Madonna news - May 2023


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'Popular' by The Weeknd feat. Madonna to be released on June 2

Source: Billboard - 31 May 2023

With just less than a week to go before The Idol premieres on Max, The Weeknd is turning up the promotional heat. On Wednesday (May 31), the “Blinding Lights” singer announced that the accompanying soundtrack for the Sam Levinson-directed drama series would be available for pre-order alongside a new single on June 2.

Titled “Popular,” the new single from The Idol, Vol. 1 features Madonna and Playboi Carti. The new single serves as the first musical release of 2023 for both Madonna and Playboi Carti. “Popular” follows the Future-assisted “Double Fantasy” as the second taste of The Idol soundtrack. Originally released on April 21 as the lead single from the soundtrack, “Double Fantasy” has since peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Starring Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, Lily-Rose Depp, Troye Sivan, Jennie Ruby Jane, Moses Sumney and Mike Dean, The Idol explores the dark intersection of popular music, celebrity culture, drugs, sex and contemporary cult aesthetics. The embattled and already controversial series received a standard five-minute standing ovation at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, and at press time has a score of 25% on Rotten Tomatoes. The Idol marks The Weeknd’s first proper television role, and he is also a credited writer, co-creator and executive producer of the series.

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'Vulgar' by Sam Smith and Madonna to be released on June 9

Source: Instagram - 31 May 2023

The song of Sam Smith and Madonna is titled 'Vulgar' and will be released on June 9.

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A post shared by Madonna (@madonna)

A short preview, which only features vocals by Sam Smith, is available below.

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A post shared by Madonna Universe (@madonnauniverse)



Madonna and Sam Smith tease a new collaboration

Source: Instagram, Billboard - 25 May 2023

A mysterious teaser was posted on the Instagram profiles of both Madonna and Sam Smith. It only shows the words "Sam and Madonna", with each of them whispering their own name.

No caption was added to the video, while the comment section was ablaze with guesses on what to expect from this collaboration. “LETS F-KIN GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO,” wrote Ryan Tedder in all caps on Instagram while music video director Jake Wilson exclaimed, “UM WHATTTTTTT.” Over on Twitter, Smith’s followers declared, “This is about to be a banger,” “THIS DUO OMFG!!!!!” and “Oh bawww laawwwwd the scream i just scrumt.”

The same day, it was rumoured that Sam Smith would have a surprise at the end of their show in Manchester. Many expected a surprise appearance by Madonna, to perform their new song together. However, Sam had to cancel the show after 4 songs, due to vocal issues. The remainder of their UK tour has been cancelled as well.

The new song is said to have an "old school '90s house feeling" to it, and is apparently "very vulgar".

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The Immaculate Collection now available in Dolby Atmos

Source: Madonna.com - 11 May 2023

Madonna's acclaimed 1990 greatest hits album, The Immaculate Collection, can be heard for the first time in spatial audio thanks to a new Dolby Atmos mix available today HERE. Award-winning producer Mike Dean oversaw the new mix, using Dolby Atmos technology to immerse the listener in a dome of sound.

The Immaculate Collection currently reigns as the best-selling compilation ever released by a solo artist. This definitive album remains one of the best-selling records of all time, with global sales exceeding 30 million. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) recently updated the album's certification in the U.S. to 11x platinum.

The Immaculate Collection Atmos mix arrives before Madonna launches her upcoming global Celebration Tour. The shows will cover four decades of music and feature live performances of many of Madonna's greatest hits. The tour begins on July 15 at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver and is scheduled to travel to 35 cities in North America and Europe. Due to overwhelming demand, additional shows were recently announced. Buy tickets here. Most recently, after 3 instant sold-out shows in Mexico City, Madonna announced a 4th show on sale.

The Immaculate Collection, the album - front cover

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