By Maurice Gravelle

2002

  • Jan (9) In Singapore, “Madonna: Drowned World Tour 2001” concert DVD is banned from release because it is deemed too explicit.
  • (19) Madonna attends Donatella Versace’s haute couture fashion show at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, France.
  • (21) Madonna is named the second best-selling artist in Europe with 17 Platinum Europe Awards for 5 albums by the International Federation Of The Phonographic Industry (IFPI) at the 36th annual MIDEM Music Conference in Cannes, France.
  • (29) Madonna attends the opening of photographer Mario Testino’s exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London, England.
  • Feb (9) “GHV2 Megamix” hits #5 on Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart in US.
  • (12) “Madonna: Drowned World Tour 2001” is named Best Music DVD at the 1st annual UK DVD Awards in England.
  • (20) Madonna attends a Michelle Branch concert at Irving Plaza, New York, NY.
  • (21) “Madonna: Drowned World Tour 2001” video is certified 1x platinum (100,000 units).
  • (28) Madonna announces she will make her West End stage debut in David Williamson’s play Up For Grabs which will open on May 23, 2002 at Wyndhams Theatre in London, England and will have a 10-week run: it is her first stage role in 14 years since Speed-The-Plow (1988).
  • Mar (1) “Blond Ambition World Tour 1990” is featured in Q magazine’s list of “The 10 Tours That Changed Music”.
  • (13) Madonna and Guy attend the opening night of play Jesus Hopped The A-Train at the Donmar Theatre in London, England.
  • (15) Madonna is signed to record the theme song for 20th James Bond film Die Another Day.
  • (20) Madonna announces she has cancelled all matinee performances of Up For Grabs due to unforeseen daytime recording commitments.
  • (25) Madonna wins Best Dance Artist – Solo at the 17th annual International Dance Music Awards in Miami Beach, FL.
  • Apr (1) Madonna is #6 on the list of “Top 100 Rock & Rollers Of All Time” in LIFE magazine’s Rock And Roll At 50 special edition issue.
  • (2) Dick Tracy (1990) is released on DVD.
  • (7) Madonna and Guy Ritchie are #4 on The UK Sunday Times list of Britain’s richest people of the year 2002.
  • (8) Madonna begins rehearsals for David Williamson’s play Up For Grabs at Sadlers Wells in London, England, co-starring Megan Dodds, Tom Irwin, Michael Lerner, Daniel Pino, Sian Thomas and Debora Weston, directed by Laurence Boswell.
  • (11) Rolling Stone: 50 Coolest Albums Of All Time includes You Can Dance at #50.
  • (13) A controversial nude portrait of Madonna by contemporary artist Peter Howson is unveiled at the MacLaurin Art Gallery in Ayr, Scotland.
  • May (8) “Like A Prayer” is #5 in UK’s Favorite Single Of All Time survey by Guinness World Records: British Hit Singles.
  • (13) Madonna begins 10-day preview performances of David Williamson’s play Up For Grabs at Wyndhams Theatre, London, England.
  • (14) “Don’t Tell Me” and “Music” are honored as two of the Most Performed Pop Songs Of 2001 at the 50th annual BMI Pop Awards at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA.
  • (17) An obsessive Madonna fan is suspended from his job as an ice cream seller at Wyndhams Theatre, London, England; her spokeswoman says she will speak to the theatre to discuss the way staff are hired.
  • (20) “Don’t Tell Me” and “Music” are honored as two of the Most Performed Songs Of 2001 at the 19th annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA.
  • (23) Madonna opens in David Williamson’s West End play Up For Grabs at Wyndhams Theatre, London, England.
  • Jun (2) In a telephone interview with The British Sunday People, Tony Ciccone (Madonna’s father) announces that she is pregnant; a statement by publicist Liz Rosenberg is released denying the rumors and confirms it is “completely untrue”.
  • (11) “Madonna’s Liquid Assets” premieres on A&E-TV’s Biography.
