Madonna is the queen of pop music and one of the most valuable brands, a famous singer, songwriter and music producer. Madonna's songs and videos set the tone and direction of both the American and global music industries. The performer's work often finds itself at the center of scandals; she is not afraid to touch upon sensitive topics of social injustice, racial and sexual oppression.
Childhood and youth
The singer's real name is Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone. She was born under the zodiac sign Leo on August 16, 1958 in American state Michigan. She spent her childhood surrounded by five brothers and sisters. Her mother died when Madonna was 5 years old, and her stepmother cared only about her own children. It was precisely this “competition” from childhood, as the singer would later tell, that gave birth to her dream of becoming famous throughout the world.
Trion9 years later, Madonna Ciccone performed at school competition talents, where she shocked all the teachers. For a number where a girl sang from the stage in a top and shorts, decorated with paints, her father put her under house arrest.
After school, Madonna entered the University of Michigan with the hope of becoming an outstanding ballerina; at that time she did not even think about music. She did not become a successful dancer, and soon the girl realized that she needed to leave the province to pursue her dream.
Madonna moved to New York, where for a very long time she worked only for food, living in a crime-ridden area. In 1979, she auditioned to be a backup dancer for a famous touring performer. Professionals noticed good potential in her and decided to make Madonna a dancing singer.
Music
The pop diva’s full-fledged creative biography began in 1983 with the recording of Madonna’s debut album, which reached number 8 on the Billboard 200 chart. The second disc, Like a Virgin, instantly reached the top of the prestigious US charts, which made Madonna famous throughout the world. In 1985, Madonna released her famous video for the hit Material Girl.
Time Following this, a series of successful releases by the artist began, including the album True Blue, the single Live to Tell, and the video clip for the composition La Isla Bonita, written in the genre of Latin American pop music.
In 1998, “the greatest pop masterpiece of the 90s” was released, as the album was called music magazine Rolling Stone, - the album Ray of Light, the single from which, called Frozen, becomes a record-breaking leading position in the prestigious charts.
In 2000, Madonna released her next studio album, called Music. In it, the singer used a vocoder for the first time. The album took first place in the top ratings of the USA and Great Britain.
In 2003, Madonna made her debut as a writer with the children's picture book English Roses, which topped The New York Times bestseller list.
The singer's fame as a children's writer was overshadowed by a scandal. At the MTV ceremony, a famous incident occurred - a kiss with, after which Madonna was reproached for promoting lesbianism. The singer justified the kiss with a stage image: the artist performed in the groom's suit, and Britney Spears in the bride's dresses.
In 2005, with the release of the single Hung Up, the singer was also awarded the title of queen of the dance floor. This is facilitated by the performer’s incendiary performances and music videos.
The pop diva used her ability to shock the public throughout creative career. The singer appeared at concerts and in videos in Indian attire, in the form of a crucified and even crying clown. In 2017, Madonna allowed herself a provocative speech at the Women's March protest with words of insult directed at her. Each such appearance of a star ended in a scandal or dissatisfied comments from religious, public or political organizations.
Movies
Madonna's acting career was less successful than her singing career. Nevertheless, Madonna's filmography includes about 20 films, many of which, however, were completely destroyed by critics.
The singer first appeared on the big screen in her youth. In 1990, the premiere of the documentary film “In Bed with Madonna” took place about behind the scenes life stars.
In 1996, Madonna played the leading role of the controversial wife of the Argentine President Eva Peron in the film adaptation of the musical Evita. The film received positive reviews from film critics and the author of the original musical. The film also won an Oscar for the song You Must Love Me, which Madonna performed especially for the film.
In 2004, the second documentary about Madonna appeared, I’m Going to Tell You a Secret. The last project in her career was the film “Swept Away,” which received disastrous criticism, which is why it was not even released into theaters.
Personal life
Madonna's personal life is worthy of attention. Having settled in New York, the 20-year-old dancer entered into a relationship with famous producer John Benitez. Later, Madonna began an affair with the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.
But he, like many favorites, soon turned out to be uninteresting to her. Here's one of the most famous star marriages- between the famous Madonna and the actor - lasted 4 years. The actor was even nicknamed Mr. Madonna.
After the divorce, the singer began a series of short-term affairs, and none of them were successful. High-profile romances with, and then with lead singer Anthony Kiedis, were also only stories under a bright sign. Madonna's first child was the result of an affair with Latino Carlos Leon, who worked as a fitness trainer: in 1996, Madonna gave birth to a daughter, Lourdes Maria Ciccone-Leon. Soon after the birth of her daughter, the singer broke up with Carlos.
