pro
– totally natural and totally nice. She clearly has a very specific point
of view on the line and is very hands on in the selection of the designs,
fabrics, buttons.. Another one with total attention to every single detail.
The apple doesn’t fall far… I overheard Kelly telling Lola that black eye
liner was the only way to go because if it smudges it still looks good and
that’s not the case with other eye shadow colors. Lesson learned. Aren’t
you happy you have me to share this important stuff with you.

Further on into the filming I was in Central Park where the very last scene
was being filmed between two of the lead characters. In the middle of fil-
ming we started to hear a band rehearse at the Central Park Soundstage
a few hundred feet away..And Madame Director had to halt everything
while she trecked over to the Soundstage to talk to the band members
and plead with them to hold off on rehearsing while they completed the
scene. Needless to say, they were pretty shocked. I so appreciated that
she felt that as a fellow musician, this was a job for her and not anyone
else. Happily, they obliged. Steven Klein the photographer was shooting
away in between takes. Of course there was a huge crowd of people who
wanted to see what was going on which always happens in New York
when there are trailors, lights and cameras. Don’t know that they all even
knew that Madonna was there. She was pretty incognito. All attention
was on what was being filmed. You could hear a pin drop. Giant cameras
on cranes higher than the tallest trees in the park.. It seemed impossible
that the entire scene was choreographed to perfection by the director
Back to W.E., I did get to see a ‘work-in-progress’ rough screening of the
film and it is magnificent, beautiful and these two incredible stories that
intertwine in a fascinating way as the movie goes on. Tremendous acting
from the entire cast. I totally forgot where I was. Lost in the movie and I’m
still thinking about it weeks later. Yes I’m biased but I can also be critical
but can’t say anything bad about “W.E.” except that I was sorry it ended.
Take a bow Madge. I know there’s a long way to go till you all get to see
it but I promise you it will be totally worth the wait.
More Hard Candy Fitness Centers opening around the world. Madonna
and new music? Definitely in the pipeline. A tour? I wish.. Haven’t heard
any news yet.. Let me know if you hear anything.
Uber love to all of you,
Liz the Validator
ICON 53 - 09
 5 SONGS
THAT CHANGED
MY WORLD...

Right after the release of Madonna’s Celebration Greatest Hits, Icon launched a contest
called “Celebration Fan Pack”, which allowed some lucky Iconers to win six different releases
of the album. Part of the deal was to pick 5 songs out of the 36 featured on the 2-CD version
of the album and to tell us why those are so special to you. We randomly picked 5 winners
(Congratulations to them!) and wanted to include some of the best collected essays in this
issue of the magazine. Let’s learn more about our fellow Iconers and the reasons behind
their choices...

