Madge Factor: Catholic controversy over religious-themed videos, fiery temperment, lesbian overtones, elderly

The Russian Madonna: Valeriya
Valeriya is nearly 40, has had over 17 number-one hits (in Russia), eschews alcohol and cigarettes in favor of fasts and depends on her gay fans to reach international superstardom. Her weird relationship with an elderly talent manager makes her a wee bit Celine-y, but we'll forgive it. Marketing teams are actively trying to pimp her as a dance-hall diva in Britain.
Madge Factor: 3 children, platinum blonde hair, fake English accent.
Hit Single: "The Party's Over"
Reference: "It is odd that the singer, Valeriya, who has been called the Russian Madonna, can be such a superstar only a three-hour plane journey from London, and so unknown here." - The Independant

The Chinese Madonna: Anita Mui
In her over twenty years of performing, Chinese pop star Anita Mui (also known as the "Madonna of Hong Kong") became known for her gender-bending persona and her constant image makeovers. A tireless worker, Mui released over forty albums and appeared in numerous feature films which were albeit generally better received than those of her American cousin. Mui, who died in 2003, performed 33 sold-out farewell shows in the early 90s only to return to the stage a few years later, which sort of makes her more like the Chinese Cher. 
Madge Factor: numerous awards, fondness for hats.
Reference: "Mui, who began singing in nightclubs at age 4, was often compared with Madonna, not only because their careers started at almost the same time but because they both constantly projected a new image." The Star

The Israeli Madonna: Ofra Haza
Discharged from compulsory Israeli Army service in 1979, Ofra quickly went on to pop stardom, and drew Madge comparisons as early as 1988. She is known for her "spirituality" as well her cheesy ballads and dance pop hits, all sung in Hebrew.  Haza died of AIDS complications in 2000, and she was likely infected by husband Doron Ashkenazi, who died a year later of a crack cocaine overdose.
Hit Singles: " Mata Hari," and "Im Nin'Alu"
Madge Factor: millions of albums sold, numerous awards, put Kabbalah shit into dance music
Reference: "[Shaday] made Haza a household name throughout Europe because it was her first to sell millions of copies there, earning her the nickname 'the Israeli Madonna.'" - All Music Guide

The Icelandic Madonna: Leoncie

Nicknamed "Icy Spicy Leoncie" and "The Indian Princess," this brilliant pop star from hell describes herself as the "Singer with the Black Beautiful Powerful Voice," whose "Cleavage Shows, And Then The Icelandic Volcano Explodes." Leoncie records all of her own music and lyrics, playing every instrument and directing every surreal, low-budget video. Known for her wild, raunchy, and outrageous lyrics, she sings lines like the following (from her single "Sex Crazy Cop") all while keeping a straight face: "You bang them in the morning! / bang them everyday! / come home in the evening sayin' it's okay! / What genius doctor told you that it's safe... for your family?"
Hit Singles: "Sex Crazy Cop," "Invisible Girl," and others with titles like "Radio Rapist-Wrestler."
Madge Factor: Gratuitous age-inappropriate nudity, incessant boundary-pushing, and a martyr complex: Leoncie relocated from Iceland to London in 2005 after accusing the Icelandic media of being racist for not widely broadcasting her videos. She also has a single entitled "Madonna Is Dead."



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