A record-breaking relationship for a celebrity - longer than 8 years - lasted with the British production director. In 2000, the couple had a son, Rocco. After her wedding to Ritchie, the baronet's stepson, Madonna joined the ranks of the British aristocracy. Soon after this, the singer accepted British citizenship.
In addition to raising two natural children, Madonna adopted adopted children - Mercy James and David Banda. In 2008, the singer announced a divorce from her husband. Madonna's latest passion is her own ballet dancer Brahim Zaibat. They say he even proposed to the queen of the pop scene.
Since 2017, the artist has lived permanently in Lisbon. Here her adopted son David Banda attends football school.
In February 2017, Madonna gave birth to 4-year-old twin girls from Malawi named Stella and Esther. Reception " Instagram» singers. She posts photos and videos of girls playing with other children.
A photo of Madonna without makeup caused a stir among fans. Fans were upset to see that the singer was still aging. At the same time, she keeps herself in shape, plays sports and tries to keep her weight within 55 kg, as can be judged by the pictures of the artist in a swimsuit. The singer's figure is close to the popular beauty standard 90-60-90 with a height of 158 cm.
Madonna now
Now the discography of the queen of pop music continues to be replenished with new works, and the tour schedule continues to be replenished with new geographical names.
Madonna - outrageous singer, who became famous throughout the world not only for her beautiful voice, but also for her demeanor during performances and in life.
The image of the American queen of show business is criticized, discussed, copied, admired and horrified, but not forgotten for many years. The pop star made history in the music industry as a singer, dancer, actress, author of many popular songs, as well as director and screenwriter.
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ishot71/
In many of her works, Madonna uses political, sexual and religious attributes, breaking stereotypes established by society. Her actions are condemned and hated, while others admire her courage and independence from the opinions of others. They have only one thing in common: the name Madonna has been on everyone’s lips for decades.
How did an ordinary girl manage to reach the very pinnacle of fame? Is the path to world fame so easy? The most interesting facts you will find about the biography, career and personal life of world stars on our website.
Biography of Madonna
The name Madonna comes from the Italian words mia donna, meaning “my lady.” Madonna Louise Ciccone is the singer's real name, inherited from her mother. The girl's devout mother decided to perform the Catholic rite of anointing when she was 12 years old. For this purpose, the name Veronica was chosen, which is not official.
2. Horoscope and parameters
Today the singer is 59 full years. With a height of 1 m 58 cm, she weighs 47 kg. A great performer, born in the year of the dog, her zodiac sign is Leo.
3. Childhood
Madonna Louise Ciccone was born on August 16, 1958 in Bay City, located on the Huron coast, in the American state of Michigan.
Her father, Silvio Ciccone, is of Italian descent. He spent his entire life as a design engineer at the largest automobile manufacturing corporation, Chrysler/General Motors.
Madonna Louise Ciccone Sr., after whom the future singer was named, was Canadian. She worked in one of the X-ray laboratories in her hometown. In her free time, the woman played the piano well and had a pleasant voice. But she didn’t even think about developing her singing talent.
The parents were so happy about their third child, the only girl at that time, that they decided to name her after her mother. In total there were six children in the family.
4. Early loss
Her mother's French roots greatly influenced her piety, which at times reached the point of fanaticism. Her descendants were Jansenists, ready to suffer martyrdom for their faith. Madonna's mother was also a staunch Catholic.
When Ciccone Sr. was pregnant last child She was diagnosed with a malignant breast tumor. Due to her religious beliefs, she refused to have an abortion, considering it murder, and also did not agree to treatment for the disease throughout her pregnancy. A few months after the birth of her last baby, she died. At that time, she was barely 30. So the girl, at the age of five, was left without maternal care.
Madonna the Younger was very worried and could not come to terms with the fact that she had lost the person she loved most and dearest to her. This event played vital role in her later life and was reflected in the singer’s work.
5. Greedy and envious stepmother
2 years after the tragic death of his beloved wife, Silvio decided to marry a second time. Raising six children alone became unbearable for him. His chosen one was the maid - Joan Gustafson - an ordinary woman from the people, the complete opposite in character and manners of the deceased Ciccone.
Young firstborn married couple died, but soon they had two more children - son Mario and daughter Jennifer. The woman gave all her maternal love and affection to her own children; she did not like her husband’s children and tried in every possible way to humiliate them. The father, despite this, forced his children to call the stepmother they hated “mom.” A protest broke out in little Madonna. It seemed to her that dad had betrayed the memory of her own mother. Hard times have come for the girl.
