Madonna is the definition of stardom – no one can contest this fact. Born Madonna Louise Ciccone, the star kept “Madonna” as her stage name, a name which soon became known worldwide. Although not the most talented actress, her main role in Evita shut the critics’ mouth and earned her a Golden Globe in 1996.

Looking back on her career, it is clear that Madonna earned the title of Queen of Pop. One of the most controversial stars, mainly due to her inserting religious and erotic references into her songs and videos, she was declared the best selling female rock artist of the 20th century by the Recording Industry Association of America, and the second top selling female artist in the United States.

She also features, as of this year, in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.Madonna married British director Guy Ritchie in the year 2000. His first full-length movie was the highly appreciated Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, followed by the wildly successful Snatch, in which he cast Hollywood favorites like Brad Pitt, Benicio del Toro and Dennis farina, but also the constantly angry Jason Statham and football player Vinnie Jones. Another acclaimed movie he directed and wrote was Revolver in 2005.

As a couple, Madonna and Guy Ritchie have a son, Rocco, born in 2000, and an adopted son, David. Madonna also has a daughter, Maria Lourdes, conceived with her personal trainer Carlos Leon, after her divorce from Sean Penn and before marrying Guy Ritchie. The couple was criticized and accused of breaking adoption laws, in what was deemed by the media as Madonna’s attempt to copy Angelina Jolie’s numerous adoptions of children from third world countries. Madonna was also actively involved in studying Kabbalah and has donated large amounts to the Kabbalah Centre.

Rumors about her marriage to guy Ritchie said the couple were having trouble and predicted that they would soon part. Both Madonna and Guy fervently denied the rumors and described their marriage as being peaceful. They confirmed the rumors, however, when they announced their divorce yesterday, Wednesday the 15th. Madonna had a concert that very day, and her divorce from the man she loved did not impede her from performing a mind-blowing show as usual. Her set lasted for two hours and she handled herself impeccably. Madonna is not one to shrink away from her work because of personal issues, and as music is her life, fans were sure she would not disappoint her.

Moreover, her die-hard fans – irrespective of age, have offered and shown full support to the star. Far from spiteful, Madonna did make a reference to her now ex-husband, dedicating the song “Miles Away” to the “emotionally retarded”, targeting Guy Ritchie. The song also includes lines which are clearly related to rocky relationships, such as “When I’m gone you’ll realize/That I’m the best thing that happened to you”. The star openly admitted that this particular line was actually inspired by Guy Ritchie. Madonna said that a long-distance relationship is a continuous struggle that requires constant hard work. It seems that at least for now, the relationship struggle has stopped.