Madonna puts Aussie tour on hold

The world economic crisis has prompted Madonna to scrap shows in Australia.

Madonna had planned to perform at Sydney’s Anz Stadium and Melbourne’s Docklands in January ’09, according to the Sydney Sunday Telegraph, but the current global financial downturn means the pop superstar can no longer justify high-price tickets, so she has scrapped the dates.

Australian promoter Michael Coppel has confirmed the shows were planned and tickets were due to go on sale in November. And Madonna isn’t the only big name who has pulled out of Aussie tour plans because of the weak dollar — Neil Diamond, Sir Paul McCartney, The Eagles, Green Day and Metallica have also put tours on hold because of the economic crisis, according to the publication.

Coppel says, “Everyone is feeling their way. The risk level has gone up substantially.”

Madonna, Guy not bothered by rumours about rift

Madonna isn’t bothered by the intense speculation surrounding her marriage with Guy Ritchie, because she refuses to read tabloid magazines. Speculation surrounding the pop star’s nearly eight-yearlong marriage reached a high last month, when gossips were sent into a spin over reports she was having an affair with American baseball star Alex Rodriguez. The Hung Up hitmaker has since denied the allegations, insisting she and Ritchie remain happily married. And according to sources, the singer isn’t affected by the swirling speculation. Ritchie’s pal, actor Vinnie Jones says, “I know for a fact that they don’t read anything.” He adds that the family “seem very close”.

Who will be ‘Greenest Star’?

Sienna Miller, Madonna and Leonardo DiCaprio will battle it out to be named the ultimate green celebrity. Playing for the Planet Awards has announced a shortlist of 10 stars who have been nominated for the ‘Greenest Star’ prize for using their fame to promote environmental issues. Sienna has been recognised for her work in raising awareness about global warming, while Leonardo is a tireless campaigner and donator to various green campaigns. The Departed actor recently made a documentary The 11th Hour about global warming. Other contenders include British supermodel Lily Cole, who only works with environmentally friendly companies and Harry Potter actress Emma Watson, who has spent time working with the Wild Trout Trust. Celebrity couple Gwyneth Paltrow and husband Chris Martin also received a nomination. The Iron Man actress has been the face of US environmental campaigns to cut down the use of oil, while her Coldplay rocker spouse travels on an eco-friendly tour bus complete with recycling facilities. Johnny Depp, designer Stella McCartney, Smile singer Lily Allen and British actor David Tennant have also been short listed.

Madonna gets a ‘lift’

Madonna has had a facelift, says her brother Christopher Ciccone. Christopher, who has written a book entitled Life With My Sister Madonna alleges the singer — who turns 50 in August — went under the knife in a bid to maintain her youthful appearance. When asked if he still recognised Madonna from the girl he grew up with, Christopher replied: “Not after the facelift.” He added to a US TV show: “I do recognise her in some ways, but I think ultimately she is a lonely person. It is truly lonely at the top.” Christopher recalled the moment his relationship with Madonna — who is married to director Guy Ritchie — started to deteriorate, during the filming of her 1991 documentary Truth Or Dare.

He said: “When she was rolling around on my mother’s grave in Truth or Dare that was a turning point for me. I kept it inside but I thought, ‘OK, there are no boundaries here. My mother has now become a bit player in her life story’, that hurt me, my relationship with her changed.” Christopher says despite his revelations about the singer, he is hopeful they will mend their relationship in the future, so he can get to know his extended family. He said: “I think she will speak to me again, I hope so, but I don’t want to talk to her unless we are talking to each other as equals. And if that means she stays together with her husband, if she’s happy, that's cool with me.”