Music confession: I once liked Madonna and now despise the singer
By John Roberts
@JohnRoberts (109846)
Los Angeles, California
April 11, 2018 1:41pm CST
With shame and embarrassment, I admit that once upon a time I liked Madonna a lot to the point of having a poster of her. I know, I know. How on earth could someone so immersed in 80s alternative/new wave get into Madonna? Her early hits (“Holiday,” “Borderline,” “Lucky Star”) from her debut album had a synthpop vibe and fun infectious quality. I actually found her attractive in her crazy fashion (or lack of) style. Her movie debut was a very small part in the obscure “Visionquest” which I saw at the theater. “Like a Virgin” album? Yup, bought it and liked the title song and “Material Girl.” I rushed to see “Desperately Seeking Susan” containing her best performance. That movie has my favorite Madonna song “Into the Groove.”
The spell was snapped for several reasons.
First, Madonna was way overexposed and her videos shown ad nauseum. Her personality was increasingly revealed as disagreeable and she married the despicable Sean Penn. Her next album “True Blue” had her morph from pop princess to “serious artist” with the Godawful “Papa, Don’t Preach.”
The primary reason why I grew to despise Madonna was witnessing her abominable behavior in person. This happened back in the 80s when Madonna was on the cusp of superstardom but not quite there. I read that a PSA TV ad for the environment was going to be filmed at a park not far from where I lived. The public was invited because a crowd was needed for filming. Celebrities including Madonna were expected to participate so it was opportunity to see the Material Girl in the flesh.
You have to understand this was the era before the internet, Facebook, camera phones, selfies and today’s celebrity hysteria. That meant Ally Sheedy then at her “Breakfast Club” peak of fame could stand in this crowd and all was calm with no one hassling her. Same thing with the other celebrities.
Here comes a limousine parting the crowd like the Red Sea. The door opens and Madonna’s head pops out for about two seconds. She obviously did not like what she saw and withdrew. The woman just sat in the limo with the AC running on during a warm day.
Eventually the door opened and Madonna stuck her head out again. A little girl darted up to the door and Madonna yelled “Get away” and slammed the door in the kid’s face. The result was the little girl running in tears to her mother. Madonna finally emerged with a security escort to do her thing.
I have never forgotten that scene. Whenever I see Madonna, I remember that little girl and how Madonna was nasty to her. It is one thing to shoo away an annoying adult but to express an uncalled for mean tone to a small child? Since then I learned of similar incidents and her overall disdain and contempt for her fans.
Well I have nothing but contempt and disdain for Madonna in return. Too bad her adoring fans do not see the real person. I condemn the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for inducting an empty artistic zero like her while shunning so many far more deserving.
Do you have a singer you once liked to your embarrassment?
28 people like this
29 responses
@Starmaiden (9311)
• Canada
11 Apr 18
I never liked Madonna and haven't paid any attention to her. There is one performer who's music I despised
(and still don't care for it) and who I despised as a person also. But now I have a renewed respect for. That performer is Marilyn Manson. I was walking through a book store one day and his face jumped out at me from a cover on the first shelf. It was Marilyn Manson's Autobiography, "The Long Road Out of Hell", written by the man himself. I HAD to read this book! I purchased it, took it home, began reading it and I couldnt put it down! What a life Memoir! As I was reading his story, written in his own words, I couldn't stop marvelling about how intelligent this man is. Not too many people know that he was a celebrity journalist before he became a performer. So many things he had written about his life as a child and the evolution of his career had me mesmerized! I ended the book with a whole new respect for Marilyn Manson, the man, even though I still don't care for his music.
6 people like this
@JohnRoberts (109846)
• Los Angeles, California
11 Apr 18
I have never heard anything bad about the man. The last I saw of him was an acting job on Sons of Anarchy and he was pretty good.