ICON 53 - 11
 Name: Colmal
Country: Canada
Madonna and Music. The two go together so perfectly
that I don’t know what my life would be like if I didn’t
have them. I have been a fan and listening to Madonna’s
music for 25 years. I have had the pleasure to experience
the many different aspects of her music over time. What
appeals to me the most about her music, is that, fan or
not, the music has a distinctive beat and every song tells
a story. Even if you can’t directly relate to the song lyrics
to some aspect of your life as Madonna has, you at least
feel the need to tap your foot to the music or want to
get up and dance. It puts me in a great music place! It
makes me happy!
The way her songs makes me feel can be summarized
by some lyrics in the song Music: “Hey mister D.J. put
a record on I wanna dance with my baby. And when
the music starts I never wanna stop, it’s gonna drive me
crazy... Music, music makes the people come together...”.
Madonna’s songs have enlightened my life and many
people around the world! The Celebration greatest hits
release is an awesome CD that truly captures the true es-
sence of Madonna’s songs over her career. I have many
favourite songs over 25 years. These 5 songs from Cele-
bration are the ones that I have some great memories of:
Like a Virgin
In 1984 when this song was released I was attending uni-
versity in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I had never heard
of Madonna. MTV was playing at the university bar and
they had a contest on the air between Cyndi Lauper and
Madonna. Viewers were asked to vote for their favourite
video: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun or Like a Virgin. Intri-
gued, I watched both video’s and almost instantly feel
in love with Madonna! There was just something about
the artist and the song that grabbed me. She was diffe-
rent and the song was funky with a great beat. Madonna
won the contest by MTV viewers of course! That was how
I first met Madonna. I loved the song so much I went to
the local university music store and bought the cassette
tape. I had something else in common back then with
this song: I was “ Like a Virgin” because I had never heard
of the song or Madonna before then. I’ve been listening
and dancing to her music ever since that day. This song
is also a main ringtone on my cell phone to remind me
of the first song I heard by Madonna and my continued
love of her music.
Holiday
Enjoying the sound of Madonna and the Like a Virgin al-
bum so much in 1984, I decided to find out what other
albums she had released. I then discovered her debut
album from 1983: Madonna. Also at this time I bought
12 - ICON 53
a book at my local Coles book store about Madonna. I
really loved her music and I NEEDED to learn more about
her life! Along came the song “Holiday”. After listening
to the debut album, this song stood out for me as an
upbeat, catchy, happy about life kind of song! This song
ALWAYS brings me up when I’m feeling down. It starts
my day and keeps me positive about things in my life.
Even when I’m working, I think about my next “holiday
celebration”. The music has a great beat and makes me
want to dance. I “freaked out” when she sang this song
live at the Live Aid concert in 1985, I was so happy! Back
then, I requested it at all the dance clubs my university
buddies and I went to and you should have seen the
people on the dance floor. It was amazing! This song to
date is still my FAVORITE Madonna song.
Into The Groove
I became familiar with this song from 1985 as it received
a lot of play on the radio in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
where I was still attending university. As with the song
“Holiday”, I liked the dance beat that this song had. It was
cool and funky and really did get me “Into the Groove”. I
was beginning to learn by this time that Madonna was
all about dance music. After finding out that this song
wasn’t released as part of an album but only as a 12”
single, I proudly picked up a copy! Because this song
was also in the movie “Desperately Seeking Susan”, I also
watched the movie! Madonna was becoming my music
Icon by this time in 1985, and I started collecting ANY-
THING Madonna. I’ve built up a nice collection since that
time. “Into the Groove” and “Desperately Seeking Susan”
form part of my Madonna collection. While in Calgary,
one of the local stores that I used to shop at had a SILK
Desperately Seeking Susan pillow for your couch! It’s still
wrapped in the original plastic. This song is also on my
cell phone as a ring tone for alarms and daily appoint-
ment reminders to help keep me “Into The Groove”!
Papa Don’t Preach
My memories of this song are very vivid to this day. Back
in 1986, when I found out that Madonna was releasing
a new album, I couldn’t wait to get to my local Zeller’s
store in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada to pick up my
new cassette tape! Again, this album was everything
I had come to expect from Madonna’s music and she
didn’t disappoint. Another upbeat, peppy, dance album!
The song “Papa Don’t Preach” became my favourite song
from this album. Although I can’t personally relate to the
struggles of the woman in this song and the relationship
with her father, it does tell a story about life that only
Madonna could tell in a song. Stand up for what you be-
lieve, be true to yourself and try to resolve issues within
a family environment. This IS something I can relate to
and Madonna has touched my life in this way with this
song. I loved the “beat” of this song so much back then
that I literally played it every day! My good friend Larry
would ask me: “Colin, have you listened to Papa Don’t
Preach today”? I proudly answered “yes” every time he
asked me!
Celebration
Lastly, and in conclusion, the song “Celebration” is the
newest Madonna song to touch my heart! For me it is
#2 all time, which is surprising as it was just released
in 2009. Why does it rank so high all time as a brand
new song? This song has it all: it’s the dancing, upbeat
song I’ve come to like from Madonna and, like Holiday, it
always puts me in a good mood! Also, it summarizes a
brilliant career of music. We can all celebrate her music.
After radio play I couldn’t wait for it to be released so I
could play it over and over again! I love this song.
Madonna says it best from the lyrics in this song: “I’m
gonna party, it’s a celebration ‘cause anybody just won’t
do, let’s get this started, no more hesitation, cause eve-
rybody wants to party with you”!
We all want to party with Madonna and we have with
her music over the last 26 years of a brilliant career. Long
live Madonna and her music.
Name: materialgrl188
Country: UK
These five tracks that feature on Madonna’s greatest hits
compilation, Celebration, are special to me for a num-
ber of different reasons. For example, one featured on
the first Madonna CD I ever bought and another helped
me in my struggle against a life-threatening illness. They
each have a special place in my heart and never, I repeat
NEVER, are skipped over to the next track on my music
player.
Beautiful Stranger
In the summer of ’99, I became obsessed with something.
Something I had heard on the radio, seen on the TV, and
danced the night away to. ‘Beautiful Stranger’ became
the soundtrack to those lazy, hazy, fun-lovin’ August days
– and I wanted it. On a clear, bright Sunday morning my
dad treated me to the CD Single of the week (according
to HMV) Beautiful Stranger by Madonna. The psychede-
lic artwork and the flower-power CD enticed me even
more to get back home and play it on my stereo. Days
melted into weeks as that CD spun inside that stereo and
I learnt those lyrics off by heart - ‘I looked into your eyes
and my world came tumbling down….’ My world comes
tumbling down, every time I look the accompanying
music video.
Die Another Day
Challenges have erupted in front of me throughout my
life. Cancer has been a dark cloud, always in the distance
forever casting a shadow over my life. Through these dif-
ficult days I have wanted to curl up into a ball and for-
get the world. On others, I’ve wanted to fight. ‘I guess I’ll
die another day. It’s not my time to go’. That lyric stayed
with me, and repeated in my head. ‘Die Another Day’ is
an important song with an important message. It’s not
just another Bond theme. It means so much more to me.
Fighting Cancer is tough but fighting back with a goal,
with an undying spirit and a song that makes you want
to dance when physically you’re too weak to, is an impor-
tant song indeed.
Burning Up
When I feel like I wanna be a baddass, when I want to stir
up some trouble, when I wanna make all the girls jealous
and all the boys blush, I play this record. ‘I’m Burning UP!’
To me this song is the ultimate track for the girl with no
inhibitions. When the club has no atmosphere, no ener-
gy and the dance floor has a space just right for you this
is the track you ask the DJ to play for you. When I listen to
this I really do feel like I’m on fire and watching Madonna
rock out to this on the 2004 Reinvention Tour live was all
the more electrifying.
Live to Tell
To the average music fan, Madonna is best known for
her bubblegum pop, dance tracks that can get any party
started. But an Iconer knows how incredibly talented M
can be at writing ballads. This next track I have chosen is
possibly one of Madonna most powerful, overwhelming
and important ballads of all time. ‘Live to Tell’ is one of
those magical Madonna moments, a beautiful track that
moves me every time I listen to it. The simplicity and the
beauty of the accompanying music video is also another
reason to love this ballad – Madonna, looking effortlessly
beautiful against a black background, beneath a lone
spotlight. I felt extremely lucky to see Madonna perform
‘Live to Tell’ on the Confessions Tour. Rising towards the
audience, crucifixion-style was one of the (many) hi-
ghlights of the show.
Ray of Light
Euphoria. Jubilation. Ecstasy. These are just some of
the adjectives required to describe this track. They also
express what I feel when I hear it. ‘Ray of Light’ was quite
possibly, the song that made me fall in love with Madon-
na. The gentle rhythmic strumming of the guitar, gently
guides you into the explosion that is Ray of Light. As Ma-
donna herself once put it, this song is all about a celebra-
tion of life and realisation of your place on this earth. It’s
an incredibly spiritual song and touches me on so many
levels. Nearly every time, tears form in my eyes at the ly-
ric, ‘Quicker than a Ray of Light she’s flying’…. And nearly
every time, I feel like I am flying.
ICON 53 -- 15
ICON 53 13
 Name: noreuh
Country: France
Celebration
I picked up that song straightaway because of so many
reasons. The first time I heard it I immediately wanted
to dance – and it still wanna do so! But it also means
a lot to me as back in October I had to undergo an IVF.
My boyfriend and I’ve been trying for 2 years and a half
to get pregnant and after doing exams and stuff I final-
ly had my first IVF. I didn’t know what to expect, I had
doubts mingled a bit with fear and hope. And when I
was admitted into the operation room I asked the nurse
if I could bring in my Mp3 player. She wasn’t sure at all if
I was allowed to because of hygiene measures but still
the doctor let me in with my player. She asked me what
I was listening to and I said… Celebration by Madonna.
Then one of the assistants asked me if I went to see her in
Paris for the Sticky & Sweet Tour, I said I did and she told
me I was lucky. I know I was and still am. Anyways the
operation was a bit painful, but still as I was listening to
Celebration over and over to give me strength and faith,
I managed not to pay attention to the pain but more to
the joy if the operation worked out. And it did. I mean I’m
still not pregnant but at least they managed to get 17
eggs out of me and 13 out of them have been fertilized.
I have greater hopes for the future and I know that in Ja-
nuary 2011 when I have my next IVF, I’ll bring in my mp3
playing Celebration again. I know it will help me to stay
positive. I feel related to one sentence in particular: An
invitation to the dance of life. To me I feel like my baby to
come will be an invitation to the dance of life and I can’t
wait to take dancing lessons ;-O).
Vogue
Definitely my favourite song. The one I fell in love with
Madonna. I love its rhythm; to me it’s the song that
makes you feel like dancing. Actually the Indo-European
root of the word ‘vogue’ means to transport and when
I listen to that song, I feel literally carried away. No later
than last night I went out clubbing with my colleagues
and when the DJ played that song, all of a sudden you
could see people doing the choreography. It was so
much fun! Besides it also reminds me of the Reinven-
tion tour – my first tour – I had no idea about the songs
that Madonna would play, the costumes that she would
wear, the choreography, and when Madonna opened
the show with this song, I had goose bumps. She was
performing my favourite song. And when she did it again
on the Sticky & Sweet tour, I was the happiest girl in the
world. I love the way she revisited that song. It is so full of
energy. This song also makes me think of another Iconer
who had this amazing video collage project. We had to
take pictures of ourselves striking the pose just like in her
video and once all the pictures were put together, it ac-
14 - ICON 53
16
tually looked like the original video but with still images.
I had so much fun, my boyfriend acted as a photograph
while watching the video over and over again to repro-
duce the poses, we had a good laugh.
Like a prayer
This song reminds me of my teenage years when we
were carefree and the only thing we had to think about
was to get good marks at school. For me it’s the time
when I used to have posters of Madonna everywhere on
my walls, same for my best friend. We would save mo-
ney to buy every magazine Madonna was on the cover.
It was the time MTV played Madonna’s videos and eve-
rybody would watch them and talk about them. And I
really liked that video in particular because of its story. To
me the message that Madonna tries to convey is clear.
When you see that black man being wrongly accused,
you feel like life is unfair. Racism is unfair. This man is ar-
rested for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
He is totally innocent and in fact was trying to help the
woman that got raped. So Madonna goes to the church
where she prays to the black Jesus, which also looks like
the black man from earlier. I like the parallel that is drawn
between that black man and Jesus who was an innocent
and sin free person wrongly accused of crimes he did
not commit. The things Madonna does and the images
she projects requests American society and any society
in general to reflect on itself, a bit like Michael Moore
does now.
Music
The reason why I picked up that song is because it re-
minds of one of the best times I had in my life, i.e. when
I was an au pair girl in London. I love this city and when
Music, the song, was released, I was still in London. I re-
member I called my brother who’s not a Madonna fan
but he knows I am and he eventually asked me if I liked
Madonna’s new song and I was like what new song
you’re talking about? There was no music channel in the
house where I lived, that’s why I didn’t know Madonna
had released a new song. When I heard Music in the re-
cord shops for the first time, to me it was a tad too dif-
ferent from what the Queen of Pop had done so far and
I must admit it wasn’t love at first sight. But then after
listening to it for a while, I fell in love with this song. I
can’t explain how or even why I didn’t like that much it
when I first listened to it, but now it is definitely one of
my favourite songs. When she’s singing music makes the
people come together, this is so true especially when
you attend her shows. The only thing people seem to
care about is music. And when she performed it during
her Confessions Tour, all dressed in white doing Music
Inferno, this moment was a blast. It is also the only show
my boyfriend (who likes her music but he’s not a huge
fan like me) came with me and he really enjoyed the
ICON 53 - 15
16 - ICON 53
show. He was just as flabbergasted as I was, he could
not believe his eyes. We were under the impression of
reliving the Saturday Night Fever movie in front of our
eyes, I will never forget that moment. Definitely her best
version of that song.
Hung up
Being a fan of ABBA and disco music in general, I could
not help but picking up that song. I remember the first
time I heard it was on a TV commercial for a phone. The
song only lasted for fifteen seconds. I could not wait to
hear the whole song. When the album came out, I re-
member I asked my boss for a day off just to go and
buy the album. We were quite a bunch of fans waiting
outside the record shop to get our copy. That was the
first time I queued up for an album but it wasn’t just an
album, it was Madonna’s Confessions On a Dance Floor.
Every time I listen to that song I can’t help but dancing
like she does in her video, with the rolling of the hands
and stuff. And when she played live on the Confessions
Tour, the moment was pure magic. The show was just
amazing I felt like we had gone back in time when my
mum herself went to disco clubs listening and dancing
to ABBA music. And even though this song meant the
end of the show, people were able to leave with a free
wonderful souvenir – the golden balloons with Madon-
na’s name and the tour name on them. People just went
mad trying to catch one single balloon. I wasn’t lucky
that night in Paris to get one, but the best free gift Ma-
donna could give us was an amazing moment full of em-
otions. Madonna definitely does it better.
Name: Zenondebrujas
Country: Canada
Borderline
I was 10 and my sister was turning 13 years old, and
Mom bought her a couple of LPs for the party. One of her
choices was a hits compilation called «Electric Shock,»
which included Madonna’s «Borderline» among other
songs by different artist. Although my older brother had
an album called «Madonna Mix,» this was the first time I
really noticed the artist who would become my ultimate
favourite singer. I was lucky enough to see Madonna in
Vancouver, during her «Sticky and Sweet Tour.» I danced
all the way through it, but during «Borderline» I felt like
that kid who was annoying everyone during his sister’s
birthday party by playing the same Madonna song over
and over again. Somethings never change.
Express Yourself
Back in Caracas, Venezuela--where I was born and raised-
-you start receiving English lessons when you enter the
7th grade. They are not deep by any means, and you can
hardly hold a conversation after five years of studying the
language, but I always wanted to learn English. I used
to sit down with the liner notes of the album «Like a
prayer» and an English-Spanish dictionary, and I would
spend hours carefully translating the lyrics, studying their
meaning, the pronunciation of words, and--of course--
learning them by heart. «Express Yourself» has always
been one of my favourite songs since then, just like the
video clip by David Fincher, not to mention the MTV VMA
performance that I watched so many I knew the entire
choreography.
Justify My Love
All the controversy about the video clip being banned
only made me want to watch it even more, but my pa-
rents wouldn’t buy me the VHS tape because it was for
adults. I already owned «The Immaculate Collection,»
and «Justify my love» was played often, and loud. I had
a portion of the lyrics printed on a paper sheet and pas-
ted over my bed--next to the «Who’s that girl» poster. My
home-made poster said «Poor is the man, whose plea-
sures depend on the permission of another,» and had
a red marker kiss right under the fake Madonna signa-
ture. At that time I was starting to understand what that
meant, and that I wasn’t like the other boys in my class.
I used to listen to this song with my best friend in my
room. I loved to watch him dance...
Erotica
When «Erotica» was released I had a girlfriend. I really
liked her, but in some level, I knew I liked my best friend
even more. I still didn’t dare to put it into words, even to
myself. One day. I don’t remember exactly why, my gir-
lfriend and I broke up. It was upsetting, but I wasn’t as
sad as I thought I should be. A couple of days later my
best friend and I had a fight over some ridiculous thing
my ex said I told her about him. I was devastated that he
would believe her over me; he wasn’t speaking to me,
and I was feeling lost. A piece of «Erotica» resonated with
me: «Only the one who hurts you can make you feel bet-
ter/Only the one who inflicts the pain can take it away.»
Hung Up
Released on my birthday--four years after I entirely chan-
ged my life by moving to Canada--, this was the first song
I downloaded onto my first iPod, and quickly became the
most played song in my library (though it has now drop-
ped to second place after «Erotica» from the «Confes-
sions Tour» album). There’s no intense, growing-up story
behind it. I simply listen to it because it makes me feel
happy, and it still gets added to most upbeat playlists I
make for day-to-day listening.
ICON 53 - 19
 Name: UltraBri
Country: USA
When it comes to Madonna songs, we each have our all-
time songs we favor this is true and for me off the new
album Celebration. All of the songs take me on a journey
however these are the five songs that I have to say, that
have put the needle on the record.
Celebration
The song came out online, I freaked out I fell in love ins-
tantly. Madonna was on tour at the time and there was
so much fun buzz around the song being filmed with
the fans. There were was an Icon contest to be in a ICO-
NERS video for Celebration and not everyone could be
included in the video. It was at that point that my creative
juices started to flow and I got it in my head that I would
try and make a video with everyone that didn’t get in-
cluded in the original video. I saw on a thread in ICON
everyone upset and wanting to have a part in the song
for the videos that they made, It fueled my fire of creative
thinking and I started asking people if they minded if I
used the videos they made. I received over 85 videos in 2
days and edited it down to the song and got it online in
3 days. What really made me fall in love was being able
to experience everyones happy vibes in the videos they
made and the personal letters that they sent to me when
I was making the video. I wanted to do something for
nothing and it really has to be one of the most rewarding
things I have done in my life. The reason why is because
during the process of editing down everything I got to
know a lot of members in ICON on a personal note. I
must have played the song over 200 times during the
editing process and I didn’t end up getting sick of it. I will
forever remember making that video for the Icon mem-
bers that didn’t get into the final version that was posted
on ICON and the ones that were included in the official
version as well. It was something to aways remember. It
was my personal little “Celebration” on my iMAC and it
was a complete joy for me. I will never forget how kind
and beautiful the members were when I was making the
video. I did not expect when I started editing the video
for the members, that I would give so much joy and feel
it so hardcore in return. I WILL never forget that in my life.
Like A Virgin
It was August 5th 1990 and I was sitting on my couch
with my mother to my left and my grandmother to my
right. Like A Virgin came on HBO for the broadcast of the
Blond Ambition Tour. Let me tell you the room stood still,
except me I leaned into that television and went wild!
There she was making her way on the red velvet bed in
this amazing gold pointed bra corset and I was dancing
my rear off. I fell in love with the song the lyrics spoke
to me. I was young and I got what it was, for me about
20 - ICON 53
experiencing something for “the very first time” and for
me it was feeling electrical throughout my body. I can’t
explain how my grandmother fainted on the couch, she
