Madonna is a name that needs no introduction. The pop icon has been entertaining audiences for decades, making a name for herself with her provocative music and boundary-pushing performances. But there’s more to her than just music–here are some fun facts about the Queen of Pop that you might not know.
Madonna at a glance
Let’s get some basic facts out of the way first:
- Birthday: August 16, 1958
- Height: 5’4″ (163 cm)
- Nationality: American
- Current City: Lisbon, Portugal – New York – London – Beverly Hills
From dance floors to decades of world tours
She moved to New York City in the late 1970s to pursue a career in dance. She began performing in clubs and landed a few small roles in films. In 1983, she signed a record deal with Sire Records. She released her debut album, which included the hit songs “Everybody”, Holiday”, and “Borderline.”
From there, her career took off, and she became one of the biggest names in pop music. She has released 14 studio albums, with the most recent being 2022’s remix album “Finally Enough Love.” And somewhere between The Virgin Tour in 1985 and Celebration Tour (2023) she made out with Britney at the 2003 MTV VMAs in New York. But did you know, it was supposed to be J.Lo on stage, not Christina Aguilera?!
Did you know that Madonna dated Tupac?
Madonna and Tupac Shakur has long been a topic of interest for fans and the media. In an interview with Howard Stern in 2015, Madonna confirmed that she and Tupac dated briefly in the early 1990s. The couple first met at an after-party for the Academy Awards in 1993, and their relationship quickly became intense.
According to Madonna, Tupac was the one who ended the relationship, citing concerns about the impact of their relationship on his image and career. However, the two remained close and continued to communicate even after their split. Tupac even wrote a letter to Madonna while he was in prison, which was later put up for auction.
The Madonna-Tupac relationship remains a fascinating and little-known aspect of both artists’ lives.
The iconic musician is also an actress and has the awards to prove it
Madonna has also starred in a variety of films, including “Evita,” “Desperately Seeking Susan,” and “A League of Their Own.” And alongside those successful endeavors are the box office bombs called “Shanghai Surprise”, “Body of Evidence”, and “Swept Away”.
Madonna has had countless achievements throughout her career, including multiple Grammy Awards, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a Golden Globe for her performance in “Evita.” She has also been a pioneer for women in the music industry, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future female artists.
Madonna is unapologetically pro-LGBTQ+
Madonna has been and open and proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community throughout her career—using her platform to speak out against discrimination and support equal rights. She has been a vocal supporter of same-sex marriage and has dedicated her music and performances to celebrating LGBTQ+ identity.
Her journey from Rebel Heart to activist
Madonna’s activism has been an important part of her career. She has utilized her platform to advocate for social justice and equality. In addition to being a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and racial equality, she has been involved in several charitable causes, including supporting orphans and vulnerable children in Malawi through her founding of Raising Malawi organization in 2006. Her philanthropy work and activism have been recognized by the United Nations and President Mutharika of Malwai naming her a Goodwill Ambassador of Child Welfare in 2014.
How Madonna changed the game for women in music
She has faced her fair share of challenges and criticism as a woman in the male-dominated music industry. However, she has used these experiences to fuel her creativity and push boundaries in her music and performances.
Can’t stop, won’t stop: the evolution of Madonna
Her music and style have influenced popular culture, and she has pushed boundaries in her music videos and live performances. Her iconic performances, such as the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards performance of “Like a Virgin,” have become part of music history. However, her impact is not limited to music; she has also been a trailblazer in fashion, film, and activism.
Her influence can also be seen in the many artists who she has inspired. Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Nicki Minaj, and Katy Perry are just a few artists who have cited her as an influence. Her impact on music and culture is undeniable, and her legacy will inspire future artists.
It’s a Material World: how Madonna made fashion HER domain
Her influence on fashion is undeniable. Her style has changed, but she has always been a trendsetter. In the 1980s, she popularized the “layered” look, which involved wearing multiple layers of clothing. She made lace gloves and big hair accessories popular.
