The Stars Turn 50!

Madonna

THEN: Born Madonna Louise Ciccone on August 16, 1958, the future pop icon trained as a dancer at the University of Michigan but turned her attention to the music of the downtown dance clubs when she moved to New York City. The wild child scored her first hit with "Holiday," in 1983.

NOW: In the last 25 years we've seen many incarnations of Madonna—actor, activist and mother, just to name just a few. "Not only does society suffer from racism and sexism but it also suffers from ageism," she has said. "Once you reach a certain age you're not allowed to be adventurous. Are you supposed to just die?" Never one to follow the rules, Madonna will embark on her eighth world concert tour just days after she turns the big 5-0.

(l) The Material Girl at the American Music Awards in 1985; (r) At the premiere of Filth and Wisdom, 2008.

—Bronwyn Barnes

Next: Prince

Ron Galella/WireImage; Dominique Charriau/WireImage