really did and how my mother was very into it as well. It
was a defining moment for me in music history and my
life. It was for me making it through the wilderness of
so many things. Like a virgin I was touched for the very
first time.
Beautiful Stranger
I had been driving in my brand new car when the song
Beautiful Stranger came out, I did not know at first it was
Madonna but I was jamming to that song in my new car
with its new car cent. I then heard the radio DJ say “Ma-
donnas New Smash Hit Beautiful Stranger” It was the first
song played in that car and it was Madonna my favorite
artist so naturally it made me elated. I then called the DJ
and requested the song again and he played it for me
with my request on air two songs later. I was still driving
and grooving in my car. For the next 3 months it was the
only song that I played in my car and I bumped it and
danced and everyone would look at me on the road. It
was my first brand new car and a brand new Madonna
song and that will remain in my mind forever. It also
made me take a chance on a beautiful stranger.
Music
Music for me strikes two critical moments in my life. One
was my best friend of 18 years, Angel, who passed away
in 2003. When he got in the car he had a CD with him
and I had on something else. He said to me Hey I have
something for you to hear and I was reluctant because I
thought it was going to be some wack music he would
always bring in my car, but no! The opening of the song
started up and BAM it was “Music” the new Madonna
song and we went wild driving up and down Santa Mo-
nica Boulevard,. blasting the song dancing in my car sin-
ging together and having a really great time together it
was simple and fun and I cant ever forget the moment
I heard that song. I will never forget the final moments
of my best friends life and that we really celebrated that
song together it was simple and so crucial to the me-
mory that remains. I also met my current husband at the
time. It was a defining moment in Music history in my
life. The song made me dance every day for almost five
years. It was a celebration in my life for sure Music really
does make the people come together, even if you have
just met or have known them for nearly a lifetime.
Sorry
I was at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Ne-
vada on November 9th, 2008, I was standing in the front
row during the Sticky and Sweet tour and who comes
walking up to me but Madonna to take the request
song for the night. I was like wow okay so is she about
to talk to me, (in my head) and BAM I was reading her
lips saying «What’s your name? Did you buy that t-shirt
here?» I replied back to her «My name is Brian» and she
said to me «I didn’t ask you what your name is, I asked If
you bought that T-shirt here» my response to that was
«Hell Yeah» and to that she replied «hell yeah okay, okay,
now I wanna know your name!» I screamed my name
and she replied «Okay Brian what song would you like
me to sing for you?» I screamed “Sorry” and she sang al-
most the entire song two verses and two parts chorus.
Now I loved that song before the request but this has
to be the moment that took me off into a league of its
own. It also took me back though all the years of being a
fan of the music and Madonna. I could not believe that
she actually took my song request and sang my all time
favorite song Sorry. It was a amazing trip all within a few
moments that took me though over 20 years of loving
the music and the WOMAN that makes it all, be worth
living to tell about, to everybody. I will Never EVER FOR-
GET these five songs that justify my love.
Name: Puto_Papi
Country: USA
Who’s That Girl
I was working just blocks away from Times Square and
ran to the Crossroads Of The World for a chance to see
Madonna live for the 1st time. It was the premiere of
Who’s That Girl. I was right in front on the side of the red
carpet she was about to pass through, I was so excited.
I had already begun to collect Madonna magazines and
this was my 1st highlight. She was passing just a foot
away from me and at a quick, quiet moment after all the
yelling I quickly yelled out “Madonna“, and she looked
right at me and smiled. I took a picture and the next day
discovered that i had gotten just a side view picture of
Madonna but i treasure it to this day. She was so tiny and
beautiful and I vowed to love her forever.
Everybody
Everybody wow what comes to mind hearing the song
on the radio. I was visiting Hollywood, CA., where I
purchased my first Madonna cassette, which turned
out to be a bootleg and the track listing for the songs
were printed on the wrong side. I love the album and
still have the cassette. I along with more than half of the
WORLD thought Madonna was African-American since
she hailed from Detroit. She gave us a great dance track
and many more followed. The fusion of her voice and
easy lyrics plus the soul and R&B influence just sealed it
for me. This was the beginning of my greatest journey.
Frozen
Frozen helped me cope with the end of my last relation-
ship. We just seemed stuck in a time warp and we were
going nowhere and it was not getting any better. It al-
lowed us to search within and make an effort and try to
fix our love but sadly it was too late. We were already too
far apart. It gave us room for growth and acceptance in
dealing with things we had no total control over such as
love. It made me more aware of feelings, communica-
tion and how to be happy alone. There were times I felt
I couldn’t continue without someone near but you learn
it can be easy if you love yourself first.
Express Yourself
Express Yourself for me bought another form of inde-
pendence. It allowed me to be more accepting of oth-
ers and myself. I had more freedom in my choices and
decisions. I focused on making myself happier and not
worrying about others thoughts of me. As long as I was
happy and hurting no one, I would live my life to the full-
est. You can never please everyone but as long as you
are true to yourself ..... you can be happy.
La Isla Bonita
I loved the Latin-infused sounds bursting from this song.
You just turn it on and close your eyes and imagine
yourself somewhere far away, warm and satisfied with
no cares in the world. It was an escape from the daily
troubles of life song. It helped ease the pain of anything
that ailed you.
I immediately connected to this song for the cultural
impact and how it blended world’s together. I was im-
pressed with Madonna’s attempt at Spanish and the
closeness it added to the song. It reminded me of Puerto
Rico with the sounds and warmth of home.
Name: Fabio
Country: Italy
Hung Up
It was early September 2005. Another summer working
as a lifeguard for a local camping site was getting closer
to end. The weather was still sunny and warm but the
camping site was less crowded than it was the previous
month when most Italians have summer holidays and
often leave cities to go to the seaside. That’s why back in
those days I spent more time cleaning deck chairs by the
swimming pool than watching over children who were
swimming in it. One day I was starting work at 3 pm so I
spent part of the morning at home in front of my PC and
I found a great surprise: two short audio clips of Madon-
na’s forthcoming single had leaked on the Internet. What
should I do? This is the question that always haunts me
when spoilers about Madonna come to light. I couldn’t
resist and in the end I decided I would listen to them.
One clip was part of the chorus and was like “waiting for
ICON 53 -- 21
ICON 53 19
 your call baby night and day, I’m tired waiting on you”.
I had just listened for the first time to only 7 seconds of
Madonna’s new song… 7 seconds yes, but it was TER-
RIFIC!! Some of the best sound I had heard for a while,
different from the Queen’s most recent work. I distinctly
remember that it was quite different from the official ver-
sion that was later put on the album. In particular, the
rhythm and Madonna’s vocals were much faster. During
the following days I couldn’t get that catchy tune out of
my head. I kept singing it at work while watching the
guests of the camping site as they swam in the pool or
while cleaning the pool at the end of the day. Summer
was nearly over but you could understand that Madonna
was about to make our fall and winter so special. Time
went by and one morning, at the end of October, I was
at my then-boyfriend’s house when the magical hap-
pened: I was yawning while having breakfast in front of
the TV, a music channel was on. I first saw the fantastic
video to Hung Up! Shaking with excitement is how I felt
as the video began (I didn’t immediately realize it was M’s
new video because you don’t see or hear her until she
switches on that stereo in the gym). When the video was
over, I was astonished. I thought it was definitely one of
her best videos ever. Both the song and the video had
that instant appeal that make you want to go and watch
it again. So new but at the same time so classic! My day
couldn’t have started better and I went to university so
thrilled and in ecstasy! The rest about Hung Up is history
and its huge worldwide success witnesses the global im-
pact it had on different generations of music listeners.
Vogue
This is possibly my all time favourite Madonna song. I
didn’t see the video in its entirety until year 2000. I didn’t
have access to the Internet back then, so the only way I
could watch music videos was on TV music channels. In
the black and white clip Madonna was breathless, more
beautiful than ever, the video was actually a short film
with so many different scenes but unlike many other Ma-
donna videos it didn’t tell a particular story. I thought it
rather described an attitude. One day at the local music
store I bought a 3-VHS box set that included the Immac-
ulate Collection, the Virgin Tour and the Girlie Show. For
the first time not only did I have Madonna CD’s to listen
to but also official video material to watch on my TV!! I
was very excited, of course! Out of the three tapes I had
just bought, the first that I put into the video recorder
was the collection of videos. Vogue is the last video on
the VHS and in my opinion the most iconic. In the final
credits you can read who the director to each video is.
When I learned that David Fincher directed Vogue, I im-
mediately realized why it’s such a unique masterpiece.
Here’s another memory I have: I remember that I was
studying Art History at high school at the time and dur-
ing one of the lessons the teacher talked about Neoclas-
22 - ICON 53
sic Art. He explained us that at a certain point there was
in sculpture and painting a rediscover of the classic con-
cept of beauty: beauty is something static rather than in
motion, beauty is in pale skin, beauty is the perfection of
bodies. Oh my God, I was then able to understand a lot of
elements that were in the Vogue video: “strike a pose” is a
way of dancing but it’s also a connection to the concept
of beauty of Canova or the ancient Greek. That’s why Ma-
donna and her dancers posed like statues and then slow-
ly started to move to the music! And then the artistic and
architectural elements in the video (columns, paintings,
marble statues). It was all clear!!! It all had a meaning! Af-
ter this revelation I started enjoying the video even more!
Lucky Star
When the song was released on Madonna’s first album
I think I was only a few months old. If the Immaculate
Collection was my first Madonna purchase in the late
90’s, The First Album was the second CD that I got. Lucky
Star is the first song in the track list. I instantly fell in love
with it: it’s one of those 80’s songs that can never get old
because the music and the lyrics sound always fresh. I
immediately noticed how the version on M’s first great-
est hits is an edit of the much longer, original version. I
imagined Madonna as “my Lucky Star as she shines on
me wherever I am” with her influence on my personal life.
In the summer of 2001 I went on my first holiday abroad
with two friends of mine. We were 18 years old then. We
had wanted to go to London for a long time because we
thought some of the best music comes from there and
people must be so open-minded and everything is so
cool there. We spent a fantastic week sightseeing dur-
ing the day and going to pubs and clubs at night. One
night we were walking on a street in Soho and the notes
of Lucky Star came from inside a pub. That 80’s sound
was still appreciated in London after about 20 years!! I
thought that Londoners had a great taste for music
and we couldn’t have chosen a better place for our first
holiday without parents. A few years later I bought the
Madonna album remastered which includes the New
Mix of Lucky Star: nearly 8 minutes of delicious starlight
music. Finally I have to say I absolutely LOVE the version
on CELEBRATION which is different from any previously
released version and has a totally stronger, enriched bass
line during the chorus!!! “Come on, shine your heavenly
body tonight”.
Who’s That Girl
I don’t know exactly why but from time to time I feel
the need to go and listen to this song. And when this
need comes out of the blue I can now put on CD #2 of
Celebration (I only downloaded the digital album from
iTunes and then burned it on 2 CD’s) and listen to the
original version in a much improved quality. When the
song came out I was only 4 years old but I have memo-
22 - ICON 53
-ries of my parents listening to it and watching live on
TV channel RAIUNO the broadcast of the Who’s That Girl
Tour stop in Turin. It was a historical event in Italy. The
superstar Madonna, who has half-Italian origins, for the
first time was performing here and visited her relatives
in Pacentro. I also remember seeing TV ads of the film
Who’s That Girl that was broadcast on Italian TV. Just a
couple of weeks ago I was in a pub spending a Satur-
day night with my friends. We soon noticed that there
was a video juke-box in the pub. You could select a video
and watch it on a television for 50 Euro cents. A juke-
box is quite a rarity these days. Some of my friends went
to see what songs/videos were there. My boyfriend and
I changed some coins and selected a couple of tracks.
There were two Madonna songs: Who’s That Girl and
Papa Don’t Preach!! How cool! I selected Who’s That Girl
and went back to sit at our table. When the video began
all my friends who know about my passion for Madonna
looked at me smiling. Many of them didn’t remember
the video or had never seen it but they all agreed that it
was a great song and that Madonna herself is so cool! …
and they’d better think so!! …Who’s that girl? A girl who
changed my world.
Celebration
The newest song on the latest greatest hits deserves to
be in this top 5. That is simply because it sums up the
meaning that all other Madonna songs on the CD have
to me. The inspiration that I have been getting from
Madonna and her music throughout the years, the les-
sons she’s been teaching, the topics she’s directed our
attention to… All this needs to be celebrated in a spe-
cial way. That’s the meaning I associate to the song. It’s
a great dance song produced by the man who opened
the Sticky & Sweet concerts in 2009, including the Mi-
lan show that I attended in July. It’s probably the song I
had most fun dancing to… with the Madonna’s Birthday
Project we Iconers were asked to shoot a video of our-
selves dancing and singing to the newly-released Cel-
ebration single. Icon would make a video montage out
of the collected videos and present it to Madonna for her
birthday. One evening after dinner I asked my brother
to help me produce my video. All he had to do was film
me with our camera while I was dancing in our bedroom
with some Madonna posters behind me. I had so much
fun taking part in this crazy contest that the first shoot
was the final one. The video didn’t have to be artificial or
technically perfect, it just had to be an original and funny
way to wish Madonna a happy birthday. I also uploaded
the video on my facebook profile and all my friends com-
mended on me and some of them wrote that Celebra-
tion, the new Madonna song, was great! A friend of mine
even wanted a link to download my video, which luckily
was included in the final montage. Just a few days ago
I downloaded the version feat. Akon from iTunes. I just
love it and can’t stop listening to it at the moment. It’s
difficult for me to consider Celebration a stand alone
song. It’s tightly connected to the rest of the songs on
the album because it’s a sort of invitation to celebrate
them all and to cherish the beautiful memories you have
for every single Madonna song.
Name: Angellovef
Country: USA
Secret
Secret is a very dear song to me because it came into my
life when I needed it the most. In September of 1994, I
was living on my college campus and about to turn 22
years old. I always knew I was gay from a young age,
but I was so afraid to face it. It was the biggest secret of
my entire life. Year after year of denying who I was, made
me miserable. I hated myself and even hated to look at
myself in the mirror. So around the time when the song
came out, I had met a guy that I allowed myself to get ro-
mantically involved with for the very first time. After my
first sexual experience it made me realize that I couldn’t
live a lie any longer. The song literally spoke about me
and my life. “Things haven’t been the same since you
came into my life. You found a way to touch my soul
and I’m never ever gonna let it go.” It was because of that
song I was able to come out and tell my friends that I was
gay. It was the scariest thing I had ever done. It made
me face my fears, and helped me be the person I was
meant to be. “Until I learned to love myself I was never
ever loving anybody else.” In a way, the song was like an
emotional map guiding me on what I needed to do in
order to be happy. And for that I am so thankful that
Madonna taught me how to love myself.
La Isla Bonita
La Isla Bonita is another song that taught me something
about myself, but in a strange way. When the song came
out, I was 14 years old. I wasn’t a Madonna fan at that
point. Her music didn’t speak to me in a way it does now.
When I heard La Isla Bonita and found out that it was
Madonna singing that song, I hated it. I hated it because
I knew she was Italian and she was singing a Spanish-
styled song and even singing in Spanish. Not sure why
I felt that way. Maybe it was because I’m Puerto Rican
and I felt that a “white girl” doesn’t have the right to be
doing that. (Stupid, right? I know! What was I think-
ing?) It wasn’t until the Erotica era when I became a fan
and started listening to the Immaculate Collection did
I appreciate the beauty of that song. And to this day I
believe that La Isla Bonita is one of Madonna’s most bril-
liant songs ever! It’s funny that the Like A Prayer video ad-
dresses racism, but it was La Isla Bonita that really taught
me about my racism and how stupid I was.
ICON 53 - 25
ICON 53 - 25
 Justify My Love
What can I say about this song except that it is like 100%
pure sex contained in a song. It’s brilliant and the most
unique song ever recorded! But my favorite memory at-
tached to this song is the controversy over the video.
Again, I wasn’t a fan at this point, but when the video
was banned and the video was sold as a single, the local
radio station in NY (Z100) was playing the video on mo-
bile units around the city. They would announce what
mall parking lot they would be at in the evenings play-
ing the video. It was my mom that invited me to go and
see the video. I was 18 at the time. We both watched
it about two times in a row and we both didn’t think
there was anything wrong with the video. How funny is
that!? I guess we were used to all of the other Madonna
scandals up to that point, we didn’t think video was that
shocking. Ha ha!
Erotica
I remember there was controversy over this video again.
I think MTV only played it once. I had my college room-
mate tape it for me while he was home for the week-
end. When Kurt Loder of MTV announced the video, the
graphic shown next to him was the cover of the single.
I remember being so frightened from that image. I was
stunned. I wasn’t used to this side of Madonna. I don’t
think anyone was. I guess I like the song Erotica because
it was the start of the Erotica era, which happened to be
my favorite Madonna era, my favorite album, and let’s
not forget about that SEX book! I have never been the
same since.
Express Yourself
What I love about this song is the message. Madonna is
telling you not to settle for anything less than the best.
Initially, she is talking about love and relationships. But it
lends itself to all aspects of your life. You don’t have to be
stuck in a relationship that isn’t worthy of who you are,
or a job that you hate, or anything else that is making
you miserable. “You deserve the best in life so if the time
isn’t right then move on. Second best is never enough
you’ll do much better baby on your own.” It taught me
that I am a valuable person and I don’t have to take any
bullshit from anybody. This song made me a stronger
person and makes me feel comfortable with the deci-
sions I make. This song has balls!
Name: 94jump
Country: Italy
Like a Prayer
When “Like a Prayer” was released I wasn’t born but the
first time I heard this song I fell in love with it. I feel un-
conditional love for “Like a Prayer”, in fact it’s my favourite
song. I don’t know why, but now, each time I listen to it,
26 - ICON 53
28
I feel better. When I feel alone or I have a problem, Like a
Prayer helps me to resolve it and to find a way to improve
myself. I think I just can’t do without this song because
it gives me the strength and the power to change. The
chorus is as if it takes me in another world where there
isn’t sadness and where I meet many solutions, but only
one is the right one and “Like a Prayer” shows it to me. In
my opinion “Like a Prayer” is like a dream because when
the song starts I can’t understand what happens on my
mind, but then, when it has finished, I know what I have
to do. Only when I listen to “Like a Prayer” I can feel I am
free.
Hung Up
I was 11 when my life changed. “Hung Up” had been re-
leased only a few days before I listened to it for the very
first time. On that day my life changed because I became
a Madonna fan. When the song started I was captured by
her voice, it was as if I were in a trance. I felt something
I’ve never felt inside of me: the happiness was growing
and my world was changing in a better place. It was
amazing. Her voice reassured me and it made me feel
good about everything around me. “Hung Up” always
makes me dance and it helps me to forget the sad occa-
sions. This song makes me happy because I think about
the day I fell in love with Madonna. It’s all because Hung
Up introduced me to Madonna’s world, the world I’d be
lost without, even if now my life’s improving every day.
Take a Bow
I was born in 1994, when “Take a Bow” was number 1 in
the charts. “Take a Bow” taught me not to trust in people
that I don’t know anything about, because may be very
different than they seem and they can hurt you. If you
start to trust someone, you start to love this person and
when you notice that who you love isn’t who you be-
lieve, it’s as if this person has betrayed you. Thanks to this
song I avoided many disappointments because I learned
to be cautious of them. When I listen to it, I think about
my life, I think about the “actor” I fell in love with and I’m
very happy that “Take a Bow”, in a way, alerted me of
what I was going to meet: the breaking of my heart. I will
always be grateful to this song.
Express Yourself
“Express Yourself” taught me to express myself. The first
time I listened to it I always had the chorus on my mind. I
thought about myself and I noticed that I didn’t say what
was on my mind. I was a bit afraid of the conclusions of
what I said but this song gave me the courage to express
myself and it was one of the best things I could ever
learn. I learned that only if you express yourself, you will
be respected. Then I learned to do what the song says:
“You’ve got to make him express himself”. That’s another