Her music videos have also influenced fashion, with her looks in “Material Girl” and “Vogue” inspiring fashion trends. The industry has recognized her fashion sense; she once received the Gianni Versace Tribute Award and won Most Fashionable Artist.
Celebrating Life
Her personal life has also been the subject of public fascination. She has been married twice and has six children, four of whom she adopted from Malawi. The media have scrutinized her relationships and personal life, but she has always remained true to herself and her beliefs. In addition, she has spoken out about the challenges she has faced in her personal life, including the sexism and ageism she has experienced in the music industry.
Closing Thoughts
Madonna is not just a musician, she is a cultural and queer icon. Her impact on music, fashion, film, and activism cannot be overstated. She has been a trailblazer in every sense of the word, breaking down barriers and inspiring a new generation of artists. Her music, performances, and style have influenced popular culture and set trends that are still being followed today. Madonna’s legacy is one of creativity, resilience, and fearlessness. She will always be known as one of the greatest artists of our time.
She uses her platform to push for social change and inspire a new generation of artists. Her impact on music and culture is immeasurable, and her legacy will continue to influence future generations. As we celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ+ artists and allies, she remains a powerful voice in the movement.
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Andrew
I love Madonna. She was a big part of my coming out years. I think we have to give huge credit to Jellybean. He is the one that exploded her career. I would say her first hit was Sidewalk Talk. He produced her first album.
Davy
Sidewalks Talk was not Madonna’s first hit. It was Jellybeans. Like A Virgin from her second album was already out when Sidewalks was released… and Sidewalks Talk was not a big major hit. It stalled out in the teens and didn’t make top ten despite Madonna’s popularity at the time. Jellybean also only produced and mixed a couple songs off her debut album. It was mainly produced by Lucas. Madonna was with The Breakfast Club before making it big. They had a hit later on without her called Right On Track which was written by Stephen Bray- a name Madonna fans should recognize 🙂
Andrew
Madonna’s debut album got off to a slow start. It was released in July 1983 and didn’t even chart until September 1983. That was Holiday that only got to 88 on Billboard(produced by Jellybean). I think it was not until 1984 that she actually started to get popular. I remember buying Madonna’s debut album as an import because it was not widely distributed (at least not in suburban NY). So Sidewalk Talk did actually make a stronger showing before Madonna was a superstar. I do realize it was released as a Jellybean song, but it is the first time that Madonna was truly a musical force. I may have been too young to know The Breakfast Club when Madonna was a part of it. you are right we must give Reggie Lucas props too as those were her number-one hits. Thanks for adding that.
Gabby
The life that she has created and continues to live is inspiring. Successful. A devoted mother. Passionate. I love her.
Tallskin
78% of Trans women are abandoned on their wedding night just because they’ve not mentioned their shenis to their groom; this is pure transphobia. Many are ‘with child’ & are left to bring up baby alone. Why is no one talking about this?!? #TransWomenAreWomen #TransBridesAreBrides
So, why all the fuss about a real woman like madonna? This is utter transphobia
Do better
LGBTQAA++++ forever
Geo
lighten up! This is an article about Madonna. Not Transphobia. Know where to pick your fights!
Tallskin
Geo
lighten up! This is an article about Madonna. Not Transphobia. Know where to pick your fights!
Geo, YOU are such a transphobe! Everything and everywhere is always about sexy trans ladies
If Everything Everywhere All at Once isn’t about trans then someone somewhere has let the mask hiding their transphobia slip
Do better
LGBTQAA+++ forever
Trukx
You know, there is a growing number of LGBs that don’t agree with your aggressive and destructive behaviors.
Make sure you know what your fighting for and who your picking fights with. We have been at it a lot longer than you have and in my opinion the trans community is a completely different situation.
I think we need to cut the alphabet off after the B. Primarily because the LGB community IS about sex. Where as the trans community is about identity. Very different concepts. The trans community deserves their own movement. To find their own place among society. Work towards acceptance in society and of themselves. Perhaps it’s because they have been riding along the LGB community that the ones who are vocal act like children. Let’s cut the cord.
