Hometown Desperately Seeking Madonna

It used to be her playground, but Madonna wasn't always welcome.Until now.After vetoing several prior attempts to honor its most famous native, typically due to her provocative antics, civic leaders in Bay City, Mich., are belatedly getting into the groove.In a letter sent to the Material One, Mayor Charles M. Brunner extended a formal invitation for the 49-year-old singer to accept a key to the city, according to the Bay City Times."We have always been proud of your accomplishments but recently your induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame reminded us that we need to honor you with the highest honor that Bay City can offer," read the missive.But hizzoner may be engaging in a little revisionist history.Turns out a former mayor, Timothy Sullivan, and other officials weren't so proud of Madonna's accomplishments back in 1985, when fans first floated the idea of her getting a key to the city upon her "Like a Virgin" success. Sullivan and crew also rejected a professional sculpture of Madonna by an Italian artist, believing her to be a flash-in-the-plan artist.Hoping to get back in vogue, Guy Greve, the president of the Bay Arts Council, told the Times he plans to commission a new sculpture of Madonna striking one of her famous poses as an "homage for her artistic contributions."Brunner, meanwhile, has been lobbying the performer's father to help them persuade her to attend their celebration, which may also include a movie screening (Swept Away, anyone?) and a Madonna tribute album featuring local musicians covering her biggest hits.There was no immediate comment from Madonna's publicist.The pop queen remains hotter than ever. Aside from her enshrinement in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, she just cinched a $120 million, 10-year partnership with Live Nation, and her latest album, Hard Candy, takes aim at the pop charts on April 29.