important thing that Madonna taught me: I’ve
28 - ICON 53
never asked anything about people because I thought
it wasn’t indispensable to know about them, but now,
I know that is necessary to do. So if you want a special
relationship you have to know the other person’s point
of view. Finally, “Express Yourself” taught me to use the
freedom of speech.
Ray of Light
“Ray of Light” gives me the energy not to give up. When
I listened to it for the first time I felt the energy flow into
my veins. Before I listened to “Ray of Light” I thought ev-
erything revolved around me, but it made me see how
little I am in front of the world and in front of life and
I learned that each detail of life is important. I love this
song because sometimes it seems to me that my life is
quicker than a ray of light and sometimes I feel that I’m
going out from myself but I want to remain anchored to
this world. Ray of Light is very important to me because
it made me see the other point of view.
Name: Aapodaca
Country: USA
Material Girl
I was only 5 years old when I first heard of Madonna in
1985. My parents never had any desire to get cable, so
the only chance my sister and I had to watch music vi-
deos was on Saturday mornings. I will never forget the
very first time Madonna came into my life. The song was
“Material Girl,” which was why it’s on my top five list! I
will never forget when she started singing, “Some boys
kiss me some boys hug me.” I remember the sense of ad-
miration and desire I had for Madonna. She made me
want to get up and dance before I even knew what dan-
cing was! My feelings for Madonna have NOT changed
at all. Needless to say, my sister is also a fan and I later
found out my aunt was a fan as well. My aunt purchased
Madonna’s Virgin Tour on VHS. She later showed it to me
and I have been hooked on Madonna ever since. What
made the Virgin Tour even more special was that “Mate-
rial Girl” was her last song on the Virgin Tour! My aunt
loves Madonna as much as I do and would show me her
current videos when I was a child, which only made me
love Madonna even more!
Vogue
My Madonna addiction was at an all-time high in 1990. I
was still jamming to the Life a Prayer album and enjoying
her ground-breaking videos. However, I was not prepa-
red for what was next! The second song on my list is
“Vogue,” because I finally realized my love for dance and
how much dedication I have for the art form. I would
put on little shows, by myself, copying every Madonna
dance move possible, which I still do today. I remember
my aunt buying me the cassette single and recording
me the video to “Vogue.” I listened to it so much that
the tape finally gave out! The reason why I love “Vogue”
is because it gave me an escape to dance and feel free.
I come from a place where it is not normal for a 9 year
old boy to dance and this song made me feel that I was
not strange at well. As the song states, “It makes no dif-
ference if your black or white, if you’re a boy or a girl.” I
would later study dance in college. “Vogue” helped me
find my passion through dance. I still dance every day
and will continue to do so as long as I live! VIVA DANCE!
Music
I was about to turn 21 when I heard the song “Music”
in 2000. Music is the third song on my list because so-
mething BIG was going to be happening to me very
soon! When I first heard this song on the radio, I began
to realize how important Madonna has been in my life
and NEVER fails to me impress me with her awesome
and unique talent! I have a very blessed life and have
everything I want and more, but I only had one dream
that seemed to never come true, seeing my lady LIVE
IN CONCERT! However, I was beginning to wonder if
Madonna would ever tour again because her last tour
was in 1993 with The Girlie Show and we were already
into the new millennium. Imagine my surprise when I
found out she was going on tour for my 21birthday in
Vegas!! I turned 21 August 3, 2001 and saw Madonna on
September 01 and 02, 2001. “Music” was the last song of
the Drowned World Tour and that’s why this song is very
special to me. My dream finally came true and it was all
and more I ever expected. I cried when I first saw her on
stage for the very first time. I found out that music does
make the people come together when I saw her live. I
have also been blessed to see her live for every tour she
has done there after. The experience of watching Ma-
donna live is an awesome ride that I hope to experience
much more as the years pass. If Madonna keeps touring,
I will be there!!
Hung Up
Madonna has been a very positive influence in my life,
but she is not the only one. Of course my family comes
first, but I have had a best friend since I was 12 years old.
My best friend’s name is Andrea and she has helped me
in so many ways possible. She was there for me at a time
when I thought no one ever would be and that means
a lot to me. I will never forget how she would make me
feel better about myself. However in 2005, something
changed in our friendship that was beyond repair. The
next song on my list is “Hung Up,” because it stated what I
felt about our friendship. I felt like Madonna and I got to-
gether and wrote this song about Andrea singing, “Every
little thing that you say or do, I’m hung up, I’m hung up
on you.” I still talk to Andrea once in a while and hope
she will come back to me and continue our special bond.
ICON 53 - 31
 “Hung Up” helped me come to terms with our friendship.
This song is one of a kind, unforgettable and will pass the
test of time. I think of Andrea every time I hear that song!
Celebration
The final song on my list is “Celebration” because this
incredible song came out a little after my new promo-
tion at work! I felt so blessed to get this great promotion
and this song states exactly how I feel, it’s a celebration!
Again, I felt like Madonna and I got together and wrote
this song about my promotion. I fell in love when I first
heard this song because I feel life should be a Celebra-
tion daily. I am very proud of all of my accomplishments
and Madonna has played a very big positive factor in my
life these past 25 years. My only dream I have left is to
thank Madonna personally, but I think I would pass out
if I ever got the chance. I would tell Madonna THANKS
for helping a young Hispanic boy find his place in the
world. I would also tell her to please continue entertai-
ning the world. I am looking forward to what Madonna
has in store for us in our journey of life!
Name: Froste
Country: UK
Like A Prayer
Whenever I read music critiques and reviews by the
‘experts ‘ discussing songs which are ‘ground-breaking’,
‘timeless’, ‘genius’, ‘work-of-art’, etc, my mind automa-
tically reverts to ‘Like A Prayer’. Almost 21 years later this
song, which catapulted my long-established Madonna
fandom into devotion, mesmerises me. Devotion has
religious and spiritual connotations, and Like A Prayer
took me ‘there’ . It moved me and made me rejoice. It
still does. Beyond the lyrics, the music, its gradual climax
into a earth-moving and life-affirming celestial chorus
showcased Madonna as not only a pop-innovator, but as
a musical chameleon with the singular talent for creating
a song that transcends categories such a ‘pop’ , ‘soul’ and
‘rock’, and blend them into one mighty powerful mas-
ter-piece. Music that elates and is worthy of raising your
hands in the air and thanking God! Today I still get exci-
ted from the opening guitar-riff and the climatic bang.
The song rejects the hurly-burly and confusion of the
outside world and gives us 5 minutes of respite and not-
so-quiet contemplation. To be honest, the controversy
surrounding the accompanying music video really takes
away from the pure genius of Madonna and Leonard’s
musical creation Bearing not only a compelling cho-
rus, but displaying a knack for lyrical ambiguity, Like A
Prayer works and intrigues on so many intricate levels,
yet remains accessible. A true work of inspiration. Add
to that its mesmerising 2008 ‘re-invention’, so to speak.
The Sticky & Sweet Tour brought this song to yet another
ground-breaking level, and dare I say it, made the song
32 - ICON 53
exciting all over again for existing and new fans. In 100
years when people look back in the Canon of songs that
reflected the 20th Century, without question this song
will be in there.
Hung Up
To quote another Madonna song, ‘’music can be such a
revelation’’. This song brings to life the essence of those
hallowed lyrics. My first ever record that I bought was
an ABBA one on my 5th birthday in 1979. ABBA were
my childhood musical heroes. As a lover of pure pop
I always believed Madonna was a natural successor to
the Swedish gods’ legacy. So imagine my excitement
and thrill when I heard this dizzy mash-up! I remember
the leaks of the song coming out, which were an instru-
mental version, when I was in Australia in 2005 and I just
blew up with excitement when I heard this in the clubs.
That pulsating bass-line, the inspired sample of ‘Gimme!
Gimme! Gimme!’, and a chorus catchier than a flu, I have
never (and to date still have not) been as excited by a
song. Again it reflects the genius of Madonna’s song-
writing and production skills marrying classic disco with
a modern twist to help bring nations and generations
together! ‘Hung Up’ represents the Madonna I love – the
Queen of Dance (TM) - and this song is not only my fa-
vourite Madonna song, but also my all-time favourite
song! I love it so much it has, as I type, 2432 plays on my
itunes!!! It never fails to elate me, move me and inspire
me. Add to that ‘Hung Up’ has been with me as I shared
so many fantastic memories in my life – from being on
holidays throughout South America, to travelling to To-
kyo to see the final Confessions show (as I had to see
it one more time!), to going out to clubs and partying
with my fellow ICON friends at the parties in London, the
song is not just a song. It is an aural photograph which
throws up many fond memories of events in my life. It
re-creates memories, feelings, smells and sounds. It is
testament to the true power of music and hands-down
one of the most infuriatingly catchy songs ever recorded.
Classic Madonna, hell .... classic music. Period.
Celebration
If ever there was a naysayer to suggest that Madonna
has had her glory-days, then one listen to this eupho-
ric dance track which compels you to dance will dispel
all cynicism. Although a fresher offering from the Ma-
donna vaults, this song brings back to me so many vivid
and exciting memories of the summer of 2009 seeing
Sticky & Sweet Round II. It makes us dance for inspira-
tion!! I spent the summer trekking to 11 shows from Lon-
don to Tel Aviv, and this song provides an appropriate
soundtrack to my summer of 2009. What I love about
the song is that it pays surrepetitious tribute to Madon-
na’s career with cunning lyrical snippets for former chart
glories! I love how Madonna and Oakenfold have paid
ICON 53 - 31
 an imaginative and respectful tribute to Madonna’s mu-
sical legacy while still delivering a song of original and
captivating substance. One of my fondest memories of
Celebration was pre-release when I was front row, end
of catwalk in St Petersburg Russia where Guy Oseary re-
corded me and a Russian girl beside me singing the song
into his phone for Madonna to hear. The audience was
rapturous when the song came on, and each and every
show I attended the audience grew louder and louder
as the song gathered momentum. The song’s euphoria
reflects the joys of my summer with Madonna. A perfect
anti-dote to a difficult May 2009 where I lost my friend
to an unexpected death, ‘Celebration’ took me away mo-
mentarily from all my troubles, & reminded me of my
fun times spent queuing and at the front row (I was front
row for 10 shows) with my fellow ICONers. It was so
special being able to share the euphoria with Madon-
na’s dancers, Guy Oseary and all those terrific fans across
Europe and Israel who showed Madonna their love. This
summer led me to form many special and long-lasting
bonds with some special ICONers. This song is the ce-
ment that created the foundation. I originally only plan-
ned to see 5 shows this summer, but owing to this song
and its healing powers I fed my need and added another
6 shows. Thank you Madonna for giving me hope and
making me smile when I needed to more than ever!
Everybody
I have to go back to roots here because this song reminds
me why I fell in love with Madonna before the hype,
the adoration, the media hoopla and the wannabes! I
remember getting ‘The First Album’ back in 1984 and
missing my swim-meet cos I just wanted to look at the
album and read the lyrics! Then I went home after what
seemed like forever and put the vinyl on. With this song
I ‘let the music take control’ and part of me wondered
why this song had not been a heady smash hit with the
likes of ‘Like A Virgin’, ‘Into The Groove’ and ‘Holiday’. To
date it still perplexes me, but I enjoyed having this song
as my own personal favourite. Such an infectious and
intoxicating rhythm, a song that invites and demands
you to ‘let yourself go’. And I do. What makes me love
this song even more is that Madonna wrote it. Proving
from the outset she has the talent behind the image. My
first time seeing Madonna was the opening night of ‘The
Girlie Show’ in September 1993 where I travelled solo
from Northern Ireland to finally see my idol in Wembley
Stadium. When she performed this song at the end I
felt like it was a poetic thank you to me for showing my
love, loyalty and devotion. I had shivers when this song
started as the finale, and the whole musical arrangement
today, 16+ years later still affects me. It is such a simple
song, but oh-so-amazing. While not a massive commer-
cial hit it shows Madonna at her core essence and spi-
rit – a dancer with a lust and gift for melody. I am so
32 - ICON 53
34
thrilled this made it onto ‘Celebration’, and proof to me
that through the omission of some bigger hits, that this
is a vital reflection of Madonna’s essence – and worthy
of real celebration. This song will always make me smile
and rejoice in equal quantities!
Erotica
I think this song is one of Madonna’s most under-rated.
Controversial it may be, but if you strip away the media
hoopla and the polemic surrounding the ‘Sex’ book ou-
ting, the title cut from the album showcases a cool and
innovative performer as confident in taking musical risks
as visual ones. What I love about this song is the cool
urgency and controlled production. Madonna sounds
coquettish and playful but with a slightly sinister edge
that just makes the song all the more alluring. She does
indeed put me in a trance! Listen to the build-up of the
song, Shep Pettibone’s steely production and those pro-
vocative lyrics. There is no denying the sheer dynamism
of the artist performing – and one who can take such a
controversial topic and make it majestic, forceful yet en-
ticing. Once I put my hand in the flame, I never was the
same. There’s a certain satisfaction in this song, but wi-
thout the pain! An under-rated ‘chef d’oeuvre’. Madonna
was put down by the media, but her musical prowess
here showed she definitely was not out! Give it up for
Dita!!
Name: rivze69
Country: France
Papa Don’t Preach
It’s the first song i heard from MADONNA, before that i
didn’t know her at all... a friend was (and is still) found of
her at that time, and she gave me a cassette to listen to it.
At the begging, i got a bit dissapointed “ that’s it ? this the
MADONNA everybody ‘s talking about !!!!.... How stupid
was i ? i can’t understand how i dared to say such a crazy
thing about my MAJESTY !!!! looking back all these years
with her music and image i didn’t imagine, at that time,
all the changes and happiness she will bring to me. Dad
bought me a 7’’ of that track and it was the beggining of
the biggest story of my fan history...
Who’s That Girl
I was fifteen years old, the first time i ‘ve ever see MADON-
NA performing live on stage. For the record an employee
of my parents was aiming to that unforgetable concert
on the 29 of august 1987 in the “PARC DE SCEAUX” and
she invited me to come along with her. After six hours in
a bus, i stepped for the first time in Paris. By approching
the park, i got stuck by the huggest crowd i ‘ve ever seen
consedering my young age. More than 130,000 persons
for that fantastic show and me lost in that ocean of sing-
ing and dancing people, only looking at that woman
who was about to become a great part of my life. I am
defenetly proud for being part of that out of time mo-
ment the biggest concert in France and this record is
due thanks to MADONNA, and this was my first concert
emotion with the amazing singer.
Erotica
What a strange time ... at the releasing of EROTICA i fell in
love with that album, all these little old cracking sounds
and all this sex energy was stunning !!!! i looked a bit like
an alien, in fact a lot of people were talking this album
and madonna down but whatever was said or shown i
still love it. Every single day brought its madonna ‘s thing
: all the “scandalous” pictures in magazines and newspa-
pers... for me, in 1993, she was the center of the Universe.
After that a lot of people broke up with Madonna but
never will i , my admiration and religious like devotion
became stronger and stronger regarding all the con-
troversy and bad talking about the greatest star in the
world. Amazingly during the Girlie Show i succeded,
i can’t remember how..., to get at the first rank for her
show at PARIS BERCY on the 29 of september 1993. I got
the closest to MADONNA i have ever reached for the first
time. Singing along with her, but looking at her in the
eye the much i could.
Frozen
During that year, MADONNA’s ray of light album and spe-
cially the song FROZEN were both my life guards... i just
got dumped by my lover at the beggining of that year.
Few months later, i lost my job too. These timee were
very hard and difficult to me. Being back on my own af-
ter 4 years of an extraordinary love story put me into a
big dispairation from which i hardly went throught lis-
tening to music sharing time with a few friends left, and
listening again and again this beautiful song which was
the perfect song for my mood in that year. This album
helped me to consider back again what was really im-
portant in life friends love and a untanguishable thirst for
life. This album describes perfectly the way i was, some-
times doubting about everything and on the other hand
i danced and sing and lived like a RAY OF LIGHT. Some-
how, and for the first time all this music was my guiding
star through all this life.
Celebration
Now i am 38 years old and more than 24 years in love
and admiration with MADONNA. Writing this essay re-
minds me of that silly thing i said on that rainy afternoon
of spring and considering all the music and smiling and
strengh she gave me. Every time MADONNA is perform-
ing in FRANCE i can’t just miss one single show, i must be
part of the whole party !!! That thing went until to go to
spain belguim on 2009 for the amazing sticky and sweet
tour of which i can’t get tired. I even went to London to
see MADONNA performing in “ UP FOR GRABS ”... honest-
ly i didn’t understand everything, asking myself why the
audience was laughing...? ( a froggy is always a froogy !!!)
but whatever !! i was there !!!.
Name: Lilpud
Country: Australia
Papa don’t Preach
It was a morning that changed my life. Why was l so mes-
merized by the girl in the ‘Italians do it better’ t-shirt star-
ing at me down the camera? It was morning TV showing
the film clip and then discussing the outrage by parents
groups in the USA. I could not look away. It was the com-
bination of her beauty, the expression in her voice, those
eyes and the attitude. I was so inspired when she did not
apologise or try to appease those criticising her but de-
fended the songs point of view. It was a revelation to me
and the seed of a long and fruitful fandom. Within the
week l had bought True Blue and spent countless hours
listening, singing, reading lyrics and staring at that now
iconic image from the cover. I just knew there was some-
thing special about Madonna and l was hooked, and it
wasn’t just being a horny teenager as many people ex-
plained it away. Madonna resonated with me in a very
meaningful way.
Like a Prayer
A Saturday night March 1989, l was going to a party at
a school friends house (turns out it was my future wife’s
house) but not until l saw the premiere of the new Like a
Prayer video around 7.30 pm. It was the start of an amaz-
ing few years of Madonna output and l was in heaven.
Like a Prayer the song is one of my all time favourites and
the album sound tracked my life for many years, spanning
my final year of high school, exams and starting univer-
sity. I was always very shy but Madonna somehow trans-
muted some of that confidence to me over the years via
her art, from the lecture on expressing ourselves to the
way she was able to handle the immense spotlight and
criticism on her. l developed the mantra that if Madonna
can deal with that l could deal with whatever challenges
l had. And l did, and developed an inner confidence and
faith in myself that l credit partly to Madonna. This came
in handy when l discovered Madonna had become a gay
icon and l was guilty by association to some, it was very
educational and l felt no inclination to correct peoples
assumptions of my sexuality.
Rain
The metaphor of rain pouring all over us like that all en-
compassing feeling of LOVE is a magical feeling that this
song still gives me. I have to close my eyes when l listen
and its pure joy and meditation. Thank you Madonna, it
was beautiful at my wedding.
ICON 53 - 35
Ray of light
Wow. I remember thinking after Evita and baby we might
not get any Madonna for a while, maybe the rides nearly
over. I have never made that mistake again. Madonna’s
work ethic is an inspiration but also a reflection of her
true passion. When Ray of light was released l was on
board, l was ready to dance, have fun and to think as well.
My first child was on the way, l was madly in love and
my career was finally on track. It was a year of change,
reflection and joy and l don’t think Madonna could have
scored it any better than if she actually knew me. Unfor-
tunately because we played it so much that year my wife
associates it with morning sickness so its just for the car
now.
Die Another Day
I just love this songs energy. When my son was born
needing multiple heart surgeries we lived life for months
in the children’s hospital. I rarely left his side and used
to sing to him often (poor poor nurses), along with the
song Intervention from the brilliant ‘American life’ album,
die another day was my anthem. I felt like my life had
shut down and l was living in a bizarre new world, but
my god l was going to do everything l could to save that
baby and care for my wife. Intervention let me cry and
express my grief and die another day helped give me the
strength to shut out my grief and survive another day.
Love did keep us together.
Name: regwag2003
Country: Germany
Frozen
I chose „Frozen“, because this was the first Madonna sin-
gle I ever bought. I was 15 years old when it was released
and I was going through a rough and depressed time.
On top of being extremely unhappy with myself and
extraordinarily insecure about the way I looked (I was a
teenager, after all), I was also unhappy with my situation
and life in general. I was being bullied at school by all
the „cool“ kids, my parents were constantly at war with
each other and my little brother wanted attention 24/7.
„Frozen“ struck a chord with me the first time I heard it.
I realized that was awfully close to withdrawing com-
pletely from the world and the people around me. To
avoid dealing with the harassment at school, the pain
of seeing my parents intentionally hurt each other and
taking their kids hostage, I was trying to numb myself, to
suppress my feelings. I was about to be „frozen“ myself
while harboring an intense dislike for me personally and
the world in general and a cynicism that is very danger-
ous at such a young age. That is why this song made me