  • (17) “Don’t Tell Me” is honored as one of the Most Performed Dance Songs Of 2001 at the 15th annual ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA.
  • (20) Madonna is #4 with an income of $43 million in Forbes magazine’s list of top 100 highest paid entertainers of 2002.
  • Jul (8) Madonna begins filming a cameo appearance as a fencing instructor for James Bond movie Die Another Day (starring Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry, directed by Lee Tamahori) at Pinewood Studios, London, England.
  • (13) Madonna plays her final performance in David Williamson’s West End play Up For Grabs at Wyndhams Theatre, London, England.
  • (16) Madonna is honored as “Most Popular Fitness Role Model” in SHAPE magazine’s Readers Choice Awards 2002.
  • Aug (5) Mad’house’s remake of “Like A Prayer” (1989) is released as a UK single.
  • (17) Madonna and Guy celebrate her 44th birthday with a Japanese-theme party for 50 invited guests at their estate in Beverly Hills, CA.
  • (22) Madonna begins filming “Die Another Day” video at Hollywood Center Studios, Hollywood, CA, directed by Traktor.
  • (24) Swept Away official website is launched by Sony Pictures.
  • (27) Madonna is listed in Guinness World Records 2003 for Best-Selling DVD Single (“What It Feels Like For A Girl”).
  • Sep (4) In an interview with Vanity Fair magazine, Madonna causes a controversy among the residents of a rundown housing estate in London, England when she says: “I love the way the city looks, minus all the council estates randomly and profusely built up everywhere”; the citizens are outraged by her comments and complain that her attitude is rude, arrogant and ridiculous.
  • (9) Kelly Osbourne’s remake of “Papa Don’t Preach” (1986) is released as a single.
  • (17) Madonna Live! Drowned World Tour 2001 wins Best TV Concert Of The Year on the online 2nd annual AOL TV Viewer Awards.
  • (19) Swept Away is screened at AMC Movie Theatre for the Condé Nast Traveler All-Star International Film Forum, New York, NY. Madonna is named VH1’s Sexiest Artist Of Rock & Roll on its list of “100 Sexiest Artists”.
  • (26) Madonna is voted “The Greatest Woman In Music History” in a viewers poll on VH1-UK music channel: she is officially the most successful female recording artist of all time with worldwide sales of over 140 million records.
  • (27) “Die Another Day” single (theme from James Bond film Die Another Day) premieres on Z100 radio station in New York, NY.
  • (30) Madonna tapes an interview with Larry King at the Four Seasons Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA.
  • Oct (2) Swept Away Movie Special premieres on MTV.
  • (3,4) Madonna is interviewed on CBS-TV’s Entertainment Tonight, NBC-TV’s Today, Extra, Access Hollywood and E!-TV’s E! News Live.
  • (7) Madonna attends a press conference in Beverly Hills, CA to promote Swept Away.
  • (8) Madonna and Guy attend the world premiere of Swept Away at the Vista Theatre, Los Angeles, CA.
  • (10) “Die Another Day” video premieres on MTV. Madonna is interviewed by Larry King on CNN-TV’s Larry King Live.
  • (11) Swept Away is released in US by Sony Pictures. Madonna appears via telephone call to MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL) at 3:30 pm ET and speaks with host Carson Daly about the release of Swept Away and “Die Another Day” video.
  • (13) Swept Away hits #24 at the US box-office with $354,052 on its opening weekend.
  • (14) Madonna and Lourdes attend the opening of Gianni Versace Exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, England.
  • (17) Rolling Stone: Top 100 Albums Of All Time includes Ray Of Light at #29, Music at #52, Like A Prayer at #62 and The Immaculate Collection at #99: Madonna has more albums on the list than any other female solo artist.
  • (18) Swept Away is released in Canada by Sony Pictures.
  • (19) “Die Another Day” debuts at #41 on Hot 100 Singles chart in US and is the highest-debuting song of the year 2002.
