Artist Discussion Series: Madonna
- MadonnasManOne
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I finally get to update this thread with new information. First, Madonna has recently been in Malawi, with her daughter, Lourdes, and adopted son, David. She spent 6 days there, helping to set-up the childcare center which she has co-funded, which is expected to care for some 4,000 children. She also appeared in a taped segment for "Idol Gives Back", urging everyone to donate what they can to help these African children receive the medicine they need.
As far as her music career goes, news continues to roll in on her next album. Rumoured to be released this coming November, Madonna is apparently focusing on a more hip-hop/R&B theme. She has been in the recording studio with Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams (half of the producing duo, The Neptunes), and Swizz Beatz. She is also co-producing along with Stuart Price (also known as Jacques Lu Cont, Les Rythmes Digitales, Man With Guitar, Pour Homme, and Thin White Duke), whom Madonna has worked with on her previous album. I am certainly interested in what these collaborations will bring. I have faith that Madonna will be able to deliver another stellar album, even though I'm not necessarily a fan of hip-hop/R&B. She has chosen some great people to work with, which is why I'm not too worried about it.
As far as her music career goes, news continues to roll in on her next album. Rumoured to be released this coming November, Madonna is apparently focusing on a more hip-hop/R&B theme. She has been in the recording studio with Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams (half of the producing duo, The Neptunes), and Swizz Beatz. She is also co-producing along with Stuart Price (also known as Jacques Lu Cont, Les Rythmes Digitales, Man With Guitar, Pour Homme, and Thin White Duke), whom Madonna has worked with on her previous album. I am certainly interested in what these collaborations will bring. I have faith that Madonna will be able to deliver another stellar album, even though I'm not necessarily a fan of hip-hop/R&B. She has chosen some great people to work with, which is why I'm not too worried about it.
Yeah, but Madonna looked ultra foxy in her "Hung Up" music video. I think she was her hottest when she first started her music career in the '80s and when she released "Ray of Light" in the mid '90s, but man she still looks sexy now. Guy Ritchie is a lucky man.AwallaceUNC wrote:I heard "Jump" for the first time a couple of days ago inside a Quizno's. Pretty catchy song. I know it was a fairly big hit but for some reason, it got no play whatsoever in our market, despite "Hung Up" being played around the clock.
-Aaron
- MadonnasManOne
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- MadonnasManOne
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Very exciting news! Madonna, in her first year of eligibility, has been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!
From the press release:
The nominations for 2008 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were announced today.
Madonna, the Beastie Boys, the Dave Clark Five, Leonard Cohen, Afrika Bambaataa, John Mellencamp, the Ventures, Donna Summer and Chic have been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year.
Madonna and the Beastie Boys are on the ballot on their first year of eligibility. To be eligible for nomination into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an act must have released its first single or album at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. This year’s nominees had to release their first single no later than 1982, the year that Madonna’s “Everybody” and the Beasties’ punk EP Polly Wog Stew came out.
Ballots with these nominees will be sent to over 500 voters who will choose the acts for inclusion into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for this year. Five new inductees will be honored at the annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on March 10, 2008 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York.
Five acts will make it into the Hall of Fame in 2008. The five inductees will be announced in January, 2008, and the induction ceremony will take place on March 10, 2008. All inductees are ultimately represented in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Here's what the press release says about Madonna:
"Doors opened wide for Madonna Louise Ciccone in 1982, after five years as a singer and dancer on New York City’s competitive club circuit. She signed with Sire Records (her label for the next 14 years) where her idiosyncratic persona exploded onto turntables, dance floors and airwaves and captured the imagination of the first generation of MTV viewers. She went on to become the top female star of the 1980s with seven #1 hits, three #1 albums and seventeen top ten hits in that decade. In addition to molding her public image, Madonna is a meticulous studio craftsperson and completely uninhibited stage performer. From her first #1, 1984’s “Like A Virgin” (produced by Nile Rogers of Chic) to her most recent two year Confessions campaign, Madonna remains one of the most ferociously original artists in music today."
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What a great honor, and I hope that she is inducted!
From the press release:
The nominations for 2008 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were announced today.
