Madonna at 60 - The Evolution of a Legend

Madonna’s 60th birthday celebrations are still continuing and who can blame her. Turning 60 is a highlight for anybody. At the start of Madonna’s career, it was predicted she would be a “one hit wonder.” To still be at the top of her game at the age of 60 is a celebration alone. Madonna, however, has evolved into a mega star and earned her legend status. The path was not easy and success did not happen overnight.

Madonna’s continued success shows that the status of a legend has to be earned through constant self improvement and development. The word legend is often used too lightly. After five minutes of fame, some celebrities will start bringing out ghostwritten autobiographies. Quick fixes and shortcuts to fame are being sought, such as appearing on reality television. There is often lack of originality and imagination with artists such as Lady Gaga, whose song Born this way sounds very similar to Madonna’s 90s hit Express Yourself.

Long before the days of social media and Youtube, Madonna was actually making physical demo tapes and taking them around to clubs in the hope of securing a record deal. In order to get a record deal, Madonna learnt to play instruments such as guitar and drums to improve her musical knowledge. The path to success does often require learning new skills rather than relying solely on talent and luck. Madonna's success story is entirely self made.

Madonna may be the richest woman in the world now but this has not always been the case. While looking for that record deal Madonna held down other jobs, including working in a doughnut shop. There was a time when her diet consisted of tuna fish and popcorn. Madonna's success has also come after struggling; it was not overnight.

Madonna did not always wear labels such as Jean Paul Gaultier. In the early days her clothes were thrown together on a budget. Those styles are still being copied to this day.

Despite the “Queen of Pop” status Madonna is still a perfectionist and continues to hone her craft. It is humbling to see that Madonna still gets nervous before going on stage... This was shown in the documentary I’m Going to Tell You a Secret, covering Madonna’s Reinvention Tour of 2004. This documentary also shows footage of Madonna taking vocal classes. This is something Madonna also did for the film Evita in order to improve her vocal range. Despite her fame Madonna had to fight for her role that film. The critics made negative comments about Madonna even being given the part. The path to success has not been easy for Madonna or simply handed to her. Simply being Madonna does not guarantee favourable treatment.

If Madonna wanted to have a casual attitude towards her performances, she could get away with it as she is the richest and most famous person in the world. Madonna still rehearses tirelessly. Her fitness regime alone shows high levels of discipline. Madonna is truly devoted and passionate about her art and not someone who is solely seeking fame.

Anyone with dreams of wanting to be famous or successful in any field should learn from a true legend that there are no shortcuts. Skills and talents need constant development. When Madonna tours, tickets for her concerts still sell out. This is because every concert is different. Madonna sings, dances, plays instruments, and there is even a theatrical element to her performances. This has come from the time that has been spent rehearsing and fine tuning her skills.

Madonna has evolved into a superstar through constant self improvement. Her voice was called “Mickey Mouse on speed,” then she pulled off the complex songs of Evita. Now aged 60, there are already talks of a new album and tour to follow which is unlikely to be half hearted. The prolonged birthday celebrations are well and truly deserved after years of discipline and diligence, proving her critics wrong.