Madonna Biography
**From diva to legend: the beginnings of Madonna Louise Ciccone**
Born in Bay City, Michigan, on August 16, 1958, Madonna Louise Ciccone did not come into this world to be a wildflower. From a young age, she demonstrated fierce ambition and an innate talent for dancing and acting.
At the age of 14, she was already sweeping local talent contests, making it clear that her destiny was not an ordinary life.
At just 20 years old, Madonna moved to the Big Apple, where the concrete jungle failed to dull her shine. She worked hard as a dancer and backup singer, rubbing shoulders with emerging artists such as Iggy Pop and David Bowie, who undoubtedly influenced her irreverent and transgressive style.
**The birth of an icon: first successes and scandals**
In 1982, Madonna signed her first record deal with Sire Records. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1983, was a moderate success, but with songs like "Like a Virgin" and "Material Girl" there was already a glimpse of the star that was about to shine brightly.
Her second album, "Like a Prayer" (1989), catapulted her to global stardom. Songs like "Express Yourself," "Vogue," and "Like a Prayer" challenged social and religious norms, making her an irreverent and provocative pop icon.
**More than a singer: actress, businesswoman and activist**
Madonna didn't just conquer the world of music. In 1985 she ventured into film with the film "Desperately Seeking Susan", where she demonstrated her talent as an actress. Although his film career was not as successful as his musical one, he gave us gems like "A League of Their Own" and "Evita."
Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to create her own company, "MaVie en Rose", in 1994. With this brand, she ventured into the world of fashion, perfumes and children's books, demonstrating once again her versatility and business acumen. Beyond the glamor and controversy, Madonna has always been an advocate for human rights and social justice. She has been an active voice in the fight against HIV/AIDS, LGBT+ discrimination and gender inequality, inspiring millions to speak out for what they believe.
**Madonna: an influence that transcends generations**
With more than 300 million records sold, Madonna is the best-selling female music artist of all time. Her music has crossed borders, languages and cultures, influenced generations of artists and turned her into a global cultural reference.
Madonna's appearances in cinema have occurred in Desperately Seeking Susan (1985, by Susan Seidelman), Shanghai Surprise (1987, by Jim Goddard), Who's That Girl? (1987, by James Foley), Dick Tracy (1990, by Warren Beatty), Shadows and Fog (1992, by Woody Allen), They Strike (1992, by Penny Marshall), Body of Crime (1992, by Uli Edel), Something Almost Perfect (2000, by John Schlesinger) and Swept by the Tide (2003, Guy Ritchie). In 1996 she played the role of María Eva Duarte de Perón in the film Evita by director Alan Parker, for which she won the Golden Globe for best actress in a musical. That same year he published an album with the film's soundtrack.
