Madonna

Madonna's remixed duet with Kylie Minogue, 'Love Sensation', debuted at number eight on the UK Official Singles Chart, marking Madonna's highest-charting single since 2009 and her first solo top 10 in 17 years. The track is from her successful album 'Confessions II' and follows a surprise stage performance together in 2024. Madonna now has 65 UK top 10 singles, trailing only Elvis Presley and Cliff Richard.

7 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 20, 12:45 PM UTC

A charity auction organized by Christie's for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund raised $652,630, far exceeding projections. The highlight was a shirt worn by BTS member Jimin during the 2026 World Cup final halftime show, which sold for $110,000 — the same price as a ball used in the final match. BTS items collectively fetched $300,300, accounting for 46% of total revenue. Other notable lots included a signed Lionel Messi Argentina jersey gifted to Shakira ($66,000), Madonna's goalkeeper gloves ($41,800), and Justin Bieber's sneakers ($26,400). Bidders from 24 nations participated in the online auction. Proceeds will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million for education and soccer programs in underserved communities across 200 countries. Spain won the World Cup final 1-0 over Argentina on July 19 at MetLife Stadium.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 08:27 PM UTC

Christie's and Global Citizen have opened 'One Goal: An Auction to Benefit the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund,' an online-only sale running July 22-29, 2026. The auction features the official match ball from the 2026 World Cup final, along with opening-game balls from other matches. Signed jerseys include Lionel Messi's 2022 Argentina shirt, a USMNT jersey, and shirts from David Beckham, Alphonso Davies, and Santiago Giménez. Items worn during the first-ever World Cup Final Halftime Show on July 19 are also offered, including garments from all seven BTS members (RM's boots, J-Hope's gloves, Jin's belt, Suga's pants, V's scarf, Jimin's custom 7 jersey, and Jung Kook's jacket), Madonna's fingerless gloves, Justin Bieber's sneakers, Chris Martin's handwritten lyrics, and Shakira's outfit from the 'Dai Dai' music video. A soccer ball signed by all halftime show performers is also available. Every lot opens at $100 without reserve. Proceeds support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which has raised approximately $60 million toward a $100 million target, distributing grants to 58 organizations across 20 countries.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:05 PM UTC

Madonna's representative has denied rumors that the singer was spotted in Donald Trump's suite during the World Cup final. Social media footage that went viral, amassing nearly 24 million views, was claimed to show Madonna with the US president and First Lady. However, a spokesperson clarified to Rolling Stone that the person in the video is not Madonna and that she was never in Trump's suite. The article highlights Madonna's long history as a vocal critic of Trump, including her 2017 Women's March speech about 'blowing up the White House,' her posting of a 'fuck Trump' cake after the 2024 election, and her accusations that the Trump administration is dismantling LGBTQ+ rights.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:49 PM UTC

Madonna's representative has denied rumors that the singer was spotted in US President Donald Trump's suite during the World Cup final. The rumors began after social media footage suggested Madonna was with Trump and the First Lady, with one post garnering nearly 24 million views. However, a rep clarified to Rolling Stone that the person in the video is not Madonna and that she was never in Trump's suite. The article notes Madonna's long history as a vocal critic of Trump, including a 2017 Women's March speech about 'blowing up the White House' and a recent Instagram post featuring a cake with an anti-Trump message. Madonna performed at the first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show during the final.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:49 PM UTC

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featured a distinctly American flavor, including flyovers, cheerleaders, celebrity appearances, and a halftime show with Madonna and Justin Bieber during the final. FIFA adopted aggressive commercial tactics, such as selling the 'right to buy' tickets and commodifying items like grass and championship rings. The tournament introduced structural changes like four quarters instead of two halves and hydration breaks, which altered the game itself. While some welcomed the unique flair, others criticized the distractions from soccer and exclusionary pricing. The article questions whether these Americanized elements will become permanent fixtures of future World Cups, reflecting a broader trend of commercialization in global sports.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:00 AM UTC

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted primarily in the United States, featured distinctly American elements such as hydration breaks (splitting halves into quarters), halftime shows with celebrities like Madonna and Justin Bieber, flyovers, cheerleaders, and aggressive ticketing practices. FIFA embraced American consumerism, selling everything from limited-edition jerseys to grass clippings. While some welcomed the unique flair, others criticized the distractions from soccer and exclusionary pricing. The article questions whether these changes will become permanent fixtures of future World Cups, noting that Americanization is part of a broader trend toward commercialization in global sports.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:00 AM UTC