Madonna, the Beastie Boys, the Dave Clark Five, Leonard Cohen, Afrika Bambaataa, John Mellencamp, the Ventures, Donna Summer and Chic have been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year.
Madonna and the Beastie Boys are on the ballot on their first year of eligibility. To be eligible for nomination into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an act must have released its first single or album at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. This year’s nominees had to release their first single no later than 1982, the year that Madonna’s “Everybody” and the Beasties’ punk EP Polly Wog Stew came out.
Ballots with these nominees will be sent to over 500 voters who will choose the acts for inclusion into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for this year. Five new inductees will be honored at the annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on March 10, 2008 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York.
Five acts will make it into the Hall of Fame in 2008. The five inductees will be announced in January, 2008, and the induction ceremony will take place on March 10, 2008. All inductees are ultimately represented in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Here's what the press release says about Madonna:
"Doors opened wide for Madonna Louise Ciccone in 1982, after five years as a singer and dancer on New York City’s competitive club circuit. She signed with Sire Records (her label for the next 14 years) where her idiosyncratic persona exploded onto turntables, dance floors and airwaves and captured the imagination of the first generation of MTV viewers. She went on to become the top female star of the 1980s with seven #1 hits, three #1 albums and seventeen top ten hits in that decade. In addition to molding her public image, Madonna is a meticulous studio craftsperson and completely uninhibited stage performer. From her first #1, 1984’s “Like A Virgin” (produced by Nile Rogers of Chic) to her most recent two year Confessions campaign, Madonna remains one of the most ferociously original artists in music today."
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What a great honor, and I hope that she is inducted!
- blackcauldron85
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That is exciting news! All the artists in the list are deserving of the award, in my opinion, but, if I could vote, I would vote for Madonna, The Dave Clark Five, John Mellencamp, The Ventures, & Donna Summer.
Hopefully Madonna makes it!
(If she doesn't get voted into the Hall of Fame this year, are people allowed to nominate her in another year?)
Hopefully Madonna makes it!
(If she doesn't get voted into the Hall of Fame this year, are people allowed to nominate her in another year?)

- AwallaceUNC
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Congratulations to Madonna. I think she's the most qualified of those nominated this year and surely should be inducted. Granted, she's not exactly "Rock 'n' Roll", but I don't think the Hall of Fame concerns itself too much with that thin and debatable line that separates "popular music" and "rock 'n' roll".
After Madonna, I think John Mellencamp seems like the most obvious inductee.
-Aaron
After Madonna, I think John Mellencamp seems like the most obvious inductee.
-Aaron
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That is totally awesome, I read the article on MTV News.com She is definately worthy of induction, she is a legend who has transcended generations. Her talent, creativity, and originality are top notch, and whether you like her or not (I LOVE HER) she has certainly earned her place in music history.

Signature courtesy of blackcauldron85!!
- Anthony
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Madonna's reportedly close to signing a $120 million dollar record deal (
).
Read all about it here.

Read all about it here.
That's awesome, I can't wait to hear from her again. I heard a while back that she was working with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland on some new stuff, but I don't know if that's true. MadonnasManOne, have you heard anything of that nature?Anthony wrote:Madonna's reportedly close to signing a $120 million dollar record deal ().
Read all about it here.
- MadonnasManOne
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Wow! I have been reading up on this deal for some time. It was first reported a few months back, but, it sounds as though the deal is very close to being done.
It is quite interesting. The last major contract Madonna signed was back around 1990. She signed a contract with Warner Bros. for $60 million, which, at the time, was the most money ever offered in a contract to a female artist. This contract also included the creation of Madonna's own label, Maverick. She later sold her stake in Maverick to Warner Bros. for a reported $20 million plus.
At any rate, this deal will be quite lucrative for both Madonna, and the label. Madonna currently holds the record for highest grossing tour for a female artist. Her "Confessions" tour sold around $200 million in tickets, and sold out every date.
It is quite interesting. The last major contract Madonna signed was back around 1990. She signed a contract with Warner Bros. for $60 million, which, at the time, was the most money ever offered in a contract to a female artist. This contract also included the creation of Madonna's own label, Maverick. She later sold her stake in Maverick to Warner Bros. for a reported $20 million plus.
