It's been more than two decades since Madonna first burst onto the music scene. Today, she's too old to be called the Material Girl, perhaps her new moniker should be Material Matron. At 47, Madonna is releasing her 18th album “Confessions on a Dance Floor” on Tuesday.

Madonna has proven she has staying power. Today, she is probably the richest female artist in the world. According to the U.K.'s Sunday Times, Madonna's worth is estimated between $420 million and $450 million.

Not content to just make music, Madonna has dabbled in acting both on stage and on screen. She's a children's book author and a devout follower of Kabbalah. While she's not creating as many controversies as she did in her early days, she still knows how to get people to talk about her. Fluff takes a look back at her more than 20 years in the spotlight.

She was raised in a Catholic family with five siblings. Her mother, Madonna, died Dec. 1, 1963 of breast cancer at age 30. Her mother's death has resonated through the singer's own life and career.

Madonna attended the University of Michigan on a dance scholarship but left after one semester to pursue a career in New York City. She studied with modern dance grand dame Martha Graham. Madonna later performed with several modern dance companies, including Alvin Ailey. She later left dance to pursue a music career.

“Madonna” released. Hits include “Borderline” and “Lucky Star,” which both received plenty of play on MTV. Madonna's look, including bleached hair, lace gloves, lingerie tops and a “Boy Toy” belt, becomes the new look for women and girls.

Controversy: On the cover of Playboy and Penthouse magazines. Black-and-white nude photos of the singer are published. Pictures were taken in the late '70s as a way to make money. Madonna proclaims she's not ashamed.

“Papa Don't Preach,” a song about a girl telling her father she's pregnant , was a source of controversy because it touched on a taboo subject.

“Like a Prayer,” which includes hits, “Like a Prayer,” “Express Yourself,” “Cherish,” “Oh Father” and “Keep it Together.” This album is often cited by critics as her best work.

The music video for “Like a Prayer” featured many Catholic symbols, such as stigmata, and was denounced by the Vatican as “blasphemous.” Pepsi paid Madonna a $5 million endorsement fee for the use of “Like a Prayer” as a commercial. Pepsi later pulled the video and canceled all future commercials with Madonna. Madonna keeps the cash.

“I'm Breathless: Music From and Inspired by the Film ‘Dick Tracy,' ” which spawned the mega-hit “Vogue” and popularized the voguing dance trend.

“Dick Tracy” She earned some positive reviews for her portrayal of Breathless Mahoney, although other critics said she was portraying a character not far from her self.

The sexual content of “Justify My Love” and its graphic video lead MTV to ban the video. Madonna's record company then decided to sell it as a “video single,” the first one ever released. The video sold over 400,000 copies, and the CD single sold more than 1 million copies.

“Truth or Dare,” her first documentary film, which chronicled her “Blonde Ambition Tour.” She comes across as ambitious, demanding, sexy and intelligent.

“Body of Evidence” regarded by many as a soft-core porn, with Madonna portraying a woman accused of killing her lover by means of sexual intercourse.

The erotic book, Sex, features Madonna as the centerpiece of photographs depicting various sexual fantasies and acts (including lesbianism and sadomasochism). It became an instant best seller.

Trying to improve her acting credentials, she took small roles in independent films, including “Blue in the Face” (1995), “Four Rooms” (1995), and “Girl 6” (1996).

Began studying Kabbalah, a mystical interpretation of the Torah. Became pregnant by her personal trainer, Carlos Leon, and on Oct. 14, gave birth to her daughter, Lourdes Maria Ciccone Leon a k a Lola.

What It Feels Like for a Girl” video, which was directed by husband Guy Ritchie, features Madonna hotwiring a car and picking up an elderly woman. Madonna's character than drives around causing trouble, including Tasering a man who is using an ATM and blowing up a gas station. It ends with Madonna crashing her car into a streetlight. Critics said the video was overly violent and graphic. Madonna countered that male artists get away with the same amount of violence in their videos. The video was banned from most video stations.

Gives birth to son, Rocco John Ritchie, on Aug. 11. On Dec. 22, marries Rocco's father, Guy Ritchie, at Skibo Castle in Scotland. Madonna's wedding dress was designed by friend, Stella McCartney.

Publishes her first of five children's book “The English Roses.” Later announces she's starting a merchandising line of dolls, apparel and home decor based on the best-selling children's book.

Video for “American Life,” which had a scene of her tossing a lighter shaped like a grenade into the lap of a President Bush lookalike. Madonna pulled the video the day it premiered. It was later replaced with a video of Madonna performing the song in military dress.

Harkening back to her first performance on the “MTV Video Music Awards, Madonna plays the part of the groom while singing “Like a Virgin” with her “brides” Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Did we forget to mention that she kissed both women. The lesbian kisses instantly made front-page headlines.

After a brief battle with Warner Bros. Records, where she shared her Maverick Record label, she sells her shares in the label. Maverick Records is the most successful “vanity label” in music history. While under Madonna's control, it generated well over $1.2 billion in sales, more than any other independent record label.

Announces that she had adopted the name Esther, a tribute to the Jewish queen of ancient Persia. The name change is driven by Madonna's intense study of Kabbalah and her abandonment of Catholicism.

“I'm Going to Tell You a Secret,” a documentary filmed during her Re-Invention World Tour. Recently made its debut on MTV. It follows the icon from dancer auditions to rehearsals, a visit to Israel and the tour's final show.

On her 47th birthday, Madonna fell off her horse at her English country home. She cracked three ribs, broker her collar bone and her hand. Madonna got back in the saddle while visiting the “Late Show With David Letterman.” Madonna and Dave road horses down 53rd Street in Manhattan.

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