Her ‘Madgesty’ hit a milestone on, August 16, while smack dab in the middle of prepping for her world tour following her latest CD “Hard Candy.” Even though she has hit the mid-century mark, this icon shows no sign of slowing down. Sure, she may look gaunt, but who wouldn’t? Besides dancing her butt off in endless rehearsals, she has been touring the festival circuit promoting her documentary “I am Because We Are,” which documents the lives of millions of children in the country of Malawi, who have been orphaned because of AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria and other diseases that are ravaging that country due to lack of education and healthcare. This is the same country where the Divine Miss M found and adopted the newest addition to her family, David Banda, in 2006. Will this role as producer gain her recognition in the film community. Only time will tell.

She also made her directorial debut not too long ago, a London-based project called “Filth & Wisdom” about a Ukrainian immigrant (who funds his dreams of becoming a rock star by moonlighting as a cross-dressing dominatrix) and his two female flatmates.

Also, this year, her latest children’s book in the series “English Roses” was released.

Let’s see, she also won her seventh Grammy Award this year for her last tour and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. She joined the Sunsilk ‘Life Can't Wait’ campaign (encouraging women to live their lives to the fullest by making the most of every minute), which was aired during the Superbowl. It’s been a busy year for the woman who seems to do more in ‘four minutes’ than most do in a lifetime.

Throughout her 50 years, this “boy toy” has had no problem expressing herself; forever reincarnating and always causing a commotion from her choice of wardrobe to always questioning tradition to showing that women can be strong and sexy. The gossip rags have followed her every move from her rolling on the floor during her “Like a Virgin” performance to her placing herself on a crucifix during her last tour.

Lately, she has gained attention over many supposed rumors including relationship probs with hubby Guy Ritchie, a supposed affair with A-Rod, health issues and more. Then there is her own brother, Christopher, releasing his book “Life With My Sister Madonna,” which she is said to be staunchly against.

No matter what this blonde ambitious diva has faced from verbal assaults to a fall from a horse, she always seems to bounce back, reinvent and get back into the groove. This new tour promises to showcase her hard rockin’ body, her killer choreography and her dancing roots.

The words to her song “Give It to Me” seem to be a statement about her longevity: “Don’t stop me now, don’t need to catch my breath, I can go on and on….” Here’s to another 50 years, Madonna!... Cheers!
– Rachel Galvin