  • (22) “Die Another Day” single is released in US.
  • (24) Swept Away is removed from all US movie theatres by Sony Pictures after only 2 weeks of release.
  • (26) “Die Another Day” climbs up to #28 on Hot 100 Singles chart in US: it is her 44th Top 40 single and she surpasses Aretha Franklin to become the top female solo artist with the most Top 40 hit singles in music history.
  • (27) Swept Away grosses a total of $598,645 US at the box-office.
  • (28) “Die Another Day” single is released in Europe.
  • (31) Rolling Stone: Women In Rock – The 50 Essential Albums includes Like A Prayer at #16.
  • Nov (1) Madonna is named Britain’s highest earning music star of the year 2002 with $56 million on Sunday Times newspaper’s annual list.
  • (3) “Die Another Day” hits UK #3.
  • (4) Madonna is interviewed by WKTU (New York, NY) and KIIS-FM (Los Angeles, CA) radio stations to promote “Die Another Day”.
  • (7) Madonna participates in a live telephone interview with Paul Bryant on Z100 radio in New York, NY.
  • (9) “Die Another Day” hits US #8: it is her 35th Top 10 hit and becomes the second artist with the most Top 10 singles behind Elvis Presley (38). “Die Another Day” hits #1 on Hot 100 Singles Sales and Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales charts.
  • (12) Madonna contributes “Die Another Day” to Die Another Day: Music From The Motion Picture soundtrack CD.
  • (16) “Die Another Day” hits #1 in Canada, Italy and Spain.
  • (18) Madonna meets Queen Elizabeth II at the world premiere of Die Another Day at the Royal Albert Hall, London, England.
  • (22) Die Another Day (which features Madonna in a cameo appearance) is released by MGM.
  • (24) Die Another Day hits #1 at the US box-office with $47 million on its opening weekend.
  • (30) “Die Another Day (Remixes)” hits #1 for 2 weeks on Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart in US: it is her 28th #1 hit single on the dance charts.
  • Dec (3) Body Of Evidence (1993) is released on DVD.
  • (4) Madonna and Lourdes attend the premiere of English National Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at the Colliseum Theatre, London, England.
  • (26) Madonna is named Top Female UK Singles Artist Of All Time in The Guinness Book Of Hit Singles edition of the 100 Most Successful Artists in the 50-year history of the British chart.
  • (28) Madonna is Top Hot Dance Maxi-Singles Sales Artist and “Die Another Day (Remixes)” is Top Hot Dance Maxi-Singles Sales in Billboard magazine’s The Year In Music survey of 2002.
  • (29) Madonna is the second highest-earning woman in Britain with an income of $43 million in The Mail newspaper’s annual list.

2003

  • Jan (13) Madonna wins the Michael Jackson International Artist Of The Year Award at the 30th annual American Music Awards at the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA.
  • (25) Madonna and Lourdes attend a memorial service for late photographer Herb Ritts (who died on December 26, 2002) in Los Angeles, CA.
  • Feb (3) Madonna begins filming “American Life” video at Los Angeles Center Studios, Los Angeles, CA, directed by Jonas Akerlund.
  • (4) Madonna wins Theatre Event Of The Year for the West End play Up For Grabs voted by theatregoers on the online 3rd annual Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers Choice Awards.
  • (5) Madonna announces from Los Angeles, CA that she plans to file an official complaint with the Press Complaints Commission in UK over inaccurate reports by Heat magazine that she is pregnant.
  • (9) Kerri Yascheshyn, 17, of Windsor, ON, Canada dies of liver cancer: Madonna and Kerri formed a friendship via telephone calls organized by the Children’s Wish Foundation; Madonna spoke to Kerri on a daily basis and encouraged her to pray and be positive.
  • (10) In US, reports confirm that “American Life” video is controversial due to its anti-war theme with Madonna dressed in military uniform.