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has concluded, but its cultural and business impacts are expected to persist across media, music, and fashion globally. The article highlights record-breaking U.S. viewership, including 44 million for the Mexico-England quarterfinal on Telemundo, which outperformed Fox and the NBA Finals. NBCUniversal and Telemundo leveraged the event to showcase Spanish-language broadcasting and streaming on Peacock. The piece notes the growing influence of Latin American culture in football and music, citing missed opportunities for stars like Karol G. It also discusses the future of media rights, with Big Tech companies like Netflix and Amazon poised to compete aggressively. Celebrities from Tom Cruise to Erling Haaland were drawn to the event, while U.S. player Christian Pulisic faced a branding setback. The final's halftime show featured a global lineup including Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, underscoring the fusion of sports and entertainment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:43 PM UTC

Madonna's new album Confessions II, a sequel to her 2005 hit Confessions on a Dance Floor, debuts at No. 32 on Billboard's Top Streaming Albums chart, marking her first appearance on that ranking. The album launches at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, giving Madonna her milestone tenth leader on that chart, making her only the third woman in history to reach double-digit No. 1s, after Barbra Streisand (11) and Taylor Swift (15). Confessions II also tops the Vinyl Albums chart (her second No. 1 on that format), Top Dance Albums (her fourth leader), and Top Album Sales (her ninth No. 1). The album debuts at No. 1 on multiple global rankings and is widely praised by critics and fans as a return to form for the Queen of Pop.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:30 PM UTC

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, featured the tournament's first-ever halftime show, lasting a record 27 minutes and 23 seconds—double the standard 15-minute break. The performance included Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, Coldplay, and others, curated by Chris Martin. FIFA and Global Citizen aim to raise $100 million for education and football projects. Critics raised player welfare concerns, as IFAB had previously rejected similar extensions.

15 reports · 8 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:49 PM UTC

Liam Gallagher, Oasis frontman, publicly criticized FIFA's first-ever World Cup halftime show during the 2026 final on social media, calling it 'like a bad trip' and saying his 'spiritual socks' prevented him from being 'tipped over the edge.' The show featured performances by Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, The Muppets, and Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso. Former England captain Wayne Rooney, part of the BBC's presenting team, also panned the show, stating his favorite part was 'when it finished' and bluntly calling it 'crap.' The article also notes that Oasis's 1995 hit 'Wonderwall' has resurged in the UK charts as an unofficial England football anthem, reaching number two, ahead of FIFA's official World Cup song 'Dai Dai' by Shakira and Burna Boy. Spain defeated Argentina in the final.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:32 AM UTC

Liam Gallagher, Oasis frontman, publicly criticized FIFA's first-ever World Cup halftime show during the 2026 final, calling it 'like a bad trip' on social media. The show featured performances by Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, The Muppets, and Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso. Former England captain Wayne Rooney, part of the BBC's presenting team, also panned the show, saying his favorite part was 'when it finished' and calling it 'crap.' The article also notes that Oasis's 1995 hit 'Wonderwall' has resurged in the UK charts as an unofficial England football anthem, reaching number two, ahead of FIFA's official World Cup song 'Dai Dai' by Shakira and Burna Boy. Spain defeated Argentina in the final to win the 2026 World Cup.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:32 AM UTC

This commentary from BILD Sport defends the introduction of a halftime show at the FIFA World Cup, specifically addressing criticism from football purists after the first such show at the 2026 World Cup final. The author argues that the extra twelve minutes do not endanger the sport and that football is big enough to accommodate both spectacle and tradition. The piece contends that a World Cup final belongs to the entire world, not just purists, and that millions of people enjoy additional entertainment during halftime. The author suggests that those who dislike the show can simply switch off for twelve minutes, noting that the same amount of football is played before and after. The commentary also offers a sarcastic 'hot tip' for purists: watch the 3. Liga (German third division), which starts on August 7, promising only beer and bratwurst with no major pop stars.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:18 AM UTC

German football legend Lothar Matthäus has sharply criticized the halftime show of the 2026 World Cup, calling it 'undignified.' The show featured performances by global pop stars Shakira, Madonna, BTS, and Justin Bieber. Matthäus, a former World Cup winner, expressed his strong disapproval in comments reported by BILD Sport. The article highlights his blunt assessment of the entertainment segment, which he deemed inappropriate for the occasion. The criticism comes amid broader discussions about the integration of major entertainment acts into sporting events.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:11 AM UTC

