15 Facts You May Not Know About Madonna

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  • 1/15
    Madonna was born to Catholic parents Silvio Anthony "Tony" Ciccone (b. 1931) and Madonna Louise Fortin (c. 1933 – December 1, 1963) in Bay City, Michigan, on August 16, 1958. Madonna is 5 feet, 44 inches (1.64 metres) tall.
    1/15 Madonna was born to Catholic parents Silvio Anthony "Tony" Ciccone (b. 1931) and Madonna Louise Fortin (c. 1933 – December 1, 1963) in Bay City, Michigan, on August 16, 1958. Madonna is 5 feet, 44 inches (1.64 metres) tall.
  • 2/15
    1972: Madonna poses for her freshman year book photo at Adams High School in 1972 in Rochester, Michigan. Growing up in Detroit, Madonna was a straight A student. Immensely involved in studying, Madonna passed with flying colours gaining a scholarship to the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and dance. In 1977, she finally dropped out midterm and moved to New York.
    2/15 1972: Madonna poses for her freshman year book photo at Adams High School in 1972 in Rochester, Michigan. Growing up in Detroit, Madonna was a straight A student. Immensely involved in studying, Madonna passed with flying colours gaining a scholarship to the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and dance. In 1977, she finally dropped out midterm and moved to New York.
  • 3/15
    Sting is the godfather of Madonna and Guy Ritchie’s first born son, Rocco Ritchie.
    3/15 Sting is the godfather of Madonna and Guy Ritchie’s first born son, Rocco Ritchie.
  • 4/15
    Random fact: Madonna suffers from brontophobia - a fear of thunder.
    4/15 Random fact: Madonna suffers from brontophobia - a fear of thunder.
  • 5/15
    Madonna was criticized for her performance of "Like a Virgin" at the first 1984 MTV Video Music Awards (VMA). She appeared on stage atop a giant wedding cake, wearing a wedding dress and white gloves. The performance is noted by MTV as an iconic moment in VMA history.
    5/15 Madonna was criticized for her performance of "Like a Virgin" at the first 1984 MTV Video Music Awards (VMA). She appeared on stage atop a giant wedding cake, wearing a wedding dress and white gloves. The performance is noted by MTV as an iconic moment in VMA history.
  • 6/15
    After Madonna signed a singles deal with Sire, her debut single, "Everybody", was released in October 1982, and the second, "Burning Up", in March 1983. Here she is pictured on her 'Who's That Girl' tour 1987.
    6/15 After Madonna signed a singles deal with Sire, her debut single, "Everybody", was released in October 1982, and the second, "Burning Up", in March 1983. Here she is pictured on her 'Who's That Girl' tour 1987.
  • 7/15
    Madonna stars as Evita Perón in Evita, 1997. Madonna has always been multi-talented. Not only has her music dazed millions of people, she has performed as a fine actress in 22 Hollywood movies including 'Evita' which earned her a Golden Globe Award.
    7/15 Madonna stars as Evita Perón in Evita, 1997. Madonna has always been multi-talented. Not only has her music dazed millions of people, she has performed as a fine actress in 22 Hollywood movies including 'Evita' which earned her a Golden Globe Award.
  • 8/15
    Madonna has been nominated for a total of 18 Grammy Awards; she has won five. Here she is at the 57th Grammy’s in her controversial outfit.
    8/15 Madonna has been nominated for a total of 18 Grammy Awards; she has won five. Here she is at the 57th Grammy’s in her controversial outfit.
  • 9/15
    Madonna entered mainstream films in February 1985, beginning with a brief appearance as a club singer in Vision Quest, a romantic drama film. Its soundtrack contained two new singles, her U.S. number-one single, "Crazy for You" and "Gambler". She also appeared in the comedy Desperately Seeking Susan in March 1985 (pictured).
    9/15 Madonna entered mainstream films in February 1985, beginning with a brief appearance as a club singer in Vision Quest, a romantic drama film. Its soundtrack contained two new singles, her U.S. number-one single, "Crazy for You" and "Gambler". She also appeared in the comedy Desperately Seeking Susan in March 1985 (pictured).
  • 10/15
    Gwyneth Paltrow was Maid of Honour at Madonna's Scottish wedding in 2000.
    10/15 Gwyneth Paltrow was Maid of Honour at Madonna's Scottish wedding in 2000.
  • 11/15
    Madonna has four children: Lourdes Maria, born October 14, 1996. Lourdes is Madonna's daughter from her relationship with Carlos Leon. Rocco Ritchie, born August 11, 2000. Rocco is Madonna's son from her second marriage to Guy Ritchie. David Banda, adopted by Madonna and then-husband Guy Ritchie in October, 2006. It's believed that David was born in early 2005. Mercy James, adopted by Madonna in June 2009. It's believed that Mercy James was born in 2006.
    11/15 Madonna has four children: Lourdes Maria, born October 14, 1996. Lourdes is Madonna's daughter from her relationship with Carlos Leon. Rocco Ritchie, born August 11, 2000. Rocco is Madonna's son from her second marriage to Guy Ritchie. David Banda, adopted by Madonna and then-husband Guy Ritchie in October, 2006. It's believed that David was born in early 2005. Mercy James, adopted by Madonna in June 2009. It's believed that Mercy James was born in 2006.
  • 12/15
    Madonna is one of very few artists to make their way into the Guinness Book of World Records. This honorary mention makes Madonna the most successful female artist of all time. Not only was her music popular, Madonna herself has a brand image and a cult following with her fans.
    12/15 Madonna is one of very few artists to make their way into the Guinness Book of World Records. This honorary mention makes Madonna the most successful female artist of all time. Not only was her music popular, Madonna herself has a brand image and a cult following with her fans.
  • 13/15
    In 1990, Madonna was selected by critics to get a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. However, the famous actress singer turned down the offer.
    13/15 In 1990, Madonna was selected by critics to get a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. However, the famous actress singer turned down the offer.
  • 14/15
    In 2008, Madonna made it to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. According to the Hall of Fame, the popularity of Madonna’s album, “Like A Virgin” has made it count in the list of the Definitive 200 Albums of All Times. Therefore, her music is truly timeless.
    14/15 In 2008, Madonna made it to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. According to the Hall of Fame, the popularity of Madonna’s album, “Like A Virgin” has made it count in the list of the Definitive 200 Albums of All Times. Therefore, her music is truly timeless.
  • 15/15
    Every year except 1988, 2004 and 2007, one of Madonna’s singles topped the UK 40 charts regularly, a big achievement for any artist!
    15/15 Every year except 1988, 2004 and 2007, one of Madonna’s singles topped the UK 40 charts regularly, a big achievement for any artist!

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Madonna is in New Zealand right now, performing a show this Saturday night! 

Get clued up on the famous singer with these 15 fun facts.

Photos: Getty Images