For more than 20 years, Madonna has been one of the world’s most celebrated–and reviled–pop stars. Even after her 2003 album, “American Life,” tanked (not to mention most of her films), Madonna picked herself up and returned last year with the blockbuster album “Confessions on a Dance Floor.” It might be a frothy homage to disco, but its sold more than 7 million copies worldwide. In honor of Her Purpleness’ return to Chicago this week, RedEye gives you five reasons why Madonna still matters.
1. Now that Cher’s (finally) done touring, no other diva trots out the costume changes like the Material Girl–giving Baby Boomers and teens new wardrobe ideas.
2. Never one to shy away from controversy, she’s still mouthy after all these years. Among other commentary on her current tour, Madonna targets Bush (who doesn’t, after all?) and makes a statement in support of children (by being crucified–yeah, we don’t get it either).
3. The singer/actress/author/mother shows that it’s always good to reinvent yourself, even if that purple leotard is a little too revealing (right).
4. Always the master of marketing, Madonna’s hawking all her hobbies on this tour: horseback riding (left), Kabbalah and a new one–the movement discipline called parkour. She’s also put her name behind fashion merchandiser H&M–not that we’ll ever see her in such inexpensive clothes.
5. The age-defying beauty keeps on going. At 47, she looks better than many women half her age and still has the moves to get the party started–even if it’s to an annoying disco beat. (right)
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Madonna
When: Wednesday, Thursday, June 18 and 19
Where: United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.
