[Chapter 43: Madonna's Stance]
The next day, morning.
Miami.
At a fashion magazine cover shoot, the backdrop, lights, fans, and various equipment were scattered everywhere as the staff bustled about. The magazine's lead photographer was adjusting his camera to match the surrounding lighting.
In the dressing room, Madonna was seated before the makeup mirror, wearing a white cotton robe, while the makeup artist applied her makeup busily.
An assistant held up a blue haute couture low-cut evening gown to Madonna for her approval.
"This one, yeah... right, bring me a pair of nipple covers," Madonna said, reaching out to feel the fabric. The smooth silk material perfectly showcased her killer curves.
The female assistant paused slightly, then quickly responded, "Sure, I'll get them right away."
The makeup artist, applying lip gloss to Madonna's pursed lips, looked like she wanted to say something but held back.
The reason was simple: when had Madonna ever worried about wardrobe malfunctions? Her public image suggested she'd practically run naked in front of the cameras if she could.
As her personal makeup artist, Anna also knew that if there was an opportunity or benefit, Madonna would definitely take it.
So, Madonna suddenly asking for nipple covers surprised not just the assistant but even Anna.
But obviously, Madonna wasn't going to explain.
"Done! Perfect!" Anna said with a smile, standing behind Madonna and looking at the reflection in the mirror.
"Sweetheart, I feel like you look more beautiful and radiant lately. Have you tried any new skincare treatments?" Anna asked.
New treatments? Madonna paused. No, she hadn't.
If there were any, Anna would have been the first to know, as her trusted makeup artist.
For any recent changes... Madonna thought about something that sent chills down her spine just by thinking about it.
Maybe that's the reason? After all, within cosmetic or fitness circles, controlled electric stimulation was a common technique.
Ten years ago, it had been all the rage -- considered very scientific -- until someone tragically died from an electric shock.
That's why electrotherapy for beauty or fitness isn't as popular anymore.
"Maybe it's just a good mood," Madonna smiled.
Anna's comment reminded her of something.
"By the way, the CBS broadcast of MJ's Neverland Celebration should be starting soon, right?"
"I think it was supposed to start at 10, and now it's -- 10:30. It should be on."
"Have them bring the TV in."
"But, ma'am, the cameramen and director are already outside ready."
"I'm Madonna!"
"Alright, alright, you win."
---
Soon, a color TV on a cart was brought in, already connected to power and signal cables.
As it was wheeled in, the program was playing.
Across the country, countless fans were watching the CBS broadcast of Michael Jackson's Neverland Celebration.
Watching the lively scene on the screen, Madonna frowned.
Actually, she had received an invitation from MJ herself.
She even wanted to go.
Madonna naturally loved big, lively events. Not being able to attend made her a bit sad.
Yes. She couldn't go.
Most people didn't know. This TV special of Michael's was not as simple as it appeared.
Madonna hadn't realized at first either. But later, her political advisor Bob, the general manager of a consulting firm on K Street in Washington, told her why she better stay away.
Two years ago, Madonna had held a concert in Arkansas.
During that event, she had a close interaction with the governor's wife and later publicly hinted at having a good relationship in the media.
So her political stance was pretty clear.
Now, within the Democratic Party, five prominent figures planned to run in the upcoming primary for the 1992 presidential election.
The candidate Madonna had accidentally backed in '88 was one of these five influential democrats.
In other words, unless Madonna publicly broke ties, the media and the public would naturally see her as supporting the Arkansas governor.
As for Michael Jackson and the Black community, Bob said the celebration special was mainly a show of support for the former California governor -- also one of the five major Democratic contenders for the upcoming election.
So Madonna couldn't attend. Going would upset the Arkansas couple, and switching support midstream wouldn't earn her any goodwill from California.
Madonna might not understand politics well, but she was smart and practical.
She just wanted fame and money. She knew how to share the benefits, what she could and couldn't do, and who she could afford to offend.
She politely declined MJ's invitation.
But like many others, she was interested in the show. Not to mention, she already knew her latest hookup would be performing.
Naturally, she wanted to watch.
In fact, she was quite envious of this casual lover.
Compared to herself or MJ, this guy came out with a clear political stance -- moderate and neutral within the Democratic Party.
This faction was mainly based on the East Coast, with New York as its stronghold. Figures like Cuomo, Morgenthau, and the Kennedys were part of that faction.
Unless Orlando publicly broke with them, he'd always be counted as belonging to that group.
So even if Orlando attended MJ's event, other Democratic bigwigs wouldn't dislike him.
To them, he had his political stance firmly set. He was from the Cuomo-Morgenthau New York faction.
The New York faction was traditionally a centrist wing the Democrats tried to court.
Except for Roosevelt back in the day, no one from that faction had made it to the White House.
They were the faction most similar to the Republicans within the Democrats.
All this was analysis Bob had shared with Madonna.
She didn't fully understand, but she trusted spending over $800,000 annually on Bob's advice.
So even though she really wanted to join the buzz because it would've been quite the event, she stayed away.
She chose to keep a low profile and headed to Miami for the magazine shoot.
---
After watching for about fifteen minutes, seeing MJ perform two and a half songs back-to-back on his own stage, Madonna couldn't help but vent to Anna beside her.
"This is almost turning into MJ's private concert. A live broadcast concert? Maybe we should try that next time."
"Many people are watching mainly because of MJ," Anna said. She was actually a Michael fan but cleverly kept that under wraps while working for Madonna. "But live concert broadcasts require clearing a lot of hurdles. You and Max will have to weigh that."
"Yeah, it's complicated. Hey... Orlando's coming on," Madonna said suddenly.
On the TV screen, after MJ finished his performance, he cheered loudly, "Hey, guys, guess who's next? Let's welcome our Orlando, who's going to perform his new song -- Counting Stars!"
*****
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