3 people like this
@morgoodie (2645)
• United States
11 Apr 18
@Starmaiden I didn't know he had an autobiography. I must read it especially since you said how good it was. I don't really care for most of his music but my sister sure does. She has seen him in concert many times and says that he puts on a good show. I am glad you shared about his book as it has gotten my curiosity piqued.
3 people like this
@Starmaiden (9311)
• Canada
11 Apr 18
@morgoodie A recommended read if you wish to understand Marilyn Manson.
2 people like this
@sprite1950 (30452)
• Corsham, England
11 Apr 18
I always thought she was common. My confession is I liked Britney Spears once upon a time!
4 people like this
@JohnRoberts (109846)
• Los Angeles, California
11 Apr 18
I think Britney was your generation's Madonna.
2 people like this
@spiderdust (14760)
• San Jose, California
11 Apr 18
@JohnRoberts I think you've forgotten which generation @sprite1950 was in. Marilyn Monroe was her generation's version of Madonna.
2 people like this
@morgoodie (2645)
• United States
11 Apr 18
@sprite1950 Oh no not Britney!!! I guess we all have our flaws.
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61101)
• United States
11 Apr 18
I much prefer Cindy Lauper, they came out at about the same time and she was much more approachable. And, oh forgive me, I am 8th cousins with the beatch. lol
3 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (37381)
• Toccoa, Georgia
11 Apr 18
That is very interesting, John, that you saw her in the flesh and how rude she was to the child! I personally never liked Madonna and couldn't understand why she ever became as popular as she has. I couldn't stand "Like A Virgin"!
I once liked Cher. As a kid, I would watch The Sonny & Cher Show. I liked to hear her sing. I don't like her today. Her political views and her cocky way about her turned me off.
4 people like this
@JohnRoberts (109846)
• Los Angeles, California
11 Apr 18
I can understand your views concerning Cher. She should preach after her disastrous marriages and the way her children turned out.
3 people like this
@snowy22315 (182273)
• United States
11 Apr 18
People change and I think she has tried to, but the only reason she ever got ultra famous in my opinion is she is a huge opportunist Certainly not because of her talent.. She had no problem walking on people who helped her out Not a fan..
2 people like this
@FourWalls (69063)
• United States
11 Apr 18
I never cared for her. I did like roller skating to “Material Girl,” though.
2 people like this
@Courtlynn (67080)
• United States
11 Apr 18
Hey, I like Papa don't preach! LOL. I liked that, like a virgin, and material girls. But not ever her, as a person.
2 people like this
@andriaperry (117146)
• Anniston, Alabama
12 Apr 18
I loved her music till she got up and made an azz of herself when President Trump was elected into office, or was it just before? Anyways, I would have had her arrested for saying she wanted to blow up the white house. No matter who was coming into office I just found that offensive she would say that.
I have not listened to her music since, most of the oldie radio stations stopped playing it so much, but when I hear it now I turn the channel.
Glad I found out another reason to not like her. Thank you.
2 people like this
@Jessabuma (31700)
• Baguio, Philippines
11 Apr 18
I like her song like a virgin.
2 people like this
@arthurchappell (44998)
• Preston, England
15 Apr 18
her ego grew with her success - her later stuff is crass and shamelessly commercialized. Her cover version of American Pie is appalling and cynical. Her acting often worse
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (83103)
• United States
12 Apr 18
Even though I like some of her music I never did like her as a person and felt she was never a good role model for my girls when they were growing up.
1 person likes this
@Iam_jauntyjen (5037)
•
14 Apr 18
i like Madonna ever since I was a kid. In the 80's she was very popular.My mom bought a casette tape for me to dance to and listen at. My favorites were Borderline,Papa Don't Preach and Like a Virgin.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35762)
•
13 Apr 18
Here early work was catchy. And I liked the movie too. Then she actually started to take herself seriously. Being rich and famous does not entitle you to be full of yourself. That Lucky Star does not burn brightly forever!
1 person likes this
@TheCommentator001 (14)
• Nairobi, Kenya
12 Apr 18
I never liked her at any particular time.
1 person likes this