Although the family was considered quite wealthy, this could not be said from the children. Joan, a Protestant from birth, saved on absolutely everything. The children had the cheapest clothes, sewn with their own hands, and the food in the refrigerator was of average quality semi-finished products. The stepmother's methods of raising her reminded her of a non-commissioned officer, which aggravated the already tense situation in the house.
6. Difficulties in the family
Unable to withstand the cruel trials of fate, the girl’s older brothers, Anthony and Martin, became addicted to drugs. They no longer controlled themselves and constantly mocked the poor girl. Father often took a sip from the bottle. The rude maid Joan could not replace the woman he loved.
Madonna had a hard time. She was humiliated, insulted, mocked, but she did not allow herself to be trampled into the dirt. Having suffered from drug addict brothers, an alcoholic father and a harmful stepmother, she decided that she would never do that. She wanted a completely different life.
7. School years
The girl studied at St. Frederick and St. Andrew Catholic School and attended West Middle School. For a long time she was a cheerleader for the local basketball team. The passion for dancing began in her childhood. The father wanted his daughter to get a profession that could bring the family a stable, guaranteed income. He saw the girl as a lawyer or a doctor and did not want to hear anything about dancing. With Madonna's mental abilities (her IQ was 140 points), it was possible to enter any institute or university on a budget basis.
Despite her father's categorical attitude, she managed to persuade him to enroll her in a ballet dance club. Her mentor was Christopher Flynn - good teacher with non-traditional orientation. He managed to instill in the girl confidence in her beauty and uniqueness. Flynn not only taught her to dance, but also took her with him to various nightlife establishments. There Madonna saw life as it is. Going to gay clubs enlightened her about sex.
At the age of 16, she managed to seduce her teacher, who had temporarily forgotten his sexuality.
The future celebrity graduated from high school at Rochester Adams High School. Here she had the opportunity to participate in musicals and other stage productions.
8. Girl “hello”
Despite good grades and great success at school, little Ciccone was strange. The teachers had high hopes for her and tried their best to help. She still considers one of her teachers, Marilyn Fallows, to be the main person of her youth.
She failed to win the respect and friendship of her peers. Her classmates did not like her for her exemplary behavior and studies; many envied her. Madonna led an aloof life, avoided noisy companies, and did not allow guys to get close to her. The girls laughed behind her back, sometimes publicly ridiculing her reticence. The boys did not pay attention to the girl. They were repelled by their peculiar appearance and inner world future performer.
9. The turning point
When the singer was 14, the school held a competition for the most talented students. It was then that the modest girl decided to show herself in all her glory. Painted green and red, wearing mini-shorts and a tank top, the young lady rocked out to the popular single “Baba O’Riley”, performed by the group “ The Who" The people were shocked, the trick was on everyone's lips. Everyone forgot about the long-term reputation of a nerdy girl.
The father became furious and locked up his daughter. The brothers and sisters blushed in front of the guys for Madonna's unsightly prank. The nickname “whore” and the image of a dissolute, unprincipled girl stuck to her.
In 1976, the girl took exams as an external student and graduated from school. Despite her father, she continues to study dance at one of the universities in Michigan for free. Christopher Flynn takes over as professor.
After finishing her second year, the girl quits her studies and moves to New York with high hopes of opening her own music studio. Thus begins a long and difficult path to world fame.
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Madonna's career
10. Hard start
The ambitious girl had about 35 dollars in her pocket. This was all her savings at that time. In order to somehow survive in a huge metropolis, she participates in all musical castings, tries to get a backup dancer for little-known groups. Part-time jobs at Dunkin’ Donuts and Burger King did not bring in significant income.
The poor guy had to beg for a piece of bread and dig through trash cans for food. She moved around the city on an old bicycle and lived illegally in studio premises. But Ciccone did not give up.
In the 80s, Madonna was taken to the Breakfast Club. Then she organized the troupe “Madonna And The Sky”, which soon disbanded. The rock group Emmy, founded later, also turns out to be a failure.
In 1981, luck smiled on the dancer for the first time. Fate brought her into contact with Gotham Camille Barbon, who owns her own recording studio.
11. First successes
Camilla decisively took on the strange but promising person and acted as a manager. In one of the establishments in Manhattan, Madonna met DJ Mark Kamins. Her recordings impress the guy, and he organizes the girl an audition for “Island”. Chris Blackwell, the head of the label, criticized the young lady's works to smithereens.
