NEWSMadonna's Hometown Wants Another Chance
April 8 2008, Published 6:07 a.m. ET
Everyone deserves a second chance, and in this case, it's the town of Bay City, Mich., which has asked its most famous native, Madonna, to accept the key to the city, two decades after it first refused her the honor.
Mayor Charles M. Brunner has written a letter inviting the Material Girl,who grew up in Bay City and the Detroit suburb of Rochester Hills, to accept a key to the city.
"We've always been proud of your accomplishments but recently your induction into the reminded us that we need to honor you with the highest honor that Bay City can offer," the letter reads.
Madonna was considered for the honor back in 1985, but some thought she was too controversial — so much so, in fact, that in the late 1980s, the city even refused to accept a sculpture of Madonna from an Italian artist, citing a belief that her popularity would fade in time.
President of the Bay Arts Council, Guy Greve, wants now to commission an artist to sculpt a statue of the singer. But is this a case of too little, too late?
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As of Monday night, according to the AP, calls to Madonna's publicist had not been returned.
"The local arts council would like to pay homage for her artistic contributions," Greve said. "I could see a sculpture of her in Bay City. One of Madonna's famous poses could be made into a sculpture."
City Commissioner Christopher J. Shannon, who fronts a local rock band, is planning a Madonna tribute album. He hopes to recruit local musicians to cover hits such as ''Like a Virgin'' and ''Express Yourself.''
Madonna's new album, Hard Candy, will be released April 29.