At any rate, this deal will be quite lucrative for both Madonna, and the label. Madonna currently holds the record for highest grossing tour for a female artist. Her "Confessions" tour sold around $200 million in tickets, and sold out every date.
- MadonnasManOne
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Actually, that is true. In fact, a couple of tracks have leaked. A portion of one track, "Candy Shop", which has Justin Timberlake featured, was first leaked. The quality of the clip was so bad, though, it was hard to tell anything from it. A second track, "The Beat Goes On", was leaked in full. I actually have that track. It sounds like Pharrell Williams features on this track. The song is not bad, actually, however, a portion right before the chorus needs to be cut out. In fact, I imagine this version of the track is a demo, and not the final song.Simba3 wrote: That's awesome, I can't wait to hear from her again. I heard a while back that she was working with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland on some new stuff, but I don't know if that's true. MadonnasManOne, have you heard anything of that nature?
Either one of the tracks could have been produced by Timbaland.
Thanks, I knew you were the one to ask!MadonnasManOne wrote:Actually, that is true. In fact, a couple of tracks have leaked. A portion of one track, "Candy Shop", which has Justin Timberlake featured, was first leaked. The quality of the clip was so bad, though, it was hard to tell anything from it. A second track, "The Beat Goes On", was leaked in full. I actually have that track. It sounds like Pharrell Williams features on this track. The song is not bad, actually, however, a portion right before the chorus needs to be cut out. In fact, I imagine this version of the track is a demo, and not the final song.Simba3 wrote: That's awesome, I can't wait to hear from her again. I heard a while back that she was working with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland on some new stuff, but I don't know if that's true. MadonnasManOne, have you heard anything of that nature?
Either one of the tracks could have been produced by Timbaland.

- MadonnasManOne
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It's now a done deal. From the press release:
Madonna Joins Forces With Live Nation in Revolutionary Global Music Partnership
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Live Nation’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Rapino officially confirmed today that Madonna has entered into an unprecedented global partnership with Live Nation and will become the founding artist in its Artist Nation division.
"The paradigm in the music business has shifted and as an artist and a business woman, I have to move with that shift," commented Madonna. "For the first time in my career, the way that my music can reach my fans is unlimited. I’ve never wanted to think in a limited way and with this new partnership, the possibilities are endless. Who knows how my albums will be distributed in the future? That’s what’s exciting about this deal -- everything is possible. Live Nation has offered me a true partnership and after 25 years in the business, I feel that I deserve that."
"Madonna is a true icon and maverick as an artist and in business," stated Mr. Rapino. "Our partnership is a defining moment in music history. I am thrilled that Madonna, who is also now a shareholder in our company, has joined with us to create a new business model for our industry. Bringing all the varied elements of Madonna’s stunning music career into the Artist Nation and Live Nation family, moves her future and the future of our company into a unique and extraordinary place."
The first-of-its-kind partnership between Madonna and Live Nation encompasses all of Madonna’s future music and music-related businesses, including the exploitation of the Madonna brand, new studio albums, touring, merchandising, fan club/web site, DVD’s, music-related television and film projects and associated sponsorship agreements. This unique new business model will address all of Madonna’s music ventures as a total entity for the first time in her career.
Arthur Fogel, Chairman of Live Nation’s Global Music Division and Chief Executive Officer of Global Touring, who has produced the artist’s last three worldwide tours with the company which generated close to $500 million in the last six years commented, "Madonna is without a doubt one of the most fiercely original artists in history. It is a great opportunity for Live Nation and Artist Nation to build upon our years of success with Madonna as a touring artist."
Artist Nation was created to partner with artists to manage their diverse rights, grow their fan bases and provide a direct connection to fans through the global distribution platform and marketing proficiencies that have made Live Nation the world’s largest live music company. Headed by the division’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Cohl, Artist Nation has significant infrastructure in place to execute additional revenue streams including recorded music, merchandise, studios, media rights, digital rights, fan club/website and sponsorship divisions.
Joining with Artist Nation to work with Madonna will be Live Nation’s unmatched global distribution platform and artist-to-fan-reach, including over 80 offices in l8 countries, over 200 national and local sponsorship personnel, over l60 venues, access to over 35 million fans that attend well over l0,000 shows that Live Nation produces, promotes and/or hosts each year for over l,000 artists including fan access via Live Nation’s growing database of over 25 million fans.