cry the first time I heard it. It made me realize what I was
about to do to myself and how I needed to stop and re-
verse that process.
It was because of this song I started to transform all the
frustration and despair I was feeling into the desire not
to withdraw from the world, but rather to become en-
gaged and do everything I possibly could to change the
things I did not like and try to make this world better. It
started my process of healing, which led me to get as
far away from my fighting parents and my classmates as
I could (I became an exchange student at age 15 and
spent a year in the US), concentrate on myself and figure
out what it was I was good at, what I wanted to do and
who I truly was. I know that this sounds overly dramatic,
but I am convinced that had it not been for this song, my
path in life would have looked entirely different. So I am
and will always be deeply grateful for the existence of
this song and if it were for nothing else, I would always
remain fond of Madonna simply for this one song.
Miles Away
“Miles Away“ appealed to me immediately, simply be-
cause I had been in too many long-distance relation-
ships by the time it was released. I had broken of 3 1/2-
year long-distance-relationship only to immediately end
up in another one. I knew the feeling of growing apart, of
getting used to a relationship where we got along bet-
ter when we were apart. During the times we actually
saw each other, we were constantly arguing, especially
because I always wanted things to be extra perfect since
we didn‘t get to spend much time actually together. Of
course that meant that reality could never measure up to
the way I expected and wanted things to be. I felt emo-
tionally closer to my partner when we were apart than
when we were together, especially since I felt he was be-
ing more honest and less of a coward with regard to tell-
ing me what he felt and thought when he wasn‘t actually
with me. When we were in the same room, I sometimes
felt like we were worlds, not just miles, apart. Therefore,
the song helped me realize that, even though I was in a
relationship, I was actually more alone than had I been
single. I was feeling lonely because the person I was sup-
posed to be able to share my life with was constantly
either physically or emotionally removed (or both) and
was showing less and less interest in what I wanted in
life and who I really was. But everyone else expected me
to be happy and kept telling me what a nice couple we
were. When I first heard „Miles Away“, I was in the car on
my way to my parents‘ house and I was trying to figure
out why I felt more comfortable talking about my hopes,
fears and most personal thoughts and feelings to my
friends and my mom than to my boyfriend. With that
song, Madonna was able to articulate the feelings I was
experiencing, the way you can feel far away from the one
person you are supposed to be closest to, even (and es-
pecially) while being in the same room with him.
ICON 53 - 37
 Express Yourself
I picked this song even though I have no clue where I
was when it was released - after all, I was only 6 years
old then and not paying any attention at all to music.
;) It became important to me when I was growing up,
though, because it repeatedly has helped me remember
that you shouldn‘t remain in a relationship just for the
sake of not being single. I know that sounds silly, espe-
cially coming from someone who grew up at the end of
the 20th century in a modern country. But the truth is: by
the time I turned 20, I kept hearing from so many sides
that if I wasn‘t married, about to be married or in a long-
term relationship within the next 5 years, nobody would
ever want me anymore, that it seemed to work on me.
I kept hanging on to boyfriends and relationships that
I was unhappy with longer than I should have, just be-
cause I felt”stigmatized“ being single and over 20. After
all, by that age you are expected to stop”fooling around“,
settle down and focus on what is being presented (still)
as your main task in life.”Express yourself“ was the song I
relied on to remind me that I really should not care about
what others might or might not think about me and that
it‘s better to be happy on your own than to be unhappy
with someone else. So even though I can‘t put my finger
on one particular occasion, I know that it tremendously
helped me not to give in to the pressure that led many
of my friends to feel like failures, no matter how smart
they were or how much they had achieved, simply be-
cause they had not met that one goal that so often is
presented as the single most important thing a girl can
ever do in her life.”Express yourself“ has helped me re-
member that the reason for a relationship should be love
and respect and not simply the fear of being alone and
the expectations put on you by others.
Die Another Day
This song was released shortly before I scared my mom
to death by informing her that after finishing high
school, I intended to take 10 months off before starting
college and that I wanted to spend those in 10 months
in Israel (more specifically: in Jerusalem), of all places. I
chose to do this out of curiosity about this country, but
also out of a feeling of solidarity and the desire to un-
derstand the situation there. I felt That I could best do
this by living there myself for a while and experiencing
what it was like. Naturally, as particularly in 2002/2003 Is-
rael was not really among the safest places on this earth,
my mom was not too excited about this prospect, but
she has always encouraged me to follow my own dream
and my own path in life and so she did not try to stop
me. She did, however, make a deal with me, which in-
cluded me avoiding to take a bus in the city of Jerusalem,
since those buses seemed to be particularly dangerous
spots at that time, with suicide bombers regularly choos-
ing them as targets. After arriving, I quickly realized that I
36 - ICON 53
38
simply could not afford taking a cab everywhere I went,
so I started riding buses. In order to deal with the con-
stant feeling of danger, I started this personal ritual of lis-
tening to”Die Another Day“ every time I got on a bus. On
one hand, this made me feel less threatened, because by
not taking the situation seriously, by sort of ridiculing it, I
felt better able to cope with a constant feeling of threat I
had never experienced before. I know this might sound
weird, but if I could laugh at the situation I was able to
push the real danger I was in to the back of my mind and
avoid constantly worrying about it. There was so much
tension and pressure in the air, I felt like laughing about
it all was the only way for me to release this pressure
and go on living my life normally. On the other hand, I
used the words”I guess I‘ll die another day“ and”It‘s not
my time to go“ to reassure me and it actually calmed me
down when I repeated them, sort of like a mantra.
Holiday
I was only a few months old when “Holiday” was released,
so that song has been around as long as I remember. I
chose it because it always manages to cheer me up and
put me in a good mood. No matter how bad my day has
been, I know I only have to put on “Holiday” and I will
feel much better. For me, this is something that makes
a song simply priceless because of the positive energy it
radiates and passes on to me. When I purchased my first
Madonna CD‘s as a teenager, I found out that this song
(that had been making me turn up the volume on the
radio for years) was one of her songs. I had instinctively
liked “Holiday” even before I started paying attention to
who a song was by. Plus, it is a song that always makes
me want to dance and sing. I just can‘t help it as soon as
I hear the first few notes. Even more remarkable, it makes
me feel like I actually know what I am doing while danc-
ing and singing. Since I am at best a moderately good
dancer and a truly terrible singer (I found out at a very
young age that while I enjoy singing, my talents defi-
nitely lie elsewhere. In fact I think my attempts at singing
could be very useful and effective when trying to evacu-
ate a building in no time :D ), that is a truly an amazing
achievement for any piece of music. So I picked “Holiday”
as my fifth song for this contest because it represents all
Madonna songs that I like simply because they are good
for my karma. They lift my spirits, give me new energy
and make me feel good about myself. In my opinion,
this is one of the core purposes of music and still it is ac-
complished only by a relatively small number of songs.
“Holiday” is one of those songs and that‘s why I still love
it after all these years.
38 - ICON 53
Name: cocolattee
Country: Italy
Holiday
The first time I ever heard a Madonna track I was pro-
bably 4 or 5 years old. At the time my mum used to teach
aerobics and she bought dance music tapes to play du-
ring lessons; among them was, of course, Madonna’s first
album. I liked it so much that I kept asking my mum to
play it all the time at home, and finally ended up getting
my own copy as a birthday present. Out of all the songs I
remember Holiday being my favourite because of its in-
fectious beat, it’s fun light-hearted lyrics, the catchy and
joyous melody that makes you want to forget about the
bad times and have fun. This is the song that marked the
beginning of my life-long love affair with the Queen and
will always hold a very special place in my heart.
La Isla Bonita
When Madonna announced her first ever Italian concert
dates for the Who’s That Girl Tour back in 1987, I was un-
fortunately too young to attend. However I was lucky
enough to have friends and relatives come to my house
and gather around the TV to watch it broadcasted on the
main national channel. Everybody was talking about it
and I remember being overwhelmed by the feeling of
excitement and anticipation for such a big event. The
show was great, filled with energy from beginning to
end, and when she started singing “La Isla Bonita” we all
jumped up danced like crazy around the room!!! I guess
we could all relate to this song in a special way because
it was the first time Madonna paid homage to her Latino
roots, and even visited her father’s family in Southern
Italy for the occasion. After all, she said it once: ITALIANS
DO IT BETTER!!!!!!!
Beautiful stranger
Who doesn’t have a special song that brings back me-
mories of their first love? Well in my case it would de-
finitely be “Beautiful stranger”. I was living in London at
the time it came out and used to go to a very cool club,
where Madonna songs were often played. “...I looked
into your eyes and my world came tumbling down” sings
Madonna, and that’s right how I felt when I bumped into
J. in the middle of the dance floor: our eyes locked and
soon enough we were smiling and holding each other’s
hands. I couldn’t help but fall in love with that beautiful
stranger and the summer we spent together listening
and dancing to this cheerful feel-good song was one of
the happiest times in my life.
Music
The years went by and my passion for Madonna kept
growing stronger and stronger. In 2001 she came to Italy
for her Drowned World Tour and I was determined to
see her at any cost. I waited in line for hours and hours
outside the arena in Milan among all the other fans and
I was finally able to stand right at the very front. When
Madonna appeared on stage singing “Drowned World
Substitute for love” I could hardly believe it: the Queen
in person was there performing right before my eyes!!!!!
It was an unforgettable night, my legs were killing me
but still I was able to keep jumping and screaming the
whole time. The highlight for me however was the
show’s finale, “Music”: it’s undoubtedly one of Madonna’s
strongest songs, an ultra catchy club track that redefined
her sound after the soft, mellow, introspective period she
had with her incredible album Ray of Light and brought
electropop to mainstream. It is also one of the best tracks
to see performed live and not surprisingly she kept re-
inventing it on all her tours ever since it came out: no
matter how many times we hear it, we will never get sick
of it!!
Celebration
My fifth pick is Madonna’s latest single “Celebration”
from her third Greatest Hits album. After more than 25
years of making music Madonna is still at the top of the
game: that is because she’s a talented artist, a fashion
icon and a smart business woman at the same time, an
endless source of inspiration for other artists and for her
fans as well, possibly the greatest entertainer of all time.
However, that’s not the reason why I love her: I love her
because her songs were the soundtrack of my life and
they have accompanied me through good times and
bad times from as long as I can remember. The song “Ce-
lebration” kinda sums it all up: it’s a upbeat dance tune
because that’s where I think Madonna gives her best, ly-
rically it includes references to her past hits as to remind
us of all the times she made us get up on our feet and
get wild on the dancefloor, and the video shows her just
as beautiful and sexy as she looked at the beginning of
her career. It’s definitely my favourite song of 2009 and
I’m sure it will become another one of those Madonna
classics people will never forget.
Name: paulawentworth
Country: USA
Into The Groove
I don’t remember hearing this song, but the emotional
trauma it caused me has stayed with me forever. In one
of my eighth grade classes, our assignment was to create
a jingle for a fake product. My team’s product was sun-
tan lotion, and I suggested we write a jingle for “Into The
Goo.” Our team performed “Into The Goo” in front of the
class, and they looked at us like we were aliens that had
just landed on earth. Two things happened that day: 1)
My crush for you, Madonna, was painfully revealed to my
eighth-grade world, and 2) I realized I was an alien.
ICON 53 - 41
 Who’s That Girl
This song I’ll NEVER forget hearing. It saved my life. July
1987 -- Shoreline Amphitheater. My girlfriend at the
time bought Madonna concert tickets for my birthday.
I was disappointed. I remember thinking,“Madonna? Of
all the concerts she could have gotten me tickets to.” I
wasn’t really into you, especially after my “Into The Goo”
experience. I bought True Blue and got up to speed on
my Madonna (I think this is how it all happened -- my
memory seems to be affected by this splitting head-
ache of mine). On the way to the show, my (ex)girlfriend
asked me what song you would open with. “Open Your
Heart,” I replied. It was the most amazing show I’ve ever
seen. You change people’s lives just by breathing in their
presence. I hate telling you that because you’re a Leo,
and you really don’t need any more self esteem, I’m sure.
You light up my world. At the end of the song Who’s That
Girl, you laid down on the stage on your back, and your
words, “Who’s that girl?” echoed through the summer
night’s air like waves into my soul. Time stopped. You
called. I responded in heart. In that moment nobody
else existed but you and I. After the show, when I walked
back to my car (Orange Julius - my orange Toyota with
sheepskin seat covers and a basketball gearshift knob,
which I once tried to masturbate on while driving, un-
successfully I might add -- but that’s another story), I felt
our souls ripping apart. I can’t think of another way to
describe it. Every step away from you tore at me, and I
felt I was making the biggest mistake of my life walking
away from you. I writhed inside, you planted in me. Now
I know, you’ve lived in me since before time began -- that
night, you were remembered in me. I would spend the
rest of my life devoted to getting to you.
Like A Prayer
This should be our anthem. Love plays it when we need
it the most. I can think of two times in particular. The first
time I heard Like A Prayer I was hanging out with ‘friends’
(using that word loosely -- think back to the writing on
the blackboard in band class: ‘Paula Wentworth is a dyke’)
snorting crank and smoking cigarettes. Lost. The MTV
premiere of your video was announced, and I sat glued
to the sofa while I waited impatiently for it to come on.
The instant it did, my friends ceased to exist (you have
that affect on me) as I watched you and your challenge
to religion.. I was mesmerized. I remember thinking,
“That’s her. She’s the one I’m going to work with some-
day. She’s the one that can help me do what I’m sup-
posed to do.” When the video was over, my (ex)girlfriend
was looking at me -- gauging my reaction I now know.
Suddenly, I was no longer lost. My course had been set.
Destination: Madonna. The second time Like A Prayer
kept me on course was after I sent my DVD to you, by
way of Joan at GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against
Defamation). My video to you was my last chance at my
42 - ICON 53
heart’s salvation, and I could feel darkness closing in. My
carefully constructed years-long path to you was inex-
plicably and permanently terminated (it seemed). I was
making the much dreaded follow up call to GLAAD. I
was stoned, miserable, and almost out of hope. I was
on hold, listening to the Muzak and about to hang up.
Like A Prayer came on. I stayed on the line. The next
time I talked to GLAAD, they let me know that they were
passing the DVD on to you. If I hadn’t stayed on the line,
I would have no way of knowing that you got my DVD.
None of this would make sense to me. I’ve relied on you
so many times to show me how we connected in this
world when you got that DVD. It gives me the reasoning
I need to know I am the Paula Wentworth you speak of
in Confessions. At least twice, this song kept me from
straying from you, Madonna.
Die Another Die
I knew you were dying. I was drowning in despair and
an indescribable urgency. I stopped buying your music
after Bedtime Stories because I couldn’t bear the sight
of you or the sound of your voice or the rumors of your
lovers -- it was all torture, excruciating longing. You were
my deeply buried dream. My secret long shot. My light
in this sea of shit. When I heard you say, “I guess I’ll die
another day. It’s not my time to go,” I could breathe long
enough to trust again the path I’d been given by Love.
When I got ready to make my DVD, I had a reading done
by Pam’s mom (Unfinished Tapestry) and set my sights
on you again. That’s when I decided to put your mes-
sage on the end of the DVD. And we both know, getting
my message to you was the whole point of that DVD.
“Surely whoever speaks to me in the right voice, him or
her I shall follow,” and follow, and follow. Like your faithful
puppy dog. Pant, pant, pant. You get the point.
Hung Up
This time I knew I was dying. After I sent my DVD to
GLAAD and never heard from you, I gave up. True to
form, I refused to buy Confessions on a Dance Floor
when it came out. I heard Hung Up on the radio driv-
ing on Greenburg Road in Hell. When I heard you say,
“Don’t cry for me cuz I’m flying away, you’ll wake up
one day but it’ll be too late,” I was overcome with panic.
Distraught, I called Terry to ask her if she’d seen any pic-
tures of you, to find out if you were sick again. I started
sobbing on the phone. “If anything ever happened to
her, I don’t know what I would do. I don’t know what
I’d do.” She said you looked great. When I finally broke
down and bought Confessions on a Dance Floor (or you
bought it), I listened through once as I worked on a term
paper, and turned it off. I was devastated. Clearly, you
were in love. Someone had finally won your heart. I was
absolutely destroyed. You walked over to the DVD player
and turned it back on, set it to repeat, and pressed play. I
 let your vibration move through me over and over, reluc-
tantly at first, then willingly. I let you possess me, deeply,
wholeheartedly. I found myself finally answering “Yes”
when you asked, “I’m going to tell you about love...would
you like to try?” Little did I know, you would take this
as the go-ahead to March me through the Gates of Hell,
kicking, screaming, crying and complaining the entire
way. Willing myself to do ANYTHING to get Home to You.
Name: danaguy
Country: USA
La Isla Bonita
I love the Spanish culture, language, and thoughts of
tropical paradises. I have always loved it when Madonna
sang songs with this type of influence. I remember hear-
ing this song constantly on a beach vacation I took in the
spring of 1987 that was a lot of a fun. Every time I hear La
Isla Bonita, it takes me back to that time.
Express Yourself
This song is the epitome of everything that Madonna
is and what she stands for. Always be yourself, express
yourself, and never let other people bring you down.
What more can I say about this song? It IS Madonna!
Who’s That Girl
This song has always intrigued me and is a question
many people have asked over the years. Madonna con-
stantly changes, constantly provokes us, and constantly
makes us think about ourselves and the world around
us. She excites us, entertains us, always leaves us want-
ing more, and always makes us ask the question. WHO’S
THAT GIRL?
Beautiful Stranger
This song came out about the time I was turning 30. It
was a very happy, new, and exciting time in my life. I
used to hear it on the radio and danced to it many times
in clubs. I particularly liked Madonna’s look in this video.
It was just an amazing song at an amazing time in my life
and when I hear it, a lot of good memories come back.
Revolver
This song blew me away the first time I heard it. It just re
affirmed that Madonna is brilliant, relevant, and knows
how to stay new and current.
Name: psteli73
Country: Romania
Vogue
I remember I was 5 years old, and it was my first Madon-
na experience. I remember watching the video, looking
at Madonna’s tits through that beautiful black blouse
44 - ICON 53
she was wearing. So this song is special just because it
is my first contact with Madonna. Even today my moth-
er makes jokes on me how I was staring at Madonna’s
breasts!
Frozen
Frozen was like a revelation for me. I always liked Madon-
na, but with this song she made me her slave. I became
a real fan. I couldn’t believe it’s the same Madonna from
Vogue video. I started painting my hands with henna,
reading yoga books, and in a way, I discovered a sensible
part of me. Of course I listened Ray of light album over
and over.
Lucky star
This song is special because it matches with my feelings
about my boyfriend. We are together for 7 years. Even
after all this time, when I listen to this song my heart flies
to my lover. J He is a Madonna since 1993! I think that
Madonna united us, that she gave me a “Lucky Star”. He
loves me and supports me in every action I take. I can’t
describe how special our relation is. Just listen to the lyr-
ics of this song! J
Live to tell
To this song I owe my next level development as a hu-
manitarian, as a spiritual person. The way it was put on
stage during Confessions Tour, made me change my
whole perspective on life, what are my priorities. I was
crying during the show because of the reality on this
world. No one managed to show this to me like Madon-
na. Since then i try hard to be a better person, and to
help as much as I can.
Miles away
This song is the ultimate experience for me as a Madon-
na Fan! During Sticky and Sweet Tour, it was the first time
Madonna visited my country (Romania). Until then, I saw
her in Italy, Germany, Austria, but NEVER in the Golden
Circle. This time I had Golden Circle tickets, and I man-
aged to catch a front row place. I was the happiest guy in
the universe that night. During MILES AWAY, as she was
singing and playing the guitar, Madonna looked at me
for I don’t know how many seconds! That was the mo-
ment I really realized she is a human being like all of us,
but at the same time, I saw her as a special person, a mes-
senger. It’s difficult to clearly explain the feeling. I wasn’t
nervous. It was like we knew each other for a long time.
As she was looking at me, telepathically, through my
eyes, I tried to thank her for all the beautiful moments,
songs, memories, for being a part of my life…“Into my
eyes /her face remains”…
CONTEST
WINNER
 3.5 MILLION FANS FLOCKED
TO SEE THE STICKY & SWEET
TOUR AT OVER 80 SHOWS IN
32 COUNTRIES. AND THEY’VE
BEEN WAITING...