Davy
How about complain about another useless Kardasian, Swift or Beyoncé article instead? Your trans argument is hollow and biased. Especially the beginning “gee.. a trans was left at the alter because they were a deceiving liar who attempted to hide the FACT they were born a biological man.” (Proof please and make it a story from the US of A). Sorry but that’s on the trans. That is not acceptance, that is deliberate deceit and as a gay man, I don’t support dishonest liars. Love the trans community but a dishonest manipulative liar is a dishonest manipulative liar regardless of what is between their legs. Not gonna support those deliberately giving our myriad queers a bad reputation through deception and lies. I support honesty, integrity and pride (pride don’t hide) and not forced inclusion thru manipulation.
Gabby
OMG go away. Not everything revolves around Trans people. This is an article celebrating a woman who has alway been such a strong supporter of the under dog. Also, Trans Women are Trans Women – they are not woman.
smittoons
Don’t you have a priceless masterwork in a museum to throw paint on? I don’t see how this kind of tactic truly works.
FreddieW
What’s going on with Madonna? Don’t know, but I’ll bet money that it involves drawing attention to herself.
Jack
Isn’t that what all celebrities do? You lost the plot girl.
FreddieW
No, all celebrities do not draw attention to themselves the ways Madonna has done.
Gabby
Dude you’re obsessed with her. You comment on every Madonna post. It’s okay, I love her as well.
abfab
Gabby I love ya sweetie but save yourself! These assholes say the dumbest things about Madonna. Can you imagine how stupid you have to be to come here just to repeat the same old bullshit?
You can’t fix stupid. xox- abfab
abfab
What’s going on with Madonna? Don’t know, but I’ll bet money that it involves drawing attention to herself.
And poor FreddieW, you can’t see the irony in your statement.
Geo
I wrote a paper about Madonna in College. It was 1985. The first lines were, “She’s campy but coy, tart but delicious. She is the bad girl of every good boy’s dreams.” Still holds true. We are all jumping on her image (me included) but this article reminded me of what a POWERHOUSE she was, is and will forever be. The first time I heard Holiday, I was hooked! All Hail the QUEEN! Love her. Hate her. There is no in between. But feel sorry for those who “hate her”. They just don’t understand genius!
Tallskin
GRO- Didn’t you mention trans women in your college paper?
you’re such a transphobe
Do better
LGBTQA+++++ forever
ShaverC
I love how “Editors” start the article with “Madonna is a name that needs no introduction.” then immediately goes on to provide one.
abfab
The things you focus on are AMAZING! Tell us more!
Man About Town
Hey Tallskin: This morning I had breakfast without mentioning trans women. I guess that makes me SUCH a transphobe!
Kangol2
TAllskin is anti-trans and is OBSESSED with trans women. She/it/they are trying to rile people up against trans people. She/it/they keep posting these rants–just ignore them. She/it/they aren’t trans but they really, really want you to share their hatred and obsession too!
Queerty won’t moderate them off because they keep hijacking article after article in the commentary section. They’re clearly very ill and need help. And again, she/it/they aren’t trans!
abfab
It’s like we can see this cretin foaming at the mouth with every post. Very, very ill.
Fname Optional Lname
Why is no one mentioning trans fat? We are all awful
still_onthemark
The latest episode of “Ted Lasso” (the same one that reveals Colin is gay) has Roy Kent calling Jamie Tartt a “pre-Madonna.” Jamie is generally not the brightest bulb but he objects “it’s PRIMA… DONNA!”