"I’ve been fortunate enough to work with Madonna for half my life. She has always encouraged me and set a great example for me to push the boundaries to reach our full potential. This partnership exemplifies just that," commented Madonna’s co-manager Guy Oseary.
Angela Becker, Madonna’s co-manager added, "The partnership and vision for the future that Artist Nation along with Live Nation presented to us assured me that this is the ideal home for Madonna. It is with great trust and optimism that we collectively move ahead together."
In regard to Madonna’s relationship with her current label, the artist commented, "My time with Warner Bros. Records has been great. I appreciate their hard work and value the many relationships I have developed over the years with the label in the U.S. and around the world. I have an album coming out with them next year and I’m excited about it. We still have work to do together."
ABOUT MADONNA:
The multi-Grammy Award winning artist, songwriter, children’s book author, producer and video visionary with an unrivaled reputation for astonishing stage spectacles, has made music history many times over, logging an incredible 12 number one pop singles and 35 number one dance singles in the U.S. alone. Her 2006 "Confessions" tour generated almost $200 million, making it the highest grossing concert tour of all time by a female artist. Over the last 25 years, Madonna’s collective record sales number over 200 million albums worldwide. Her last album, Confessions On A Dance Floor debuted at number one in 29 countries and sold almost 8 million copies worldwide. Her last concert DVD The Confessions Tour -- Live from London, sold more than 1.2 million copies worldwide.
ABOUT LIVE NATION:
Live Nation is the future of the music business. With the most live concerts, music venues and festivals in the world and the most comprehensive concert search engine on the web, Live Nation is revolutionizing the music industry: onstage and online.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV." Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.livenation.com under the "About Us" section.
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The deal is worth a reported $120 million to Madonna. From MSN.com:
http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx ... 2>1=7702
Madonna Inks Multi-Million Dollar Deal With Live Nation
Oct. 16, 2007, 2:33 PM EST
The Associated Press
NEW YORK -- Madonna and concert promoter Live Nation Inc. announced a deal Tuesday that will give the company an all-encompassing stake in the music of the Material Girl, the latest big-name artist to break ranks with a major record label.
Financial terms were not disclosed in the joint statement released by Madonna and Live Nation.
The deal is worth about $120 million over 10 years, a person who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the confidential nature of the matter previously told The Associated Press.
The official announcement came after weeks of speculation that Madonna would abandon Warner Music Group Corp., which refused to match the Live Nation deal.
Madonna said in the statement that she was drawn to the deal with Live Nation because of the changes the music business has undergone in recent years.
"The paradigm in the music business has shifted and as an artist and a business woman, I have to move with that shift," Madonna said. "For the first time in my career, the way that my music can reach my fans is unlimited. I've never wanted to think in a limited way and with this new partnership, the possibilities are endless."
The singer still owes Warner Bros. Records another studio album and a greatest hits album.
The deal with Live Nation encompasses future music and music-related businesses, including the Madonna brand, albums, touring, merchandising, fan club and Web site, DVDs, music-related television and film projects, and associated sponsorship agreements, the statement said.
Shares of Live Nation rose 8 cents to $21.50 during afternoon trading.
Under terms of the deal, Madonna, 49, would receive a signing bonus of about $18 million and a roughly $17 million advance for each of three albums, the person said.
A portion of the compensation would involve stock, the person told the AP.
Madonna could also benefit significantly from the touring component of the agreement, which gives Live Nation the exclusive right to promote her tours, the person said.
Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino said in the statement that Madonna will be the founding artist in its new Artist Nation division, created to partner with musicians to manage their diverse rights and provide global distribution and marketing.
"I am thrilled that Madonna, who is also now a shareholder in our company, has joined with us to create a new business model for our industry," Rapino said. "Bringing all the varied elements of Madonna's stunning music career into the Artist Nation and Live Nation family, moves her future and the future of our company into a unique and extraordinary place."
Some Wall Street analysts have questioned whether Live Nation can squeeze out a significant profit from the deal. The Material Girl's age has also led some to suggest she may not be as bankable a recording artist as she's been in the past.
