Madonna is having a glorious 2026. On 3 July she released Confessions II, a sequel to her 2005 dance-floor classic made with original producer Stuart Price, and it went straight to number one in both the UK and the US. Two weeks later, on 19 July, she joined Shakira and BTS for the first ever halftime show at a World Cup final, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
More than four decades on, the Queen of Pop still sets the pace. Browse our pop music collection for more chart legends.
Madonna Fact File
| Full name | Madonna Louise Ciccone |
|---|---|
| Born | 16 August 1958 (age 68) |
| Birthplace | Bay City, Michigan, US |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, actress, record producer |
| Years active | 1979-present |
| Known for | Pop and dance music, constant reinvention |
| Labels | Sire, Maverick, Warner, Interscope |
| Nickname | The Queen of Pop |
Career History
| Year | Album | Label/Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Madonna | Sire |
| 1984 | Like a Virgin | Sire; UK number one |
| 1986 | True Blue | Sire; UK number one |
| 1989 | Like a Prayer | Sire; UK number one |
| 1992 | Erotica | Maverick / Sire |
| 1994 | Bedtime Stories | Maverick |
| 1998 | Ray of Light | Maverick; Grammy for Best Pop Album |
| 2000 | Music | Maverick; UK number one |
| 2003 | American Life | Maverick; UK number one |
| 2005 | Confessions on a Dance Floor | Warner Bros.; Grammy winner |
| 2008 | Hard Candy | Warner Bros.; UK number one |
| 2012 | MDNA | Interscope; UK number one |
| 2015 | Rebel Heart | Interscope |
| 2019 | Madame X | Interscope |
| 2026 | Confessions II | Warner Records; UK and US number one |
Studio albums only, 15 in total; years are original release. "UK number one" refers to the Official Albums Chart.
Early Years
Born in Bay City, Michigan, Madonna won a dance scholarship to the University of Michigan before heading for New York in the late 1970s. She played the club scene with bands including the Millionaires and Emmy, then signed to Sire Records in 1982. Her self-titled debut followed in July 1983, featuring "Lucky Star" and "Borderline".
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The Breakthrough
At the first MTV Video Music Awards in 1984, Madonna performed "Like a Virgin" in a wedding dress, and the song became her first US number one. In 1985 she starred in Desperately Seeking Susan, and True Blue and Like a Prayer made her the defining pop star of the decade.
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Reinvention and Defining Moments
In 1992 she launched Maverick Records, and she won a Golden Globe for playing Eva Perón in Evita (1996). Ray of Light (1998) won three Grammys. Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005) gave her UK number ones with "Hung Up" and "Sorry",.
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Later Career and Legacy
On the road, Pollstar reports her 12 major tours have grossed about $1.61 billion. The career-spanning Celebration Tour (2023-2024) grossed about $227 million and ended with a free show on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on 4 May 2024, attended by an estimated 1.6 million fans, a record for a standalone concert.
She headlined the Super Bowl halftime show in 2012, and Confessions II has since reached number one in 17 countries.
Awards and Honours
Music Awards
- 7 Grammy Awards from 28 nominations, including Best Pop Album for Ray of Light
- Best Electronic/Dance Album for Confessions on a Dance Floor
Film
- Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for Evita (1996)
Halls of Fame and Records
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2008), in her first year of eligibility
- Largest standalone concert attendance, Copacabana Beach (2024)
- Widely recognised as the best-selling female music artist of all time
Away From the Spotlight
In 2006 Madonna founded the charity Raising Malawi, and in 2017 she opened the Mercy James Institute for Paediatric Surgery and Intensive Care in Blantyre, Malawi. She is a mother of six.
FAQs
How old is Madonna?
Madonna was born on 16 August 1958, so she is 68 years old.
What is Madonna's real name?
Her real name is Madonna Louise Ciccone.
Where was Madonna born?
She was born in Bay City, Michigan, in the United States.
How many albums has Madonna released?
Madonna has released 15 studio albums, from Madonna (1983) to Confessions II (2026).
How many Grammys has Madonna won?
She has won seven Grammy Awards from 28 nominations.
What is Confessions II?
It is Madonna's 15th studio album, released on 3 July 2026 by Warner Records and a UK and US number one.
Shop the Madonna Collection
Our Madonna range features tribute and fan designs on UK made-to-order hoodies and tees.
Madonna Men's T-Shirt
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Madonna Men's Hoodie
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Explore more in our pop music collection and wider music collection, or create your own with our custom name hoodie.
Part of our Icon Profiles series. Read next: Lady Gaga Career Story and Whitney Houston Career Story.
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