  • (11) Swept Away is released on home video and DVD.
  • (14) Madonna releases a statement on her website in response to inaccurate reports that “American Life” video carries a strong anti-war message and she also explains that it should not be interpreted as critical of her homeland or President Bush.
  • Mar (3) Madonna signs a book deal with Callaway Editions to publish a series of 5 illustrated children’s storybooks; the first book she has written is titled The English Roses which will be published and released worldwide in September 2003.
  • (4) Blue In The Face (1995) is released on DVD.
  • (14) Madonna signs a comprehensive deal with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) for all aspects of her career in music, film, TV and books.
  • (18) Madonna tapes a guest starring appearance for an episode of NBC-TV’s Will & Grace titled “Dolls & Dolls” (starring Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Megan Mullally and Sean Hayes, directed by James Burrows) at CBS Studio Center, Studio City, CA.
  • (21) A statement is released by publicist Liz Rosenberg that Madonna is re-editing “American Life” video in respect to current war events in Iraq and explains there will be some minor alterations but she’s not re-doing the whole video.
  • (22) Madonna wins 3 Razzie Awards for Worst Actress (Swept Away), Worst Supporting Actress (Die Another Day) and Worst Screen Couple with Adriano Giannini (Swept Away) at the 23rd annual Golden Raspberry Awards at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Santa Monica, CA.
  • (24) “American Life” is released as a Digital Single only in US via the internet and includes a special audio message by Madonna.
  • (28) Madonna is interviewed on CBS-TV’s Entertainment Tonight, NBC-TV’s Access Hollywood and Extra.
  • (31) In Germany, “American Life” video world premieres on VIVA music channel.
  • Apr (1) Madonna announces on her official website that she has cancelled the release of “American Life” video because of its military imagery and out of respect to armed forces fighting war in Iraq: “I have decided not to release my new video. It was filmed before the war started and I do not believe it is appropriate to air it at this time. Due to the volatile state of the world and out of sensitivity and respect to the armed forces, who I support and pray for, I do not want to risk offending anyone who might misinterpret the meaning of this video”.
  • (5) “American Life” debuts at #90 on Hot 100 Singles chart in US and is the lowest entry for a debut single from a new Madonna album.
  • (7) In Australia, Madonna is featured in TV interviews on The Today Show and Channel 9 Madonna Special.
  • (8) “American Life” single is released in US and Canada.
  • (10) Madonna announces she has filmed a new performance-only version of “American Life” video will be released on TV on April 16.
  • (14) “American Life” single is released in Europe.
  • (16) Madonna Speaks special (hosted by Megan Mullally) and “American Life” video (edited version) premieres on VH1.
  • (19) “American Life” hits #1 for 2 weeks on the Canadian Singles chart.
  • (20) “American Life” hits UK #2.
  • (21) American Life CD is released in Europe.
  • (22) American Life CD is released in US and Canada. Madonna performs “American Life”, “Hollywood”, “Nothing Fails” and “Like A Prayer” on 60-minute MTV special Madonna: On Stage & On The Record taped at the MTV Studios in Times Square, New York, NY.
  • (23) In New York, Madonna makes a special in-store performance and record signing at Tower Records in Greenwich Village and also attends a party with Guy at the Paramount Bar to celebrate the release of American Life CD.
  • (24) Madonna guest stars on NBC-TV’s Will & Grace. Madonna and Guy attend a launch party for the book 72 Names Of God by Rabbi Yehuda Berg at the New Museum of Contemporary Art, New York, NY.
  • (25) Madonna guests on NBC-TV’s Live With Regis & Kelly. Madonna is #4 with 227 million pounds on the UK Sunday Times annual list of the richest musical artists in England. Madonna is voted The Greatest Video Star Of MTV in an internet poll at www.mtv.com. based on her innovation, creativity and contribution to video as an art form.
  • (26) “American Life” hits US #37.
