Madonna responds to Rebel Heart leak by releasing six songs

NO ONE puts Madonna in a corner. After tracks from her new album Rebel Heart leaked online, the megastar has hit back — and fans are loving it.

Queen of Pop ... Madonna has surprised fans with the release of six new songs. Picture: Getty Images

EVEN after more than three decades in the game, Madonna is still full of surprises.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, the New York megastar shocked the world by releasing six brand new songs from her forthcoming album, Rebel Heart, on iTunes.

Anyone placing a pre-order will get the half-dozen new songs immediately, more will be available on February 9 and the rest will come out on March 10.

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Although the move is reminiscent of Beyonce’s surprise release of her self-titled album last year, this wasn’t Madonna’s original plan.

The 56-year-old had hoped to release the lead single Living for Love on Valentine’s Day next year and the rest of the album in March.

But she’s been forced into this quick release by several leaks during December — something which she had previously referred to as “artistic rape” and “terrorism.”

Superstar ... Beyonce’s secretly released her self-titled album last year. Picture: Getty Images

“This is artistic rape!!” the 56-year-old wrote in an Instagram post that’s since been deleted.

“These are early leaked demo’s half of which wont even make it on my album the other half have changed and evolved. This is a form of terrorism. Wtf!!!! Why do people want to destroy artistic process??? Why steal? Why not give me the opportunity to finish and give you my very best?”

Following a week in which terrorist attacks everywhere from Sydney to Pakistan made worldwide headlines, Madge was criticised for her rather dramatic response.

So @Madonna likened someone leaking her songs to #terrorism Uh, no. I think Sept 11th and Boston Marathon victims would disagree.

— SusanB (@SusanB26) December 18, 2014

I really wish Madonna wouldn't use words like "rape" and "terrorism" to describe having her album leaked. I'm guessing it's not even close.

— Norman Brannon (@nervousacid) December 17, 2014

After releasing the six songs on Saturday, the singer said in a statement: “I would prefer my fans to hear completed version of some of the songs instead of the incomplete tracks that are circulating. Please consider these six songs as an early Christmas gift.”

So are Madonna’s new tracks festive treats or lumps of coal? You can decide for yourself by downloading the tunes here.

Smoking ... this is how Madonna wears a cardigan. Source: Supplied

Originally published as Madonna responds to Rebel Heart leak by releasing six songs