Letterman Meets Madonna

Who's That Girl?

Since she burst onto the music scene in 1982 with her instant club classic,  Everybody, Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone has dominated music and influenced pop culture the whole world over. 

Madonna was born on the 16th of August 1958 in Bay City, Michigan, USA.  One of seven siblings, Madonna was raised a catholic. Her mother, also Madonna, died when the singer was only five years old.  This tragic event had a profound and everlasting impact on Madonna, shaping her view of herself and the world she would go on to conquer. 

Madonna has an IQ of 140 and was a grade-A student at school.  However, she chose the arts over academic studies, showing particular promise in contemporary dance. 

Following the advice of her dance teacher, Madonna upped sticks in 1977 and jetted off to New York to seek her own pot of gold.  And we doubt if even she could have dreamed how much gold was sitting at the end of her rainbow...... 250 million records sold, a Golden Globe for her role as Eva Peron in Evita and the highest grossing tour by a solo performer..... 

So what is the woman who has given us classic tunes such as Holiday, Vogue and 4 Minutes really like?  Some have called her the Queen of Reinvention, while others say she is nothing more than a self-promoting wannabe.  Whatever the truth, one thing is for sure:  There is only one Madonna and love her or loathe her, she is the biggest female recording artist and showwoman on the planet.

Now you've found out a little about Madonna, it's time to meet the lady herself and answer the question, "Who's that girl?"

Letterman Meets Madonna

Madonna has appeared on the David Letterman show on numerous occasions.  Needless to say, each visit has been memorable, none more so than the one when she turned the air blue in a string of expletives.  The subsequent furore prompted a sheepish apology from Letterman, but stubborn to the end, Madonna refused to grovel for forgiveness.  She took the public flogging without so much as a whimper. 

The interview you are going to watch is not from that ill-fated appearance.  Instead, it shows Madonna's lighter side.  Before you watch the video, read the questions below and try to predict the answers. Then watch the video once and answer the questions.  Watch the video for a second time and make any changes to your answers.  Once you have finished the test, go to bottom of the page to check the answers.

Good luck!

LETTERMAN MEETS MADONNA

A).    LISTENING ACTIVITY

Watch the interview and answer the following questions:

1.   What facts does David Letterman give on Madonna?

2.  How much did her Sticky & Sweet Tour gross and what is the significance of the figure?

3.  What is the reason she gives for leaving the UK?

4.  What definitions does Madonna give for the meaning of her nickname?

5.  How many times has she appeared on the Letterman Show?

6.  What does she claim to have done and then not to have done before going on his show one time?

7.  How many children does David Letterman have?

8.  What term does she use to describe the time she was married and living in the UK?

9.  What is her attitude regarding getting married again?

10. What has Madonna never had in New York?

11. According to Madonna, why did David Letterman nearly get arrested once?

12. Who is A-Rod?

Right click and open in new tab/page for interview Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCIxSvvZ5e4

B).     DISCUSSION

Now discuss the following questions with your partner(s):

1.     How would you describe David Letterman as introduces Madonna? Give reasons for your answer.

2.     How does Madonna look when she’s being brought in by the hockey players? (appearance and mood)

3.      How would you describe the audience’s reaction to Madonna prior to and then during her entrance?

4.       How would you describe the atmosphere between David Letterman and Madonna during the interview?  Does it change as the interview goes on?  Give examples to support your opinions.

5.       What do you think of the questions David Letterman asks?

6.        What do you think of the answers given by Madonna?

7.        What is your overall opinion of the interview?

A).    LISTENING ACTIVITY(Answer Key)


1.   What facts does David Letterman give on Madonna?

Answer: 200 million albums worldwide, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
       
2.  How much did her Sticky & Sweet Tour gross and what is the significance of the figure?

Answer: £408 million (the highest figure for a solo artist)

3.  What is the reason she gives for leaving the UK?

Answer:  She hated being called "Madge".

4.  What definitions does Madonna give for the meaning of her nickname?

Answer: 1. A colloquialism for a boring, middle-aged housewife. 2. It's short for "majesty".

5.  How many times has she appeared on the Letterman Show?

Answer: 8 times.

6.  What does she claim to have done and then not to have done before going on his show one time?

Answers: She smoked a joint (cannabis), but not inhale.

7.  How many children does David Letterman have?

Answer: One.

8.  What term does she use to describe the time she was married and living in the UK?

Answer: The Bush Years ( a reference to George W Bush, the former president of the USA)

9.  What is her attitude regarding getting married again?

Answer: She would rather get run over by a train.

10. What has Madonna never had in New York?

Answer: A slice of pizza.

11. According to Madonna, why did David Letterman nearly get arrested once?

Answer: For brining up A-Rod's name (A-Rod is Dennis Rodman, a former basketball player, Madonna's ex-lover)

For more information on the Queen of Pop, go to the following websites:

http://absolutemadonna.com/?page_id=1922

http://madonnalicious.com

http://madonna.com