Arthur Fogel, the head of global touring at Live Nation who has produced Madonna's last three tours, shrugged off the criticism, blaming "ageism" for doubts about her ability to sell CDs and fill arenas.
"Madonna is an incredibly talented and vital artist and will continue to be," Fogel told the AP. "Clearly, we would not have done this deal if we didn't have a great expectation of great returns."
Rapino said he doesn't understand Wall Street's skepticism.
"I'm amazed that our stock hasn't jumped considerably in that we're absolutely delivering what we talked about for two years," he said, referring to Live Nation's efforts to grab a bigger slice of the music business beyond touring.
"This is not about a Madonna deal ... Madonna is the validation that this division is the strategy that's come to life," Rapino said.
The company expects to do other all-encompassing deals involving a range of artists, from superstars to new talent.
"There's no reason it can't work with a baby band," Rapino said.
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This talk about Madonna's age, and not being able to generate as much profit as she used to, is such bull. Sure, Madonna is no spring chicken, anymore, but, several high profile artists are still going strong, even though they are much older than their peers. Also, those who question her earning power, must be blind. Not only has she been listed as one of the top earning entertainers, nearly year after year, but, her last tour is the highest grossing tour for a female artist, at around $200 million. Also, her last album, Confessions On A Dance Floor, has sold over 11 million copies, worldwide. Only her detractors would say that she doesn't have the earning power to make this deal worth it, for all involved.
Madonna Joins Forces With Live Nation in Revolutionary Global Music Partnership
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Live Nation’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Rapino officially confirmed today that Madonna has entered into an unprecedented global partnership with Live Nation and will become the founding artist in its Artist Nation division.
"The paradigm in the music business has shifted and as an artist and a business woman, I have to move with that shift," commented Madonna. "For the first time in my career, the way that my music can reach my fans is unlimited. I’ve never wanted to think in a limited way and with this new partnership, the possibilities are endless. Who knows how my albums will be distributed in the future? That’s what’s exciting about this deal -- everything is possible. Live Nation has offered me a true partnership and after 25 years in the business, I feel that I deserve that."
"Madonna is a true icon and maverick as an artist and in business," stated Mr. Rapino. "Our partnership is a defining moment in music history. I am thrilled that Madonna, who is also now a shareholder in our company, has joined with us to create a new business model for our industry. Bringing all the varied elements of Madonna’s stunning music career into the Artist Nation and Live Nation family, moves her future and the future of our company into a unique and extraordinary place."
The first-of-its-kind partnership between Madonna and Live Nation encompasses all of Madonna’s future music and music-related businesses, including the exploitation of the Madonna brand, new studio albums, touring, merchandising, fan club/web site, DVD’s, music-related television and film projects and associated sponsorship agreements. This unique new business model will address all of Madonna’s music ventures as a total entity for the first time in her career.
Arthur Fogel, Chairman of Live Nation’s Global Music Division and Chief Executive Officer of Global Touring, who has produced the artist’s last three worldwide tours with the company which generated close to $500 million in the last six years commented, "Madonna is without a doubt one of the most fiercely original artists in history. It is a great opportunity for Live Nation and Artist Nation to build upon our years of success with Madonna as a touring artist."
Artist Nation was created to partner with artists to manage their diverse rights, grow their fan bases and provide a direct connection to fans through the global distribution platform and marketing proficiencies that have made Live Nation the world’s largest live music company. Headed by the division’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Cohl, Artist Nation has significant infrastructure in place to execute additional revenue streams including recorded music, merchandise, studios, media rights, digital rights, fan club/website and sponsorship divisions.
Joining with Artist Nation to work with Madonna will be Live Nation’s unmatched global distribution platform and artist-to-fan-reach, including over 80 offices in l8 countries, over 200 national and local sponsorship personnel, over l60 venues, access to over 35 million fans that attend well over l0,000 shows that Live Nation produces, promotes and/or hosts each year for over l,000 artists including fan access via Live Nation’s growing database of over 25 million fans.
"I’ve been fortunate enough to work with Madonna for half my life. She has always encouraged me and set a great example for me to push the boundaries to reach our full potential. This partnership exemplifies just that," commented Madonna’s co-manager Guy Oseary.