Matty Healy, frontman of the band The 1975, married American model Gabbriette (Gabriella Bechtel) on Saturday in a star-studded ceremony at Castillo del Lago, Madonna's former home near the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles. The guest list included The 1975's George Daniel and singer Charli XCX, along with models and influencers. The couple confirmed the marriage in a statement to People magazine. Healy wore a classic black tuxedo, while Gabbriette wore a traditional white dress. The couple announced their engagement in June 2024, with Healy's mother, actress Denise Welch, confirming the proposal. Gabbriette had previously shared wedding planning tips, emphasizing that the event should be about love.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:59 AM UTC

Matty Healy, frontman of the band The 1975, married American model Gabbriette (Gabriella Bechtel) on Saturday in a star-studded ceremony at Castillo del Lago, Madonna's former home near the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles. The guest list included The 1975's George Daniel and singer Charli XCX, along with models and influencers. The couple confirmed the marriage in a statement to People magazine. Healy wore a classic black tuxedo, while Gabbriette wore a traditional white dress. The couple announced their engagement in June 2024, with Healy's mother, actress Denise Welch, confirming the proposal. Gabbriette had previously joked about her wedding planning challenges in interviews.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:59 AM UTC

The article criticizes FIFA's decision to Americanize the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, turning the half-time show into a tacky, sponsor-laden spectacle featuring Madonna, Justin Bieber, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Muppets. The author argues that the extended break disrupted Spain's momentum and that the event prioritized commercialism over football purity. Donald Trump's presence and Argentina's violent conduct after their defeat are also highlighted, with calls for FIFA to impose serious sanctions on Argentina for their UFC-like behavior. The piece reflects a strong negative perspective on FIFA's direction under American influence.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:25 AM UTC

Former D.C. United player and coach Wayne Rooney, serving as a BBC pundit during the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey, delivered a scathing critique of FIFA's controversial halftime show. Asked for his highlight, Rooney bluntly stated, 'I'll be honest, mine was when it finished,' and called the performance 'c***,' adding it was 'too flat' despite featuring artists like Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Burna Boy. The show, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin and including The Muppets, was staged to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The extended interval lasted over 27 minutes, far exceeding the standard 15-minute break, which Rooney and others criticized as violating the sport's fabric. Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time on a goal by Ferran Torres to win their second World Cup title.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 08:52 AM UTC

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New York, Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time. U.S. President Donald Trump, as co-host representative, handed out awards and medals alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Trump faced boos, a handshake snub from Argentina's Cristian Romero, and reluctance from Spain's Borja Iglesias. He refused to leave the podium during Spain's trophy celebration, overshadowing the moment and drawing criticism for protocol breaches and political interference.

38 reports · 17 sources · Updated Jul 22, 12:23 PM UTC

During the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium, a 27-minute halftime show featuring Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, and The Muppets drew sharp criticism from former England captain Wayne Rooney. On BBC Sport, Rooney called the show "crap" and "rubbish," saying his favorite part was when it ended. The show exceeded FIFA's 15-minute halftime rule and delayed the match, sparking viral debate about American-style entertainment overshadowing the sport.

7 reports · 5 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:15 AM UTC

FIFA revealed the 2026 World Cup closing ceremony lineup, set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, 90 minutes before the final. Performers include Tom Cruise (special appearance), Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and streamer IShowSpeed. Jennifer Hudson will sing the U.S. national anthem. The event, co-created with Balich Wonder Studio, celebrates the 48-team tournament co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, and will also feature a first-ever halftime show.

14 reports · 11 sources · Updated Jul 20, 06:12 AM UTC

Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19, defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute after Argentina’s Enzo Fernández was sent off. Spain dominated possession and prevented Argentina from registering a single shot on target over 120 minutes. The victory gave Spain their second World Cup title, avenging Argentina’s 2022 win. Lionel Messi and Argentina struggled offensively, while Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón had a quiet night.