Persistent Mark decided not to give up and took the recordings to Warner Bros. General manager the company appreciated the talent rising star. From this moment on, endless recordings of albums, videos and the performer’s most hit songs begin.
12. Recording the first single and debut album
The first single, "Everybody", recorded at Warner Bros., went straight to bronze on the Hot Dance Club Songs, despite having zero budget for its promotion. The song fell 7 positions short of entering the Hot 100, published in Billboard magazine.
To ensure the singer’s success, the second single “Burning Up” is being recorded, exactly repeating the popularity of the first. The song takes 3rd place in the charts. The performer’s recordings begin to be recognized and loved, people sing along to them, and people dance to them.
A little later, Madonna rented a recording studio for the first time to create her debut album, released in 1983, entitled “Madonna.” The songs "Borderline", "Lucky Star" and "Holiday" become hits. Still, the album does not have the deafening popularity that Madonna herself would like.
13. Second album and long-awaited glory
The following year (1984), the album “Like a Virgin” was released, occupying first position in the Billboard “hot” hundred for 2 months. In total, the album sold 26,000,000 copies.
That same year, the singer attended the grand event MTV Video Music Awards, where she performed the main track of her second album. The single “Like a Virgin” was recognized as a cult among two hundred others musical compositions America.
14. Further successes and the pinnacle of popularity
On the creation of the third album “True Blue”. All songs are imbued with tenderness and love. The album achieves commercial success. The original song “Live to Tell” takes first position in the Billboard Hot 100.
Throughout her musical career, the celebrity has released more than 11 successful albums, often toured countries, surprising enthusiastic fans with innovative concerts. Thanks to her image, outrageousness and uniqueness, the performer has left a century-old mark on the music industry.
The singer collaborated with many famous performers Stars: Prince, Lenny Kravitz, William Orbit, Ricky Martin, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., Benassi Bros.
15. Acting
Throughout her life, Madonna starred in 20 films, where she played a variety of roles. At the beginning of 90, the film “Dick Tracy” was released.
In the 1991 documentary “In Bed with Madonna,” she was given the opportunity to play herself. The film is recognized as one of the ten best-selling documentaries of all time.
In 1992, Ciccone starred in the film A League of Their Own, where she played a baseball player named May Mordabito.
The following year, a film called “Dangerous Game” appeared at the box office. Here the woman got the main role. The actress got so accustomed to the character that the picture seemed to come to life and become a reality.
In 2007, she realized herself as a screenwriter and director in the film “Dirt and Wisdom.”
Madonna's personal life
16. A little girl's first adult relationship
The singer first entered into an intimate relationship at the age of 15. The girl's chosen one was 17-year-old Russell Long. The connection between the young people was more a challenge to her father for the girl than caused by love feelings. The constant control of the pope and Catholic prohibitions influenced Madonna's decision.
In the future, this affected not only the life of the performer, but also her creative activity.
17. First husband
The woman’s first official husband, Sean Penn, appeared in the star’s life in 1985. Their romance developed rapidly, and in the same year they legalized their relationship.
The marriage of young people was doomed to failure. The sexy Madonna attracted the attention of men and loved to flirt, thereby provoking her life partner. The husband had a heightened sense of possessiveness. He was jealous of his wife for everyone he met. Therefore, scandals and fights often broke out in the family, ending for the girl in the emergency room.
4 years after the wedding, the couple broke up. In yet another scandal, Sean beat his wife half to death, after which she reported him to the police and filed for divorce.
18. Birth of a daughter
Having recovered from her first unsuccessful marriage, Madonna decides to start a new relationship. This time the American diva’s lover was actor and trainer Carlos Leon. In 1996, the couple’s first child, the charming Lourdes Maria, was born. But the birth of a baby does not prevent the couple from separating. At the time of the breakup, the girl was barely 6 months old.
19. New relationships
In 1998, at one of the social parties, a British man drew attention to Madonna. A couple of years later the couple gets married. A luxurious wedding took place in one of the ancient castles of Scotland. That same year, the couple welcomed their second child, baby Rocco.
After 6 years family life happy parents decide to adopt a black boy, David Banda. According to the public, it was this act that provoked discord in the family. 2 years after the adoption, the couple separated.
20. Without a husband, but not alone
Despite the divorce from her husband, the woman did not despair, and that same year she took custody of the Malawian baby Mercy.
In 2017, African twins appeared in the family - Stella and Esther, 4 years old.
This name is heard quite often on radio and television channels. She made her career not only thanks to talent and incredible hard work, but also to frequent scandals and shocking behavior. Today, she is famous as a producer, director, book writer and clothing designer. Many people are interested in the question of how old Madonna is, because she looks simply gorgeous, and has already accumulated a lot of merit. You will be surprised that the star was born in 1958 on August 16th in Michigan.
