Two Wicked Awesome Singers!

This week, I couldn't decide between two nominees for wicked (awesome) singer for Wicked Women Wednesday - so I chose both.  Thanks to readers Gina and Margaret for suggesting Madonna and Aretha Franklin. 

Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin is The Queen of Soul. She is a powerhouse vocalist, pianist and songwriter. Aretha was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; she performed at President Barack Obama's Inauguration; and she holds the record for most Grammys for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, with 11. She's also a self-taught piano prodigy who recorded her first album at the age of 14. Franklin has won a total of 18 Grammy Awards and is one of the best-selling artists of all time, having sold over 75 million records worldwide. R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Madonna 
Every pop star of the last two to three decades has Madonna to thank in some part for his or her success. The triple threat who does it all — chart-topping singer, energetic dancer and all-around provocateur — left her home state of Michigan with $35 in her pocket and a dream to make it in New York City, and far exceeded that goal with hit singles like "Vogue," "Like a Virgin" and "Ray of Light." After causing no shortage of controversy with her unabashed sexuality and outspokenness, Madonna has since turned some of her efforts toward being a mother and humanitarian — but not before cementing her place in pop culture as the best-selling female rock artist of the 20th century. Various music journalists, critical theorists, and authors have deemed Madonna the most influential female recording artist of all time. According to Tony Sclafani from MSNBC, "It's worth noting that before Madonna, most music mega-stars were guy rockers; after her, almost all would be female singers ... When The Beatles hit America, they changed the paradigm of performer from solo act to band. Madonna changed it back—with an emphasis on the female."

Next week on WickedWomenWed - I want to celebrate a female actress. Who is the most wicked awesome actress, living or deceased? Send your nominations by email, Facebook or Twitter!

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