Dr. Sabrina Segal

The newest Madonna blitz is a multi-country deal with Live Nation that finds her latest album, “Hard Candy” preloaded on Sony Ericsson phones. In April 2008, French handsets hit the stores programmed with the Material Girl’s playlist.

“Madonna is a hot candidate for endorsements. She’s controversial. And what’s not to like?”

Despised by the church for using the Holy Mother’s name in vain, and adored for her tireless efforts in helping impoverished children around the globe, Madonna has toyed with the censors of convention her whole life and is the poster Madame for liberty, free speech and right to individualism.

Madonna’s media conglomerate dabbles in Kabbalah, writes children’s books, and most recently signed a mega licensing deal that spans international media.

Madonna’s latest deal is part of Unilever Sunsilk’s launch of a global brand campaign that features mega star Madonna and is the first of its kind using an artist of such stature to launch a global brand.

The release of “Hard Candy” and the Sony deal was boosted by Verizon and Europe-based Vodaphone’s live simulcast of Madonna’s performance on their mobile phone networks. A second single, “Miles Away” is slated to be the theme song for a new drama series in Japan.

“Wow, very impressive! As these deals all appear to give dollars to Madonna but also deliver some significant value for fans and brands involved.”

There was a time when artists plied their craft for the sake of the art, but today, it seems that artists are selling out and becoming more commercial. Or are they selling out? Madonna has donated millions of dollars to the world’s indigent. Do you like hearing your favorite tunes endorsing products, or would you rather not?

Photo Credit: Dr. Sabrina Segal