What Happened to Madonna: An Overview of Her Recent Career and Impact
Since Madonna started her recording career in 1982, many changes and developments have occurred in her life and career. This article provides an in-depth look at the evolution of Madonna's career, focusing on changes in her priorities, media reception, and ongoing impact in the music industry.
Changes in Priorities and Focus
Madonna's journey as a pop star has seen numerous shifts in her focus and priorities over the past four decades. Initially driven by her career, she has transitioned from music to other artistic ventures, including cinema and fashion. Her personal life has also played a significant role in these changes. For instance, during the early 1990s, her marriage to Sean Penn dissolved partly due to her intense focus on her career. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Madonna shifted towards cinema, directing two full-length theatre movies, and later turned her attention to her family after having two children.
In the mid-2000s, Madonna became a foster mother, adopting multiple children. This period marked another pivot, as she shifted her focus to family and directing. However, with her children growing up, Madonna returned to music after a more experimental period, highlighting her ongoing passion for the craft. Notably, she relocated to Portugal from 2017 to 2021 to support her son's soccer career.
Music and Album Releases
Despite numerous changes in her priorities, Madonna's approach to music has also evolved. Her last studio album, "Madame X," was released in June 2019, marking the longest gap in her career for a new studio album (more than 7 years). Since then, Madonna has released remix collaborations and a few new songs but not extensive new material. Two of her recent collaborations—"Popular" with The Weeknd and "Playboi Carter"—became significant hits, with "Popular" reaching over 1 billion streams on Spotify.
Outside of the studio, Madonna has focused on live performances. In 2023, she embarked on her Greatest Hits Tour, which generated over $225 million from 80 arena shows, making her the first female artist over 60 to achieve this success. The tour culminated in a free concert in Rio, Brazil, attracting over 1.6 million people and breaking records. Despite her focus on her family and experimentation with different musical styles, Madonna's tours continue to be a highlight of her career.
Facing Ageism and Media Reception
The music industry is notoriously ageist, and Madonna has faced significant challenges over the years. By the mid-1990s, she struggled with radio airplay, with only her album's first two singles typically receiving coverage. This trend continued in the 2000s, where media would often refer to her as "old" years before she had actually aged significantly. Despite this, Madonna has managed to break barriers and inspire younger artists.
Her activism and political views also drew criticism and enmity. Madonna has long been associated with various social causes and activism, which has resulted in a large number of critics. In her recent album "Madame X," she released a few high-profile songs with messages of freedom of speech and political activism, but these didn't resonate as strongly as her earlier works. Her fans remain her primary audience, and songs like "I Rise" still manage to make an impact.
Health and Physical Changes
Like any other person, Madonna has experienced physical changes and health issues. In 2020, she underwent complex surgery to replace her hip, and in 2023, she faced a serious health scare due to a bacterial infection. Despite these challenges, she continued her tour, highlighting her resilience. At 65, her physical performances are a testament to her ongoing dedication to the craft, though she has had to scale back some dance routines to accommodate her health.
Commercial Succession and Fashion Impact
Madonna's commercial success has had a lasting impact on the music industry. Her albums continue to hold records, such as "Hung Up," which remains the most charted single from 41 countries. However, her commercial success has been waning. She hasn't released a significant hit in recent years, but her live shows remain powerful and engaging.
Madonna's fashion impact is also noteworthy. Once a regular presence in fashion magazines, she has stepped back from the catwalk and cover shoots. Her most recent covers were in 2018 and 2019, but she may return if she decides to revamp her image for her next studio album.
In conclusion, Madonna's career is a testament to her enduring influence and resilience. Despite facing challenges related to ageism, health issues, and shifts in priorities, she remains a powerful figure in the music and entertainment industries, inspiring and influencing generations of artists and fans alike.