  • (27) American Life hits UK #1 and is her eighth #1 album in UK. In US, American Life has sold 241,000 copies in its first week.
  • (29) “American Life” maxi-single is released. Madonna is interviewed by Matt Lauer on Madonna: An American Life – A Dateline Special on NBC-TV’s Dateline. Madonna visits Cologne, Germany to tape a performance and interview on RTL’s Absolut Madonna TV special.
  • May (1) Madonna is interviewed and performs “American Life”, “Hollywood” and “Don’t Tell Me” on BBC-1-TV’s Tonight With Jonathan Ross at the BBC Television Centre in London, England.
  • (2) Madonna is interviewed and performs “American Life” and “Hollywood” on ITV1’s CD: UK show in London, England.
  • (3) American Life debuts at #1 in 14 countries such as: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Europe (overall), France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK and US. Madonna guests and performs “American Life”, “Hollywood” and “Music” on RTL channel’s Absolut Madonna TV special in Cologne, Germany.
  • (4) Madonna is interviewed by VJ Charlotte Roche on VIVA Germany (taped on April 29 in Cologne, Germany).
  • (6) Madonna tapes an interview and performances of “American Life”, “Hollywood” and “Music” for La Chanson No. 1 – Madonna Special TV show tribute at the studio of La Plaine St-Denis in Paris, France.
  • (7) Madonna performs a mini-concert for 200 invited guests at La Cantine du Faubourg restaurant in Paris, France.
  • (8) “Die Another Day” wins Soundtrack Video Of The Year at the 12th annual Music Video Production Association (MVPA) Awards at the Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles, CA.
  • (9) Madonna performs a 7-song mini-concert before 500 fans at HMV Oxford Circus record store in London, England.
  • (10) American Life hits US #1.
  • (12) Madonna is interviewed by Jo Whiley on BBC Radio 1 in London, England.
  • (15) Madonna performs “Hollywood” on BBC1-TV’s Top Of The Pops in London, England and is also guest of honor at the opening of Stella McCartney’s London clothes store on Bruton Street.
  • (17) “American Life (Remixes)” hits #1 on Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart in US. “American Life” video hits #4 on VH1.
  • (20) Madonna is interviewed by DJ Vicky Pitchers (pre-taped at the Dorchester Hotel, London) on Forth One radio in Edinburgh, Scotland.
  • (30) Callaway Editions announces that Madonna will make publishing history as her children’s book The English Roses will be released simultaneously worldwide in 30 languages in 100 countries.
  • (31) “American Life (Remixes)” hits #1 on Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart in US.
  • Jun (2) Madonna begins filming “Hollywood” video in Los Angeles, CA, directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino.
  • (3) Die Another Day is released on home video and DVD (includes “Die Another Day” video and making-of video documentary).
  • (8) Madonna performs “American Life”, “Hollywood” and “Music” on French TV show tribute Chanson No. 1 (taped on May 6 in Paris, France).
  • (11) VH1: 100 Greatest Songs Of The Past 25 Years list includes “Like A Virgin” at #10 and “Ray Of Light” at #100.
  • (18) Madonna is named The Greatest Fashion Trendsetter Of The World by Elle magazine in Munich, Germany.
  • (19) Madonna participates in radio interviews with WHYI and WPYM (Miami), WSTR (Atlanta), KLLC (San Francisco) and KIIS (Los Angeles).
  • (23) “Hollywood” video premieres on VH1.
  • (24) “Hollywood” video premieres online at launch.yahoo.com. Madonna and rapper Missy Elliott begin filming a TV commercial and print ads for Gap clothing stores campaign in Los Angeles, CA, directed by Paul Hunter.
  • (27) “Hollywood” video premieres on MTV.
  • Jul (1) Madonna is #1 in a special edition of Women In Rock magazine’s list of “50 Women Who Rocked The World”. Madonna and Guy win a privacy battle to keep their estate private and not be classified as open countryside under the Right to Roam legislation in UK.