Angela Becker, Madonna’s co-manager added, "The partnership and vision for the future that Artist Nation along with Live Nation presented to us assured me that this is the ideal home for Madonna. It is with great trust and optimism that we collectively move ahead together."
In regard to Madonna’s relationship with her current label, the artist commented, "My time with Warner Bros. Records has been great. I appreciate their hard work and value the many relationships I have developed over the years with the label in the U.S. and around the world. I have an album coming out with them next year and I’m excited about it. We still have work to do together."
ABOUT MADONNA:
The multi-Grammy Award winning artist, songwriter, children’s book author, producer and video visionary with an unrivaled reputation for astonishing stage spectacles, has made music history many times over, logging an incredible 12 number one pop singles and 35 number one dance singles in the U.S. alone. Her 2006 "Confessions" tour generated almost $200 million, making it the highest grossing concert tour of all time by a female artist. Over the last 25 years, Madonna’s collective record sales number over 200 million albums worldwide. Her last album, Confessions On A Dance Floor debuted at number one in 29 countries and sold almost 8 million copies worldwide. Her last concert DVD The Confessions Tour -- Live from London, sold more than 1.2 million copies worldwide.
ABOUT LIVE NATION:
Live Nation is the future of the music business. With the most live concerts, music venues and festivals in the world and the most comprehensive concert search engine on the web, Live Nation is revolutionizing the music industry: onstage and online.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV." Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.livenation.com under the "About Us" section.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The deal is worth a reported $120 million to Madonna. From MSN.com:
http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx ... 2>1=7702
Madonna Inks Multi-Million Dollar Deal With Live Nation
Oct. 16, 2007, 2:33 PM EST
The Associated Press
NEW YORK -- Madonna and concert promoter Live Nation Inc. announced a deal Tuesday that will give the company an all-encompassing stake in the music of the Material Girl, the latest big-name artist to break ranks with a major record label.
Financial terms were not disclosed in the joint statement released by Madonna and Live Nation.
The deal is worth about $120 million over 10 years, a person who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the confidential nature of the matter previously told The Associated Press.
The official announcement came after weeks of speculation that Madonna would abandon Warner Music Group Corp., which refused to match the Live Nation deal.
Madonna said in the statement that she was drawn to the deal with Live Nation because of the changes the music business has undergone in recent years.
"The paradigm in the music business has shifted and as an artist and a business woman, I have to move with that shift," Madonna said. "For the first time in my career, the way that my music can reach my fans is unlimited. I've never wanted to think in a limited way and with this new partnership, the possibilities are endless."
The singer still owes Warner Bros. Records another studio album and a greatest hits album.
The deal with Live Nation encompasses future music and music-related businesses, including the Madonna brand, albums, touring, merchandising, fan club and Web site, DVDs, music-related television and film projects, and associated sponsorship agreements, the statement said.
Shares of Live Nation rose 8 cents to $21.50 during afternoon trading.
Under terms of the deal, Madonna, 49, would receive a signing bonus of about $18 million and a roughly $17 million advance for each of three albums, the person said.
A portion of the compensation would involve stock, the person told the AP.
Madonna could also benefit significantly from the touring component of the agreement, which gives Live Nation the exclusive right to promote her tours, the person said.
Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino said in the statement that Madonna will be the founding artist in its new Artist Nation division, created to partner with musicians to manage their diverse rights and provide global distribution and marketing.
"I am thrilled that Madonna, who is also now a shareholder in our company, has joined with us to create a new business model for our industry," Rapino said. "Bringing all the varied elements of Madonna's stunning music career into the Artist Nation and Live Nation family, moves her future and the future of our company into a unique and extraordinary place."
Some Wall Street analysts have questioned whether Live Nation can squeeze out a significant profit from the deal. The Material Girl's age has also led some to suggest she may not be as bankable a recording artist as she's been in the past.
Arthur Fogel, the head of global touring at Live Nation who has produced Madonna's last three tours, shrugged off the criticism, blaming "ageism" for doubts about her ability to sell CDs and fill arenas.
"Madonna is an incredibly talented and vital artist and will continue to be," Fogel told the AP. "Clearly, we would not have done this deal if we didn't have a great expectation of great returns."
Rapino said he doesn't understand Wall Street's skepticism.