In 2017, Madonna is 59 years old.
Despite her age, the woman leads a very active lifestyle, works a lot, engages in self-development and looks simply gorgeous. In this article you will find out not only how old the famous singer is, but also her short biography, interesting facts from personal life and professional career.
Childhood years of the future star
Many people think that Madonna is a pseudonym. In fact, that's her real name.
Madonna Louise Ciccone was born into a large Catholic family and was the 3rd child of 6. They led a fairly devout lifestyle, and the girl attended Catholic school. At the age of 12, while undergoing the religious rite of anointing, she chose the name Louise, but it is not considered official.
Her mother died early. During my 6th pregnancy, cancer was diagnosed. The woman refused treatment after the birth of her child and died at the age of 30. This made a huge impression on the little girl and greatly shook her faith in God. A couple of years later, after the death of his wife, his father married for the second time. The relationship with the stepmother did not work out. The “new” mother and father had children together, which were always a priority. Although dad forced her to call her stepmother mom, Madonna considered this a betrayal and disliked her even more.
The girl's warmth at home was replaced by school. She still considers one of her teachers, Marilyn Fallows, to be an iconic person in her childhood. Despite the fact that Ciccone’s academic performance was always excellent, relationships with peers did not work out. The girl was considered strange and her peers avoided her.
Only at the age of 15 did the future star begin to get involved in dancing. Choreographer Christopher Flynn had a huge influence on the formation of her personality. While studying modern jazz, she expanded her horizons, changed her style, and not a trace remained of the former excellent student.
After finishing school, the girl decided to continue dancing at the University of Michigan. This decision shocked my father. With her brilliant mind and school performance, she could have gotten a decent profession at a prestigious university, but instead she preferred to just dance.
At the age of 17, Madonna's IQ test result was 140 points.
Teachers always noted the student’s endurance in class and emotional output, but in technology, the girl was much inferior to her classmates. Due to the impossibility of being the best, Madonna tried to stand out with an extravagant appearance. And soon she quit studying altogether.
The beginning of a creative career
After attending a lesson with famous choreographer Pearl Lang, the young dancer was so impressed that she set herself the goal of working in her group. The fact that she had to quit her studies and move from New York did not stop her. Based on the results of the casting, she got into the team, but did not perform in the first lineup and performed secondary dances.
Despite the fact that there was a catastrophic lack of money to live on, Madonna made her stage debut in the production of “I Never Saw Other Butterflies Again.” These were difficult times in the career of the future star. Due to a constant lack of funds, she took on any part-time work. Malnutrition and hard work took their toll on her physical fitness. The girl practically lost faith in herself and in her dancing future.
One of the castings was finally successful. I liked the dancer not only for her flexibility, but also for her pleasant voice. The girl quits her job in the Lang group and goes on tour with Hernandez.
At the end of the contract, she received offers to try herself as a singer. The uninteresting material and lackluster image did not attract Madonna, and she returned to New York again. The thought of a musical career still remained. The future star is interested in music and begins to develop in this direction. Quite quickly, the guy teaches her to play the drums, and Madonna joins the Breakfast Club group. After working for only a few months, the singer begins to offer her material, and not finding support in the group, she leaves it.
Thanks to her role in an amateur film in 1979, after which Madonna was labeled as a former porn star, she attracted attention. They also remembered her as a singer. From this moment the star begins to search for himself in musical direction, changes groups, creates his own, tries out different repertoire and tries on new images.
The efforts are starting to bear fruit. The singer signs her first contract for 5 thousand dollars and releases the hit “Everybody”. The singer's career is gaining momentum; in 1983, her first album was released, many of whose songs are already popular. It receives the title of diamond and is sold in huge quantities.
Singer Madonna finally finds her direction and begins to follow it. Songs come out one after another, take high positions in the ratings, videos are released, tours are held. At the same time, she begins her film career. Starred in several films. Trying his hand at directing.
The star's net worth is about $1 billion
Madonna's achievements
The singer is now 59 years old. Over the years, thanks to her hard work, outrageousness, luck and talent, she has achieved considerable success in many areas:
- She has released 13 music albums, most of which received awards and incredible success with audiences;
- Conducted 10 musical tours not only throughout the country, but also far beyond its borders;
- She played roles in 13 films;
- Wrote and published 7 books;
- Received a large number of victories in music competitions, both within the United States and abroad;
- Received 2 Golden Globe awards for best song and for the best female role. In total, she was nominated 6 times;
- Received 7 wins at the Grammy competition. In total, she was nominated 28 times;
- Singer Madonna recognized best performer years 5 times;
- Earned the title best performer decades;
- Her name is inducted into the Rock and Roll Musicians Hall of Fame in the United States.