  • (7) American Life is certified 1x platinum (1 million units). “Hollywood” single is released in Europe.
  • (8) “Hollywood” single is released in US.
  • (13) Madonna makes a video appearance to honor and roast Carson Daly on MTV special MTV Bash. “Hollywood” hits UK #2.
  • (15) “Hollywood” single is released in Canada.
  • (16) Gap Inc. announces a $10 million contract with Madonna to star in TV commercials and print ads for Gap clothing store’s fall campaign.
  • (19) “Hollywood” video hits #5 on VH1 and #14 on MTV.
  • (21) Madonna is voted #7 on VH1’s list of “200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons”.
  • (22) Shanghai Surprise (1986) is released on DVD.
  • (26) “Hollywood (Remixes)” hits #1 for six weeks on Hot Dance Singles Sales chart in US: Madonna sets a new record as it is her 22nd No. 1 and sixth consecutive No. 1 hit on this chart, besting two previous records of five consecutive No. 1 hits from 1987-1990 and 1991-1993. (“Hollywood” is the first commercial single by Madonna since 1983 that fails to enter Hot 100 Singles chart in US due to lack of radio airplay).
  • (28) Madonna and Missy Elliott’s Gap commercial titled “A New Groove, A New Jean” world premieres on VH1.
  • (30) “A New Groove, A New Jean” Gap commercial premieres on all TV stations in US and Canada.
  • Aug (2) “Hollywood” hits #5 on Canadian Singles chart.
  • (9) American Life drops off the albums chart in US after only 14 weeks and is the shortest-living album by Madonna on the Billboard 200.
  • (12) Madonna is honored with Greatest Female Singer Of The Video Age award by VH1 (based on a viewer’s poll).
  • (16) The Immaculate Collection (1990) celebrates its 400th cumulative week on the Billboard 200 and Top Pop Catalog Albums charts in US.
  • (23) “Hollywood (Remixes)” hits #1 on Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart in US: it is her 30th No. 1 single on the dance charts.
  • (28) Madonna performs “Hollywood” with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera at the opening of the 20th annual MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY and upstages everyone at the ceremony when she shares a passionate open-mouth kiss with them.
  • (30) Madonna and Guy attend the wedding of Stella McCartney and Alasdhair Willis at Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute, Scotland.
  • Sep (1) In Atlanta, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper apologizes to its readers for printing a picture of Madonna and Britney Spears in an open-mouth kiss at the MTV Video Music Awards on its front cover following several complaints.
  • (3) Madonna releases a special audio message for shoppers on Amazon.com to promote her children’s book The English Roses.
  • (8) Madonna tapes an interview with Oprah Winfrey for The Oprah Winfrey Show at Harpo Studios in Chicago, IL.
  • (13) Madonna gives an invitation-only reading of The English Roses to family and friends at her estate in London, England.
  • (14) Madonna hosts an English tea-party to celebrate the launch of The English Roses at Kensington Roof Gardens in London, England.
  • (15) The English Roses, a 48-page children’s book written by Madonna and illustrated by Jeffrey Fulvimari, is released in 100 countries and in 30 languages. Madonna attends a press conference at the Ritz Hotel in Paris, France to promote The English Roses.
  • (16) Madonna guests on ABC-TV’s The Oprah Winfrey Show (taped on September 8).
  • (17) The English Roses hits #2 on Amazon.com’s bestseller list. Britney Spears’ record label Jive Records announces that Madonna will be featured on Britney’s new single “Me Against The Music”.
  • (20) The English Roses hits #2 on UK BookScan’s best-selling children’s books behind JK Rowling’s Harry Potter & The Order Of The Phoenix.
  • (21) The English Roses has sold 57,369 US copies in its first week of release and is the 5th overall best-selling book in the country.
  • (24) The English Roses hits #1 on bn.com (Barnes & Noble’s online bookstore).