"I'm amazed that our stock hasn't jumped considerably in that we're absolutely delivering what we talked about for two years," he said, referring to Live Nation's efforts to grab a bigger slice of the music business beyond touring.
"This is not about a Madonna deal ... Madonna is the validation that this division is the strategy that's come to life," Rapino said.
The company expects to do other all-encompassing deals involving a range of artists, from superstars to new talent.
"There's no reason it can't work with a baby band," Rapino said.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This talk about Madonna's age, and not being able to generate as much profit as she used to, is such bull. Sure, Madonna is no spring chicken, anymore, but, several high profile artists are still going strong, even though they are much older than their peers. Also, those who question her earning power, must be blind. Not only has she been listed as one of the top earning entertainers, nearly year after year, but, her last tour is the highest grossing tour for a female artist, at around $200 million. Also, her last album, Confessions On A Dance Floor, has sold over 11 million copies, worldwide. Only her detractors would say that she doesn't have the earning power to make this deal worth it, for all involved.
From MTV News:
Time to pucker up for Madonna's next album — Billboard.com reports that the singer has settled on the title for it: Licorice. The effort, which will reportedly feature "Candy Shop" and "The Beat Goes On" (featuring Pharrell), is due in late April and will be Madge's last effort for longtime label Warner Bros. Kanye West is said to be a guest on "The Beat Goes On," according to the site, which also reports that Madonna's vintage track "The Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" will get an update on the new disc. ...
Did I earn bonus points with you for posting this, MM1 or did you already know this?
Time to pucker up for Madonna's next album — Billboard.com reports that the singer has settled on the title for it: Licorice. The effort, which will reportedly feature "Candy Shop" and "The Beat Goes On" (featuring Pharrell), is due in late April and will be Madge's last effort for longtime label Warner Bros. Kanye West is said to be a guest on "The Beat Goes On," according to the site, which also reports that Madonna's vintage track "The Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" will get an update on the new disc. ...
Did I earn bonus points with you for posting this, MM1 or did you already know this?

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- MadonnasManOne
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LOL! I'll give you the bonus points, although I read about this on DrownedMadonna.com, yesterday. However, they had reported that the album would be titled "Give It To Me".Simba3 wrote:From MTV News:
Time to pucker up for Madonna's next album — Billboard.com reports that the singer has settled on the title for it: Licorice. The effort, which will reportedly feature "Candy Shop" and "The Beat Goes On" (featuring Pharrell), is due in late April and will be Madge's last effort for longtime label Warner Bros. Kanye West is said to be a guest on "The Beat Goes On," according to the site, which also reports that Madonna's vintage track "The Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" will get an update on the new disc. ...
Did I earn bonus points with you for posting this, MM1 or did you already know this?
Also, Madonna has been nominated for another Grammy! The nomination is for Best Long Form Music Video, for The Confessions Tour.
Last edited by MadonnasManOne on Thu Dec 06, 2007 9:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Thanks for the props nonetheless. I personally like "Licorice", it sounds interesting. What do you think?MadonnasManOne wrote:LOL! I'll give you the bonus points, although I read about this on DrownedMadonna.com, yesterday. Although, they had reported that the album would be titled "Give It To Me".Simba3 wrote:From MTV News:
Time to pucker up for Madonna's next album — Billboard.com reports that the singer has settled on the title for it: Licorice. The effort, which will reportedly feature "Candy Shop" and "The Beat Goes On" (featuring Pharrell), is due in late April and will be Madge's last effort for longtime label Warner Bros. Kanye West is said to be a guest on "The Beat Goes On," according to the site, which also reports that Madonna's vintage track "The Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" will get an update on the new disc. ...
Did I earn bonus points with you for posting this, MM1 or did you already know this?
Also, Madonna has been nominated for another Grammy! The nomination is for Best Long Form Music Video, for The Confessions Tour.
I'm excited that Kanye will be on there.

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I think that it would be cool if it were called "Licorice". I'm just excited to get a new album!Simba3 wrote:
Thanks for the props nonetheless. I personally like "Licorice", it sounds interesting. What do you think?
I'm excited that Kanye will be on there.
Yes, I am very excited to see her working with Kanye. I think that will be a great collaboration!