62 reports · 18 sources · Updated Jul 23, 01:00 PM UTC

Forbes reports on the soccer icons featured during the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup halftime show, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen. The show, which included performances by BTS, Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber, and others, also displayed several legendary and current footballers. During Madonna's segment, Brazilian icons Ronaldo Nazário and Ronaldinho Gaúcho appeared driving an off-road vehicle. Erling Haaland of Norway was shown on screen beating a drum as his team performed their iconic rowing gesture. A video of the late Pelé giving a speech about 'Love' was played after Shakira's performance, leading into the finale. The article provides background on each player's career achievements and their significance in football history.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 11:24 PM UTC

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina featured an unusually long halftime break lasting 27 minutes and 24 seconds, far exceeding the standard 15-minute interval. According to Opta, the delay was caused by an extended halftime show featuring pop star Madonna alongside football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Additionally, the match had already started 5 minutes and 58 seconds late, further stretching the timing of the final. The article, published by Foot Mercato on July 19, 2026, notes that the prolonged break may affect the 22 players on the pitch. The report is based on data from Opta Analyst and includes a tweet confirming the statistics.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 08:35 PM UTC

A halftime show at MetLife Stadium featuring Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, and other performers was described as 'very Gianni Infantino-coded,' reflecting FIFA President Gianni Infantino's vision of soccer as a global unifying force. The performance included dancers carrying colorful globes and heart-adorned flags, a formation spelling out 'LOVE' with an image of the Earth as the 'O,' and a tarp covering the field with multilingual phrases such as 'Purpose,' 'Grow,' 'Future,' 'Inspire,' and 'We are all one in the universe.' Many fans remained in their seats to watch the show, which emphasized themes of unity and global connection.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 08:29 PM UTC

A halftime show at MetLife Stadium, featuring performers such as Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber, and BTS, was heavily coded with FIFA President Gianni Infantino's vision of soccer as a global unifying force. The visual displays included dancers carrying colorful globes and heart-adorned flags, a formation spelling out 'LOVE' with an Earth image as the 'O', and a field-covering tarp displaying phrases like 'Purpose', 'Grow', 'Future', 'Inspire', and 'We are all one in the universe' in multiple languages. Many fans remained in their seats to watch the spectacle, which was interpreted as a promotional showcase for Infantino's ideals.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 08:29 PM UTC

A halftime show at MetLife Stadium, featuring performers like Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber, and BTS, was described as heavily influenced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino's vision of soccer as a global unifying force. The performance included dancers carrying colorful globes and heart-adorned flags, and a field tarp displaying words like 'Purpose,' 'Grow,' 'Future,' 'Inspire,' and 'We are all one in the universe' in multiple languages. A series of letters spelled out 'LOVE' with an image of the Earth as the 'O.' Many fans remained in their seats to watch the show, which emphasized themes of unity and global connection.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 08:29 PM UTC

A POLITICO poll reveals that Europeans are significantly less supportive than Americans of the upcoming halftime show at the FIFA World Cup, the first such event in the tournament's history. The show, headlined by Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, could extend the halftime break to 25 minutes, longer than the standard 15. Over half of UK respondents oppose the show, preferring to stick to soccer traditions, compared to 48% in Germany, 41% in France, and 36% in Spain. Only 28% of Americans opposed it. Older respondents were consistently less supportive, with just 18% of those aged 65+ in Germany and the UK in favor, versus 42-45% of 18-24 year olds. FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has defended the initiative, saying it will 'touch the hearts of the people.'

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 07:30 PM UTC

A POLITICO poll reveals that Europeans are significantly less supportive than Americans of the upcoming World Cup halftime show, a first for the tournament. The show, headlined by Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, could extend the break to 25 minutes. Over half of UK respondents oppose it, preferring soccer traditions, compared to 28% of Americans. Opposition is also high in Germany (48%), France (41%), and Spain (36%). Older respondents are less supportive, with only 18% of those 65+ in Germany and the UK in favor, versus 45% and 42% of 18-24 year olds. FIFA chief Gianni Infantino defended the show, saying it will 'touch the hearts of the people.'

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 07:30 PM UTC

According to a POLITICO poll, Europeans are significantly less supportive than Americans of the upcoming halftime show at the FIFA World Cup, a first for the tournament. The show, headlined by Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, could extend the break to 25 minutes, longer than the standard 15. Over half of UK respondents oppose the show, preferring traditional soccer customs, compared to 48% in Germany, 41% in France, 36% in Spain, and only 28% in the US. Older respondents are less supportive; only 18% of Germans and Brits aged 65+ support it, versus 42-45% of 18-24 year olds. FIFA chief Gianni Infantino defended the show, saying it will 'touch the hearts of the people.'

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 07:30 PM UTC