  • (25) The English Roses becomes the fastest-selling children’s picture book of all time: it has sold more than 10,000 copies in UK in its first week of release. In US, The English Roses hits #7 on USA Today newspaper’s Top 150 best-selling books list.
  • (26) A lawsuit is filed against Madonna in US District Court in Manhattan, NY for copyright infringement and unspecified damages by Samuel Bourdin, the son of late French photographer Guy Bourdin, who accuses her of copying images of his father’s work for her video “Hollywood”. In UK, a special collector’s edition of Q magazine which celebrates Madonna’s 20-year career is released.
  • (27) Madonna attends a ceremony to celebrate the Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, New York, NY.
  • (29) Madonna visits Barnes & Noble bookstore at Rockefeller Center in New York, NY to read and sign copies of The English Roses and she is also presented with the inaugural Dave Hoghe Award in honor of her artistic courage and outstanding dedication to the LAByrinth Theater Company at a Celebrity Charades benefit gala at the Daryl Roth Theater, New York, NY.
  • Oct (1) Madonna is interviewed by Diane Sawyer on ABC-TV’s Good Morning America (taped on September 29).
  • (5) The English Roses hits #1 on The New York Times best-seller list for children’s picture books.
  • (6) “Me Against The Music” (Britney Spears featuring Madonna) premieres on AOL.com.
  • (8) Madonna and Britney Spears begin filming “Me Against The Music” video at Silvercup Studios East, Queens, NY, directed by Paul Hunter.
  • (9) The English Roses has sold more than 500,000 copies worldwide.
  • (12) The English Roses is #1 for a second week on The New York Times best-seller list for children’s picture books.
  • (15) “Nobody Knows Me” single (remixes by Peter Rauhofer, Above & Beyond and Mount Sims) is released only to dance clubs in US.
  • (19) The English Roses is #1 for a third week on The New York Times best-seller list for children’s picture books.
  • (21) “Me Against The Music” (Britney Spears featuring Madonna) video premieres on MTV.
  • (23) Madonna contributes a videotaped message in Spanish to celebrate the 10th anniversary of MTV Latin at the 2nd annual MTV Video Music Awards Latin America held at the Jackie Gleason Theater, Miami Beach, FL.
  • (25) “Me Against The Music” debuts at #50 on Hot 100 Singles chart in US: it is Madonna’s 50th entry on the Hot 100 and also comes 20 years to the week she made her first appearance on the chart with “Holiday” (October 29, 1983).
  • (26) The English Roses is #1 for a fourth week on The New York Times best-seller list for children’s picture books.
  • (27) “Nothing Fails” single is released to radio stations in US.
  • (28) Madonna films “Love Profusion” video (for European-only release) in New York, NY, directed by Luc Besson.
  • (30) Madonna is interviewed by Pat O’Brien on CBS-TV’s Access Hollywood.
  • Nov (2) The English Roses is #1 for a fifth week on The New York Times best-seller list for children’s picture books. In UK, Madonna is the #1 top-earning female in the music industry with £15m on The Sunday Times Rich List 2003.
  • (10) Madonna releases her second children’s book: Mr. Peabody’s Apples, a 32-page hardcover illustrated by Loren Long is released in 37 languages and more than 110 countries. “Me Against The Music” single is released.
  • (11) Madonna guests on ABC-TV’s Live With Regis & Kelly and CBS-TV’s Late Show With David Letterman; she also reads Mr. Peabody’s Apples to a group of children from 4th to 8th graders at Montclair Kimberley Academy in Montclair, NJ.
  • (12) Madonna and merchandising company Signatures Network announce a deal to develop dolls, apparel, accessories, cosmetics, stationery, room decor and back-to-school products based on The English Roses book for ages 7 to 12. Madonna attends the final preview performance of Broadway musical Taboo (produced by Rosie O’Donnell and starring Boy George) at the Plymouth Theatre, New York, NY.
