Madonna

Born Madonna Louise Ciccone on August 16, 1958, into an Italian American Catholic family, Madonna grew up to become one of the most powerful and iconic women in the American music entertainment industry. In the wake of second wave feminism, Madonna achieved great critical and commercial success by carving out a niche for the sexually empowered and entrepreneurial female popstar.

Scandal and controversy have followed Madonna throughout her career. Along with creating catchy pop songs, Madonna is well known for her provocative music videos (e.g., Like a Virgin, Papa Don't Preach, Like a Prayer, Justify My Love), which helped make MTV a household name in the 1980s. During the critically lauded Blonde Ambition Tour in 1990, a public furor erupted over one particular performance in ...