Sticky & Sweet, Madonna’s 8th concert tour has now been officially crowned as the second
highest grossing tour of all-time. It is equally the proud recipient of the prestigious accolades
‘Top Tour,’ ‘Top Draw’ and ‘Top Manager’ at the Billboard 2009 Touring Awards. With so many
honours [sic] bestowed upon it, the hotly anticipated multi-media launch of the Sticky & Sweet
Tour DVD is not just a mere music release – it is a gripping music and concert event!

Already it has been greeted with open arms by music
lovers and fans, and equally lauded by critics! Boas-
ting lavish stage production, decadent costumes and
head-spinning choreography, the Sticky & Sweet Tour
is not only a powerful vehicle to promote the affectio-
nately monikered Queen’s™ 11th studio chart-buster,
Hard Candy, but also an indisputable reminder to nay-
sayers and devotees alike of Madonna’s long-standing
reign as the unchallenged Empress of popular music.
Released globally on March 26, 2010 on CD, DVD and
BluRay combination formats, and described by Live
Nation as «rock-driven, dancetastic journey,» this sump-
tuous package treats fans to an up-close visual and au-
ral spectacle direct from the front row of the legendary
River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Filmed
over 4 days to 256’000 delirious fans during the 2008 leg
of the tour, the Sticky & Sweet Tour DVD is a whopping
feature, containing the full 2-hour high-octane live show,
30 minutes of fan-thrilling extras, and 13 selected audio
highlights on the CD format.
Filmed by famed Ciccone-camp favourite [sic], Nathan
Rissman, costumed by Arianne Phillips and choreo-
graphed by the legendary Jamie King on his 4th Madon-
na concert outing, the Sticky & Sweet Tour showcases
the next step in Madonna’s irrepressible evolution as
rock’s most stimulating and thought-provoking live en-
tertainer. Flanked by an array of 18 dancers and 9 band
members on an ever-changing and dazzling stage, Ma-
donna’s new concert release romps through 4 distinct
segments entitled Pimp, Old Skool, Gyspy and Rave. Each
quadrant draws from a diverse and captivating range of
cultural, artistic, musical, costume & theatrical influences.
The Sticky & Sweet DVD is a veritable hits-on-parade
show, which energizes and reworks familiar songs span-
ning Madonna’s breathtaking 25-year career. It includes
a vampy mash of «Vogue/4 Minutes,» gravity-defying
double-dutch skipping on «Into The Groove,» and a
rocked-up «Hung Up.» One of the most anticipated
highlights is the flamenco-infused «La Isla Bonita» com-
plete with Romany-gypsy dancing, troubadours, and
traditional Romanian wedding romper, «Lela Pala Tute.»
A veritable crowd-pleaser! Alongside these timeless an-
thems come new hard-hitters including the tantalizingly
seductive opener, «Candy Shop,» its star suggestively
appearing on stage astride a bespoke M-shaped throne.
Stand-outs include a tongue-in-cheek bashing of «Vir-
gin,» «Vogue,» «Material Girl» and «Open Your Heart.»
Madonna in «She’s Not Me,» pimping a speedster in
«Beat Goes On,» and leading a relentless stadium-throb-
bing dance finale courtesy of «Give It To Me.» The DVD
and BluRay boast the unique inclusion of the Broadway
classic «Don’t Cry For Me Argentina» – an emotional nod
to Madonna’s Golden-Globe stealing performance in
Evita as political fashionista Eva Peron, which was partly
filmed in Argentina. As this song was not performed
anywhere else on tour, it makes this package a must for
ICON 53 - 47
 Madonna fans. The crystal-clear audio CD allows listeners
to appreciate the lush musical scope of the stage show,
with cuts including the Eastern-tinged danceathon «Like
A Prayer,» which is ingeniously fused with Meck’s «Feels
Like Home.» A stunning highlight of the CD happens
when Madonna reprises her Oscar-winning Evita num-
ber «You Must Love Me» to a captivated, tear-stained and
rapturous response.