  • (13) Madonna guests on MTV TRL’s “Spankin’ New Music Week” at the MTV Studios in Times Square, New York, NY.
  • (15) Madonna is voted the Greatest Female Pop Culture Icon on the list of “100 Greatest Pop Culture Icons” in a poll conducted by VH1. “Me Against The Music” video hits #3 on MTV.
  • (16) Madonna wins the Michael Jackson International Artist Of The Year Award at the 31st annual American Music Awards at the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA. The English Roses returns to #1 for a sixth week on The New York Times best-seller list for children’s picture books. “Me Against The Music” hits UK #2.
  • (19) Madonna telephones into CNN-TV’s Larry King Live to wish Larry King a happy 70th birthday. A new wax figure model of Madonna is unveiled at Madame Tussaud’s Museum in New York, NY.
  • (25) Remixed & Revisited, a seven-song EP (which includes remixes of songs from American Life CD) is released.
  • (26) Madonna guests on NBC-TV’s The Tonight Show (with host Jay Leno) at NBC Studios, Burbank, CA.
  • (29) “Me Against The Music” hits US #35.
  • (30) Mr. Peabody’s Apples hits #1 and The English Roses is #3 on The New York Times best-seller list for children’s picture books. In UK, Remixed & Revisited EP hits #1 on Top 40 Dance Albums chart.
  • Dec (4) “Love Profusion” video world premieres on MTV Germany in Europe.
  • (8) “Love Profusion” is released as a UK single.
  • (9) “Nothing Fails” maxi-single (featuring remixes of “Nobody Knows Me”) is released in US. Madonna reads Mr. Peabody’s Apples to a group of 30 students from the Community Magnet School at Border’s Bookstore in Westwood, CA.
  • (13) Remixed & Revisited EP hits #115 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart in US. “Nobody Knows Me (P. Rauhofer, Above & Beyond, Mount Sims Mixes)” hits #4 on Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart in US.
  • (14) “Love Profusion” hits #11 in UK.
  • (16) Madonna announces she is endorsing Democratic candidate Wesley Clark for the Nov 2004 presidential election.
  • (20) Madonna has three titles on Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart in US: “Me Against The Music”, “Nobody Knows Me” and “Nothing Fails”: she is the second artist in 18 years to achieve 3 simultaneous entries on this chart (previously achieved by Bronski Beat in 1985).
  • (27) “Nothing Fails/Nobody Knows Me” hits #1 and “Me Against The Music” is #2 on Hot Dance Singles Sales chart in US: it is the first time an artist occupies the top 2 positions on this chart since Puff Daddy in 1997. “Me Against The Music” hits #1 for 2 weeks on Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart in US. Madonna is #1 Hot Dance Singles Sales Artist and “Die Another Day (Remixes)” is #1 Hot Dance Singles Sales in Billboard magazine’s The Year In Music survey of 2003.

2004

  • Jan (5) A public enquiry is ordered to settle a dispute between Madonna and ramblers seeking access on the property of her 1,200-acre Wiltshire estate; a spokesman for the Planning Inspectorate says the enquiry is ordered but no date is confirmed yet.
  • (7) Madonna contributes a letter to her website urging people to follow her in supporting Democratic presidential candidate Wesley Clark.
  • (8) Madonna sends a message live by via satellite to The Kabbalah Centre’s Spirituality For Kids ceremony in Tel Aviv, Israel.
  • (13) Madonna/Britney Spears are #2 on Mr. Blackwell’s 44th annual list of the worst-dressed women of 2003.
  • (16) Madonna attends Kate Moss’ 30th birthday party at Claridge’s Hotel in London, England.
  • (24) Madonna is presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Britney Spears to commemorate her 20-year hits-filled career at the 5th annual NRJ Music Awards at the 38th MIDEM Music Conference at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France.
  • Feb (7) “Nothing Fails (Remixes)” hits #1 on Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart in US.

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Check out the rest of Madonna’s Career Diaries: