Madonna will earn $120 million for this new deal, but better yet - in my opinion, anyway - it's a smart business move that has potential to reinstate her as a "relevant" pop icon. For a while now, detractors have been declaring her "over the hill," and even radio was resistant to Confessions on a Dancefloor. But Live Nation is a behometh industry, and its ties to all areas of business could mean much more exposure for Madonna. I mean seriously, if they're paying $120 million for the right to release her albums, tour her, merchandise her, promote her, and more... then they're going to get their money's worth!
But here's the short deal, and how Madonna's move will affect us... her FANS!
* Madonna still owes Warner Bros. one final studio album under the terms of her old deal. That is the album we've been talking about for a while now, the one quietly getting wrapped up with producers like Timbaland, Pharrell and Justin Timberlake. Although it was originally rumored to surface at the end of 2007, Madonna herself has recently confirmed that we'll be waiting until next year. In a press statement she said:
"My time with Warner Bros. Records has been great. I appreciate their hard work and value the many relationships I have developed over the years with the label in the U.S. and around the world. I have an album coming out with them next year and I'm excited about it. We still have work to do together."
Personally, I think the album got pushed back because they're reworking it. After "The Beat Goes On" and "Candy Shop" leaked, fans were less than enthused. Which is odd, cause usually Madonna fanatics will foam at the mouth for just about anything and declare it "THE QUEEN'S BEST EVA!" haha. Well, reactions didn't shape up like that... personally, I think Madonna knows it, and is taking some time to tweak the album. (I've been saying forever that the hip hop vibe wouldn't work for her... hate to say "I told you so...")
* Warner Bros. is still owed a GREATEST HITS compilation. Hmm. This could be tough. Her last hits compilation, GHV2, came out in 2001. Right after that, radio started getting resistant to her. Since then, her "hits" have been spotty. We've got...
Die Another Day (Billboard #8)
American Life (Billboard #37)
Me Against the Music (from Britney's album - does this count? Billboard #35)
Hollywood (first Madonna single not to chart on the Hot 100 since "Burning Up" in 1983).
Nothing Fails (gorgeous ballad that never got picked up)
Love Profusion (the most exposure it got was an Estee Lauder commercial)
Imagine (Tsunami charity release... does this count?)
Hung Up (Billboard #7)
Sorry (Billboard #53)
Get Together (Didn't make the Hot 100 - "Bubbled Under" at #6)
Jump (Didn't make the Hot 100 - "Bubbled Under" at #5)
Hey You (Charity download... again, does it count?)
As you can see, we're kind of grasping at straws to put together a compilation, and only a few were bona fide "hits" of the level Madonna is capable. Maybe that's why there are rumors Warner Bros. is considering a collection of "Greatest Remixes" instead. That could also pacify her dance fans if the new album proves to be too "hop hop" heavy.
* Madonna's commitment with Artist Nation will last for 10 years, and holds her toat least THREE MORE ALBUMS! Yay!!
* Rumor is that it also encompasses FOUR more tours. Hmm. That sounds like a lot for a performer nearing 50. Though it could make sense... one tour per album, plus a "Farewell"? (Say it isn't so!)
* Madonna will get about 50% of profits from licensing (perfumes, t-shirts, etc.)
Again the details are sketchy (hey, we don't have the contract in front of us :) ) - but that seems to be the overall plan.
Personally, I think it's a great move for Madonna!
But what do yooooou think? ;)
JADE
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