Despite all her achievements, Madonna does not have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Although she was nominated once.
This is not all the merits of a multifaceted personality. Considering how old Madonna is today, she is actively working and receiving new titles and awards.
The singer's personal life
You can write books about her. Large quantity men have come and gone from Madonna's life during all this time. Given her popularity and outrageousness, she was often credited with having affairs or relationships with various celebrities. The singer did not formalize the relationship often.
- The marriage to Sean Penny lasted 4 years. The relationship was not easy. Two strong personalities could not get along, often it came to scandals and assault.
Madonna gave birth to her first child, daughter Lourdes, out of wedlock from Carlos Leon in 1996. The relationship with her father lasted six months.
2. Guy Ritchie was her husband from 2000 to 2008. This person greatly influenced not only the star’s creativity, but also his personal development. The marriage produced a son and they adopted another boy.
After the breakup of the family, the woman adopted a black girl. On at the moment Madonna has 4 children.
A truly outstanding and multifaceted personality has already left a mark on the world musical history. Considering how old Madonna is, her hard work and outrageousness, she will delight and surprise her fans more than once.
Celebrity biographies
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16.08.14 09:51
Her contribution to world culture cannot be overestimated: she is living legend, evidence that perseverance and hard work can move mountains. Madonna's biography can be published as an excellent guide for those who dream of ascending to the heights of fame.
Biography of Madonna
First loss
Residents of provincial Bay City, nestled on the shores of luxurious Lake Huron, did not suspect that in 1958 (namely on August 16), a girl would be born into the family of a radiographer and design engineer Ciccone, who would glorify her town and be called the queen of pop music.
The mother of the family, Madonna Louise, had French roots - her great-ancestors came to conquer America from Europe, her husband Silvio was proud of his Italian ancestors. After two boys, God finally gave them a daughter. And to celebrate, they named her after her mother.
Probably, the profession with its constant danger of radiation was the reason that the mother fell ill with cancer (at that time she was pregnant for the 6th time, so she refused treatment). Time was lost. And six children were orphaned. Madonna Sr. was only 30. Future singer I was never able to forgive the heavens for this loss. Just as I couldn’t understand my father - he got married after 2 years of widowhood, it was difficult for him to raise such a crowd alone. The stepmother, Joan, turned out to be a real despot, she gave birth to two more children, and all her love was directed towards them. So Madonna's childhood was not easy. She was bullied by her brothers who were addicted to drugs. Having seen all sorts of horrors, she herself swore to ever succumb to this destructive passion.
Difficulties of growing up
Catholic schools gave way to secular schools for the girl, where she was able to try herself in student plays for the first time (her mother sang well and knew how to play the piano; Madonna, who looked like her in appearance, also inherited a pleasant voice).
The father did not like the young Madonna's ballet classes; he wanted a profession for her that would bring her a guaranteed piece of bread. With her excellent grades (they say that the schoolgirl’s IQ was 140 - an incredibly high figure!) she could have entered any educational institution, but decided to act in her own way.
After school, the girl studied dancing at the University of Michigan. Then she left for New York. Fate continued to test the future star. Part-time work in choreographic groups brought in pennies, Madonna lived from hand to mouth, huddled in closets, but did not give up.
Talent plus perseverance
In 1982, the young Madonna became a member of the Breakfast Club group (she played on percussion instruments). Ambition took its toll: she wrote songs, performed them herself, mastered the guitar and showed herself as a leader. In general, I “pulled the blanket over myself.” A contract with a producer was a great happiness for the aspiring soloist, and in 1983 she was able to release her first album.
That disc, “Madonna,” did not become a very bright event in the music world, but after the release of “Like a Virgin” they started talking about her as a new star. The compositions topped the charts, they were played on the radio, they were sung along, and listened to countless times. The album sold 26 million copies. This is how she stepped onto the first step of her fame, and from then on Madonna’s biography resembles an endless, vibrant music video.
The disc “True Blue”, born in 1986, consolidated the unexpected resounding success of the singer. The public was looking forward to new works, eager to attend concerts where the performer gave her all - to the point of exhaustion.
Some argue that at first the star was shocking - she exploited sexual images and “flirted” with religious symbols. But talent, incredible perseverance and a constant desire for self-improvement did their job.