No Ciccone extravaganza is complete without a mes-

sage. Madonna’s sensory feast packs punches from
every angle, refusing to bow to conformist pressure in
the acerbic ‘Britney-bitch’ laced «Human Nature.» Equally
she takes us ‘there’ during «Like A Prayer» complete with
screen-projected moral and religious maxims. Even
video montages transcend the beautiful, and ridicule
consumerism, avarice and political indecency during
the montage of «Get Stupid» – a standout number
that suavely reinvents the frothy lyrics of «Beat Goes
On» into an ass-kicking political manifesto. As such,
Madonna’s DVD succeeds in presenting a show that is
entertaining, but also intellectually and morally chal-
lenging - both sweet & sticky performances, if you will.
DVD extras privilege viewers with a backstage glimp-
se into life on the road, and what it feels like (pun
intended) for a megastar and her merry troupe to
stage a gargantuan spectacle. These extras cap-
ture the humour [sic] and demands of being on the
road, and energetically convey the quasi-religious
devotion that Madonna fans wear for their heroine.
‘‘High praise indeed, worthy of shou-
ting from the highest mountain - over
& over! Or as Madonna herself testifies
with gutsy confidence after jumping
rope on Into The Groove, «You can’t
touch this, motherf***ers!’» ‘‘
La Ciccone herself acknowledges her fans’ loyalty when
sleeping for days outside venues just to have a good
spot at her shows. It is a rare but meaningful glimpse of
the human behind the performer and, undoubtedly for
hardcore fans, a validating one.
Decadently packaged, the combo-set has already be-
come Madonna’s nineteenth top-ten album on the Bill-
board 200 – an extraordinary testimony to the success
of the tour and Madonna’s ever-present importance as a
recording artiste, and doyenne of the concert stage.
It has also comfortably sailed to the top of the charts in
Greece, Hungary, Mexico and Portugal, and to the top-
ten in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Japan, Sweden
and Switzerland. Notably it has charted high even in
countries where Madonna did not even bring the tour,
and as such an electrifying means for fans to sate their
appetites… until next time!
But it is not only the fans who are squealing their ap-
proval for this globe-spanning spectacle. Critics have
clamoured to commend Madonna’s aerobic stage-show.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer beamed, «Over the course
of two full, uninterrupted hours comes an abundance
of grandiose sets and effects; a voluminous line-up of
dancers; precisely engineered sound and sequence;
and sharply produced, celebrity-studded video clips.
[...] Unquestionably, it’s Madonna and company’s actual
show — the entire spectacle of song, dance, style, and
attitude — that make the Sticky & Sweet Tour an invigo-
rating and highly memorable happening.»
High praise indeed, worthy of shouting from the highest
mountain - over & over! Or as Madonna herself testifies
with gutsy confidence after jumping rope on «Into The
Groove,» «You can’t touch this, motherf***ers!»
While a DVD or BluRay show may not capture the actual
essence, energy and emotion of attending a Madonna
event in person, the Sticky & Sweet CD, DVD & BluRay
sets give audiences a pretty damn close reminder of the
music, the movement, the magic, the mayhem, the mar-
vel, the Madonna who has touched them - and perhaps
not for the very first time!

50 - ICON 53
FALL WINTER 2010-2011
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVEN KLEIN
 14 IMAGES
&
CONTEST
WINNER

ONLY 1 MADONNA
BY ALYSSA NANCE

One letter: M. Nothing more, nothing less; so much meaning contained within
one alphabet character. If you turn the May issue of Interview magazine — aptly
titled, “Madonna: Like a Virgin All Over Again” — to page 66, you will see that this
single letter dominates over half the page, boldly and powerfully, just as Madon-
na has dominated the music industry for nearly three decades. Ask any devoted
fan, and we immediately draw the connection to this woman who has achieved
so much simply upon seeing that single letter, one attached and associated with
a woman who is so iconic that music would not be the same without her.

