Madonna Praises “Incredible Artist” After Attending West End Show

Madonna’s Praise for Self-Esteem

Madonna attended Self-Esteem’s show in West End over the weekend, referring to her as an “incredible artist.”

Upcoming Album and Theatrical Performances

Self-Esteem, whose real name is Rebecca Lucy Taylor, conducted five special theatrical performances of her latest album “Complex Woman” at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London from April 16 to 19.

This precedes the release of her third solo album “AcDented Woman” on April 25 via Polydor, which follows her Mercury and Brit award-nominated album “Priority Pleasure” in 2021.

During her penultimate performance on Saturday, Madonna was present in the English crowd. The pop icon shared on Instagram: “Easter weekend looked like…. 🐰🐰 Having time with friends and family, watching Chelsea lose to Legia Warszawa. 😩 And watching an incredible artist named @selfesteemselfesteem perform!! 🇬🇧”

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Taylor has previously cited Madonna as an influence, stating to NME in 2021: “Throughout this era of ‘Priority Pleasure’, the ‘Blonde Ambition Tour’ serves as an inspiration, referencing the world tour of ‘Like a Virgin.’

“For me, nothing will ever be more perfect than blending lingerie with men’s clothing, along with what it represents and how it makes me feel,” she added.

Designed by Taylor and Tony, with the help of director Tom Skatt, this unique performance is described as “an ambitious quasi-theatrical experience that harnesses the energy of a concert but conveys it through the format of theater.”

Skatt also directed “Complex Woman Live,” featuring choreography by Stuart Rogers and musical direction by the T-Shirt of the Park.

The artist stated that the new album was intended “for stadiums,” drawing inspiration from artists like Coldplay and Biffy Clyro. “I’m not sure how the album will be received, but I also say, ‘I don’t care,’ because I did what I wanted to do,” she noted. “This is a significant challenge for a 38, 39-year-old woman releasing a pop record to gain recognition.”

She will embark on a tour throughout Great Britain and Ireland starting in September, kicking off in Birmingham and visiting cities like Edinburgh, Newcastle, Glasgow, Dublin, Manchester, Bristol, and Brighton.

The O2 Brixton Academy will host two shows in London, along with a major concert at Utilita Arena in Sheffield. See the full list of dates and find remaining tickets here.

In other news, Taylor recently expressed her “desperate need for diversification,” noting that her income from the music industry had left her with “stress and depression” since the release of “Priority Pleasure.”

Speaking with Time, she reflected on the years since her last release and mentioned her intent to expand her professional capabilities, which included taking on the lead role of Sally Bowles in the West End production of Cabaret alongside the Shires sisters.

“The reason I fell into depression was due to insecurity in the music industry—specifically financial insecurity,” she explained. “All I want is to be self-reliant, knowing that I won’t have the rug pulled out from under me like it has happened in the past.”