Roxi's Realm: Madalynne Alvarez Puts Rumors to Rest

Rumors swirled when Madalynne Alvarez cancelled her Winter 84 ‘Iced’ Tour, and the singer/dancer had been silent for months. Roxie Carmichael sat down with the artist to get the real scoop.

Just two weeks before tickets for ‘Iced’ went on sale, the entire tour was abruptly cancelled, with no explanation from the Alvarez camp. Some critics claimed that she had been dropped from her label after mediocre sales of her debut solo album Madalynne, but as she is part-owner of the family-owned company (as in, her family owns it), that likelihood is very slim. Further debunking that is the fact that her solo debut tour, ‘Breakout,’ was sold out and sales of Madalynne quickly picked up. With stories about sales and the label easily disproved, and sources close to the artist only providing the reason for the cancellation as “personal,” the rumor mill quickly turned to her personal life, about which Alvarez has been uncharacteristically tight-lipped over the past two years. Fans were able to establish that she has been in a relationship, the status of which is currently unconfirmed. She tweeted about being married, so depending on who you ask, you will hear that she either eloped or is in the middle of a divorce. We’ve even been told that she is refusing to address any speculation, which didn’t sound at all like the Alvarez we’ve come to know since she first burst onto the scene with Touching Fire in Year 76 alongside Avery Parsons. Neither Alvarez nor Parsons shied away from tough questions, and always gave the straight story when asked. Still, we were hesitant when we contacted her manager (her cousin) to request an interview. It took just hours before we received a ‘yes.’ Sitting in a quiet corner of Crumbs Bake Shop (owned by her sister-in-law), Alvarez is the picture of happiness and health. With a model-handsome man seated next to her, she is positively glowing as she shouts out a greeting, insisting that we try her sister-in-law’s newest creation, an apple-pie cupcake. After getting comfortable and indulging in the sweet treat, we jumped right in. Roxi Carmichael: I’m sure you know that everyone is dying to know what the deal is with the cancelled tour and all the silence. Madalynne Alvarez: (with a coy smile) I’m not sure that I know what you mean. RC: There are a lot of stories going around about why you cancelled your tour, and a lot of confusion as to why you haven’t said anything about it. Is there any truth - or even any element of the truth - to any of them? MA: Well, to be honest, none of them have bothered me enough that I’ve felt like I had to say anything, you know? A few years ago I would have freaked out and did everything I could to stay on top of them all, but now? Anyone who follows my career knows there isn’t much weight in any of the stories. I’ve come across a theory that I was dying - Clearly I am not. I’ve heard that because my sales sucked I decided to quit - Couldn’t be more off base. If my sales sucked, that would only make me work harder. I’m taking the next year and a half off, and I’ll be back in business at the Big Bang in Year 86. Never fear, I’m not going anywhere. I’ve got a bunch of things coming up this year and probably next year too. RC: What will you be doing? MA: I have a couple projects coming up with Seth Cohen, one that we’re actually in the middle of recording now. We were in the studio the past couple nights, and we’ll be shooting the video around Halloween, I believe. On top of that, I’m tentatively scheduled for another dance competition a little after the new year, and I might join my mom to help out with the New York mentoring program. RC: Sounds like you’re going to have your hands full for awhile. MA: You could say that. There’s a lot coming up that I wasn’t really prepared for, so dealing with that, while having these other side projects and already starting to get ready for the comeback, if you can call it that. RC: You’re being very cryptic. MA: Am I? RC: As you do it again. MA: (laughs) Fair enough. Where do you want to start? RC: Let’s start with the relationship rumors. MA: Okay. Well, this is my husband, (name omitted at Alvarez’s request). We’re still newlyweds. RC: Congratulations! MA: Thank you! And we did not elope, contrary to some of the things I’ve heard. We had a thoroughly-planned wedding. And this was no rushed thing. We’ve known each other since… well, since before the world knew about Touching Fire, even. RC: So you’re taking time off to enjoy an extended honeymoon? MA: Not exactly. It is at this time that Alvarez shares a smile with her husband, who nods, and she gets to her feet, sliding out from behind the table to reveal a baby bump. RC: Wow! Congratulations again! To both of you! MA: (laughs) Thank you again. So, yes, to explain all the time off, it’s because of this. I’m due in the winter, and then I’ll be taking time to just be a mom. Or at least figuring out how to be one. Hopefully by the time I get back out there, I’ll at least have somewhat of a clue. RC: Well, I guess that’s a logical a reason as any to take time off. Did you find out what you’re having or do you want to be surprised? MA: Oh, we already know, but we’re not answering any follow-up questions to that. (smiles) RC: Touché. So tell me, what can we expect from you when you are back on the road? MA: Well, this first thing people will probably notice is the sound. As many people know, part of the reason Avery and I let Touching Fire end was because I was ready to go in a different direction with my music. But this first album still had a lot of the Touching Fire sound to it. I’m going to be focusing on where I want to go with my music, so the next album is more just me. RC: Will we still be seeing all the dancing? MA: Oh of course you will! Until I’m too old to do it! When I’m up there, the music, the beat, they just own me. RC: What do you think about when you’re on stage? MA: Honestly, I don’t really think. I just… I feel. Every so often there’s a moment to stop and just look around, and I might notice people, I might think about what I’m going to say to the crowd, but every night it’s like a blur. RC: I think I speak for everyone when I say I hope the next year and a half passes in the same blur. MA: (laughs) I’m anxious to get back out there, but I’m really excited for this new adventure with my husband as well. RC: Can’t blame you for that! Thank you so much for meeting with me today and putting all the rumors to bed. Can’t wait to see how motherhood suits you, and I know we’ll all be waiting anxiously for your return! You can buy Alvarez’s debut solo album, Madalynne, in stores and online, and follow her social feed on her website.