Ups and downs
Were in creative biography Madonna has its ups and downs. The Golden Raspberry anti-award called her the worst actress of the century (the films “Who’s That Girl” and “Body as Evidence” were failures; they spoke unflatteringly about her role in the “Bond” film “Die Another Day”; she was terrible last work on the screen - “Gone”). However, the musical film about the second wife of the Argentine president, who did a lot for the country and sadly died early from cancer - “Evita” - became a real cultural phenomenon. The song for the comic film "Dick Tracy" performed by Madonna was awarded an Oscar.
Madonna's personal life
First marriage, first daughter
The passionate feelings our heroine felt for Sean Penn were overshadowed by scandals that even led to fights. Madonna's personal life turned out to be an eternal "action". The young husband was not ready for life together, and when two such hot temperaments collided, “pieces of paper literally flew through the back streets.” The singer did not endure the beatings for long. Having married in 1985, 4 years later she divorced the actor.
On the set of “Dick Tracy,” the director and leading actor, Hollywood legend Warren Beatty, became interested in her, but Madonna limited herself to just an affair and did not marry the artist.
Her daughter's father became her Cuban boyfriend Carlos Leon in 1996 (the diva would break up with him six months later). Madonna's daughter was named Lourdes, she has already celebrated her 19th birthday, and she has a joint business with her mother - her own clothing line.
It was during that period that she became acquainted with Buddhism, yoga, and Kabbalah (since then Madonna has been an adherent of this teaching).
New albums, millions earned, and finally won a Grammy gave strength to the performer.
With and without Richie
In mid-1998, together with her then friend Andy Bird, the singer attended a party with Sting. There there was a meeting with director Guy Ritchie, a British man who would later become her husband and change Madonna’s personal life, and very much so!
In 2000, Madonna moved in with her lover, and the couple's son Rocco was born in August of the same year. She became fascinated by British life, enjoyed getting to know the traditions of a new country, but did not forget about work - in 2001, a world tour took place, which attracted sold-out audiences.
Alas, the second marriage did not become a union “to the grave” (although, in addition to Rocco, an adopted black son, David, appeared in the family): in the fall of 2008, it became known about the couple’s breakup. Soon the star adopted a girl from Malawi, Chifundo Mercy, and her British wife was replaced by her Brazilian boyfriend Jesus Luz. In 2010, Madonna began dating dancer Brahim Zeiba. And at the beginning of 2017, the media started talking about how Madonna and Sean Penn were seeing each other more and more often. Maybe they decided to restore a marriage that collapsed many years ago?
Her fortune is estimated at almost 1 billion dollars, she has her own chain of fitness clubs. Film “We. We Believe in Love,” which the singer staged, was scolded to smithereens, but she still has so many new ideas! The world will be surprised more than once by the phenomenon called Madonna!
The show business star Madonna is known all over the world. Over her almost 40-year career, she released many hits and became the founder of a special trend in musical culture. Her provocative style is copied, criticized, enthusiastically praised, but not forgotten. She leaves no one indifferent. At the same time, Madonna’s full, real name is known only to her loyal fans. She was able to make her pseudonym a brand that no longer stands for just a person, but an entire social phenomenon.
Early years
The future pop star was born on August 16, 1958 in Michigan into a large family; she was the 3rd child out of six. The girl's mother was of French-Canadian origin, her father was Italian. This is probably where Madonna’s fiery temperament originates. After graduating from school, the girl enters the University of Michigan, the choreography department, she for many years I studied dancing and ballet. At that time, Madonna’s real name, inherited from her mother, was completely unknown, and the girl dreamed of fame. In 1978, she moved to New York and enrolled in a dance class with the famous Alvin Ailey. She moonlights as a model, sings in different groups, her creative potential is bursting out.
The beginning of a musical career
Together with a group of New York musicians, Madonna creates the Emmy group, which writes and performs fashionable music for discos and nightclubs. Producers pay attention to the group and the soloist. And in 1982, Madonna signed a contract with the Sire Records label and released her debut single, Everybody. The singer's first album appears the following year, and the song Holiday enters the American and European charts. From the very beginning of her career, Madonna amazed with her energy, original stage performances and bright appearance.
Nickname
Even after she started dancing, Madonna started thinking about a stage name. From her parents she received a sonorous and complex name - Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone and therefore she had plenty to choose from for a pseudonym. She settled on the first part of her real name, especially since the name Madonna was memorable and, combined with the appearance and behavior of the singer, provocative. And it was precisely on shockingness that the aspiring performer relied. From her first steps on stage, Madonna, whose hits were still ahead, worked under her shortened name and made it famous in a few years.