Claytonisahobo
I LOVE MADONNA. Thank you for this. it was nice to read a positive article on The Queen of Pop for a change.
abfab
She did a really great song with Pet Shop Boys a few years back….SORRY. Tirvia:
t came as no great surprise that “Sorry” should be chosen as the second single from Madonna’s 2005 album Confessions on a Dance Floor. Even before the album’s release it had been mentioned as a strong candidate, and its single release in late February 2006 was confirmed shortly after the album came out. What came as a total surprise, however, was word in the last few days of 2005 that the Pet Shop Boys had just done a remix. Chris and Neil’s primary mix, which features Neil’s added vocals, is titled the “PSB Maxi-Mix.” It was originally released on both CD “maxi-single” and 12-inch vinyl before eventually finding its way onto Disco 4.
According to a report by the U.K. paper The Sun, Madonna herself asked the Boys to do a remix for her after running into them at a party the previous year and telling them that she thought they were “brilliant.” (I always suspected that Madonna was a woman of extraordinarily good taste, her Sex book notwithstanding.) With the release of Confessions, PSB followed up with her on this, contacting her and asking, “OK, how about it?” And she agreed.
As it turns out, Neil and Chris were actually somewhat apprehensive about handing their mix over to Madge for her first listen because they had added a bit of new music featuring Neil’s singing; they apparently feared that she would think they were trying to share the spotlight or even upstage her on her own record. “It was cheeky,” she later said, but, much to their relief, she loved it! In fact, it’s been reported that Madonna feels that the PSB work on “Sorry” is one of the—if not the—best remix ever done of one of her songs! (That she decided to base her live performance of “Sorry” during her 2006 tour on the PSB mix—featuring a recording of Neil’s vocals—only provides further evidence of this apparent fact. Madonna’s The Confessions Tour – Live from London DVD and CD both include this rendition, and judging from the immediate reaction of the U.K. crowd, I would guess that they indeed recognized Neil’s voice.)
Neil’s brief vocal additions are the repeated lines “I’m sorry, so sorry. I’m sorry—please forgive me.” One of my site visitors has astutely noted a strong resemblance in mood and style between these added segments and the opening of the Boys’ own “It’s a Sin,” at those times lending the track an almost quasi-religious tone. If that seems a bit of a stretch, consider that, after all, the album is titled Confessions on a Dance Floor.
abfab
Credit for above commentarty goes to Wayne Studer, Ph. D. Pet Shop Boys expert extraordinaire.
Kangol2
Madonna, whatever valid criticisms we may have of her, has been one of the most important figures in American and global pop music and culture for over 4 decades. She’s written iconic songs, starred on stage and screen, set fashion trends several times over, has been larger than life, and has been an LGBTQIA+ ally for her entire career. Over and over she’s lifted LGBTQ people up, raised money for our causes, etc.. She deserves all the plaudits she’s received!
abfab
Just rewatch her Vogue video. It’s living proof! And she seems to be growing/healing nicely into her facial reconstuction zone. She always makes me think of Marlene Dietrich. Another legend in her own time.
SDR94103
she began hanging with a nasty crowd and sometimes appears to be on drugs.
Man About Town
All your senseless comment achieves is making us question YOUR chosen recreations.
Den
I’m not a Madonna fan, but her cultural importance is absolutely undeniable.
Had she begun “hanging with a nasty crowd” and been “on drugs” more than a lot of us have been “on drugs”, she would never have had the career, raised the family or achieved the philanthropic success she has.
You never seem able to say anything of value or consequence, so do the world a favor and stow it.
abfab
50 Number Ones is FUKKKKKKKKKKKKKKING AMAZING. These shows are going to be fantastic. One big dance party. OPEN YOUR HEART!
GentlemanCaller
Thank you for a super-positive, flaw-ignoring obituary for someone who was once an influential artist. She will be missed.
abfab
Seymour Stein, Record Industry Giant Who Signed Madonna, Dies at 80
With an encyclopedic knowledge of pop music, he championed acts including the Ramones, Talking Heads and the Pretenders on his label Sire, and helped found the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
NYT
Carlititos Charles
La Craqdi and La Madonna Mazedona the Protagonist Queens and Protagonists of the Entire LGBT Community