Take a look past page 66, and one will find the interview
that follows, alongside 14 captivating images, will serve
to further instill in our minds that Madonna is a powerful
force one could only dare to reckon with.

While the conceptualization process is to remain a myste-

ry, the collaboration of superstar, photographer, director/
interviewer, and magazine all came together purpose-
fully and perfectly. And though there was some confu-
sion surrounding the release, which was pushed back for
various reasons, the issue was finally hitting newsstands
nationwide by the second week of May and sold out
everywhere shortly after. The late arrival certainly did not
hinder sales. Every salesperson at the bookstores I called
with the intention of inquiring about the May issue (be-
cause I later decided I needed more than one copy of
each, of course) immediately said something along the
 lines of, “Oh, the one with Madonna on the cover? We
sold all those already,” much to my selfish dismay. Much
like everything Madonna does, this was a great affair
with much buzz and excitement surrounding it, and with
good reason, too.
The covers (plural, because Madonna is so multifaceted
that this is her first Interview spread with two different
covers) look like pictures that easily could have been
taken during the Like a Virgin era. A red cross painted
over each equally stunning image. Madonna holding
her hands up to her face with bold jewelry in one, hol-
ding a crucifix in the other, and staring into the viewers’
eyes on each. Upon seeing the initial photos (shot by
Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott), I made it no secret that
it was among one of my favorite photo shoots to date.
Each of the 14 photos within the magazine, all shot in
black & white, look natural and simple but, at the same
time, exude this stunning, uncommon beauty that could
74 - ICON 53
leave anyone breathless, easily. Each shot is more bold
and vivid than the next, just like every incarnation that
we have seen from Madonna herself. Not only did I do
a double take, but also I had to stop and absorb each
picture several times before even reading the interview
itself. I strongly suggest that anyone who argues to the
contrary must get his or her eyes checked; but this is just
a mere suggestion.
These photographs, ones over which I ranted and raved
for weeks before finding the words to describe them,
truly capture Madonna in all her essence. They have
the feel of her first handful of albums from the 80s, the
elegance of «Vogue,» the sexuality of «Justify My Love,»
and the maturity and intelligence of the Madonna we
all know now, all wrapped into one truly timeless photo
shoot. It is a whirlwind of elements because that’s exactly
what Madonna is. We see the simplicity of the styling, the
complexity of the thoughts that read across her eyes; the
fragility of the sheer fabric and lace juxtaposed against
images of Madonna looking tough in leather; Madonna
holding a knife at one moment, a crucifix the next; bran-
dishing brass knuckles while looking at us with only one
eye exposed but still showing us so much intention.
Absorbing all this, it is easy to see that the photographs
themselves convey just as much as the interview, if not
more.

« Just seeing a brief glimpse of her work in

Malawi and what it means to her, trying to
help it become a self-sustainable country,
showcases the incredible human being
that she is... »
Speaking of the interview, it is definitely worth the read
(once you’re done taking in the stunning elegance of the
photo spread, of course). Conducted by Gus Van Sant,
the interview starts out with Madonna simply saying
hello before delving right into some specifics about her
charity work in Malawi and the two Millennium Villages
sites she has helped develop. Just seeing a brief glimpse
of her work in Malawi and what it means to her, trying to
help it become a self-sustainable country, showcases the
incredible human being that she is, all within the first few
paragraphs of text.

Madonna continues on to talk about ex-husband Sean

Penn, mentor Christopher Flynn and learning how to fit
in while maintaining individuality, the AIDs epidemic, her
music, her directorial debut (Filth & Wisdom), and also
speaks a considerable amount about her upcoming en-
deavour in the world of directing (W.E.) before talking
briefly about how she manages it all. “I tend to write du-
ring the day so I can see my children at night.” Such com-
ments show that Madonna, in her almost-30 years in the
spotlight, can still maintain balance, a lost art for many
superstars today. While the interview centers heavily
around her upcoming production and is quite simple
in theory, it is, in fact, rather a complex insight into the
reality of how Madonna ticks.

One may inquire as to how someone can gather so

much from a simple interview printed in the middle of a
magazine, in between black and white photographs that
are nothing short of stunning; but let’s not lose focus
of the bigger picture here. The candidness and insight
shown in the interview, paired alongside the beauty of
photos that are both complex and simple at the same
time, capture every aspect of what Madonna was, is, and Congratulations to our special editors, Jenny Crooks,
will continue to be. Executed perfectly (minus the afo- Steven Foster and Alyssa Nance! They’ve all submitted
rementioned print delay, of course), this feature is defi- their article as part of the summer edition of our «Im-
nitely one to not miss. maculate» Contest and win a signed surprise!

ICON 53 - 75
 “MADONNA STOLE MY BR
Gerardo was one of our “Gonna Make You Sweat” con-
test winners and got to attend the launch of the first
Hard Candy Fitness center in Mexico on November
29th. Gerardo didn’t win a free membership to the
club... But guess who was standing next to Madonna
on the red carpet!! Want to know how it feels to be
Icon’s VIP guest? Just read on...
It all happened so quickly and on the same day! It start-
ed on a Monday morning (November 29th) when I got
an email from Johann (from Icon) informing me that
Madonna picked my photo from the contest and that I
would be the one attending the red carpet event at the
opening of the Hard Candy Fitness!!!
I couldn’t believe it, I was sure that all colors in my face
had drained out; I was experiencing true and colossal
happiness! The journey started there! At that time I was
at the office and obviously I couldn’t focus or concen-
trate on anything. I was merely pushing my F5 button
every five seconds hoping to receive more details from
76 - ICON 53
Johann. After confirming my attendance, he told me
that later that day he would be sending me all the access
details to the venue. Nonetheless, I read on the news
that there were so much traffic and that the roads nearby
would eventually be closed by the police. Hence, I de-
cided to move closer and to wait there for additional in-
structions. When I got there, I saw a huge crowd of fans
behind a security fence and a long line of people at the
entrance holding their bracelets. I went there and asked
someone on the other side of the fence if they had a list.
He did but he confirmed me that I was not on that list.
From that moment, my agony started. I desperately
started flooding Johann with emails. He was amazing
and tried to calm me sending comforting messages, but
I guess it still wasn’t enough for my impatience. He asked
me to wait since at that time there was no one from the
team around. I still remember his reassuring words in
the back of my mind: “everything is cool, no worries!” For-
tunately, I was able to wait in line with the winners of
 the free membership (Victor, Eugenio and Perla). They
already had their grey bracelets but they were so nice to
me and worried for me. My desperation increased when
everyone on line started to enter into the gym and I was
left there alone on the street. I felt like a kid when you
take away their toys. I was just waiting there on the street
and hoping to eventually get in. Have I said that Johann
was extraordinary? (I guess I am trying to redeem my-
self from all the email stalking!). Two hours later, Johann
was now able to provide me with the contact details of
Jeffrey. I called him on his mobile and he immediately
came to get me. He gave me a golden bracelet and -at
that time- I finally started to feel like someone special!
He took me to the red carpet and told me to choose
a spot wherever I would like on the red carpet. Wow!!
Those words were magical for me!! I felt like the owner
of the carpet and I was able to stand wherever I want!
Clearly, I chose the beginning of the red carpet since I
wanted to be there at the time of our Queen’s arrival. Jef-
frey told me that he would let Madonna know where I
was standing.
So, there I was, just waiting for her to arrive. I was so ner-
vous and anxious that I couldn’t even update my Face-
book status! While I was waiting there, security guards
REATH AWAY...”
(My experience as an Icon VIP)
and organizers asked me so many times to move, but
luckily, Jeffrey was always around to answer my prayers.
He marvelously appeared as my guardian angel and
asked them to leave me there. He surely rocked the night
too! And then, the moment we were all waiting finally
arrived! A van with polarized windows arrived and there
she was! She came out from the van, fixed her amazing
dress and boots and immediately waved to the fans who
were standing (ok, screaming) behind the fences. As al-
ways, she looked astonishingly beautiful and I was right
there! She was standing just two feet away from me! She
finally turned back, saw me standing there and smiled!
That was my opportunity! That was my only chance to
say whatever I wanted! But noooooooo, I was frozen!!!
I stood there enchanted by her beauty and her almost
divine omnipresence!! Nothing… I said nothing, she
robbed me! She stole my breath away, my words and my
self-confidence.
Now that I think about it, I regret it terribly. I should have
screamed, I should have cried, I should have run into her
arms (ok, stop it! I bet the security guards would have
knocked me down), but I didn’t. Although I planned
what I was going to say to her, I guess that my subcon-
scious knew that I couldn’t say anything she wouldn’t
have heard before; probably that’s why I chickened out. I
wasn’t planning on telling her how much I love her, how
much I admire her or the kind of fan I am, instead, I was
planning on thanking her. All I wanted to say to her was
“thank-you”. Why? Because of her I am who I am. I owe
her a lot. Thanks to her I have a self-esteem (ironically,
not in front of her) and she taught me that at all times
I should be proud of my accomplishments and always
push myself for more even if it hurts. She taught me
to believe in myself when no one else does and to use
my courage and strength on every endeavor. Anyway, I
didn’t say a word, but luckily, Johann (once again) has
given me an opportunity to express myself and at least
put into words what I couldn’t say.
After that moment of shock, I realized that Madonna
kept walking on the red carpet. I took again control over
my body and move towards here. I stood behind her.
Whenever she moved, I moved. She stood there for a
while, posed for photographers and answered the jour-
nalists’ questions. At that moment, I had another amaz-
ing experience with someone from Madonna’s team.
Sara, a beautiful professional girl approached me and in-
troduced herself. She was so nice to me! We chatted for
a while about the whole experience and she seemed in-
terested! I feel bad to admit that I was shocked to realize
that all Madonna’s team was great, that they are amazing
people and that they do care for fans!
At that moment, Jeffrey told me that he was getting in-
side and asked me if I wanted to go inside with him. I
wanted to stay there and watch more from the red car-
pet, so I asked him to stay. After a while, Madonna walked
to the end of the red carpet and reached the place where
the big red ribbon was. She took some huge scissors, cut
the ribbon and officially inaugurated the gym!
Immediately after that, she entered the gym and ironi-
cally I couldn’t get in anymore. Apparently I needed a red
bracelet and, at that time, only organizers were able to
get in. I felt bad, but not too much because I already had
the greatest experience of my life and I indeed felt like
the owner of the red carpet, even if I couldn’t get into the
venue. I stood there and watched her from some screens
placed outside. She took a quick tour and then she gave
an exclusive fitness training lesson to some members.
After she left, I was able to get in, walked around the
place and enjoyed Paul Oakenfold in ‘da house!
It was all worthy! Truly, it was the best experience of my
life! Thank you Madonna! Thank you Icon!
ICON 53 - 77
 The Clipboard...
Q&A WITH DANNY TULL
(Editor of “W.E”)

1. How does it feel to spend your nights with

Madonna?
Working day or night for Madonna is always an
honour (honor) and an inspiration, she always
surprises me with her infinite desire for cre-
ation.
2. We’ve heard the two of you are working to-
gether until 3-4am these days. Is there room for
coffee breaks and snacks?
Popcorn, water and sometimes tobogganing in the
snow. A great stress reliever.
3. Let’s see how much of a funny collaborator
you can be: Share a joke you’ve already told After a succ
Madonna while working! esful first
Girl brand collection,
What’s Bob Marley’s favourite (favorite) type of has found the
doughnut... the ones with “Jammin” paign: Kelly the face of Material
Osbourne! its new ca
4. You’ve already edited some of Madonna’s docu- m-
mentaries, live DVDs and videos. How do you keep
her addicted? Tell us your secret!
Madonna’s projects are really varied, so each
job is different to the last. It keeps things
fresh!
5. What are you going to work on once done with Madonna is to
this project? Or maybe you’re gonna take a very open a brand ne
center in Mosco w Hard Candy
long nap first? w this spring an Fitness
I will take a long run to the blue blue sea and Petersburg later d another one in
this year. Can’ St.
jump in (after a long nap)
Candy Fitness t wai
in your city? Ju t! Want a Hard
http://madonna st visit
.com/hardcandy
fitness now and
vote!

3 Things you didn’t know about the latest D&G ad

campaign:
- The elderly woman featured on one of the photos is
actually a real seamstress.
- Madonna brought her own wine glasses for the dinner scene as they were true
italian ones. A good real wine for the takes.
- At one point, Madonna was doing the chicken wrangling as they flew all over
the place.
has
th e re le as e of issue #53, Icon e
To Celebrate at al lo w s you to win som
te st th
launched a con s u se d to promote th
e MDG
ti bl e it em banners,
highly collec M adonna branded
s la st y ea r.
sunglasse
e! M ak e su re to check the site
or
standees and m
xoxo
for more info...
FAN PROFUSION