Creative path
Already the first album made Madonna popular. The singer worked a lot, always thought out the set design and choreography of her performances to the smallest detail, and worked on her appearance. A natural brunette with appetizing curves, she found herself dressed as a blonde with bright makeup and sexy outfits.
From the very beginning of her career, the singer worked very hard, she changed several producers and labels, persistently striving to the top. The first Madonna album, despite the fact that it entered the charts, was still a common occurrence in pop music. But the 1984 album Like a Virgin was a real event. It sold millions of copies.
Madonna's real name no longer mattered; she became a star, and everyone knew her by her stage name. In 1990, the singer made her first world tour, which was accompanied by resounding success. Madonna not only performs fashionable songs, she sets new standard the show, her concerts are a whole performance, with a lot of costumes, scenery, and dancers.
At the end of the 90s, a real rain of awards poured down on Madonna, she received all possible music prizes, her records sold millions of copies, tickets for concerts anywhere in the world were sold out in a few hours.
Her stage path was often associated with scandals and provocations; the star always fueled her special image with various antics on and off stage. But she is also constantly in musical search; Madonna’s compositions are always the most advanced edge of pop music.
To date, the singer has released 13 albums, created 10 concert programs, with whom she traveled around the globe several times. Madonna, whose age is increasingly becoming the subject of discussion in the media and gossip, is not going to give up her position, despite the younger generations of competitors.
Outstanding Works
During her life, Madonna, whose hits have repeatedly gone multi-platinum, has released hundreds of songs. Experts and fans argue a lot about her creative heritage and about which works are considered the best. Her most famous songs were:
- Material Girl. A real calling card of the singer, which defined her style for many years, this song with a wonderful video a la Marilyn Monroe is a classic of world pop music.
- Cherish. The 1988 song and the black-and-white video for it became a certain milestone for Madonna, in which she appeared in the image of an ordinary American girl.
- Vogue. The perfect 80s dance song, with a wonderful video from David Fincher, was Madonna's first step into the 90s.
- Rain. An elegant and sophisticated song from the provocative album Erotica, it became one of the best “slow” songs of the decade. And Mark Romanek's magnificent video marked the beginning of a new video aesthetic in the 90s.
- Hung Up. The song from the early 2000s was further proof that Madonna is the queen of the dance-pop scene. The fiery melody and bright vocals made the composition a hit in discos all over the world.
- Frozen. The 1998 ballad proved that Madonna, whose biography is associated with dance music, not only knows how to put on a show, but also sings beautifully. The exquisite video for the song from Chris Cunningham received several awards and recognition from fans.
Film work
Throughout her career, Madonna, whose biography is full of creative experiments, has repeatedly made attempts to make a career as a film actress. She has 13 films to her credit, in which she played both episodic and leading roles. Critics do not rate Madonna's talent as a dramatic actress very highly. However, roles in the films “Body as Evidence”, “Evita”, “Best Friend” and “Swept Away” showed that she is still a good actress.
Personal life
Throughout her career, Madonna's personal life has attracted the attention of the public and the press. The singer was officially married twice. Her first husband was actor Sean Penn. The second is the director. In addition, she has huge amount novels. For several years, media attention was focused on her relationship with dancer Brahim Zeiba, who younger than the singer for 29 years. The affair ended in separation, and today Madonna is credited with a new relationship.
Scandals
Some journalists jokingly say that Madonna's real name is Lady Scandal. She is ready to create a stir from scratch. At one of the concerts in Istanbul, she decided to please her fans and exposed her breasts. Stripping is generally the pop star's favorite trick. At the 2003 MTV Awards, Madonna passionately kissed Britney Spears, which caused a huge stir. Later she repeated this trick with other girls. More than once, the singer’s songs became the reason for her accusations of anti-Semitism, inciting hatred towards the church, and it got to the point that the Pope was called upon to excommunicate her from the church.
Children
The pop diva also attracts no less attention from the press. She has four children: daughter Lourdes Maria Ciccone Leon (father Carlos Leon), son Rocco (father Guy Ritchie), as well as two adopted children from Malawi: daughter Mercy Dane and son David Banda Mwale .
Madonna's children grow up under the supervision of nannies, because their mother is actively involved in her career. The eldest daughter has already grown up and is quite successfully building a modeling career. The singer sued Guy Ritchie for custody of her son for a long time and lost the case. For some time, Rocco lived with his father in London, but then returned to his famous mother.
